The Power of a Good Lip Balm: Must-Have Products
Your lips can tell a lot about you, and having healthy, hydrated lips is very important. Lip balm is one of the best ways to ensure that your lips stay moisturized, protected from the elements, and looking their best. A good lip balm not only keeps your lips plump and kissable; it does so much more. From preventing lines around your mouth to staving off sunburns, lip balm offers many benefits and it’s an essential item in any beauty routine.
In this guide, we will be exploring the power of lip balms, the different types available, the key ingredients you should look for, and the best products on the market. We will also cover ways to make sure you get the most out of your lip balm as well as tips for keeping your lips healthy.
The Benefits of Using Lip Balm
Lip balms are a great way to keep your lips feeling moisturised, hydrated and looking good. Not only do these products help to protect the delicate skin of your lips, but they can also be used to provide them with nourishment.
Here are some of the main benefits of using lip balm:
- Moisturising – Lip balms are a great way to keep lips hydrated and free from dryness and chapping. This is especially important in cold, windy or sunny weather when lips can become dry quickly.
- Protection – Lip balms offer a barrier between your lips and the environment, protecting them from the sun, wind and other elements. Some even contain SPF (sun protection factor) for added protection.
- Nourishment – Some lip balms contain vitamins and minerals that help nourish and protect lips from damage.
- Fragrance – Many lip balms have pleasant scents and flavours, making them more enjoyable to use.
Overall, lip balm is an important product to invest in if you want to keep your lips looking and feeling healthy and hydrated.
Know Your Ingredients
Having the right ingredients in your lip balm can make all the difference. To help you choose the best product for your lips, here’s a breakdown of the most common ingredients used in lip balms:
- Beeswax – This all natural wax helps to seal and protect your lips from the elements. It also adds texture and prevents moisture loss.
- Petroleum Jelly – A popular choice, petroleum jelly is known to be moisturizing and protective. It also helps to fill in cracks and wrinkles.
- Shea Butter – Shea butter is a natural butter that provides intense nourishment and hydration to the lips. It helps to form a protective barrier on the lips against environmental factors, as well as keeping them highly moisturized.
- Cocoa Butter – Another popular choice, cocoa butter creates a protective barrier that can lock in moisture. It also helps to create a smooth texture.
- Vitamin E Oil – Vitamin E is extremely beneficial for skin health, and is known to be healing and nourishing. It can help to minimize wrinkles, rebuild collagen, and keep lips soft and supple.
- Essential Oils – Essential oils are often added to lip balms for their therapeutic properties, as well as giving the product a pleasant scent. The chosen essential oil will depend on the desired effect, as there are many to choose from.
Knowing which ingredients are in the lip balms you buy will make it easier for you to select the best product for your lips. Just remember to avoid any products that contain fragrances and dyes.
Types of Lip Balms
Lip balm is an essential step in any lip care routine. It helps to keep lips soft, hydrated and protected from the elements. Luckily, there are lots of different kinds of lip balms available, each providing different benefits.
The most popular type of lip balm is tinted – as it provides colour and shine to your lips. Natural lip balms are also becoming increasingly popular, as they provide nourishment and protection with natural ingredients. You can also find flavoured lip balms, which come in a range of delicious flavours for added enjoyment.
If you’re looking for something more specific, there are lots of options. Lip balms with SPF protect lips from the sun’s harmful rays. You can also find medicated lip balms, which help to treat and heal dry or chapped lips.
Whatever type of lip balm you choose, remember that taking care of your lips is the most important step. So make sure to look out for these specific types of lip balms when shopping for one!
Key Aspects to Look for in Buying Lip Balm
When shopping for lip balm, there are a few key features to consider. SPF protection is one of the most important factors, as this helps to protect your lips from UV damage. Sunscreen isn’t typically needed on the lips, as they are naturally protected, but if you are spending time in the sun, it is a good idea to have additional protection.
Texture is also an important factor when looking for lip balm. The feeling on your lips should be comfortable, not sticky or heavy. Look for something that will glide on smoothly but also provide a protective layer to help keep moisture locked into your lips.
The ingredients in a lip balm can also make a big difference. Natural products without harsh chemicals are always a good bet, and something that contains natural oils and antioxidants is even better. Look for natural ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. These all help nourish your lips and keep them healthy.
Best Lip Balm Products on the Market
It can be hard to decide which lip balm is best for you, so we’re here to help. Below is a selection of popular products, and what makes them great.
Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm
Burt’s Bees’ Beeswax Lip Balm has an SPF15 rating, so it offers protection from the sun’s harmful rays as well as being great for soothing dry, cracked lips. It’s also made with 100% natural ingredients, so it’s ideal for those who prefer natural products.
Smith’s Rosebud Salve
Smith’s Rosebud Salve is great for hydrating lips, providing long-lasting comfort. It has a slightly pink tint that acts as a blush, making it a great choice if you’re short on time. It also comes with its own twist-up tin, making it easy to carry around.
Eos Smooth Sphere Lip Balm
Eos’ Smooth Sphere Lip Balm is one of the most affordable options on the market. It contains shea butter, so it’s a great choice for those who suffer from severely dry lips. It also has a light flavor that will leave your lips feeling refreshed.
Carmex
Carmex is a classic lip balm that is renowned for its ability to quickly and effectively relieve chapped lips. It has a pleasant menthol scent and does not leave a greasy residue after use. It’s also incredibly affordable.
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment is a cult favorite that is known to provide long-lasting hydration to the lips. It contains over five essential oils and vitamins that make it kind to the skin, leaving lips soft and smooth. The products come in several colors and shades, making it ideal for those who want to add a little something extra to their look.
Tips & Tricks for Getting More Out of Lip Balm
Every lip balm user wants to make sure they are getting the most out of their product, and there are a few tricks you can use to ensure that you do. Here are some top tips to help you get the most out of your lip balm.
- Apply regularly – the more often you apply lip balm, the more effective it will be. Try to incorporate it into your daily routine, such as after you brush your teeth or apply makeup.
- Choose the right type for you – different types of lip balms have different benefits, so make sure to choose a type that suits your individual needs. For example, if you have dry lips you may want a richer balm that has additional moisturizers.
- Keep balm in a cool place – temperatures that are too hot can melt lip balm, so make sure to keep your balm in a cool and dry place, such as a bathroom cabinet.
- Use a lip scrub – a good lip scrub can help remove dead skin cells and provide a smoother surface for your lip balm to be absorbed into your lips.
- Apply under lipstick – applying a thin layer of lip balm before putting on lipstick can help keep your lips moisturized while also providing a smoother surface for the lipstick.
- Don’t lick your lips – this may seem counter-intuitive, but licking your lips can actually make them drier, as the saliva evaporates quickly and leaves them unprotected.
- Avoid harsh ingredients and fragrances – some lip balms contain harsh chemicals, fragrances and petroleum-based ingredients which can irritate and dry out your lips. Try to look for products that are free of these.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you are getting the most from your lip balm and keeping your lips healthy and protected.
Keeping Your Lips Healthy
Taking care of your lips is essential for healthy looking and feeling lips. There are a few simple steps you can take to protect your lips and keep them in great condition.
Stretch Your Lips
Stretching your lips regularly increases circulation and brings oxygen to the surface of your lips. To do this, simply stretch out your top lip up towards your nose and bottom lip down towards your chin. Hold for a few seconds and release. Stretching your lips should be done daily to maintain healthy lips.
Minimise Picking or Biting Your Lips
We all have the habit of picking at our lips or biting them when we are nervous, but this can quickly damage the delicate skin of our lips. If you are prone to this, try to become aware of it and avoid doing it whenever possible.
Protect Your Lips from the Sun
UV rays from the sun can cause premature aging, as well as sunburn on your lips. Make sure to apply a lip product with an SPF of 15 or higher before going outside. Reapplication throughout the day is also important for consistent protection from the sun.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is one of the most common causes of dry and chapped lips. Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This will keep your lips moisturised and healthy.
DIY Lip Balms
Making your own lip balm is a great way to take control of the product you use and customize it to your own tastes. You can experiment with ingredients and essential oils to create a unique lip balm that reflects your personality! To make your own DIY lip balms, you will need some basic supplies:
- Beeswax
- Coconut Oil
- Essential Oils
- Small Containers
To get started, melt together some beeswax and coconut oil in a double boiler, stirring until the two substances have completely blended. Once the mixture is liquified, add in your choice of essential oils and stir together. Then, pour the mixture into containers of your preference and let it cool until it solidifies. Now you have your very own homemade lip balm! If you’d like to change the texture of the balm, you can add more beeswax or coconut oil accordingly.
Keep in mind that homemade lip balms do not have preservatives like store-bought varieties do, so it’s best to use them within a few weeks for best results. Also, make sure to label your lip balms clearly so that you can remember which ones have any special ingredients or scents.
Storing Lip Balms
It can be easy to overlook the simple act of storing lip balm correctly but it is essential in order to preserve its quality. It is important that lids are securely connected to the container and air circulation is allowed as this prevents the product from drying out.
The ideal temperature to store lip balm is between 12-25°C, however, these temperatures may vary depending on the type of balm. Unopened lip balm can usually last around 18 to 24 months, while an opened balm should last roughly six months. This will depend on how often it is used and how it is stored.
It is also important to store lip balm away from direct sunlight and away from extreme temperatures. Keeping your lip balm in a cool or dark place such as in a drawer or cupboard is ideal. Additionally, ensure that the area where the product is stored is dry, as moisture can cause the product to deteriorate faster.
Good lip balm is essential for healthy and moisturized lips. It serves to protect your lips from the elements and can come in the form of tinted, natural and flavored types. When buying one, look out for SPF protection and texture. The market is flooded with different brands and products so it is important to find the right one for you. Additionally, it is possible to make your own lip balm and storing them correctly can help them last longer. Ultimately, making sure your lips are moisturized and taken care of is key to keeping them healthy and hydrated. By following the advice of this guide, you can add an extra layer of protection and keep your lips looking their best.
References
When making claims that require factual support or further evidence, it is important to provide sources. Readers need to know that the information presented is given with reliability and accuracy. In the guide, credible references have been made where needed, and a list of these sources is given here:
- The Dangers of Lip Balm Addiction By Reina Kline, HealthLine
- 7 Ingredients Used in Lip Balms and What They Do by Jolene Edgar, Byrdie
- DIY Lip Balm by Editors of Reader’s Digest
- Sunscreen Lip Balms by Lorraine Mirabella, The Baltimore Sun
- Tips for Keeping Your Lips Hydrated and Healthy by Sabrina Felson, MD, Verywell.
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