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13 Best Lip Balms, according to Sephora UK Experts
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 February 2024
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Laneige
Lip Glowy Balm Berry
Best for: Glowing on the go
We love the glowing feeling we get when we put on this Laneige product. This fan-favourite balm gives our lips the shimmery appearance of a lip gloss, without a sticky feeling - and is the perfect pair for our Laneige Lip Masks. The key ingredients of Murumumu and Shea Butter help repair dry lips, allowing them to retain more hydration for longer. Light and practical, we also love the sheer tint that adds a little extra glow to our lips.
Tried and tested: “This product is a must-have. I’ve had it for so long and it has barely run out. A nice lip gloss to finish a look. The berry colour especially looks good with anyone’s complexion.” - Maddie, Customer Review
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Sephora Collection
#Lipstories Balm - Colored hydrating lip balm
Best for: Natural looks
Intensifying the natural colour and beauty of our lips, every use of these coveted Sephora Collection balms provides a hydrated sheen - whatever the colour. Thanks to Mango Butter and Jojoba Oil, you’ll get six hours of hydration with each one of the 10 shades. Even the packaging is made to help, as each box reflects the balm’s shade and is made from sustainably managed forests with less plastic and glue-free. The best part? You can collect every flavour and shade for a full lip balm set. Win.
Tried and tested: “I love these balms! The sheer buildable formula is so beautiful and they have a gorgeous shine to them. I own four colours and I’ve finished one already. It’s a product I can’t stop buying and wearing! I hope these don’t get discontinued.” - Madera, Customer Review
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REM Beauty
Everything Nice Lip Balm
Best for: Amping up our routine
A little something extra to make our lips as powerful as possible, we’re always looking for ways to amp up our lip routines. A quick fix to making sure our lips stay healthy while also getting an extra shimmery boost, this balm works both as a hydrating bottom layer, or glossy top coat. Fuller, smoother lips are easily created - minus the greasy feel. Subtle and memorable in one, we use alone or layer with other lip looks for added impact.
Tried and tested: “SO moisturising with a really subtle shimmer. I was worried that it would be glittery but it just has this really nice sheen. I use this like once a minute and it smells again, subtle but really good. It's definitely worth the price.” - Eva, Customer Review
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Fresh
Sugar Icon Tinted Lip Balm
Best lip treatment for dry lips
Nature calls for this bestselling tinted balm. Coming in hot with 12 versatile shades that match every skin tone, this 90% natural formula keeps our lips feeling healthy and protected for up to 24 hours. Hydrating and nourishing, it's the perfect moisturiser for lips lacking lustre, as the combination of Sugar, Grapeseed Oil, and the vital C and E Vitamins result in softer, blurred lips that will be feeling sweet all day long.
Tried and tested: “Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in the colour Icon is not only beautiful it is nourishing and so smooth on your lips. It is infused with sugar and plant-based fruit oils like grapeseed that softens your lips and cranberry seed that smooths your lips. Vitamin C and Vitamin E add the best lip protection to your lips. My lips feel so soft and smooth and I’m in love with the buildable colour.” - Marisa, Customer Review
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NUXE
Reve de Miel
Best lip balm for chapped lips
Dry and chapped lips might be our number one beauty problem when we’re in harsh and cold climates. Our saviour? The cult NUXE Reve balm, which keeps even the driest lips moist and plumped. With Shea Butter, Macadamia Nut and Argan Oils providing a barrier between the environment and our lips, and Honey adding much-needed moisture, it hydrates and repairs lips easily with every swipe. Just apply overnight and whenever you need for the ultimate hit.
Tried and tested: “This product is honestly gorgeous! I have suffered from chapped lips recently and always wanted to find a quality product to stop me from having to peel off flaking skin/curb soreness. This was a lifesaver. A little goes a long way and I still wake up with a lovely soft residue after a long night's sleep. It has a pleasant smell and glides on perfectly. Worth the money!” - Rianna, Customer Review
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NARS
Afterglow Lip Balm
Best for: Slow mornings
A tinted lip balm that comes in six different shades? We couldn’t be more tempted. Here to keep lips looking smooth and soft all day long, each swipe gives us the (after)glow we never knew we needed. Powered by Antioxidants and the brand’s signature Monoi Hydrating Complex, it creates a stunning shimmer across the lips, while providing us with the hydration we need to look and feel our best selves.
Tried and tested: “I love this. I always want to wear lipstick but never stick with it but this is the perfect balance for me. A pop of colour and really nourishing. Would definitely recommend. I want it in more colours.” - Leanne, Customer Review
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KOSAS
LipFuel Hyaluronic Acid Lip Balm
Best lip balm for dehydrated lips
A compact and unique balm, this cult KOSAS staple slips into our pocket wherever we go, so hydration is always around the corner. Packed with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E and Cocoa Seed Butter, it soothes lips, giving a plumper and fuller appearance alongside its beautifully sheer tint. Actively working to repair and revitalise lips over time, we use it as a top coat for other products, so we can enjoy the soft colour wash and skincare benefits all the time. Luxe lips on the go? We expect nothing less.
Tried and tested: “I love this tinted balm! I have many products like this, but this has quickly become a favourite because of the beautiful colour, minty coolness and nourishing feeling. I’m not sure why this is drying for some people, but I find it helps relieve any dryness I might have. Now, I want to try the other colour. It’s a great product for summer!” - Ashley, Customer Review
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Sol de Janeiro
Brazilian Kiss Cupuaçu Lip Butter
Best for: Skin that smiles
Perfect for taking summer into every season, this moisturising balm carries a delicious Cocoa smell wherever we take it. Creamy and velvety, it features Cupuacu Fruit blended with Acai and Coconut Oil to make lips supple and soft. But, it’s the multitasking hydration we love the most. Filled with not just tasty ingredients, apply it to the driest areas of your skin such as elbows or cuticles to give them the same boost as your lips.
Tried and tested: "This product is amazing. I love the way it smells and it feels amazing on my lips. And the packaging is the absolute cutest thing ever. I am definitely repurchasing! I would definitely recommend!” - Madi, Customer Review
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Tarte
Maracuja Juicy Lip
Best for: A healthy sheen
It's three for the price of one with this vegan balm. As we welcome a gloss, tint and treatment, with each use, there’s nothing this Juicy Lip can’t do. With collagen-boosting ingredients like Acai Oil and, of course, Maracuja Oil, you’ll find a host of Vitamins and essential Fatty Acids designed to take our lips to optimal health. And in just one click of the stick, we have the perfect amount of product dispensed every time.
Tried and tested: “I'm obsessed. The consistency is so buttery smooth and gives my lips the perfect pop of colour. I like the fact you click a button to push up the product because I can use just as much as I want to and not be wasteful.” - Allison, Customer Review
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Dior
Addict Lip Glow
Best lip moisturiser balm for luscious lips
If there's one lip balm we can't leave the house without, it's this Dior Addict Lip Balm. Hydrating and colour-enhancing, it revives the natural colour of your lips with a custom glow for six hours. The best part? It hydrates lips for 24 hours! Enriched with 97% natural-origin ingredients, including Cherry Oil, Sunflower Wax and Shea Butter, the smooth, creamy formula protects lips from drying out, leaving you with extreme comfort. It's the crème de la crème of lip balms.
Tried and tested: “I prefer wearing more natural looking makeup and have been looking for a good lip tint for a long time. Everything else I've tried is either too sheer (not enough tint), too dry, too shiny, or too cakey. While this is on the pricier side, it's totally worth it! It provides just the right amount of tint (for me), is moisturising, and lasts a long time. Will definitely be my go-to from now on.” - Tina, Customer Review
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Glossier
Balm Dotcom Lip Balm and Skin Salve
Best for: Sealing in moisture
Moisturise and soften with this ultra-rich Glossier Lip Balm. Formulated with antioxidants and natural emollients like Synthetic Beeswax and Castor Seed Oil, this all-over balm nourishes dry, flaky, chafed skin. Its thick, waxy texture seals in moisture, leaving lips smooth and hydrated without the shine. Apply generously on lips for a long-lasting lip balm treatment or use Original as a skin salve on any areas you need extra moisture. Cuticles, elbows, knees - Glossier Balm Dotcom has you covered.
Tried and tested: “I've had the same tube for over two months now, and it's still close to full! Aside from the great amount of product in the tube, the scent (I have coconut) is incredible. It's definitely the best lip balm I've ever tried! Now I'm tempted to buy the fig and birthday ones too!” - Ang, Customer Review
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Burt’s Bees®
Beeswax Lip Balm Tube
Best lip balm for natural ingredients
The softer the lip balm, the sweeter the smile. Often praised for its moisturising ingredients, Burt's Beeswax helps you achieve sweet lips that feel nourished and luxurious. Packed with Beeswax to condition skin, antioxidant Vitamin E to richly moisturise and soften lips, plus a hint of Peppermint Oil, this tube of soothing lip balm revitalises lips, leaving you with a matte finish and refreshing tingle. Keep this on you night and day - your lips will love you for it. Reach for Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm to moisturise with a splash of colour.
Tried and tested: “Effective and natural lip balm. This balm works wonders on dry lips. It moisturises very well and lasts long.” - Alina, Customer Review
