We grabbed a few lip balms hot off the market and rated them accordingly based on the following criteria:
- Ingredient Quality (the more natural, the better)
- Glossiness (if you’re into that)
- Package Design (insta-worthiness)
- Price Point (doesn’t break the bank)
The Everyday Lip Balm
GenElle Refresh CBD Lip Balm ($8)
GenElle Refresh CBD Lip Balm is the perfect balm for your everyday carry. Formulated with dry lips in mind, this nourishing balm is bursting with organic coconut oil and nothing but all-natural ingredients.
It glides on smooth and minty, coating the lips with a relaxing, lightweight layer of protection against the elements. Paraben & petrolatum-free. Beautiful, subtle design with neutral colors and gold foil.
- Ingredient Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Glossiness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Insta Worthiness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Price Point: $8.00 via Generation Elle
The Active Lip Balm
eos Aloe Active Lip Balm is the ideal balm for the active, outdoorsy type. A plethora of exotic ingredients including caffeine and sunscreen. Dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, paraben, and petrolatum free. Good price point and long-lasting. The scent and taste is a sweet aloe.
- Ingredient Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Glossiness: ⭐⭐⭐
- Insta Worthiness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Price Point: $4.00 via Target
The OG Lip Balm
Carmex Comfort Care ($4.49 2pk)
Carmex is the OG of the lip balm world. We tried the new Carmex Natural Care; Carmex reinvented. This one is very affordable (comes in a two-pack) and boasts natural ingredients. It smells slightly of bubblegum or licorice if you are into that sort of thing. It is packed with exotic waxes like Carnauba wax, formerly used as a polish and for making candles, and Rhus Verniciflua, known in China as the lacquer tree because it is used for furniture. This is a heavy-duty balm for the seriously chapped.
- Ingredient Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Glossiness: ⭐
- Insta Worthiness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Price Point: $4.49 (2pk) via CVS
The Tinted Lip Balm
Milk Makeup Kush Lip Balm ($16)
Milk Makeup Kush Lip Balm is a higher cost but exults a heavy durable tube that snaps shut with a magnetic snap. The lip tint itself has a buildable lightweight soft feel. It is flavored with sage and peppermint. Although goes on smooth, it can be on the drier side as it wears on. In spite of its impressive list of emollient butters, it is not an all-natural product, containing color dyes.
- Ingredient Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Glossiness: ⭐
- Insta Worthiness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Price Point: $16.00 via Milk Makeup
The Glossy Lip Balm
Glossier Lip Gloss ($14)
Gloss has its time and place. Really popular in the 2000s and making a comeback. We chose Glossier’s Clear Gloss. This one is pricey, but a top of the line super-gloss. It’s a thick product that sits on the lips. It’s hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and paraben-free. Downsides include that it’s mostly synthetic, contains preservatives, and dye colors (even in the clear).
- Ingredient Quality: ⭐
- Glossiness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Insta Worthiness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Price Point: $14.00 via Glossier
The Medicated Lip Balm
Blistex Medicated Lip Balm ($2.89 3pk)
Blistex is a tried and true favorite for some. It has normal packaging and a low price point. This balm is easy to obtain, found at checkouts in most stores. The mineral oil, petroleum, paraffin, and preservatives, take this one out of the running for a natural product. On a plus side, it seals in lip moisture to prevent drying and has sunscreen.
- Ingredient Quality: ⭐⭐⭐
- Glossiness: ⭐⭐⭐
- Insta Worthiness: ⭐⭐
- Price Point: $2.89 (3pk) via Target
