There are few things more vital to a good makeup day—or more likely to get lost in the bottom of your bag—than a lip balm. If, like me, you’re currently in the market to find your new go-to balm, you’ve come to the right place. Ahead, the beauty team at Marie Claire rounded up the very best lip balms that you can buy right now. We’ve tried almost every single option that money can buy in 2022, and these are the lip balms and treatments that stood out from the pack.
There are so many reasons to pick up a new lip balm this season. Maybe you have chronically dry lips no matter the weather. Maybe you need something to wear underneath all of the best lipsticks that you have in your collection. Or, maybe you’re a beauty pro who already knows everything there is to know about both the best lip stains and the best lip plumpers and are looking for a base product to condition your lips on no-makeup days. Luckily, the market is chock-full of options that come in every type of formula, from matte balms to others that look and feel like the best lip oil or your favorite lip gloss.
With so many options, it can be hard to discern what makes a good lip balm the best lip balm. Marie Claire spoke with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss, M.D to get some answers. Ahead, Dr. Idriss broke down what to look for when shopping for balms, from superstar ingredients that will heal your dry, chapped lips to a breakdown of her viral “lip basting” technique that is everywhere on Instagram.
What causes dry lips?
If you thought that winter was the only time of year when lips can get chapped and dry, think again. Dr. Idriss says that dry lips can be “caused by so many different factors, both externally and internally,” including the humidity in the air or extreme temperatures, both in the summer and in the winter. Plus, not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration that will cause your lips (and skin!) to dry out, so add this to the ever-growing list of reasons to get so much water throughout the day. “The last and biggest cause of dry lips is licking your lips, one that I am guilty of,” she says. “By licking your lips, moisture is drawn out of them, causing them to dry faster. If you want hydrated, nourished lips, this is one habit you should try to break."
And, if you use topical treatments like retinoids or Accutane, they could be at the root of your dry lips issue. "Retinoids increase cell turnover, therefore dry lips can result as a side effect of topically applied skincare products, at least at the very beginning while your skin is adjusting," she says. "Keep them hydrated and you should be good to go."
What should a good lip balm do?
“A good lip balm should be nourishing and hydrating, while keeping your lips protected from pollution in the air and even damage from the sun if you choose one with SPF in it,” Dr. Idriss says. “Lip balm should soothe and calm dry lips without causing any irritation or inflammation.”
What ingredients make a great lip balm?
"Traditional lip balms often contain ingredients like beeswax, carnauba wax, lanolin, or petrolatum,” says Dr. Idriss. “For lip basting I like to use non-traditional lip balms that melt into your lips for longer lasting hydration. Panthenol is one of my favorite ingredients in Bepanthen Nappy Rash Cream.”
What is “Lip Basting?”
"Lip Basting is my favorite technique to use when your lips are super dry and desperate for moisture," Dr. Idriss says of her cult-favorite technique. "It’s a really simple and nourishing technique that I suggest incorporating into your routine as often as you’d like—or whenever your lips need an extra boost of hydration. First, you start by buffing your lips with a chemical exfoliant. I like to use one that isn’t too high in concentration to avoid any unwanted effects. After you apply the chemical exfoliant and allow it to dry, the next step is to apply a thick layer of lip baster. Something rich in calendula and panthenol that really feeds your lips is great to use here."
Dr. Idriss's Favorite Lip Balms
If you're just starting out with lip balms, start simple. “Vaseline is a classic, no-fail lip product,” she says. “It is super occlusive and gentle, so it’s good for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin. I even like to use it on my under eyes if they are looking or feeling a little dry. Another favorite of mine is Aquaphor, which is basically Vaseline plus Lanolin. An unconventional, but amazing lip product is the Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream—yes, you can use nipple cream on your lips. Homeoplasmine is another great product to help nourish and soften dry, cracked lips. It is basically Vaseline plus calendula, which has some anti-inflammatory properties and a skin healing formula. Lastly, Bepanthen Nappy Rash Cream is loaded with panthenol, one of my favorite ingredients to look for in a good lip product.”
Marie Claire Editors' Favorite Lip Balms
"While this may be a mask, it's by no means exclusively for overnight use. I have this on hand at all times. It's deeply hydrating and give my chapped lips an instant hydration fix. Plus, the high-shine finish can't be beat." — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
"I test my fair share of lip balms, but I always, without fail, go back to this one. It leave no film whatsoever, has a slight menthol feel, and keeps everything smooth. I'm a big fan of applying it over my lipstick for a subtle shine." — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
"This balm has been a mainstay in my handbag since I was old enough to buy anything with my own money. I love the pink tint it leaves behind, the ultra-hydrating texture, and, of course, the size—It's nearly impossible to scratch the the bottom of it. The hydration lasts forever, but I love to reapply throughout the day for a naturally glossy finish." — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Writer
The smell and feel of this iconic lip balm is permanently ingrained into our collective memory at this point. The balm is a beauty best-seller on Amazon, with close to 36,000 five-star reviews. "I have been using this for well over a decade. I've tried many many other lip balms and treatments but continue to go back to this, my holy grail," writes one rave reviewer.
There's nothing like lips that feel "revived," right? Hyaluronic acid seals in moisture from the air, while prickly pear oil moisturizes and protects the skin barrier for long-term hydration.
Who didn't run to the drugstore imminently after this lip balm debuted? The Cherry Me flavor is the most iconic, but you can shop Maybelline's Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balms in tons of different tints and flavors.
Beyoncé uses Aquaphor on her face every night—need I say more? In an ELLE interview, Queen Bey said she lathered this all over her face at night to wake up with glowing skin: "I go to bed looking totally greasy." And you better believe my lips follow suit. This treatment is rich with moisture, so I like to apply a generous amount on my lips before bed.
There's a reason this Lip Balm is called #1. With squalene, aloe vera, and vitamin E, this product soothes the lips while giving them the moisture they need. This product gives lips a juicy shine that means you can pack away your lip glosses, as an added bonus.
Just like so many of Dr. Barbara Sturm's products, this Lip Balm is scientifically developed to help calm down even the driest, cracked lips. Outfitted with lanolin and cacao butter, it seals in moisture to keep lips feeling comforted all day. Better yet, it doubles as an eye cream.
Once upon a time, a lip stain and a lip gloss fell in love, got married, and created this baby tinted balm. The stain-gloss formula is perfectly hydrating, not at all sticky, and comes in 12 bright shades—ranging from pale rose to deep wine—that are so sheer and pretty, they'll look good on every skin tone.
I'm a huge fan of Augustinus Bader's skincare line, so this balm is a must-buy. It contains the brand's proprietary TFC8, a blend of amino acids and vitamins and applies that science to the delicate skin on your lips.
Please don't hate me for including a $60 lip balm—I had to, it's that good. This is an opportunity for you to embrace "put your money where you mouth is," quite literally. La Mer has this innovate ingredient called "Miracle Broth," which is a mixture of sea kelp, minerals, and nutrients that has gone through a natural fermentation process to leave your lips feeling ridiculously smooth, soothed and hydrated. In other words, this lip balm is legit.
It's no secret that I'm obsessed with this balm. It's not too shiny or sticky, it doesn't smell like cupcakes and 2003, and it doesn't give you that gunky white line around your lips after a few hours. And, most importantly, it leaves your lips with the prettiest glow—I know, I know, but there's no better word for it—that sticks around through lunch (and second lunch).
Sara Happ's lip scrub is iconic, so it makes sense that the line also included a best-in-class lip balm. The pale pink shade makes your look naturally sheeny, so it's great for daytime wear in lieu of a lipstick.
This is the kind of product that works on just about every skin ailment, from burns to chapped lips. It's an all-around beauty lifesaver that you need to have on-hand.
If there was an award for the best-smelling lip balm, this one from Summer Fridays would win. One Sephora reviewer even claimed it was the best balm they had ever used.
Celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta's line dropped this glowy-as-hell lip balm to give you Instagram-filtered lips with one swipe.
This super-smooth balm from French pharmacy-essential brand Avène is designed to reduce the effects that an allergic reaction from other products might cause. The inclusion of linoleic acid retains your lips' natural moisture, while Vitamin E nourishes your lips all day long.
RMS Beauty's range of good-for-you skincare includes this heavenly balm that is designed to minimize wrinkles on both your lips and your face.
Some products really do just stand the test of time. Vaseline Lip Therapy Lip Balm Tin in Cocoa Butter is one of those products.
Going somewhere warm sometime soon? Pack this sunscreen-balm hybrid for your trip.
When I had an Ipsy subscription, I would sometimes get this lip balm—and I would treasure it down to the last drop. I’m convinced this was made with the secret to eternal youth because no matter how chapped my lips, are if I coat them liberally at night, I wake up with the softest, smoothest lips.
ChapStick might be a classic, but this new formula takes the brand's promise of moisture to the next level. It's enriched with blue sea kale, sea algae, and aloe to moisturize and sooth lips.
The Carmex classic has gotten an update, and is still as great as you remember from your childhood—that is, if your mom also forced you to use this every winter like it was a cure. In fairness, it practically is, and the updated scents and SPF protection is a nice bonus.
You know that feeling when your lips have had it and your left with irritable, inflamed, cracky lips? Same—we've all been there. This jelly mask will be your lips' lifesaver because it's made of Japanese peach, which is known to soften, repair, and calm inflammation. Not to mention, the Japanese camellia oil uses omegas and vitamins to seal moisture.
If sun protection is a high priority for you when reaching for a lip balm (as it always should be), look to this clear, shea butter–based formula that won't leave your lips pasty, despite being loaded with SPF 30.