Compared to its trendier cousins, lipstick and lip gloss, balm is often the forgotten friend that fails to receive any time in the spotlight. However, it's something that you'll find at the bottom of practically every woman's purse for good reason: With all the stuff we put on our lips, lip balm is a moisturizing must that preps the pout for a smooth, even application of lip color. To help you find the crème de la crème, TotalBeauty.com compiled reviews on the best lip balms readers have tried. Now you'll know exactly which lip balms have the potential to be your new favorites.
No. 7: Bonne Bell Lip Smacker Lip Gloss, $2.99
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.2
Why: This is a nostalgic product for readers, who say it is "essential at any age" and "brings back my childhood." Despite being a blast from the past, readers say this is "a product that the young and old will appreciate," giving a natural color that looks like "my lip color but better." Readers say this balm "has the best flavors," is "non-sticky" and "really moisturizes lips." One woman says, "Unless you're Satan, these are the best little bursts of fun in a cylinder."
No. 6: C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve, $5.50
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.2
Why: This product with the "heavenly rose scent" is the "real deal" according to readers. One woman says, "Not only is it incredibly moisturizing, but it also helps improve the quality of lips" while another says it gives her a "full lip makeover." There are "a million different uses" for this stuff, with one reader using it to "tame flyaways on a bad hair day" and another saying it helps improve her eczema. Another reader says, "This is one of those products you may have never heard of or tried, and when you stumble across it, you wonder how you've managed to live without it!"
No. 5: Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Soothing Lip Balm, $7
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.3
Why: Everyone loves the "minty feeling" of this balm, saying it's "not too sticky" and "does a great job of giving lips moisture." One Victoria's Secret employee says she finds herself "reapplying this while working," labeling it "functional and pretty." Another reader, who lives in the desert, says, "It gives great shine and TLC to dehydrated lips."
No. 4: Philosophy Kiss Me High Emollient Lip Ointment, $12
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.3
Why: This is one product that readers are willing to "splurge on" because it gives you "sweet, pink lips of a baby" with "no stickiness." One lip gloss junkie loves how "moisturizing" it is and finds herself "reaching for it over and over again." This product helps with "chronically peeling lips." And one woman even claims that she would "perish if this product was ever discontinued." Readers say this is the beauty product they'd need when "stranded on a desert island."
No. 3: MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15, $15
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.3
Why: One woman refers to this as her "summer savior" while another reader calls it "heaven in a bottle." Called a "staple" in one reader's makeup bag, this product provides the "perfect amount of shine" that "gives lips a baby soft feel," great for "work and play." It also lasts "more than a year." One reader was "accidentally" introduced to the product and as a result of the experience, she "now believes in fate."
No. 2: Blistex Lip Medex, $1.59
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.4
Why: "I may be addicted to it," says one reader, while another gushes, "My boyfriend says I have the softest, most kissable lips on earth!" This product is "perfect when regular Chapstick just doesn't cut it anymore." One reader even claims that it heals her cold sores, while another uses it "to soothe dry, red, aching noses during cold seasons." The one complaint? "It's so good that my boyfriend always steals mine!"
No. 1: Beecology Natural Lip Balm, $2.99
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.8
Why: This balm is for the "anti-Chapstick" folk, as one reader puts it, having converted her husband and son to loyal fans. One reader's "rough, scratchy lips" became "soft and supple" after just three uses, while another proudly admits that she "has a Beecology Balm in every one of her coats." It's even good enough to "survive those Minnesota winters," another reader says. One reader summarizes the essence of the product as "minty lightness chockfull of splendid healing properties that are marvelously effective."
You've seen the best, now click here to see the 7 worst lip balms.
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