15 Best Balms That Soothe Even the Driest, Flakiest Lips

It’s been a long winter and my lips are feeling it every day. In between the cracking, peeling and bleeding, I’ve never been more desperate to find a lip balm […]

By Carolyn Hsu · Jan 23, 2018

It’s been a long winter and my lips are feeling it every day. In between the cracking, peeling and bleeding, I’ve never been more desperate to find a lip balm that could actually fix the mess that is my mouth. The criteria for this story seemed simple (it just has to work), but as I realized midway through my research, that was a high bar many products couldn’t achieve. Below, 15 products (selected from the many I tried) that can get the job done, even on the driest, flakiest lips.

1 / 15

La Mer The Lip Balm ($60)

A cult-classic for a reason, this lip balm doesn’t ring in cheap, but it will immediately soothe lips and provide long-lasting hydration without coating your lips in anything sticky or heavy, making it the ideal base for any lip look.

2 / 15

CeraVe Healing Lip Repair SPF 30 ($5)

This dermatologist-loved line combines five types of ceramides, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to relieve dry, uncomfortable lips. Bonus: it includes SPF 30 to ensure you’re protected form further damage.

3 / 15

Too Cool For School Dinoplatz Lip Balm ($15)

This tinted balm is fun, glossy and smells amazing, but it’s the long-lasting hydrating properties that make me reach for it over and over.

4 / 15

Omorovicza Perfecting Lip Balm ($45)

Quite possibly the most comfortable balm on the list, this product goes on soft and melts on contact, leaving your lips feeling like they’re enveloped in hydration all day long.

5 / 15

Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm ($18)

Perfect for those who prefer a natural option, this balm also doubles as an under-eye hydrator and is packed with nourishing ingredients like avocado, mongongo, cranberry and macula oils to soften chapped lips.

6 / 15

VENeffect Anti-Aging Lip Treatment ($85)

Most balms have a waxy texture, but this lip treatment feels like the softest, most lightweight cream. It’s perfect not just for the lips, but also surrounding areas, and makes it easy to apply matte (or any texture) lipstick after.

7 / 15

Dior Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm ($34)

Dior’s signature lip balm now comes in shimmer, satin and matte finishes so you can moisturize and protect your lips regardless of what beauty look you’re going for. A matte lip has never felt so hydrated or comfortable to wear!

8 / 15

Susanne Kaufmann Lip Balm ($30)

Another favorite I always reach for, this balm is elegant in both its packaging and formulation. Fine bee’s wax and botanicals (they smell amazing!) protect the lips, leaving behind a super pretty, light gloss effect.

9 / 15

Oribe Balmessence Lip Treatment ($35)

This antioxidant-packed treatment balm works instantly to soften and smooth lips. The gorgeous packaging ensures this is one you’ll want to keep in your bag to pull out.

10 / 15

Lancôme Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Lip Replumping Balm ($35)

This smooth balm doesn’t just hydrate lips; it infuses them with a slew of anti-aging goodness that plumps, smooths and improves the long-term look of the lip area.

11 / 15

Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker Fix Lip Serum Stick ($23)

Another overachieving option, this serum-infused balm melts onto lips and plumps and fills as it hydrates.

12 / 15

APA Beauty Lush Lip Balm ($35)

This dentist-created balm uses shea butter, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil and vitamins to lock in moisture while peppermint oil gives a nice cooling effect and freshens breath.

13 / 15

Tatcha Tinted Lip Oil ($30)

Wearing a rep lip has never been easier than swiping on a coat of this 95-percent botanical oil blend that leaves you with a visibly softer, plumper and hydrated pout.

14 / 15

EVE LOM Kiss Mix ($22)

This protective treatment softens lips while leaving behind a fresh, minty gloss finish.

15 / 15

Fresh Sugar Lip Caramel Hydrating Balm ($18)

Equal parts sweet, pretty and hydrating, this cushiony balm is a delight to use. Grapeseed oil, apricot oil and black current seed oil lock in moisture for 24-hour hydration, and the caramel scent is simply addicting.