Just Say No (to chapped lips): 13 lip balms to try this winter
I don’t know about you, but this time of year, I’m in a never-ending battle with Lady Winter to avoid dry skin. Forget the aesthetic considerations of ashy knuckles; dry, cracked skin can become itchy and unbearable, affecting your epidermis’ ability to be the body’s first barrier against the environment.
Our lips not only have thinner skin than most of the rest of our bodies, they’re also continuously exposed to the elements. Wind, rain, sun, cold, pollution, and smoke…our lips are in constant contact with whatever is in our surroundings. Chapped lips can eventually lead to fissures and cracks in the skin, which, at their worst, can even result in bleeding.
For anything very serious or long-lasting or painful, you’ll want to visit a dermatologist. However, if you’re looking for everyday solutions to add to your daily routine, one of these 13 lip balms might do the job.
A few notes about my selection criteria. The focus here is on hydration, not deep color, plumping or staying power. Finally, while I do believe in quality, I don’t believe in snobbery, so you’ll find the OG drugstore brands right alongside some luxury faves. If you do happen to find your one, true, lip balm, please buy more than one. I don’t want you to have the discontinuation blues!
Legends Only:
Aquaphor, $5.49 - In a word, Aquaphor is undefeated. I keep a little tube in my bag at all times - but especially in winter - as a quick fix for dry skin. Aquaphor is also my preferred evening lip treatment. While Aquaphor is great anytime, it’s especially appropriate if you have chapped, cracked, or peeling skin as it provides a protective barrier in addition to moisturizing hydration. There’s also a lip specific version with sunscreen, because your lips need sun protection too!
Vaseline, $2.49 - Though not quite as hydrating and soothing as Aquaphor, in this house, we always put some respect on Vaseline’s name. Use Vaseline in combination with a second moisturizer to help seal in those benefits and make them last longer. Even better, Vaseline now has lip-specific shades such as this rosy pink.
Weleda Everon Lip Balm, $7.49 - Weleda is a name I encountered relatively recently in my search for ultimate lip ointment, but the Switzerland-based company has been around since 1921. If you want a straightforward, affordable emollient that does the job, this is it. No frills, just results.
No Color:
La Mer’s The Lip Balm, $75.00 - Imagine my awe at learning La Mer’s products really are that good. When I sampled this balm, my lips felt like I’d kissed an angel’s pillow. Soft, supple, and thoroughly well-hydrated, I left the house feeling like I had a brand new pout.
Byredo Lip Balm in Thé à la menthe d’Agadir, $50.00 - While there is a scentless version of this product, the subtle, complex scent of Moroccan mint tea in this version charmed me from the outset. Plus this luscious balm is vegan and made from 100% natural materials.
MAC Prep + Prime Lip, $21.00 - Even though this article is all about balms, I still love a good lipstick. If you’d like to drench your lips in moisture under winter’s more matte shades, MAC’s lip primer gives you a soothing base that will also help your lipstick last all day.
Sephora Collection Vegan Hydrating Lip Balm, $5.00 - Apart from its exquisite sheen and moisturizing powers, I adore that Sephora’s own-brand balm is only $5.00. That’s inexpensive enough to have at least one tube everywhere you go.
A Little Bit of Color:
Dior Lip Glow, $38.00 - As one of my very first “fancy” makeup purchases, Dior Lip Glow will always hold a special place in my heart. Though now available in over 20 shades, the gently luminous rosy shade of original Pink (001) is still the best in my opinion.
Gucci Hydrating Lip Balm, $45.00 - Gucci Beauty relaunched a few years ago under Alessandro Michele’s brand direction, and this lip balm has a dreamy consistency that’s easy to layer for repeated applications. And did I mention how decadent the tube is?
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Lip Balm, $36.00 - Lightweight and sheer, Chanel’s lip balm offers a subtle color effect with lovely moisture and a surplus of hydration. Think of this as the perfect lip potion to tuck into your purse or pocket for an evening out.
A Lot of Color:
Yves Saint Laurent Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick, $35.00 - Smooth and luxuriant, I especially enjoy the deeper tones of YSL’s lipstick to give you the look of lipstick without the weight and dehydration lipsticks can sometimes have.
Chantecaille Cougar Collection Lip Chic in Prarie Smoke, $48.00 - Though I tend to shy away from most “neutral” tone lip shades on account of them often looking ashy or dull on my darker skintone, I was utterly enticed by Chantecalle’s Prairie Smoke shade from their iconic Lip Chic line. These glide on easily and have the feeling of a rich balm but with the color payoff of a lipstick.
Tom Ford Lip Blush Lip Balm, $58.00 - I may be dating myself, but I’ve been a devoted fan of Tom Ford Beauty ever since his first limited collection with Estee Lauder in the mid-2000s. Encased in golden packaging with gold flecks throughout, this richly plush lip balm is the essence of everyday soft glam. Though one application goes on sheer, repeated applications deepen it to rich and visible rose.
This story was originally published February 16, 2023 at 12:00 AM.
