Bright vibrant lips are a key look for the "Summer 2012" face, but there is nothing worse than chapped, flaky lips drawing attention to themselves for all the wrong reasons. Make sure yours are up to par by investing some time in looking after your lips and you’ll have a pout to be proud of.
In this case, a good lip balm is essential. Not only should it moisturize, it should also stop any existing moisture from escaping, and best of all, it should stop you from licking your lips when they feel dry, which ironically is the worst thing you can do, as it will just make them even drier.
Even if you’re wearing makeup, you mustn't forgo the balm. A thin layer of lip balm applied a short time before you put on your lipstick, will soak into your lips and is a great way to make sure your lips stay soft throughout the day. A thicker layer before bedtime will result in some seriously soft lips in the morning.
Here are my picks for seven of the best lip balms in the industry!
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Skin Protectant
Famed the world over, and used by countless celebrities, this all purpose beauty balm was created in the 1930s and is still a firm favorite. Perfect for creating smooth, soft, glossy lips when used on its own. When used over your favorite lipstick, it gives lips a real va-va-voom finish.
Ole Henriksen Fresh Lips SPF15
If you’re after a deliciously flavored lip balm, then look no further than Fresh Lips SPF15 from Ole Henriksen. The beta hydroxy acids help to slough off excess dead cells, while antioxidants and rich cocoa butter heal and nourish. Menthol enhances circulation, giving the lips a plumped appearance.
From iconic facialist Eve Lom, Kiss Mix is perfect for dry and chapped lips, offering instant relief and super soft lips. Zinc oxide acts as a natural sunscreen and offers protection from UV rays, while the menthol cools and freshens. Great to use with your lipstick for a gentle, sexy sheen, but it’s also perfect to use alone for a natural look.
By Terry skincare products are famous for their glorious rose scent, and the lip balm is no exception. Rose Flower Essential Wax imparts softening, astringent and anti-ageing properties, while the Pastel Oil stimulates cellular renewal. Vitamin E offers protection from anti-oxidants, while UV filters protect the delicate skin on the lips from the sun’s harmful rays. Super-glossy and full of skincare technology, this little beauty is perfect for day and night.
The folks down under know a thing or two about skincare, and Pawpaw Lip Balm lives up to all expectations. Based on natural oils and waxes and infused with calendula and a very mild coconut fragrance, this will treat the very worst of dry lips, rendering them moisturized and back to their former glory.
This cult favorite, created in the 1930s, is a winning combination of menthol, amphora and beeswax that leaves lips tingling yet refreshed. Its non-greasy, non-slippery formulation means that it’s perfect to use either under or over lipstick, without fear of your lipstick “slipping” while the ultra-moisturizing properties heal the very worst of chapped lips. If the original flavor is too medicinal for you, the cherry flavor is a great option.
The delicate skin on the lips is often the first to suffer from being exposed to the elements, leaving them dry and cracked. Dr. Hauschka’s Lip Balm uses the medicinal plant extracts of Anthyllis, Calendula and St John’s Wort to look after the skin, while the silk powder in the formulation helps leave the skin super-smooth.
– Ambarina Hasan
