As a beauty editor, I am grateful to have access to the most luxurious lip products on the market. But, a higher price tag doesn't always mean better. In fact, a few of my favorite lip balms of all time are less than $10, making them a contender for this list. When it comes to lip balms—true balms; not glosses, oils or masks—some are too sticky and some don't last more than two seconds on your lips. However, the below formulas meet our standards and then some. Below, our picks for the best lip balms under $10.
The Best Lip Balms Under $10
Mario Badescu Lip Balm ($8)
A former NewBeauty Award Winner and one of my all-time favorite lip balms, this rich, nonsticky formula is incredibly nourishing. That's thanks to the mix of cocoa butter with jojoba, coconut, olive and sweet almond oils. The OG flavor is coconut, but it also comes in mint, rose and a new acai-vanilla. I personally love them all!
Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm ($4)
Since its launch in 1991 (if you haven't listened to the How I Built This episode on the brand, you should),this cult-classic lip balm has been a purse and pocket staple. The responsibly sourced beeswax helps keep lips moisturized for up to 12 hours, and we love the hint of peppermint oil that feels refreshing throughout the day. It's also available in dozens of flavors, from Vanilla Bean to Pomegranate, and you can't miss the limited-edition holiday flavors, too. Shortbread Cookie, Peppermint and Pumpkin Spice, anyone?
eos Super Balm ($5)
Another former NewBeauty Award Winner, this silky balm is a savior for dry lips. Infused with three hydrating butters—cocoa, shea and avocado—it softens and quenches lips, and the moisturizing benefits last up to 24 hours. It comes in a variety of yummy flavors, including Honey Apple, Birthday Cake, Watermelon Frosé and more.
Aquaphor Immediate Relief Lip Repair ($5)
A dermatologist favorite for severely dry lips, this concentrated formula soothes chapped and cracked areas and won't irritate the sensitive skin around the lips. In fact, it was specially formulated for sensitive lips. It's also fragrance-free and clinically proven to restore smooth, healthy skin.
Catrice Care in Color Lip Balm ($6)
Available in seven shades, this lip balm is the perfect choice when you want moisturized lips and a little bit of color in one quick swipe. Chock-full of shea and cocoa butters that leave behind a pretty sheen, it makes your lips look and feel super kissable.
Smith's Rosebud Salve ($7)
Beloved by dozens of A-listers and makeup artists, this cult-favorite balm not only soothes dry lips, but also any parched area that needs a little TLC, like the elbows or knees. It's so multipurpose in fact, that the brand even calls it "an excellent remedy for the treatment of diaper rash." And who doesn't love the little vintage tin?
Revolution Beauty Juicy Peptide Lip Balm ($8)
This buttery balm is a treat for the lips and the flavor-shade combos make you want to keep reapplying. It comes in a grapefruit-scented, shimmery-clear shade, as well as three others with a subtle tint: vanilla-scented Nude Latte, strawberry-scented Pink Strawberry and orange-scented Nude Spice. Plus, the brand added peptides to the mix for a little plumping action over time.
Dionis Goat Milk Lip Balm ($5)
Harnessing vitamin-rich goat milk and beeswax to moisturize dry lips (it also preserves the skin's microbiome), this lip balm comes in more than 10 flavors, including Vanilla Bean, Milk & Honey and Crisp Pear. It's also one of the brand's top-selling products, and it's nearly double the size of a standard lip balm stick (0.15 oz) at 0.28 oz!
CoverGirl Clean Fresh Tinted Lip Balm ($8)
The brand describes this tinted lip balm as "the perfect updated throwback to the fruit-infused '90s nostalgia," and we couldn't agree more. It comes in six shades, including clear, and we love the blend of hyaluronic acid and pomegranate oil that noticeably hydrates your lips. It's one of those products you can throw on in the backseat of a car with no mirror and feel more put together in seconds.
e.l.f. Squeeze Me Lip Balm ($4)
One of the brand's best-sellers, these tiny lip balms have been at the center of many TikTok videos. The biggest fans have every flavor (Vanilla Frosting, Strawberry, Grape, Honeydew and Peach) and say they wear a different one every day of the week. The formula lends a sheer wash of color and a shiny finish without being sticky.
Bubble Skincare Juicy Tell All Lip Balm ($9)
Infused with lip-smoothing chicory root, hydrating moringa oil and softening acacia flower wax, this lip balm is not only super cute, but also effective. It comes with a matching keychain, which makes it such a great gift for anyone who's back to school. And, you can even purchase collectible Bubble Charms (they've already sold out, but you can sign up to be notified when they restock) to personalize your lip balm.
