We will keep this simple and as non-technical as possible.

Why are you “addicted” to lip balms that don’t work?  Are there any lip balms that actually help soothe dry lips?

We’ll explain why and offer a couple suggestions how to break your lip balm addiction and help you choose two products that work to improve the condition of your lips.

A few facts.  Most lip balms are formulated with things that irritate, not soothe even the healthiest lips.  Worse, if your lips are at all compromised (chapped, clinically dry, cracked) these ingredients will only serve to temporarily give you some (inadequate) comfort and then turn your lip irritation into a long term problem.  These irritating (and very popular) ingredients are scents and flavors.  Manufacturers assume (maybe through market research?) that we all want the same smell and lip sensation.

Heres a list of irritating fragrances and essential oils that are great for the diffuser, and not great for our lips.

• Vanilla
• Rose
• Almond
• Lemon
• Cinnamon
• Clove
• Peppermint
• Menthol
• Capcasin
• Camphor

 Ceralip Lipid Replenishing Lip Cream by Laroshe-Posay “Reconstitutes severely dry, chapped lips, and can be used after medical treatments. Restores skin comfort. Fragrance-free, preservative-free, CERALIP minimises the risks of intolerance.”  That is the business friends.  Even the worst lip conditions will be restored.  Because, ceramides.  Available at Target.

We are not huge fans of petroleum based products.  Generally, these ingredients just give you a greasy feel and offer very little clinical results to repair lips.  (And with overuse, will actually decrease your skins ability to absorb active ingredients).  However, CeraVe Healing Ointment contains lower amounts of petrolatum than most other products and contains, again, ceramides and hyaluronic acid.  Formulated by dermatologists, this is one product that contains a petroleum base that we will totally excuse.  This is also lanolin free, which is a pretty common allergy.

 

Marketed as “sfe and uncompromising beauty” Shea Moisture’s SuperFruit Multi-Vitamin Shea Butter Lip Balm is formulated with raw shea butter and vitamin-rich Superfruit Complex.  Promising to “soothe and renew” this is free of parabens,  Phthalates, Mineral Oil, DEA, Petroleum, Formaldehyde, Propylene and heavy fragrance.  This is one of Meaghan’s fave kit staples and many of her clients snap a photo of it to purchase later because of the luscious and comforting texture.

Rachael’s current personal fave is Kopari Coconut Lip Glossy.  Kopari’s cult favorite, petroleum-free lip gloss is formulated with squalane (derived from olives), shea butter, and 100 percent organic coconut oil to leave your lips silky-soft and hydrated to perfection. Use it to layer over your liquid lipstick for a smooth and non-sticky finish. This product can also be used as an eye or cheek gloss. It has the perfect slip and will love on lips all day and night. We’ve never heard Rachael rave about a lip balm, until now.

 

Have your tried these?  What works for you?  Have a questions?  Leave a comment!

xoxo