Dry lips can be both painful and unsightly, but it can also be hard to find the right products to help keep them moisturised. Throughout the winter months, the harsh elements can really take their toll on the delicate skin on the lips, which is why it is important to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and try not to expose them to the cold, dry air.
However, if you need a little helping hand, then there are plenty of lip balms and moisturisers on the market that will reinvigorate your lips, leaving them feeling soft and supple. Look out for balms containing essential oils such as coconut or almond, as these are known for their moisturising properties, or if you are looking for something a little thicker for really chapped lips; beeswax and Shea butter are great for restoring your lips to health.
Of course, lip balm doesn’t just have moisturising properties. A lip balm is a great alternative to lipstick or gloss if you are looking to achieve a healthy, natural-looking shine. Some balms have colour pigment in them, or you can use them over the top of your favourite lipstick to achieve a gloss rather than a matte effect. If you want super-luscious lips, then you can also choose a lip balm with plumping properties to give you fuller looking, kissable lips the natural way.
Whatever you wish to use a lip balm for, be sure to look for one with an SPF. Lips lack melanin, so they can get burnt by the sun much more easily, and that is incredibly painful. Some lip balms can be bought from your local high street stores for as little as under £10, but if you’re looking for something with specialist properties, you can be looking at anything up to £40. We’ve picked out the best rated lip balms for all styles and budgets to keep your lips happy and healthy.
If you really want to give your lips a treat, then this Baume de Rose Lip Care cream is a luxurious product that will soothe and protect your lips all year round. It’s a little pricey, but it comes in a large pot which is bound to last you a while. It doesn’t skimp on ingredients either, containing rose flower wax, pastel oil, Shea butter and vitamin E, so you can expect your lips to feel the softest they’ve ever felt. It also has SPF15 and can also be used as a cuticle cream, so you’re getting double for your money. Users say it’s definitely worth it if you want to indulge.
This Claris Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm has many similar qualities to the By Terry product, except it comes in an easy-to-apply tube that can easily be carried around in your handbag. It features rose was and Shea butter- two of the most popular ingredients when it comes to moisturising the lips. Some users don’t like how thick the texture of this balm is, but this is what makes it the best lip balm for chapped lips. The thick cream will soak into the lips to repair and nourish them back to health. This balm also comes with a delicate pink tint so you can expect your lips to look healthy and glowing.
Give your lips a boost with this tinted plumping balm. It is enriched with wheat extract which is designed to firm out fine lines and create the illusion of plumper lips. This is a great daily balm if you suffer from dry lips but also want to add a splash of colour and users found this balm great for using in the summer or on holiday to keep their lips fresh. The only downside is that ladies wish their lips could look like they do with this balm all the time. You can also take a look at our list of the best lip plumpers for fuller looking lips every day.
Kiehls have produced a formula which is designed to protect your lips from the elements by keeping them hydrated and creating a barrier against the cold and wind. Some users were sceptical about this balm because it is petroleum based, but it also contains Squalane, Lanolin, Almond Oil and Vitamins A & E, so you can expect to get a truly nourishing effect rather than just a shine effect. Reviewers also say that a little goes a long way with this lip balm so you’ll find the tube lasts forever.
If you just need something to keep in your bag for when your lips need a little refresh, then this Burt’s Bees lip balm is an affordable yet effective option compared to some of the higher end products. It uses 100% natural ingredients, one of which is beeswax which is naturally conditioning. Combine that with Vitamin E and the refreshing tingle of peppermint and this lip balm is an all-round winner. Some don’t like the feel of the peppermint, but for most, the moisturisation outweighs the plumping sensation.
This Eight Hour Intensive Lip Repair Balm is designed to work overnight to restore the moisture to your lips and strengthen them so that they form a barrier against the harsh elements. The smell and taste has divided customers who bought this lip balm, as it has a citrusy smell which many say tastes like lemons. Perfect if you like lemons, not so much if you don’t. However, if you can get past the fragrance then users say this cream works very well to significantly soften the lips and make them feel fresh.
This Estee Lauder Lip Conditioner works to care for your lips by hydrating, smoothing and comforting dry and chapped lips with a combination of Vitamin C and E and Shea butter. This balm looks more like a lipstick and comes in a beautiful gold tube which wouldn’t look out of place in your make-up bag. The lipstick style inevitably makes it easier to apply but may not be as creamy as some of the other formulas. However, for the price you can expect your lips to look as pretty as the tube when applied generously to reveal a subtle tint of shine. If you want a lipstick to use along side your balm, check out our list of the best lipsticks for making your lips pop.
If you suffer with very bad dry skin, then this Eucerin lip balm is designed specifically to target dry lips and help restore moisture all year round. Dry and cracked lips can become very painful and this lip balm is designed to soothe and reduce redness on particularly chapped lips. There is no cosmetic element to this product as it does not have any colour or fragrance, but it’s the perfect choice for those who have particularly sensitive skin and need to moisturise their lips on a daily basis.
Another great value for money buy, the Bioderma Atoderm Moisturising Stick is a real buttery formula that targets damaged lips with the use of avocado oil and luminaria. After time, this lip balm is supposed to help your lips build up a tolerance to the elements so that they don’t get as damaged from harsh weather in the future. Users love this lip balm as it is especially kind and gentle, which makes it great for those with sensitive skin, and it’s completely fragrance free.
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It's not just your lips that need moisturising! Keep your hands protected from the harsh elements too with our round up of the best hand creams for soft and supple skin all year round.
