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14 Best Lip Balms, according to Sephora UK Experts


Best Lip Balms


We might not like to admit it, but dry, cracked lips don’t make us feel our most comfortable selves. And so, we’re bringing you the very best rated lip balms to keep your frown the right way round. Giving us hydrated, happy and healthy lips with every use, each one of these bestselling balms is packed with Vitamins, Butters and Oils to ensure total comfort. Special occasions, everyday, on the go or in the office, there’s a balm that covers us for every possibility and every weather. Keeping harsh conditions on the outside and moisture locked in, find your perfect match right here.


What does lip balm do?

A skincare product everyone needs, lip balm serves us the most. Its ultimate purpose? To moisturise and hydrate lips, preventing them from becoming dry, chapped, or cracked. Many lip balms contain ingredients with soothing properties, such as Menthol or Aloe Vera, which can provide relief to irritated or sensitive lips. When used every day, lip balms don't just help our lips look great, but feel even better.


Our cold weather hero whenever the temperature drops, lip balms form a protective layer on the lips, shielding them from cold, dry air, and wind. This helps prevent further damage and allows lips to heal. Some also contain sun protection factors (SPF) to keep any harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation at bay. Uncomfortable, sunburnt lips? No, thank you.


The skin on our lips is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of our face, and it lacks oil glands, making it more prone to drying out. That's why lip balms are an essential in our skincare routines. While we won't tell you to go all in with lip balms that may have potential irritants, we're here to help you choose a lip balm with ingredients that work well for your individual skin.


What is lip balm made of?

Lip balms are typically made up of ingredients like Beeswax, Carnauba Wax, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, or various oils like Coconut Oil and Jojoba Oil that create a protective barrier to prevent dehydration. Emollients like Lanolin or Squalane help to soften and smooth the skin, helping us lock in the moisture. And Humectants, such as Glycerin or Hyaluronic Acid, help to keep lips hydrated to the max by attracting and retaining moisture. 


Your lip balm might smell or taste nice, but that's not always a good thing. Often this might mean it's packed with natural or artificial fragrances (and flavourings!). But be careful! That might mean these are irritating to those of us with more sensitive skin. Experience a cooling effect on the lips with medicated lip balms, often containing soothing ingredients like Camphor or Phenol to relieve any dry lip pain or discomfort. Your lips may love natural or organic lip balms that use plant-based ingredients (we know we do!). Whatever you choose, go for one that meets whatever your lips need - wherever you are. 


How to apply lip balm

Applying lip balm is a simple task. But there's tips and tricks on how to maximise its effectiveness. Before applying, gently clean your lips using a soft toothbrush or exfoliate with a lip scrub to remove any dead skin. Our Sephora Collection sugar scrub leaves you with *the* most nourishing base.


If your lip balm comes in a pot of tin, wash your hands beforehand so you're not transferring dirt or bacteria to your lips. Clean queens, we've got you; you could always use a clean, disposable applicator to scoop out the product. Gently glide a thin layer of lip balm across your lips, covering the surface - and don't forget your corners, where dryness and chapping often occur. Reapply throughout the day as needed. Then you've got your lip care signed, sealed, and delivered. 


How long does lip balm last?

Long-lasting lip balm is the goal, but its longevity varies depending on the size of the product, how often you use it, and the amount you apply each time. Larger tubs or tubes with more product will, of course, last longer than smaller ones. Whenever we're in doubt, we supersize it. Even the larger ones are travel-friendly! For those of us who need a little extra care on dry areas of our whole body (like knees, elbows or hands), these larger sizes promise we're never without hydration.


And how often should you apply lip balm? That's totally up to you. If you reapply lip balm many times a day, especially if you have dry or chapped lips, you'll use up the product more quickly than those with naturally moisturised lips. The amount you apply also affects how long lip balm lasts. Using a thin, even layer usually does the trick. For lip balms with a thicker or more concentrated formula? A little goes a long way, so take note.


What is the best lip balm for dry lips?

Finding the perfect remedy for dry lips can feel impossible, especially when you don’t know what you’re looking for. The best lip balm for dry lips can vary from person to person, as everybody has different preferences and sensitivities. But, with the right ingredients, even the most damaged skin can feel nourished and repaired. The ones we always look out for? Shea Butter for nutrients that prevent moisture loss, Jojoba Oil which is filled with skin-mimicking moisture that will soothe, smooth and soften, and a host of other nourishing ingredients.


Oils and Butters are useful remedies for dry and damaged skin, but it’s important to get your fill of Vitamins as well. Vitamin E speeds up cell generation and stimulates collagen production making lips plumper and smoother, while Antioxidants from natural sources protect against pollution. Looking for a sheer wash of colour? Look for a hue that compliments every complexion. 


By Sephora UK Skincare Editorial Team

Writers and experts

Updated: 5 July 2024


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