These hydrating heroes are a must-have everyday essential
Courtesy of Burt’s BeesBEST ON A BUDGET
Burt’s Bees – Ultra Conditioning Lip Balm
If your lips are so chapped they’re starting to become painful, add a tube of this to your shopping basket next time you’re stocking up on beauty bits. This clear one, rich in kokum butter, is a great all-rounder, and slightly oily in texture, which leaves skin feeling smooth and soothed in seconds, with little top-ups throughout the day needed. It’s also available in a range of tints that add a sheer wash of colour while keeping you hydrated, which are also brilliant budget buys.
Verdict: There’s nothing not to love about this budget-friendly, buttery soft balm.
Buy here (£3.99).
Courtesy of NeutrogenaBEST ON A BUDGET
Neutrogena – Norwegian Formula Lip Care
This is your standard cheap and cheerful stick lip balm that will inevitably get lost in coat pockets or under the sofa. But while it’s still in your possession, it’s great if you suffer from perpetually dry lips and want something easy to apply that’s waxier in texture and won’t add colour, shine or stickiness. It’s almost joyless in a sense, but so affordable and so quick to sooth sore, chapped skin that it doesn’t matter. It provides instant relief to that painful cracked skin sensation and is a lovely base beneath lipstick, especially if you’re keen on richly pigmented, matte styles.
Verdict: Simple but effective, this is a great lip balm to have on hand at all times, thanks to its non-greasy, hydrating formula.
Buy here (£2.99).
Courtesy of La Roche-PosayBEST ON A BUDGET
La Roche-Posay – Cicaplast Baume Lips
Sensitive skin experts La Roche-Posay are pros when tackling severely dry skin and this handy tube is no exception. There’s no pots to stick your hands in, making it feel more hygienic, and it’s an opaque white balm that melts into the skin instantly to leave them feeling soft. It’s not sticky, greasy or wet to touch, and a little goes a long way. Thanks to its formula packed with panthenol, it creates a nourishing barrier on the lips to prevent future chapped skin too.
Verdict: This is a brilliant fuss free, fragrance-free lip balm that will last you ages.
Buy here (£7).
Courtesy of Dr.PawpawBEST ON A BUDGET
Dr.Pawpaw – Overnight Lip Mask
Well known for their multi-purpose balms, the newest addition to Dr.Pawpaw’s range is an overnight lip mask, which we used during the day also, because beauty rules have gone out the window in lockdown, and with nowhere to go, we’re happy to stay safe inside and happily moisturised. The vegan formula feels like a gel and comes in a generous sized tube that will last months. It’s ideal if you’re constantly finding yourself waking up in the mornings with dry lips, despite regularly applying a lip balm throughout the day.
Verdict: Smooth but non-sticky, this is a great lip balm to keep by your bedside.
Buy here (£8.95).
Courtesy of Flower BeautyBEST ON A BUDGET
Flower Beauty - Petal Pout Lip Mask
While celebrity skincare and makeup lines are launching faster than we can keep up, Flower Beauty by Drew Barrymore is an underrated gem well worth your time. Her petal pout lip masks come in six sheer shades and are infused with mango and cocoa butter, with a soft, buttery texture. The applicator is interesting, distributing products out of seven tiny holes which actually makes it easy not to over apply and end up looking like an oil slick. They treat dry skin while simultaneously adding colour so you don’t have to forgo your favourite lip products if chapped skin is getting in the way. You can layer it over your favourite lipstick for a high-gloss shine too.
Verdict: This oil-based balm has a sheer tint that hydrates while adding a wash of colour.
Buy here (£10.99).
Courtesy of GlossierBEST ON A BUDGET
Glossier – Balm Dotcom Coconut
Like a heavy duty moisturiser for chapped lips, this beauty balm by cult millennial brand Glossier keeps chafed skin at bay for hours. There’s multiple flavours and tinted versions available, all with a sheer colour payoff, but if you’re looking to keep things completely natural, try coconut. It leaves a subtle gloss on the lips but isn’t sticky and if formulated with castor oil, beeswax and lanolin, without being slippy. Housed in a hygienic tube that resembles paint, it’s sweet packaging and fast-acting formula makes it ideal for anyone with dry lips.
Verdict: A treat for the senses, this clear lip balm gives skin a subtle glow and ample amount of hydration.
Buy here (£10).
Courtesy of WeledaBEST ON A BUDGET
Weleda – Skin Food Lip Balm
Weleda’s Skin Food line is well known for its iconic moisturiser that’s a godsend for dry skin, and the accompanying lip balm does an impressive job too. An underrated gem, its packed with botanical extracts, natural oil and waxes to deliver a much-needed burst of moisture for skin that’s in need of hydration. Boasting sunflower seed oil with rosemary, calendula and chamomile extracts, it’s a great way to protect skin just before you head out into the harsh winter weather for your lockdown walk, and the rounded application helps reduce mess.
Verdict: Lightweight and skin softening, this is an excellent option if you’re shopping on a budget and want something simple that gets the job done.
Buy here (£6.95).
Courtesy of Dr. LippBEST ON A BUDGET
Dr. Lipp - Original Nipple Balm
Don’t be put off by the name, this is one of the most effective, fast-acting beauty buys money can buy. A thick wax, it’s very rich so be careful to massage it properly into skin and the dark yellow colour is a bit off, but once applied it transforms into a gloss that’s odourless and fragrance-free. Apply it once in the morning and you’re guaranteed not to need to reapply until just before bed. It creates the perfect canvas for bold lipstick too, keeping skin hydrated even beneath the most matte red.
Verdict: Thick and waxy, this lanolin based balm does a stellar job at keeping skin smooth, supple and happy.
Buy here (£12).
Courtesy of Palmer’s Cocoa Butter FormulaBEST ON A BUDGET
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula – Swivel Stick
For those of us who love a chunky lip balm, you can’t go wrong with the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Swivel Stick. Perfect for moisturising and soothing dry chapped lips, the stick can also be used to help relieve rough dry skin on any area of your body – from elbows to heels. The product also contains zero percent water, meaning it won’t freeze as we go into the cold winter months.
Verdict: Big and chunky, this lip balm stick is the ultimate balm and will have you covered no matter what part of your body is feeling dry.
Buy here (£4.49).
Courtesy of Trish McEvoyBEST LUXURIOUS BUYS
Trish McEvoy – Beauty Booster Moisture Stick
The twist up stick on this lip balm is satisfyingly precise and the packaging is luxurious and sturdy for an everyday essential. It’s petite, compact and easy to stow away in a trouser pocket. Enriched with chaulmoogra, oat and meadow seed oil, it’s not just designed for lips either, you can use the multi-purpose product on other dry areas of skin too. Keep yours deskside for touch ups between Zoom calls and keep chapped, flaking skin at bay.
Verdict: Rich but not greasy, this smoothing balm is a versatile and fast-acting to hydrate dry skin.
Buy here (£29).
Courtesy of Summer FridaysBEST LUXURIOUS BUYS
Summer Fridays – Lip Butter Balm
The Summer Fridays jet lag mask is a cult favourite among skincare aficionados, but it’s lip balm is another winner from the US based brand. It’s housed in a miniature tube that mimics its larger face masks, packed with seed butters and botanical extracts including shea and murumuru to intensely hydrate. As a result the texture is a mix between a silky oil and smoothing butter, with a subtle scent of vanilla. Apply it in the morning and by the evening, lips will still be super soft, but not greasy, sticky or too rich.
Verdict: This provides a speedy moisture boost without leaving behind sticky hands or lips.
Buy here (£19.50).
Courtesy of Jo Malone LondonBEST LUXURIOUS BUYS
Jo Malone London – Vitamin E Lip Conditioner
While known and loved for its olfactory offerings, don’t sleep on Jo Malone London’s vitamin e based skincare range. In it you’ll find body scrubs and decadent moisturisers, but the star of the show is this lip balm. The slanted applicator fits perfectly onto the lips so you never use too much or end up a sticky mess and the formula, infused with vitamin e is softening. It leaves a subtle gloss that’s perfect if you want a more natural makeup look or are ditching the lipstick underneath your face mask.
Verdict: Chic packaging and a lovely, skin smoothing formula, this is well worth the investment.
Buy here (£26).
Courtesy of Bobbi BrownBEST LUXURIOUS BUYS
Bobbi Brown – Lip Balm SPF15
A classic tin is perfect for slipping into your back pocket so you’re never without it, not to mention looks means you’ll never need to ensure the lid is screwed on to avoid spillages. This pretty pink number is made with a blend of avocado and olive oils, wheat germ, and aloe vera along with SPF15 protection, so it’s a good one to have on hand when the weather gets warmer. It provides a quick moisture boost with a subtle sheen that makes a glowy finishing touch to your skincare routine or natural-looking makeup.
Verdict: This lightweight balms conditions skin and leaves it feeling supple.
Buy here (£18).
Courtesy of Augustinus BaderBEST LUXURIOUS BUYS
Augustinus Bader – Lip Balm by Augustinus Bader
Twist up stick lip balms are not only confined to the budget options, this one created by stem cell scientist Augustinus Bader is every bit as luxurious as it is effective. Containing a blend of shea butter and castor seed oil, it’s designed to combat extreme temperatures, dryness and irritation, often brought on by the grim British winter. Skin feels plump and moisturised, so even though you may need a few top-ups throughout the day, it’s a pleasure to apply.
Verdict: A luxurious treat for your lips, this is an easy to apply balm that leaves dry skin soft and supple.
Buy here (£30).
Courtesy of Pat McGrath LabsBEST LUXURIOUS BUYS
Pat McGrath Labs – Lip Fetish Lip Balm, Clear
Designed just as Pat McGrath’s luxury lipsticks, the attention to detail on this lip balm is just as lavish. With the same bullet style tip as bolder shades, it’s easy to apply and a joy to use. If there’s ever an excuse to treat yourself to a new beauty buy you’ll get the use out of, it’s this. Perfect beneath make-up, it works as a lip primer and moisture booster to keep lips comfortable, hydrated and happy. A cocktail of antioxidants, emollients and vitamins, it’s lightweight and the first step to achieving a perfect pout.
Verdict: This lipstick-style lip balm delivers hydration fast while being housed in a glorious gold and white tube.
Buy here (£33).
Courtesy of By TerryBEST LUXURIOUS BUYS
By Terry – Baume De Rose Lip Care
Rose is often a divisive scent, and for many a nostalgic one too, reminding us of our grandmother's powdery perfumes and potpourri. In this luxurious balm however, it’s instantly recognisable but not overwhelming, blended with a bountiful mix of shea butter and castor seed oil. It’s a salve that can be used on lips and cuticles to rapidly improve skin barriers feeling parched. As it’s packaged in a lavish-looking pot, it’s best to keep this all to yourself to ensure it stays hygienic.
Verdict: The perfect pre-bedtime beauty treat, this rich salve makes an instant improvement to dry lips.
Buy here (£40).