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Whether you’re braving gusty winds in Chicago or basking in the dry heat of an Arizona summer, there’s one common menace: chapped lips. Yup, the struggle is real and it’s year-round—not just in the winter. That dry, uncomfortable feeling that turns a flawless smile into a flaky disaster is truly the stuff of nightmares.
So WTF do you do when your lips need a little TLC? Lip balms are the saving grace that rescues your parched pout and restores it to its hydrated glory. But not all lip balms are created equally. Some are actually packed with drying ingredients, leaving your lips drier than the air at Coachella and luring you into a vicious cycle of endless reapplication.
Fret not, I’ve scoured the lip care realm far and wide and have unearthed lip balms that will actually keep your lips kissably soft and supple, come rain or shine, snow or sizzle. Let’s take a look, shall we?
1. Nivea Smoothness Lip Care SPF 15
Shop It: Nivea Smoothness Lip Care SPF 15, $16, Amazon
This is one of the many, many things I grab whenever I’m at Target. I have used it every year and it has never betrayed me. The formula consists of shea butter, aloe, and SPF 15 to leave your lips feeling lusciously soft, hydrated, and smooth. Why get one when you can get two for legit less than $4?
2. LANEIGE Lip Glowy Balm
Shop It: Laneige Glowy Balm, $18, Amazon
Bid adieu to chapped lips and say hello to your new glossy best friend. This K-Beauty wonder, Laneige’s Lip Glowy Balm, is more than just a lip balm; it’s a hydrating hero, packed with delicious berry extracts to leave your lips plush and oh-so-kissable. Smooth it on day or night for a lip-smacking pop of shine and a moisture boost that will have you saying, “Chapped lips? Who is she?”
3. Glossier Balm Dotcom
Shop It: Glossier Balm Dotcom, $14, Sephora
Everyone is talking about it and it’s not just because it’s popping up all over your Instagram feed. Glossier’s balm dotcom lip balms don’t dry out your lips and are totally worth the hype and the $12 price tag. Glossier’s balms come in six options (or flavors, as they call it) from the original to the bestselling birthday (pictured below), to other classics like coconut or mint. Each of them contain ~mood-enhancing~ scents, natural plant extract, protective beeswax, and organic antioxidants for long-lasting moisture.
4. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy
Shop It: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy, $12, Ulta
This First Aid Beauty balm has a great consistency and antioxidant booster to help fend off aggressors such as annoying UV rays or gross pollution. Your lips will feel so smooth that you’ll want to apply often throughout the day and even layer under your favorite lipstick afterwards.
Shop It: Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment, $16, Rhode Skin
Are your lips craving a luxurious treat? Look no further than the Rhode’s Peptide Lip Treatment. This premium formula combines the power of peptides and a host of natural ingredients, promising to hydrate, rejuvenate, and plump up your pout in no time. Talk about lip service, right? Investing in this lip treatment is like booking a 5-star spa retreat for your lips. They’ll thank you for it.
Cold, lip-chapping temps might be gone for now, but that doesn’t mean your pout should lack nourishment. These lip balms that don’t dry out your lips will keep your lips smooth and silky all year round.
