They treat, soothe, smooth and protect the skin on your lips. They’re lip balms and you need one…or nine! And if you don’t think we’re right, think again. Your mouth goes through the motions daily and your lips take the brunt of it all, from smiling and talking to eating and making out. And let’s not forget they bear the worst of weather’s dehydrating, freezing and burning elements. Here’s why and what you need to know about picking the right balm:
Lip Smoothers
The first step to maintaining soft, supple and smooth lip skin is to hydrate it with natural emollients like honey, cocoa butter, menthol, echinacea and herbs. These ingredients act as a protective barrier against the fluctuating indoor/outdoor temperatures. Plus, they also smell good, are non-greasy and work as a sealant, kind of like Tupperware, keeping the moisture in while eliminating chapped lips for healthy, smooth results. Try: Burt’s Bees Honey Lip Balm ($5, available at Shoppers Drug Mart), Dr. Harris & Co. Lip Balm ($14, available online at MenEssentials) and Farmacy Citrus Lemongrass Lip Bloom ($22, available at Sephora).
Lip Treatments & Protectors
These products specialize in combatting specific conundrums, like removing dry flakes, healing cracked lips and replenishing moisture from severe dehydration, not too mention protection and hydration against the sun’s harsh UVA and UVB rays. Remember that time you went snowboarding for three days and licked your lips so much they nearly froze together on the chair lift? This is the kind of repair we’re talking about. Try: Fresh Sugar Lip Polish SPF 15 and Fresh Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy ($26 and $41 respectively, both available at Sephora) and Vichy Idéal Soleil Lip Protection Stick SPF 30, for their infusion of sugar, seed oils and vitamins to buff and smooth away dry skin and a healthy helping of SPF to protect against the sun, even during wintertime.
Lip Soothers
You constantly give your lips a workout so they need a little TLC to ease away the tension and strain of your day. Applying an intensely hydrating balm after stepping out of the shower in the morning and before going to bed at night ensures your lips are protected and receive the deep conditioning moisture they need. Try: Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Lip Repair Balm ($29, available at Shoppers Drug Mart) The Body Shop Hemp Lip Protector ($9, available at The Body Shop stores) and Sothys Gourmand Lip Balm ($29, available at Sothys Salons and Spas). They contain rich formulations replete with plant, flower and seed oils and beeswax that help repair the lip’s hydration barrier, locking moisture in.
