Last year, the term ‘Lip Balm’ was more commonly searched on our website than buzz ingredient of the moment, vitamin C. But, when you think about it, it’s hardly surprising that this all-time beauty perennial is in such high demand. These days, lip balms are so much more than a conditioning or hydrating treatment, and in fact, perform all manner of beauty duties from plumping and perfecting to protecting and prepping. For all those in search of the best lip balm, here’s the lowdown…
Nourish
A good quality lip balm will help support the skin’s barrier and lock in hydration. If you’re finding your current lip balm isn’t cutting it, watch out for petroleum jelly in the ingredients list. While it does protect lips from wind chap, it effectively forms a one-way barrier that locks moisture in but prevents any further absorption of moisture in the air. Instead, look for lip balms rich in nourishing ingredients that still allow the skin to breathe, such as beeswax, vitamin E, shea butter and avocado oil.
Protect
The skin on our lips is very delicate and sensitive to wind and sun damage. While we’re very clued up about applying SPF to our face and our bodies, lips often get overlooked. Be sure to protect them from harmful UV rays with an SPF-infused lip balm; By Terry Baume de Rose is a firm favourite among beauty editors, bloggers and A-listers and for good reason, it’s the chicest lip balm in town. Brimming with rose flower essential wax, it boasts By Terry’s signature rose fragrance, while shea butter and antioxidant vitamin E ensure it’s ultra nourishing. However, what you might not know or expect, is that it also contains SFP15 and so protects skin from sun damage too.
Plump
As we age our collagen production starts to slow down, which results in the thinning of lips as well as fine lines and wrinkles appearing at the outer corners of the mouth. While most traditional lip balms can be applied directly to the lips to target plumping, Veneffect’s Anti-Aging Lip Treatment has been designed to smooth and hydrate the skin around the mouth too. Formulated with phytoestrogens, this unique formula is packed with active ingredients and works to visibly reduce the appearance of lines around the lips, which aside from being unduly ageing, can be responsible for colour bleeding and lipstick feathering.
Prep
It’s a well-known beauty fact that the secret to a successful lip colour that is easy to apply, stays in place and looks pigmented is the preparation that takes place beforehand. This doesn’t have to be an arduous routine, simply applying a lip primer will make all the difference to how lipstick looks and wears over time. A good priming lip balm will sink into skin without leaving a greasy layer, and leave lips feeling smooth and hydrated; we love Omorovicza Perfecting Lip Balm, Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm and La Mer The Lip Balm. If you do want to go one step further, gently exfoliate dead skin cells using a dedicated lip scrub, try Herbivore Coco Rose Lip Polish, or gently brush dry lips with a soft toothbrush first.
Perfect
If you struggle with the upkeep of wearing lipstick, a tinted lip balm is a failsafe option and also a great go-to for no makeup days when you just want to look fresh. With so many options out there the choice is yours but some of our favourite multi-tasking tinted balms include Eve Lom Mix Tints, Caudalie French Kiss Tinted Balm and Lipstick Queen Belle Epoque, all of which impart a hint of pretty colour.
