TO LIP BALMS, WITH LOVE
5 balmS (+MASKS) that actually work
Considering that winter is here and the elements (or bad habits) can wreak havoc on our lips, I think now is as good a time as any to compare lip balms that I’ve had in rotation this year. Because I never want to be caught with dry, chapped lips, I keep a balm on my nightstand, in my work bag, in my tennis bag, in the car and at work on my desk. While I try to cover all bases, I mostly use them at night before bed, or during the day if I’ve tried a new lipstick or lip gloss that is drying to my lips. Ladies, I’m sure you’ve been there. You buy what you think is this pretty color (hello, MAC Ruby Woo), you wear it a few times and notice that every time you smile your lips feel dry and tight.
With so many different brands to choose from, I’ve slowly come to understand that there are lip balms and lip masks. From what I’ve learned, it appears that while both types are great for hydration, lip masks are typically heavier and lock in moisture while lip balms push moisture to the lips. Now that we’re (somewhat) clear on the difference, here’s a roundup of what I rotate through in no particular order.
LANEIGE
PERSONAL FAVORITE
Though really a lip mask, I figured I’d add Laneige to the lineup since I’ve just recently used my last swirl after almost a year (a little goes a long way). As a Sephora “Beauty Insider,” I ordered this lip mask after seeing the product in a magazine last year. I must admit that I sometimes get caught up in “packaging” and beautiful product layouts in magazines. You’d think I know better as a marketer. However, I also read through many reviews before shelling out $14. One day, my mother-in-law was staying over and asked if I had some Vaseline, which I didn’t so I gave this to her instead. She laughed and said it was bougie, but guess who is now a believer and purchased her own little jar? This stuff really does work and can also be used during the day as the color payoff is nice and sheer.
“Considering that winter is here, I think now is as good a time as any to compare lip balms that I’ve had in rotation these past few months.”
MOROCCAN MAGIC ARGAN & ESSENTIAL OIL
I came across this Lavendar Vanilla lip balm while searching my local grocery store for medicine to knock out the beginnings of a cold. Although drawn to “lavendar,” I was hoping that this wouldn’t be yet another lip product that ended up in my night stand drawer, and it did not disappoint. I really like the smooth texture (no annoying stickiness) and found the lavender vanilla to be a nice calming scent against my stuffy nose (not too subtle that it wasn’t noticeable yet not overpoweringly sweet). I’m not typically a fan of cloying Vanilla scents as they sometimes leave me feeling nauseated, but this one was just right.
FRESH SUGAR PEACH HYDRATING LIP BALM
In an act of self-restraint, I actually eyed this brand for a few years before giving it a try. The clean, minimalist packaging was calling my name, but I just wasn’t interested in trying another balm that looked pretty but didn’t do the job. Lo and behold, the Peach Hydrating Lip Balm actually works and I love how it smells. So far, I’ve tried three different versions of the Fresh Sugar line with no buyer’s remorse, and this is one of my top two favorites. I’m really liking this one in particular because in addition to it combatting the dryness that I experience during this time of the year, it looks like a nice (non-sticky) gloss with a slight hint of color for those days when I want more of a natural look.
FRESH SUGAR MINT RUSH FRESHENING LIP TREATMENT
I chose this one after contemplating lip balms from Kiehl’s, Clinique and Lancome. While I’m not typically drawn to “minty” anything, I decided to give the Sugar Mint Rush a go and actually like the soothing feel of the mint. Like the hydrating lip balm above, the texture for this one is also smooth and works well alone or underneath my lipstick/gloss as a base. Now that I’m hooked on the mint, this is my daily go-to, which I like to apply while getting dressed and going through my morning routine.
Note: I haven’t encountered this issue myself, but after having read a few reviews before purchasing, the common complaint about this particular brand is that the product melts quickly when left in warm places (e.g., your car).
BITE BEAUTY ALL AGAVE 3-PIECE LIP CARE SET
The few times that I’ve made online purchases at Sephora, a bunch of freebies were included with my order, which is a great way to test-drive new products before fully committing. BITE is one of the lipstick samples that I’ve received in the past and actually used, so I was somewhat familiar with the brand before deciding to spend $7 on this 3-piece mini lip care set. The items are very small, great for travel or everyday use and vegan and gluten-free for those who need this reassurance before using. Here’s what’s included:
Mini Agave + Daytime Lip Balm
The texture is slightly thicker than I’d normally prefer as a base underneath lipstick but OK, I suppose, if I were wearing alone. However, be mindful of the amount of pressure you apply when using because the tiny balm breaks easily. If you turn the tube too high, the whole balm will break down to the base and come off right on your lip, which will result in a complete waste of money (same experience with the lipsticks).
Mini Agave + Nighttime Lip Therapy
So far, loving the smooth feel (and the smell is delicious). I think men would enjoy this one as well for an overnight treatment to combat peeling and flaking lips.
Mini Agave Lip Mask
Other than the texture feeling like Vaseline, I haven’t noticed anything noteworthy about the lip mask.
Update on the lip mask: I haven’t used the whole tube, but this is my least favorite from the kit. I feel like it dries my lips out.
BONUS FOR THE FELLAS: BLISTEX, CARMEX + CHAPSTICK
I don't use any of these, but since there's always a tube laying around the house, I thought why not include them. Personally, my lips feel dryer after use but my husband says that he likes the Carmex and Blistex in particular simply because “they work and feel like medicine” when his lips are really dry. These four actually get used by the men in my house, so I don’t mind spending a few bucks to replace them, if necessary, when they end up in the laundry because someone forgot to empty their pockets.
converse + connect
Sharing is caring and everyone has their own little remedy. I'd love to know below if you have a personal fave (and why)--even if it's old-school Vaseline in a jar!
