20 Lip Balms You Need for Your Next Make-Out Session

2022-09-02 23:10:26 By : Ms. Jessie Zeng

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Your pout needs some prep.

Not to brag or anything, but my lips take up a decent amount of real estate on my face. Back in the day when plump lips weren’t au courant, it was a lot easier to get away with a little bit of lip dryness. But in this economy? Think again.

The world of lip hydration is almost comically complicated. We have lip balms with SPF, lip masks, lip scrubs, and lip oils. We even have viral lip oils that are so coveted you can barely get your hands on one. But the truth is, taking care of your lips is actually pretty simple. Because our lips get so much action throughout the day (wink wink), they get dry easier than other parts of our bodies. Investing in a quality lip balm can get rid of any dryness, irritation, or even cracked lips. Here, find the 20 best lip balms for every budget, skin type, and zodiac sign.

When your lips are so dry that they begin to crack, it’s time to bring in the heavy-hitters. This cult-favorite lip balm is beloved because it can handle even intense dehydration. Just slather it on and let the medicated balm do its job.

Dry lips? Cracked cuticles? Interested in finally trying slugging? The CeraVe Healing Ointment is a classic that nobody’s medicine cabinet is complete without.

This overnight lip mask has so many celebrity endorsements it might as well be a luxury car. This mask comes in a ton of covetable flavors, but Berry and Classic seem to be the reigning favorites.

If a lip gloss and a balm had a baby, it would look like this viral oil. This product is almost always sold out, so grab yours quick before it’s gone again.

According to dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal, this eos lip balm is a must-have. “It is affordable and also has shea butter, castor oil, petrolatum, avocado oil, and sunflower oil,” she says. “All of these ingredients moisturize but also prevent water loss.” We’re sold.

There are very few products that I buy again and again, but this lip mask is one of them. I simply pat on a decent glob at night, and wake up to perfectly hydrated, never-cracked lips. Magic.

Another classic, this lip balm is a lifesaver for super cracked, chapped lips. “This is a fan favorite,” says Dr. Lal. “It contains petrolatum, glycerin, shea butter, and beeswax. Simply put, this has the basics and gets the job done.”

Is there anything more satisfying than applying a nourishing, hydrating lip balm after you do your skincare routine? This pick was created by one of Hollywood’s beloved celebrity estheticians, Biba de Sousa. It’s moisturizing, soothing, and gentle all at once.

Every gift-giving event of the year, I close my eyes and hope that one of my friends will give me this lip balm. It doubles as a tinted one, but you can also get a colorless version that deeply hydrates your pout.

If your skin needs T.L.C. ASAP, reach for this tried-and-true lip balm. “This is great for people with sensitive skin and lips,” says Dr. Lal. “If you are someone that reacts to a lot of lip balms, this is the one I would seek out.”

Looking for an upgraded chapstick? This version uses cocoa butter to create a lip balm that nourishes without leaving a thick, gloopy residue on your lips. Bonus: it doubles as a lipstick primer, too!

Part balm, part gloss, all buttery goodness. This lip balm is great at softening lip texture, so your pout looks and feels gentle and more plump.

As someone who can’t help but pick at dry skin, I know that irritated skin on the lips is incredibly frustrating. “This is an ultra soothing balm for irritated lips,” says Dr. Lal. “It has plant-derived squalanes and sterols which help repair dry lips.”

Instead of your typical lip balm that comes with plenty of plastic, this brand uses recyclable and biodegradable packaging. Your lip balm will come in a cardboard tube, and the balm itself is hydrating without feeling sticky.

Throw out your ironic Crocs and crocheted poncho, because all you need to fit in with the cool youths is your classic Glossier Balm Dotcom. Even if you’re not a full-throttled Glossier Girly, this lip balm will never let you down.

We all want our pouts to be a little more, well, pouty. This product from Buxom uses peptides to nourish and plump the lips. But the best part is the pH color-changing technology that shifts the tint of the balm to your specific skin.

Who has time to reapply? This lip balm is so hydrating you don’t even need to throw it in your purse for later. “This has zinc which is anti-inflammatory and helps the skin heal,” says Dr. Lal. “It also has gentle thermal spring water for long-lasting hydration.”

Call it magic, science, or a little bit of both, but I swear my lips look juicier and bigger when I wear this. A little goes a long way, but I still find myself scraping the end of the tube when I finish it off.

Looking for a lip balm you don’t have to think too much about? This four-pack of the classic Burt’s Bees balm is the perfect everyday hydrator. I keep them lying around my apartment so whenever I need it, there’s always one within reach.

Is it a lipstick? A balm? A gloss? This multi-benefit hydrating lip balm combines the best of everything for a lightly tinted, effortless product that you’ll always want to have on hand. (Trust me.)

“The best lip balm is the one that’s gonna provide you with adequate moisture but also prevent water loss and lock in moisture,” says Dr. Lal. “Our lips lose hydration throughout the day (through breathing, eating, and talking), and since most of us don’t drink enough water, hydrating the lips is key!”

In order to properly lock in hydration, the ingredient list on lip balms is essential reading. “Make sure you look for ingredients such as petrolatum, glycerin, dimethicone, beeswax, plant-based oils, squalane, and hyaluronic acid, as all of these help hydrate and lock in moisture,” says Dr. Lal.

If you’ve ever wondered if your lip balm is actually causing more dryness, you’re not alone. “Because lip balms are meant to lock in moisture, overuse of certain lip balms can prevent your lips from obtaining moisture from the outside environment and can seal off your lips, kind of like a glue, which can lead to dry lips,” cautions Dr. Lal.