Our lips need looking after — that’s a fact, not an opinion. It’s why I never feel guilty about splurging on a new lip balm (or several). And yes, I do need them all. One for my desk, one for my bedside table, one for my dressing gown, one for my bag... the list goes on.
While skeptics might say I’m obsessed, I’m certainly not the only one. In fact, there are over 48 million videos (and counting) under the ‘best lip balm’ hashtag on TikTok, with said videos racking up pretty sizeable viewing figures. Clearly, lip balms are having a moment.
So, whether you’re the kind of lip balm lover who’s always looking for the next-big-thing, or you're more into hydration than For You Page hits, here’s how to choose the lip balm(s!) for you...
FOR THE TREND SEEKER
If you’ve got a thing for trends, these bestselling lip balms need to be on your wishlist — pronto. Boasting almost two thousand five star reviews (the evidence speaks for itself), the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm is a firm fan-favourite. Available in a selection of shades and scents, this nourishing balm is packed with ultra-hydrating seed butters and botanical extracts (like shea and murumuru). The INKEY List’s Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm is another as-seen-on-socials must-have, formulated to nourish lips (thanks, mango seed and shea butter) as well as plump your pout over time.
On the go? Take the fuss out of applying lipstick with the SISLEY-PARIS Phyto-Lip Balm, offering all the moisturising benefits of a lip balm with asubtle swipe of colour. Another make up-skin care hybrid to put on your radar is the Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm, resulting in a rich wash of colour with a high-shine finish.
FOR THE GLOBE TROTTER
Always got a sunny vacay to look forward to? Make sure these SPF lip balms are never missing from your carry-on case. As well as providing protection against UV rays, the Aesop Protective Lip Balm shields lips against harmful external aggressors (like blue light and pollution) thanks to antioxidant-rich vitamin E. Also multitasking when it comes to protecting your pout, the Clé de Peau Beauté Protective Lip Treatment keeps the bad out and the good in.
Save your pennies for sightseeing with the affordable Sun Bum Original SPF30 Lip Balm, supercharged with soothing aloe vera and protective vitamin E. Looking after lips with SPF 50 protection — and delivering hydration, courtesy of hyaluronic acid, shea butter and squalane — the Hello Sunday The One For Your Lips is the ideal sidekick for your holiday... and every day, to be honest.
FOR THE PLANET POSITIVE
Find a lip balm that aligns with your values with our Cult Conscious picks. As well as being both Leaping Bunny and PETA Cruelty Free, the True Botanicals Moisture Lock Glossy Lip Balm delivers shine, nourishment and a berry delightful tint. Another cruelty-free favourite (and ideal for transporting you to the sandy shores of Copacabana) is the Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Kiss Cupuaçu Lip Butter.
Vegan? Discover Augustinus Bader’s The Lip Balm, harnessing the power of the brand’s signature TFC8 Complex (to provide the nutrients needed for optimal skin health) it’s also infused with plant-derived collagen to encourage the appearance of plump, pillowy soft lips. Last but not least, add the OLE HENRIKSEN Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment to your collection for an instantly plumper pout — and a scent that’s good enough to... lick?
FOR THE FOREVER FORGETFUL
If losing your lip balm is a regular occurrence (like, really regular), be sure to stock up on these purse-friendly favourites so you’re never without a replacement. Formulated with medical grade lanolin, which resembles and mimics your own skin oils to restore moisture, is the Lanolips 101 Ointment Fruities. And also providing a hit of hydration is the Avène Cicalfate+ Lips Repair Balm, adored for its buttery soft texture that melts onto skin and forms a protective shield.
Fancy something sweet? The NUXE Sweet Lemon Moisturising Lip Balm Stick will have you licking your lips (figuratively and literally), while the Mario Badescu Rose Lip Balm is delicately fragranced with, you guessed it, rose!
FOR THE OVERNIGHTER
No time for touch ups throughout the day? Put these hardworking heroes to use while you sleep and wake up to supple lips — the fresh Advanced Therapy Recovery Lip Mask softens and hydrates, as does the Cosrx Full Fit Propolis Lip Sleeping Mask, a honey-infused formula sure to become a bedside essential.
A fan-favourite mask that even Kate Moss has coveted, the LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask is infused with minerals and hyaluronic acid and forms a protective film over the lips to help lock in hydration. As for my go-to, I can’t get enough of the Patchology FlashPatch Hydrating Lip Gels, perfect for popping on during a long-haul flight or ahead of a big event.
FOR THE HYDRATION CHASER
When it comes to lip balms, hydration is often (read: always) at the top of our priority list. Offering just that, the Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil is enriched with the brand’s powerful (and seriously nourishing) Mirsalehi Honey as well as hyaluronic acid. BYOMA's Liptide Lip Mask is another must-have in the moisture department, gently exfoliating your pout before delivering a dose of peptides and babassu oil.
Transforming dry lips is the lightweight yet hardworking Weleda Skin Food Lip Balm, and drawing on the powers of thermal spring water to deeply nourish and prevent chapping is the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume Lips.
FOR THE GLOSS LOVER
While these might not fall under the lip balm category per se, who can resist a lip gloss, especially when it's packed with skin-loving ingredients, like the VIEVE Lip Dew. Now in a NEW shade — ‘Mirror’ — this Jamie Genevieve-approved oil-slash-gloss is infused with raspberry seed oil extract and green tea extract, and leaves behind a high-shine finish.
Also delivering a dose of good-for-skin ingredients — as well as a subtle pink pigment and a plumping effect — is the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Big Lip Plumpgasm, packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid. Another must-have, the BYOMA Liptide Lip Oil, stars a bespoke blend of collagen-enhancing peptides, nourishing avocado oil and soothing tamanu oil, while the Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Gloss Balm harnesses the power of vitamin C-rich kakadu plum to help smooth the appearance of fine lines.
