Lip Balm

November 14, 2004 7:31 PM

I'm looking for lip balm recommendations. Winter is approaching, and my old standby Burt's Bees is never quite moisturizing enough in cold weather. I think I need something less waxy, more creamy. Anyone have a favorite?
posted by boomchicka to Shopping (20 answers total)

I love Kiehl's basic lip balm, which is basically a $6 tiny tube of petroleum jelly.
posted by mathowie at 7:34 PM on November 14, 2004

I use Neutrogena's Instant Lip Remedy, it has Glycerin.
posted by riffola at 7:38 PM on November 14, 2004

bleh. cotton seed oil does not have the same chemical restrictions as other food-grade oils. danger will haughey. here be pesticides. and crap.

altho I have to thank matt for recommending kiehl's white face stuff and blue face stuff, I am still perfectly happy with burt's bees for most other things, including the lip stuff. (plus I love the purplish-white zombie tint it gives to one's lips...mmmm, gothy)

previously used: carmex and blistex/dct. no complaints with either of those, really. or buy a balaclava...
posted by dorian at 7:48 PM on November 14, 2004

I'm a big fan of Natural Ice, which has enough menthol to have made me addicted to the burn since I was 14.

No Blistex. It had something in it that made my lips break out.
posted by gramcracker at 8:04 PM on November 14, 2004

#1: Dr. Hauschka Quince Lip Balm
#2: Kiehls
posted by anathema at 8:09 PM on November 14, 2004

You will have to wrest my tube of AnneMarie Borlind's "For Lips" lippenpflege mit shea butter from my cold stiff hands. But if you prefer to buy your own, it comes in a purple tube and I can usually find it at Whole Foods.
posted by hashashin at 8:13 PM on November 14, 2004

I second the Neutrogena. Their Hand Balm is basically the same thing as the Lip Remedy but in a larger package.
posted by karmaville at 8:16 PM on November 14, 2004

Chicken Poop--it's soft and creamy, and it never gets gummy on your lips.
posted by smich at 8:19 PM on November 14, 2004

Benefit Benetint Lip Balm. It is the best lip balm ever, and it also has a slightly rosy tone.

The Dr. Hauschka Quince Balm is good, too, though. My skin is insanely dry but my lips never chap thanks to the balms.
posted by Sidhedevil at 8:27 PM on November 14, 2004

Wax and oil based lip balms will only work well if there's moisture trapped underneath them before you apply. Put the BB or other on right after you get out of the shower, or dampen your lips prior to applying. That might help without having to switch to something non-petroleum-based.
posted by lodurr at 8:28 PM on November 14, 2004

I swear this has nothing to do with the Halo 2 "I love bees" meme. Actually some good stuff I picked up at an expo back in the days when I was working in the natural products industry.
posted by emelenjr at 9:22 PM on November 14, 2004

I've been using Clinique's superbalm continuously for a year, and can't function without it: "Deeply hydrating balm that helps to repair distressed lips and replenishes moisture loss". It's a glossy, tinted concoction very much like lipgloss, except it's not sticky. If you're a woman who isn't comfortable with wearing make-up, this might cross into that domain too much, but i urge you to go to the counter and at least try it. It's around $14 for a tube the size of your thumb.

For a little more money, I'd recommend Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella's Cream Idrantante Labbra, which is a splurge at $20. It is very creamy, smells fabulous, and works best.
posted by naxosaxur at 9:37 PM on November 14, 2004

I'll third the Natural Ice. For whatever reason, it's been addiction for my entire family for years... and we live in all different climates, from the PacNW to the midwest to the dry, dry suburbs of LA. I've got about a million tubes stashed all over my apartment ... whenever my lips feel dry it's like an easter egg hunt. "Where in plain sight is one of my chapstick tubes hiding?"
posted by SpecialK at 10:16 PM on November 14, 2004

Trader Joe's has an organic, olive oil and peppermint-based balm I like. And it's cheap.
posted by JoanArkham at 6:05 AM on November 15, 2004

I'm quite fond of shea butter. It is not greasy, and pretty powerful, but the effects wear off quickly (compared to, say, carmex, which lasts a long time).

It can be found at L'Occitane.
posted by Caviar at 7:48 AM on November 15, 2004

Response by poster: Great suggestions, everyone! I don't know why I didn't think of Kiehl's; I love their other stuff that I've tried. I can't wait to try out some of the others at their respective stores and counters. Thanks!
posted by boomchicka at 7:56 AM on November 15, 2004

one word tip from a frenchwoman: Avene.

A quick search reveals that their Lip Balm is expensive if bought through US sites. (link|link)
(Ctrl-F for "lip balm") but this uk site has a better price (link)

As a rule of thumb for french goods, it's cheaper for americans to buy them in Europe+pay for shipping and handling than buy them in the USA.
In France, Avene products are sold in pharmacies: it's one of the best kept european beauty secrets.
posted by ruelle at 8:05 AM on November 15, 2004

Lip Healer by essence of nature.

Best. Lipbalm. EVER. (and cheaper than hell - $1.99 for 3 tubes at trader joe's! good lord!!)
posted by tristeza at 9:00 AM on November 15, 2004

I usually use different balms all the time, but the one I use when my lips get REALLY bad is from Blistex. I don't know the name, "Complete Moisture" or something like that maybe. It comes in a blue container.
posted by crazy finger at 4:03 PM on November 15, 2004

Carmex

It's good. It's cheap. It comes in pots, sticks and tubes.
posted by Juicylicious at 4:23 PM on November 15, 2004