The 20 Best Lip Balms and Treatments, According to Beauty Experts

To all the lip balms I've loved (and lost) before: thank you. Besides curing my dry, chapped lips, you've provided SPF coverage, a touch of color, and even a sweep of gloss every once in a while. To say I miss some of you is an understatement, but I do know I can always find at least one of the best lip balms ever floating around in the bottom of my bag.

There are plenty of reasons to keep a lip balm on hand—the biggest being hydration. "Lip balm provides minimal shine, making it suitable for both men and women. It also ensures a smoother application for lip liners and lipsticks without altering color or texture," notes celebrity makeup artist Renée Loiz. You can also wear a balm alone—it can condition your lips, combat dryness, and even impart added color, scent, or texture.

Our beauty team has tried and tested almost every lip balm option out there and spoken with experts to get their opinions as well. Ahead, discover our very favorites.

What to Look For in a Lip Balm

"Think of lip balm as your lips' personal bodyguard. Lip balm protects the lips from the climate and the sun. It helps to moisturize, soften, and soothe the lips from dryness and chapping," says celebrity facialist and aesthetic nurse Natalie Aguilar, who counts a quality lip balm among her top-three daily must-have beauty products. "Plus, lip balm can add a touch of shine, creating a healthier appearance."

Protecting your lips with a balm—alongside drinking enough water—helps prevent water loss, saving you from dryness before it starts.

• Ingredients

If you're looking for a lip balm that'll provide a shield for your lips, try to find an occlusive moisturizer, which works by creating a physical, water-resistant barrier. "Traditional lip balms often contain ingredients like beeswax, carnauba wax, lanolin, or petrolatum,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss previously told Marie Claire. If you're looking for something that'll sink in? Try shea butter or jojoba oil. “I like to use non-traditional lip balms that melt into your lips for longer-lasting hydration," she adds.

If you want a lip balm for lipstick prep, makeup artist Jonet Williamson has a tip: "Lip balm isn't really a base for lipstick but it does help to prep the lip and should be blotted away before lipstick application," she says. "Having lip balm on under a matte or long-wear lipstick can affect the way it wears and how long it truly lasts, so blotting is important."

The Best Lip Balms

Sonsie Basic Balm

While Pamela Anderson's endorsement of indie skincare darling Sonsie made me try the brand in the first place, it was their high-quality formula that got me hooked. Crafted with 34 percent squalane and creamy sunflower seed wax, the anything-but-basic Basic Balm finishes like a gloss and features locally sourced ingredients for long-lasting hydration and a silky, sensitive-skin-friendly feel. I love its simple white tube, instantaneously hydrating formula, and subtle citrus scent courtesy of yuzu extract.

Pros: Immediately hydrating; Long-lasting; Skin-loving ingredients, Fresh scent; Colorless; Glossy finish

Cons: None found

Lucas' Papaw Ointment

Marie Claire Fashion E-Commerce editor Julia Marzovilla notes that Lucas' Papaw Ointment, an Australian legend that was first made available in the early 1900s, works on just about every skin ailment, from burns to chapped lips. "It's an all-around beauty lifesaver that you need to have on-hand. It’s thick in texture so it’s best applied at night, and comes in a tube rather than a pot," she shares. One note? This stuff is thick. Whether you buy the tube or pot, you'll have to apply it to your finger first.

Pros: Top-rated; Costs less than $20; Can be used all over the body

Cons: Not everyone loves the thick texture

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Available in several flavors and colors, with limited editions constantly being released, Laneige's cult-favorite Lip Sleeping Mask is beloved for many reasons. "While this may be a mask, it's by no means exclusively for overnight use. I have this on hand at all times," says Marie Claire beauty editor Samantha Holender. "It's deeply hydrating and gives my chapped lips an instant hydration fix. Plus, the high-shine finish can't be beaten."

Pros: Editor-approved; Includes ingredients like coconut oil and vitamin C; Top-rated; Can be worn day or night; Comes with an applicator

Cons: Some find it to be sticky.

Sisley Paris Nutritive Lip Balm

If you're looking for the "best" of anything, French brand Sisley is an excellent place to begin your search. (I recently fell in love with their boar bristle brush.) Holender isn't easy to impress, and yet? "This balm repeatedly sends my jaw to the floor," shares the editor. "The formula is unbelievably nourishing, extremely hydrating, and, most notably, stays on overnight. Its unique blend of oils and botanical butter leaves my lips feeling baby soft and looking plump."

Pros: Editor-approved; Lasts a long time; Great for very dry lips

Cons: Some say it's too thick

Blistex Medicated Lip Balm (Pack of 3)

Classics are classics for a reason, and this one sells for just $1 a pop. "I test my fair share of lip balms, but I always, without fail, go back to this one," shares Holender. It leaves no film whatsoever, has a slight menthol feel, and keeps everything smooth. I'm a big fan of applying it over my lipstick for a subtle shine." It was specifically formulated for dryness, cracking, and soreness, with SPF 15 as an added bonus.

Pros: Costs less than $20; Editor-approved; Top-rated; Includes ingredients like cocoa butter; Comes in a 3-pack

Cons: Heavily-scented

Also Recommended

Fresh Sugar Lip Balm Hydrating Treatment

Think of this product as the love child of a lip stain and a lip gloss. "The stain-gloss formula is perfectly hydrating, not at all sticky, and comes in 12 bright shades—including everything from a basic clear option to one with a pale rose tint to a deep wine hue—that are so sheer and pretty, they'll look good on every skin tone," notes Marzovilla. A mainstay in the makeup bags of celebrities like Meghan Markle, it also comes in a handy tube and has nearly 1000 five-star reviews on Sephora’s website (we're counting).

Pros: Editor-approved; Expert-approved; Wide shade range; Top-rated

Cons: Has a strong scent

Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve

The sweetly perfumed Rosebud Salve was my first special product buy after I discovered Emma Watson was into it (I was deep in my sixth-grade Harry Potter phase). It's also been a mainstay in Marzovilla's handbag. "I love the subtle pink tint it leaves behind, the ultra-hydrating texture, and, of course, the size—It's nearly impossible to scratch the bottom of it even though I use it daily," shares the editor. "The hydration lasts forever, but I love to reapply throughout the day for a naturally glossy finish."

Pros: Costs less than $20; Editor-approved; Top-rated

Cons: Strong floral scent; Tin can be tricky to open

Dior Dior Addict Lip Glow

Beauty editors are positively obsessed with Dior's Lip Glow balms, and the internet is in fierce agreement. Not too shiny nor too sticky and available in an impressive array of sheer shades, it leaves your lips with the absolute prettiest glow. Paired with its glossy sister, Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil, my Rosewood-shaded tube is constantly in my purse—even though it's so long-lasting that it would be fine to leave at home.

Pros: Available in multiple sheer colors; Promises 24-hour hydration

Cons: Expensive

Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment

The secret is out: I love Rhode's lip treatments so much that I'm coveting the matching phone case. Created for plump, pillowy-soft lips, Hailey Bieber's signature lip product leaves lips glossy while nourishing and moisturizing them. I love each and every color and each and every scent, but the original is a clear (truly!) winner. I like it best as a gloss, shining up anything I add underneath. And if you want a makeup pro's opinion? Williamson, who has a self-described "lip balm obsession," is all about the salted caramel version.

Pros: A great array of scents and colors; Glossy finish; Costs less than $20; Internet famous

Cons: Often sold out

Nuxe Rêve de Miel Ultra Nourishing Lip Balm

Behold: my French skincare fixation. "This balm is more of a lip mask than anything, moisturizing and long-lasting," says Marie Claire art director Brittany Holloway-Brown. "It's super thick due to the honey and shea butter, and the fragrance of lavender and citrus is a beautiful touch. It's the perfect final step to my nighttime winter skincare routine. It makes me feel like royalty."

Pros: Costs less than $20; Formula contains shea butter; Great for overnight wear; Has a light scent

Cons: Some say it's too thick

Naturopathica Sweet Cherry Conditioning Lip Butter

Marie Claire Associate Social Media Director Lucia Tonelli is all about Naturopathica's Sweet Cherry Conditioning Lip Butter, which she found after falling in love with the brand's Sweet Cherry Enzyme Peel. "Unlike other balms, which can feel great when applying but need frequent reapplication, this product becomes more effective the longer you use it," says Tonelli. "I like to apply it, wait a few minutes, and top it with Vaseline to lock in all the moisture."

Pros: Moisturizing; Has a light smell; Formula contains Moringa seed oil; Long-lasting; Great for wearing overnight

Cons: None found

Burt's Bees Lip Balm (4-Pack)

Marzovilla is known to keep a tube (or two) of Burt's Bees signature product in her work bag. "It's great for days when I just want something that I know is going to work. Plus, the scent (which is on the stronger side) is so iconic that I instantly feel transported back to my younger days," she says. "The texture is more waxy than balmy, which means that it won't cause the products I layer on top to slip and slide throughout the day."

Pros: Affordable; Comes in many different shades and scents; Top-rated; Editor-approved; SPF 30

Cons: None found

Vaseline Lip Therapy Lip Balm Tin in Cocoa Butter

When a lip balm claims to be "like Vaseline," you know a baseline for hydration has been established. "I have these Vaseline lip therapy tins in three different formulas: aloe, rose, and, of course, cocoa butter. Each formulation has a subtle, pleasant scent, and coats my lips with hydration without making them feel slimy," shares Marie Claire Beauty Writer Gabrielle Ulubay. "These balms are also perfect slathering on tiny cuts and dry patches, and I love using them on my upper lip to soothe redness after an at-home wax."

Pros: Costs less than $20; Editor-approved; Top-rated; Lightly-scented; Skin-loving ingredients

Cons: None found

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm for Hydration & Shine

Do you remember where you were when you first heard of Summer Fridays' Lip Butter Balm? "Working in beauty, there's a lot of products that come across your desk. However, this one from Summer Fridays stopped me in my tracks because of how instantly hydrating it felt on my lips," says Marzovilla. "Plus, the glossy finish is stunning. I love the scent of this one, but be forewarned—it’s definitely on the stronger side.”

Pros: Top-rated; Editor-approved; Available in multiple scents; Can be applied day or night

Cons: The texture can be too sticky for some

Prada Beauty Moisturizing Lip Balm

Colorless and therefore universally flattering, Prada's simple and chic lip balm was developed to deliver a natural matte finish (a rare find in the glossy world of lip balms!) and up to 24 hours of lip comfort with jojoba oil and bifidus extract. Refillable and luxurious, there's a good reason the brand chose the balm as one of their first products when they launched their color cosmetics line in January: it was crafted to be a lifetime favorite and needed to be put into your hands immediately.

Pros: Refillable; Universally flattering; Moisturizing

Cons: Expensive

Augustinus Bader The Lip Balm

Augustinus Bader is an expert at mixing innovation with luxury; I pick up their products because they feel amazing before I even realize what great things they can do for my skin. The Lip Balm was formulated with the brand's proprietary ingredient, TFC8, to dramatically improve moisture retention, helping your lips appear plump, smooth, supple, and youthful.

Pros: Skin-loving ingredients; Moisturizing; Innovative

Cons: Expensive

ILIA Lip Wrap Reviving Balm

Another favorite of Williamson's, ILIA's Lip Wrap provides "long-lasting hydration without feeling greasy, like a lip mask that you can wear all day," she says. With ingredients like hyaluronic acid (which seals in moisture from the air) and prickly pear oil (which moisturizes and protects the skin barrier for long-term hydration), this baby comes in a handy tube rather than a pot like other lip balms of the same consistency.

Pros: Has a glossy finish; Skin-loving ingredients; Easy application; Can be used day or night

Cons: Sometimes balm spills out of opening, making the top hard to screw on and off.

Aquaphor Aquaphor Lip Repair Balm

Celebrities like Beyoncé and Gwyneth Paltrow have long sworn by Aquaphor for its ability to keep their lips feeling consistently soft and plush. "I’ve found that this ultra-rich lip balm from the brand is best used at night due to the stickier, thicker texture and consistency, and can be applied to the general lip area (above the lips and around the chin) if you find that area also gets red and sore during the colder months," shares Marzovilla.

Pros: Costs less than $20; Includes ingredients like shea butter; Unscented; Contains SPF 30

Cons: Some reviewers find the texture too sticky

Kiehl's Since 1851 Lip Balm #1 Moisturizing Lip Treatment with Squalane

It's called number 1—and it's accurate. With skin-loving ingredients like squalane, aloe, and vitamin E, Kiehl's Since 1851's beloved unscented #1 Moisturizing Lip Treatment soothes and smooths your lips while providing all kinds of moisture. Its thick texture provides a juicy finish, making it a great sleeping mask. Plus, its scent is virtually undetectable—you can let your favorite perfume do all the talking.

Pros: Costs less than $20; Unscented; Easy to apply; Hydrating

Cons: Some reviewers find the texture oily

La Mer The Lip Balm

Don't hate Marzovilla for including a $80 lip balm on her list of favorites—La Mer's is that good. "This is an opportunity for you to embrace 'put your money where your mouth is,' quite literally," shares the editor. "La Mer has this innovative ingredient called 'Miracle Broth,' which is a mixture of sea kelp, minerals, and nutrients that has gone through a natural fermentation process to leave your lips feeling ridiculously smooth, soothed, and hydrated. In other words, this lip balm is legit the best one that money can buy."

Pros: Top-rated; Editor-approved; Feels luxurious

Cons: Expensive

What Causes Dry, Chapped Lips?

Dry lips aren't a winter-only issue. You can place blame on the weather, licking your lips, or the fact that you forgot your precious water bottle (yes, I've bought into the Stanley Quencher hype).

"We often forget that the sun, wind, and heaters can cause dry, chapped lips. But I mostly notice that my clients have drier and less plump lips when they're not drinking as much water or fluids as they should be," Aguilar says. "It's important to gently remind ourselves that lips need a little extra TLC to stay smooth and hydrated."

Dr. Idriss adds that while topical skincare products like retinoids or Accutane can also be culprits, the biggest cause of dry lips is your tongue. "By licking your lips, moisture is drawn out of them, causing them to dry faster. If you want hydrated, nourished lips, this is one habit you should try to break," she shares.

How Often to Apply Lip Balm

Aguilar says that lip balm should be applied as often as you check your emails. "I like to apply my lip balm at least every one to two hours," she notes. "Or, for dry or cracked lips, every time you swipe up to unlock your phone, swipe on some lip balm too!"

Liz adds that if you're prepping your lips for makeup, you should opt for a silky, waxy balm instead of a glossy formula: "This way, it won't interfere with the lip products you apply afterward."

Meet The Experts

Renée Loiz

Renée Loiz is a top celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert with over 20 years in the industry. Renée is best known for her work with celebrities including Quinta Brunson, Cynthia Erivo, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Sherry Cola, Adele, Chelsea Peretti, Uzo Aduba, Danai Gurira, Thuso Mbedu, and Jaylon Barron.

When she’s not creating press-worthy red carpet and editorial looks for famous faces, Renee can be found working with renowned brands such as NARS, Beauty Blender, Charlotte Tilbury, Chanel, Sephora, Target, BuzzFeed, Adidas, and Warner Brothers. She is also known as the founder of Color May Vary—the ultimate guide to the best black-owned brands for beauty enthusiasts.

Jonet Williamson

In 2005, Jonet began her journey in beauty working as a makeup artist for M.A.C. Cosmetics. With a willingness to learn and an eye for perfection Jonet moved to New York City in 2014 determined to further her artistry and career. Since then, her work has been featured in commercial campaigns (Dolce & Gabanna, Levis, Shea Moisture), editorials (Essence, L'Officiel), and tv & film productions (CBS, MTV, TNT).

Drawing influence from the art of painting her style is a fusion of hyper real skin, modern beauty elements, and abstract expressionism. Jonet Williamson also works closely with brands on content creation (Revlon, Shiseido, L'Oreal, Beauty Counter) and product development.

Los Angeles based licensed aesthetician and dermatological nurse Natalie Aguilar works with many celebrities to keep them looking camera-ready. As the founder of N4 Skincare, Natalie brings 19 years of experience to her practice. She spent years training and learning from the best, where she mastered highly sensitive and technical treatments. Combining her medical knowledge with skincare, she also serves as a global educator for others in the skincare industry.

Dr. Shereene Idriss is a leading board-certified dermatologist on a mission to demystify the world of skincare and cosmetic procedures. Over years of posting myth busting videos to social media from her bed, she's become known as the #PillowtalkDerm, amassing a global community of 3M+ Nerds.

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