Whether it’s in the dry summer heat or harsh winter winds, I’ve always struggled with dry lips.
No matter what I do or try, my lips always seem to become dry, flake, peel, and sometimes even crack. Even when I think they’re looking soft, I’ll put on a matte lipstick and all the dry skin shows up just to prove me wrong.
That’s why I was so thrilled when I finally got my hands on La Mer’s The Lip Balm.
What is it?
Like many lip balms, this balm conditions and hydrates the lips to make them softer and smoother, but it isn’t called The Lip Balm for no reason. It also heals and restores the skin with nourishing ingredients and La Mer’s Miracle Broth.
The Miracle Broth uses Giant Sea Kelp from the waters off Vancouver Island, and every new batch includes a few drops of the broth from the previous batch. It helps in cell renewal as the balm calms the skin and strengthens its moisture barrier against damage.
Pros
This balm has serious healing powers against dry and peeling lips. It soothes and calms irritated skin while deep conditioning the lips to make them soft and smooth. It started working for me after just a day or two.
The balm itself also feels luxurious; not too sticky or greasy. It’s light on the lips and really sinks into the skin. It also leaves a satiny matte finish, making it perfect for anyone.
Sometimes I use the balm in the morning, and it lasts nearly all day without needing to put a bunch on. Whenever I think it’s gone, I rub my lips together and it reactivates without needing to reapply! Other times I use it at night as a lip mask.
Also, this balm has a delightful vanilla mint scent that doesn’t taste like candy where you want to just lick your lips all day, defeating its purpose.
Cons
Alright, I’ll go ahead and say it. This is an expensive lip balm.
I have always been one to save my money, so I was hesitant at first to splurge on something for my lips. However, not only do we offer this magical balm at a discount, but also it lasts so long. This little container can last anywhere from three or four months to two years, depending on how much and often it’s used.
The other problem I have with this balm has to do with its container: there’s no applicator. Traditional tube (solid or squeezable) lip balm is convenient, but this container is… less so.
At home, I have no problem using my fingers to apply the balm, but I don’t want to dig in when I’m out and about because I don’t always have time to wash my hands first (although hand sanitizer is, luckily, also in vogue).
Another option would be to apply it directly from the container onto the lips, but if this is a balm you ever want to share, it’s not a perfect solution.
However, I found no cons with the actual formula itself. Some people may find the minty-ness to be a bit much, but I rather liked the smell, taste, and sensation it gives.
Alternatives
When thinking of something similar to this balm, only a couple of products come to mind.
First, there’s Aquaphor’s Healing Ointment and Lip Protectant. These are great for helping dry, irritated, and cracked skin. My only issue is that these tend to feel like ointments, where they’re thick and heavy.
For a similar minty feel, there’s also Burt’s Bees’ Original Lip Balm or Menthol & Eucalyptus Medicated Lip Balm. These are inexpensive and hydrating, but I find myself needing to reapply them often to get any effect.
For ultra-hydrating, there’s always Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1, but it leaves a glossy finish. I also don’t think it heals as well as it hydrates.
Nuxe Paris’ Reve De Miel Ultra Nourishing Lip Balm is probably the closest, as far as formula goes. It also dries more matte, but this is also a lot thicker than what I prefer.
Verdict
Overall, I would give this lip balm 4.5/5 stars. It does everything I could want it to, but I understand why some people might find the cons hard to get through.
However, my lips look and feel as petal soft as a lipstick advertisement, so I know I won’t be going back to a drugstore brand any time soon.
For questions, concerns, or article ideas, feel free to reach out to our eCosmetics Beauty Editor directly at beauty@ecosmetics.com
