I suffer from dry chapped lips, and not just in the winter months – on a permanent basis. A specific lip moisturiser for me is as necessary as toothpaste i.e. I use it at least twice a day. I am constantly on the hunt for the balm to beat all balms, the ultimate lip fixer, the creme de la creme of pout perfector.
I’ll be honest, I’m not quite there yet – but I do have a few very effective items currently on rotation which I’ll be sharing, I also asked Rock My Style Editor Miranda to share her top picks too (this means I will probably try all of these in the not too distant future, my credit card will be thankful the majority are relatively cheap.)
Do let us know if our favourites are indeed your favourites and any alternatives that you could recommend would be greatly appreciated.
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{Maybelline Baby Lips}
Selling out as soon as a delivery hits stores apparently, those in the know used to have to get their Baby Lips fix in the States. Thankfully for Brit-based balm addicts, Baby Lips launched in the UK last summer. Miranda’s tried them all (there’s six in the range which includes flavoured and tinted versions) and her favourite is Intense Care. With an SPF of 20, it keeps lips baby-soft for hours, the bright yellow packaging is a cheery addition to your make-up bags and, at under three quid, it’s a blimmin’ beauty bargain.
{Lucas Papaw Ointment}
Recommended by Make-up Artist types the world over I finally caved and bought a tube of Lucas Papaw Ointment a few months ago. This stuff is heavy duty and works extremely well when you simply can’t even consider lipstick due to a major flake epidemic. I smother this on almost as a lip “masque”, leave for an hour and then gently remove with a warm flannel or wash cloth. I then put another generous layer on before I go to bed and wake up with my lips considerably softer and less sore.
{Chanel Coco Baume}
Ok so this Chanel Coco Baume is really pricey. But it looks so chic, and it really REALLY is the best lip balm I’ve tried thus far. It’s not in any way greasy and I find it sits well under liner or gloss. You can also layer it on top of lipstick without making everything look all a bit smudgy and weird then blot and re-apply aforementioned lipstick so it appears all fresh and pretty. And let’s face it, the unmistakable black and gold casing just screams “luxe”.
{Vaseline Rosy Lips}
We’re suckers for pretty packaging and this pink and white tin has a pleasingly retro feel. The pink gloop within contains rose and almond oil and leaves lips silky soft with the faintest hint of a rosy pink tint. Perfect for those lazy, er, low-maintenance girls like Miranda who would rather make it to an early morning yoga class than spend ages messing about in front of the mirror. Best of all at a pocket-money-price of £1.99 Vaseline Rosy Lips is the cheapest of the lot.
{Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream}
Launched back in 1930, Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream is one of those products – like Elnett hairspray and Beauty Flash Balm – that has been awarded cult beauty product status, by whoever decides these things. Fans rave about its multitasking abilities, using it to fix chapped lips, soothe sunburn and heal cuts and scrapes. Last year the range grew to include this vitamin-packed lip balm with a lip-protecting SPF of 20. It’s undeniably expensive but just one application gives you lasts-all-day softness and a pretty-not-sticky sheen.
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{Top Tip}
As well as using a flannel or warm wash cloth to remove dry flaky bits, a soft children’s toothbrush also works well, remember to rub gently and avoid altogether if lips are severely chapped.
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Ive used three of these (chanel, 8 hour and vaseline) and none of the do the job so now i’m on Lavera (who incidentally do the best hand cream EVER) and its not bad. Not perfect but not bad.
PS – Love the blog – addicted already.
Where does one purchase Lavera? I need a good hand cream too!!!!!!
Ooh, which Lavera lip balm is best? Ordering the hand cream immediately! x
Balm Balm is amazing for dry lips and skin. Pricey but worth every penny.
Ooh, another one to try – thanks Rebecca! x
Its the Lavera Basis range – and not at all pricey. I bought it from Naturisimo free delivery and tha hand cream was only £4.45! Enjoy 🙂
That’ll be both Miranda and I purchasing those then….. 🙂
Smith’s Rosebud Salve, it’s by far my fave.
Is that tinted Martha? I love the pretty tin, just never actually tried it!
It’s pinky in colour, but the colour doesn’t really show, It’s super glossy though.
I purchased creme de la mer lip balm as a pre wedding treat and absolutley love it. It’s not cheap but seems divine and works a treat (I suffer from really dry lips).x
*smells not seems divine!
lucas’ pawpaw ointment works for me. i have the driest lips of all time and this just works!
i’ve also started using waitrose baby bottom butter. it maybe a bit wrong (!) but it has natural ingredients and smells divine.
I also use the Waitrose baby bottom butter! My other half thinks it’s very odd so I’m relieved to read that! It’s the only thing I can rely on to be totally gentle and not irritate sore, dry skin. I am a true lip balm fiend too and have recently discovered Rêve de Miel Lip Moisturizing Stick by Nuxe, which is luscious! You can order online for about 5 quid, but it’s worth popping into a pharmacy if you’re in paris as you can pick them up for about 1euro!
Laura/Clare – I have heard this trick, apparently the Waitrose stuff is brilliant for dry skin generally – I will have to check it out! Thanks for the reminder x
I was really suffering from dry, flaky lips and not a single balm would help. A couple of days of applying hydrocortisone cream and they were back to normal, and now I can maintain with pawpaw ointment.
If you have a persistent issue, maybe try it for a couple of days!
Hi Abi, Hydrocortisone is a steroid and I’m sure you know this already (but for those that may not) should be used sparingly and isn’t usually prescribed for the face (dependent on the strength/what your GP may recommend) but you are absolutely right – if you do have almost dermatitis/eczema on your lips/around your mouth then a steroid under medical supervision could be the answer x
Lucas Papaw is the best! I’m so glad this is available in the UK now. Also – top tip – Vaseline Rosy Lips gives a nice subtle pinky glow if you dab a little on to your cheekbones.