Makeup

7 Best Lip Balms -- and the 7 Worst

You know how a great lip balm gets your lips smooth and soft instantly -- and a bad one takes forever to work (if it works at all)? Here's what to pick, and what to skip, for your softest lips ever

September 28, 2011 | by Kamala Kirk | 96 COMMENTS

The Worst No. 6: Chapstick True Shimmer, $3.99 TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.5*
Why: After giving this product a try, one woman says that she passed hers on to her 6-year-old who could "better appreciate the 'shimmer' that is more like large glitter." One reader received comments that she had "shimmer all over her lips and the area below" when using this product, while another says it "smells just like a chalky, berry-flavored Tums chewable tablet." "It feels like I have sand on my lips," one reader says, while another calls it "complete garbage that was created with a 5-year-old in mind." Readers with sensitive lips beware -- one woman had an allergic reaction to the product, saying it gave her "blisters and the worst chapped lips of my life."

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

*At time of publication

SEE NEXT PAGE: The Worst No. 5: Blistex Fruit Smoothies, $3.99

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products mentioned

Juice Beauty SPF 15 Tinted Lip Moisturizers

6.5

Chapstick True Shimmer

5.9

Blistex Fruit Smoothies

5.6

E.L.F. Therapeutic Conditioning Balm

5.9

Burt's Bees Lifeguard's Choice Lip Balm

5.6

Blistex Lip Infusion Moisture Splash

3.6

L'Oréal Paris True Match Naturale Gentle Lip...

3.4

Bonne Bell Lip Smacker

9.1

C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve

9.2

Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Soothing Lip Balm

9.2

Philosophy Kiss Me High Emollient Lip Ointment

8.9

MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15

9.2

Blistex Lip Medex

9.3

Beecology Natural Lip Balm

9.5

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The very best lip balm is Cocoa Butter Lip Balm by "Cococare! The cost is only $1.99 at any beauty supply store. It is rich and creamy and repaired my slightly dry lips over night... and I've tried all those mentioned above.

by hotpick Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 07:19AM Report as inappropriate

hurraw lip balms are great too

by ellen_waiyan_kar Friday, April 12, 2013 at 01:56AM Report as inappropriate

Thinking about trying some of these.

by Monique3 Sunday, March 31, 2013 at 10:08AM Report as inappropriate

i try the one name "WoRa" its coconut blam but with orange flavor great smell and taste , BEST BALM I'VE EVER USED

by cuzidk_cuzidk Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 02:46PM Report as inappropriate

I've tried a bunch, most of them are awful.

by yestfl Monday, March 4, 2013 at 09:00PM Report as inappropriate

I might try the Rose Salve and Beecology based on this, but I'm very disappointed that Burt's Bees -- my staple -- isn't mentioned.

by purple9a Sunday, March 3, 2013 at 10:09AM Report as inappropriate

Wish I'd read this before ordering one of the balms on the worst list. I haven't received it yet. I'll have to let you know if I too think it's the worst

by Chica181 Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 06:00PM Report as inappropriate

The Juice Beauty brand is a mixed bag: some things suck and others are great.

by Helmi Monday, February 11, 2013 at 08:31PM Report as inappropriate

Love Rose Salve! It's even helped my rosacea a bit...

by Amanda16 Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 12:05AM Report as inappropriate

All I can say is yummy!!!

by Backinaction86 Monday, February 4, 2013 at 10:50AM Report as inappropriate

I haven't tried it yet, but everyone i know loves it!

by Backinaction86 Monday, February 4, 2013 at 10:37AM Report as inappropriate

Love the tinted lip gloss!!!

by Backinaction86 Monday, February 4, 2013 at 10:22AM Report as inappropriate

The bests in this list really are the best! i loveeee rose salve!

by rayshaviolet Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 11:26AM Report as inappropriate

Nice

by EricaF123 Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 07:02AM Report as inappropriate

Best lip balm I've ever tried is Born Lippy lip balms by The Body Shop. Great price, they last long, taste delicious, and keep my lips soft all day.

by Lamexicana1 Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 03:04PM Report as inappropriate

I am positively ADDICTED to lip balm! I keep a tube of it in every room of the house. Even if I\'m just out running errands, I wear tinted gloss to keep my lips moist while adding a little color.

by BengalsGal Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at 03:02PM Report as inappropriate

Definitely going to pick one of these up this weekend! I'm almost out!

by schien Friday, November 9, 2012 at 01:56PM Report as inappropriate

I agree on the Blistex Fruit Smoothies. The only thing great about it is the taste.

by JasmineG97 Monday, November 5, 2012 at 04:26PM Report as inappropriate

I also don't like Juice Beauty, doesn't worth the money.

by lilas Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 10:50PM Report as inappropriate

great love

by Nicole2814 Monday, October 15, 2012 at 01:56PM Report as inappropriate

I think I'm going to try both the Blistex Medex & Beecology Natural Lipbalms. Now I know to stay away from the 7 worst lipbalms.

by Lillium_Stargaz Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 11:41AM Report as inappropriate

C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve is amazing!

by Chris213 Sunday, October 7, 2012 at 07:13AM Report as inappropriate

I totally agree with MissPoison that Etsy-type indie lip balms generally beat the tar out of any commercially-produced lip balm. On the other hand, that doesn't mean I'm not interested in the mainstream stuff now and then ... so it's nice to know which to avoid and which to check out!

by KarasuSparkle Friday, October 5, 2012 at 01:29AM Report as inappropriate

Woulld love to try the tinted Mac. What is this Bigelow Rose Balm? I have never seen it. I personally always have Burt's Bees with me (mango or tinted) not a fan of "minty" lip balms which seem to top the list.

by jeneen_hardegen Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 07:30PM Report as inappropriate

I switched over to organic lip balms from various Etsy stores about a year and a half ago. My lips are so much happier. If you're interested, try Lip Love's Etsy store. A pack of three (your choice of flavors) is about $8. They're worth it and you'll use them right down to the bottom of the tube.

by MissPoison Monday, August 27, 2012 at 08:30PM Report as inappropriate

Hmmm, pretty disappointed that Crazy Rumors lip balm is not inside. That's the best (for me). It's made up of 100% natural ingredients. Not very pricey too. But overall, it's a good sharing, can be used for future purchasing reference :)

by Colours Friday, August 24, 2012 at 10:03AM Report as inappropriate

i usually just wear the rose salve because their are so many different uses for it like blemishes. I'm happy to know that the top 2 are affordable! My lips are "big" even for a latina. :) Now i wont have to break the bank and have mosturized lips. Thanks Total Beauty :D

by y.isle Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at 07:16PM Report as inappropriate

No Rosebud Salve for the best? I'm shocked!

by starla1971 Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 10:24PM Report as inappropriate

too true! i hate chapstick shimmer.

by liliofthevalley Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 08:47AM Report as inappropriate

I just wonder why someone is using lip balm thirty times a day. It sounds like they could be dehydrated and needs to drink more water. I noticed that when my lips get dry and turn white is because I haven't had enough water.

by PauletteK Thursday, May 24, 2012 at 05:10AM Report as inappropriate

Watching out for the worst ones and being sure to get the good ones sometimes soon!

by MissXu Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 04:15PM Report as inappropriate

good to know

by AmandaAmanda Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 03:59PM Report as inappropriate

Bosanski melem, you have no idea what it is- I know, but it's a great,natural option for the lips.

by selma Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 03:04PM Report as inappropriate

I'm not a fan of lip balm though I do have about 3. I go for the lip gloss wand from Bonne Bell. They have a good selection at the right store to get what you want and on sale-it is worth it to try different types which they have in the lip balm.

by evet Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 11:10AM Report as inappropriate

Great article. My favorite is Philosophy's Kiss Me and has been for years. LOVE it.

by Agrimony Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 07:02PM Report as inappropriate

Good comprehensive reviews. I like to prep my lips with Bite Whipped Cherry Fruit Scrub. It makes virtually any lip balm work like a charm!

by robyne00 Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 06:41PM Report as inappropriate

Great list. I also like Smith's Rosebud Salve (which i think is better than CO Bigelow) and the regular Chapstick. Nice to see Bonne Bell Lip Smackers make the list, whoo hoo!!!

by darkangel81 Monday, May 7, 2012 at 01:46PM Report as inappropriate

Hey Girls! Some really interesting info on here. Thought you peeps would like Lipice Pink Sheen Gloss, I just love this stuff. It goes on smooth and makes your lips feel amazing. Like with most lip balms you don't have to reapply this every 5 minutes and you see a difference with the condition of your lips. Mine used to be very chapped and would sometimes crack, but now they are smooth and hydrated. Really great stuff! Should also add I just love the taste.

by SallyG10 Friday, May 4, 2012 at 08:51AM Report as inappropriate

Excellent list! I really want to try out the MAC balm now...

by tallredamanda Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 07:18AM Report as inappropriate

Hard to find the right one. Will take some in consideration. Thanks

by Kary43 Friday, April 13, 2012 at 08:31PM Report as inappropriate

My go to winter product is the Blistex Medicated Lip Ointment. My husband and I go through tubes and tubes of the stuff! I would agree with this lineup!

by powerwoman033 Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 05:31PM Report as inappropriate

i usually put not many lip balm or chapsticks but my jo malone lip treatment last long time. my fav !!!

by katie_kim Monday, March 5, 2012 at 12:00PM Report as inappropriate

Mentholatum lip balms work just as well. Too bad in Asia I don't get Blistex or Beecology.

by heartMashimaro Sunday, March 4, 2012 at 02:39AM Report as inappropriate

Terrific roundup! I've just found a couple of new inexpensive and effective balms to try!

by Jewelrydesigner Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 08:58AM Report as inappropriate

Sad eos smooth sphere wasn't on the list, that's the only balm I use. It goes everywhere with me.

by CaraSundae Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 11:08AM Report as inappropriate

used lip smacker before... it was quite good

by 4getu123 Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 04:59AM Report as inappropriate

My personal favorite is Eos!

by Celestine17 Friday, February 10, 2012 at 04:33PM Report as inappropriate

I always wake up with bleeding lips in the morning during winter, and so far I have tried tons of chap sticks and none have really done much, some even dry them more. But I haven't tried any of the best reviewed one so I will try some.

by yestfl Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 10:08AM Report as inappropriate

great tips

by darksecret Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 09:06AM Report as inappropriate

The Philosophy looks interesting. Nice to have some basics in the top though.

by krycekov Monday, February 6, 2012 at 11:56AM Report as inappropriate

read someone wants to try wet n wild lipsticks...be sure to try the ones that use the term silk in them and i also recommed the frosted kind. they are moister than the other ones and do feel like the more expensive brands.

by barbara_benjamin_tadokoro Monday, February 6, 2012 at 02:44AM Report as inappropriate

whhhhhaaaaaat, how did the mac landed to top 5, i honestly did not like it, and the rose salve, i feel like it was just sitting on top of my lip and it didn't do anything to moisturize my lips. these are just based on my experience, i think different products works differently for everyone.

by mosh Sunday, February 5, 2012 at 10:05PM Report as inappropriate

Sad not to see Chapstick on the list! I can't live with out it!

by bitemeinks Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 08:45AM Report as inappropriate

I was really surprised by some of the worst. I was really happy to see bonnie bell lip smackers on the the best list. They are some of my favorites

by laurie72 Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 08:44PM Report as inappropriate

I was really surprised there were bad blistex and burts bees ones

by sportimonki13 Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 07:06PM Report as inappropriate

the lip medex is always amazing thankss

by Nicole2814 Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 02:48PM Report as inappropriate

I'm still a fan of the Nivea also. Its cheap and works awesome. I will definatley give a few of these a try to though. You never can have to many lip balms.

by bayoukris Friday, January 20, 2012 at 08:24AM Report as inappropriate

Good ole Vasline works for me.

by missoconee Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 05:45PM Report as inappropriate

i cant find Mac tinted lip conditioner anywhere around my country anymore. i think they discontinued it

by 4getu123 Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 01:54AM Report as inappropriate

I haven't even heard of some of the best lip balm products, will definitely have to try out some

by Beautyrae Friday, January 13, 2012 at 01:40PM Report as inappropriate

Where's Chapstick???

by FinalFlash Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 10:32AM Report as inappropriate

I never even heard of Beecology Buzz Balm! I plan to try it as soon as I find where to buy it.

by Jewelrydesigner Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 04:44PM Report as inappropriate

The best lio balm I've ever had was either from Blistex or Nivea that had CoQ10 in it. really rejuvenate my lips and worked smoothly in the cold weather.

by Minibear Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 04:34PM Report as inappropriate

I'm gonna try the #1 best!

by Sprinklesugars Monday, December 26, 2011 at 04:24PM Report as inappropriate

MAC Lip conditioner is really great! But I think Kiehl's lip balm works really well too even with a cheaper price.

by celinedejesus Sunday, December 25, 2011 at 02:36PM Report as inappropriate

I want to try the mac balm and the philosophy one.

by melissa_thiemann Friday, December 23, 2011 at 11:47AM Report as inappropriate

I'm surprised Nivea lip balm wasn't on the list of the best. I love it and always come back to.

by patricia89 Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 05:33AM Report as inappropriate

I love lip balm! The Smith's Rosebud Salve from Sephora is also really great. I even use it to style my pixie cut!

by tallredamanda Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 04:43AM Report as inappropriate

will give a try

by glamfairy Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 06:37PM Report as inappropriate

I agree with the rose salve and I want try the mac brand of lip balm. I have tried most of the others.

by melissa_thiemann Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 01:08PM Report as inappropriate

I agree with the C O Bigelow Rose Salve. I have been having some serious lip cracking issues. This helps tremendously!

by sweettpea29 Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 07:45PM Report as inappropriate

C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve: this stuff really is magic..my friend introduced to me and i fell in love with the scent and then i itried it on my lips andit was the best feeling.. definitey moisturizing and leaves your lips feeling soft and moisturized.. currently running low and will have t search for more.!

by rosa321 Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 10:50PM Report as inappropriate

You can't go wrong with Chapstick. I'm not a fan of Blistex because it doesn't see me to do anything except sit on my lips, its not "absorbed" by my skin the way Chapstick is. But to each his own I guess.

by msbrown822 Monday, November 14, 2011 at 10:21AM Report as inappropriate

I see everyone saying that they want to try the different lip balms but personally I want to Beecology buzz balm. Obviously it was rated number one, so there has to be something extraordinary about it! Everyone go out and buy it! I was just looking at their website and they also donate 10% of their net profits to a charity of your own choice.. Now what's better than that! I'm going to buy my buzz balm today to see if it's truly number one

by Kissmylips3 Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 05:12PM Report as inappropriate

Great article, but I'm surprised that Blistex Deep Renewal wasn't listed as one of the best. I love it!

by WiccanLady Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 11:31AM Report as inappropriate

After years of wearing lipstick every single day my lips became "addicted" to some kind of balm. One day without it and they would dry up like old prunes. Be careful with applying some kind of balm every single day.

by sonia_silveroli Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 07:15AM Report as inappropriate

Beecology's Buzz Balm has won me and my husband over! We love how it glides on and it's staying power is amazing!

by mollydolly Monday, October 31, 2011 at 10:21AM Report as inappropriate

I used the Rose Salve, but I'd like to try the Mac lip conditioner.

by volta Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 09:31PM Report as inappropriate

I love Carmex

by Flicky_95 Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 05:59PM Report as inappropriate

One of the best "super" beauty products out there. I use it on my lips, cuticles and elbows.

by debostokes Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 09:43PM Report as inappropriate

I like fresh

by porsha_coleman_mcdaniels Monday, October 24, 2011 at 10:38PM Report as inappropriate

My first time using Burt's Bees Lip Balm was a big disappointment. It has a great smell but it left my lips light purple and with pieces of lip balm. Not cool.

by andyv1217 Monday, October 24, 2011 at 06:40PM Report as inappropriate

hate blistex in every presentation, love chapstick

by gisellemarie Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 07:28AM Report as inappropriate

I love my eos balm.

by liliofthevalley Sunday, October 16, 2011 at 09:54AM Report as inappropriate

I would like to try the philosophy

by porsha_coleman_mcdaniels Monday, October 10, 2011 at 08:44AM Report as inappropriate

Love carmex at night

by Only1KimmieD Monday, October 10, 2011 at 08:08AM Report as inappropriate

I can't live without chapstick. I have one in all of my purses and my makeup bag. I literally never leave home without it. LOL I've stopped wasting my money on anything else.

by msbrown822 Monday, October 10, 2011 at 06:52AM Report as inappropriate

I'd like to try the Blistex Lip Medex!

by lanigaga Sunday, October 9, 2011 at 01:53PM Report as inappropriate

I loved Bonne Bell when I was a kid but I picked it up again recently and didn't find it that moisturizing. I do love it for the nostalgia factor though! I love MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner and CO Bigelow Rose Salve though.

by LipglossandSpandex Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 07:53PM Report as inappropriate