7 Best Lip Balms -- and the 5 Worst

Here's a question for you: How many times a day do you apply lip balm? According to a recent poll we posted on our Facebook page, the average woman uses lip balm anywhere from two to 30 times a day. Yeah, you read that right -- 30 times.

Skip to see the 12 best and worst lip balms now.

Compared to its trendier cousins, lipstick and lip gloss, balm is often the forgotten friend that fails to receive any time in the spotlight. However, it's something that you'll find at the bottom of practically every woman's purse for good reason: With all the stuff we put on our lips, lip balm is a moisturizing must that preps the pout for a smooth, even application of lip color.

Luckily, lip balm has come a long way from good ol' Vaseline. From ones that impart gorgeous berry colors to those that offer a whopping SPF 35, there's no shortage when it comes to the variety of lip balms available. So to help you sort out the crème de la crème from the just plain awful, we compiled reviews on the best and worst lip balms readers have tried. With this list in hand, you'll know exactly which lip balms have the potential to 
The Worst No. 5:Blistex Fruit Smoothies, $3.79TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 5.6* 
Why: The fact that Blistex made these lip balms just wasn't enough to impress readers, who expected more from a brand that specializes in lip care. One reader writes, "I purchased these because they were made by Blistex, so I expected some moisture! Lip Smackers are cheaper so save your money!" Another disappointed reader writes, "I tried all of them and at no point did my lips feel any type of relief from being chapped. It was just like I put a scented lip balm on that they make for kids in those crummy little cosmetic play sets." 

*At time of publication 



The Worst No. 4:E.l.f Essential Soothing Lip Balm, $1TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 5.5* 
Why: This lip balm ended up in the trashcans of many reviewers. One reader writes, "I didn't really like this one. In fact, I was so unimpressed with it I finally just threw it out without finishing the tube (rare for me, even with products I don't care for). The scent and flavor did not at all match up to what it was supposed to be and I didn't find it to be moisturizing at all." Another reviewer writes, "Completely unimpressive. Not very moisturizing, gross smell, gross flavor. Threw it out. Not recommended." While another adds, "This is a hot mess. It's cheap, greasy, and gross. It does nothing to moisturize lips and it just numbed mine. Seriously, don't buy this." 
The Worst No. 3:The Body Shop Mango Lip Butter, $6TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 5.0* 
Why: Readers expected a lot from this brand, but were ultimately disappointed by this product. One reader writes, "I'm a huge fan of The Body Shop and the mango line, so I was excited to try out this lip butter because the body version is a dream. I was very disappointed, as the other reviewers have mentioned the product gradually turns very waxy and grimy feeling. It just doesn't have that nice smooth feel and instead feels like I have crumbs stuck to my mouth. It also has this slightly opaque whiteness to it, which makes your lips look odd. And the smell ... sigh. I love the smell of the other mango products in the line, but this just smelled totally different!" 
The Worst No. 3:The Body Shop Mango Lip Butter, $6
TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 5.0* 
Why: Readers expected a lot from this brand, but were ultimately disappointed by this product. One reader writes, "I'm a huge fan of The Body Shop and the mango line, so I was excited to try out this lip butter because the body version is a dream. I was very disappointed, as the other reviewers have mentioned the product gradually turns very waxy and grimy feeling. It just doesn't have that nice smooth feel and instead feels like I have crumbs stuck to my mouth. It also has this slightly opaque whiteness to it, which makes your lips look odd. And the smell ... sigh. I love the smell of the other mango products in the line, but this just smelled totally different!" 


The Worst No. 2:Nivea A Kiss of Shimmer Radiant Lip Care SPF 10, $2.79
TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 4.8* 
Why: Readers were unpleasantly surprised to find this lip balm does not do much for lips. If you're looking for a true lip balm, you're looking in the wrong place. One reader explains, "The pink frost is a great color, but if you are looking for moisture, prepare to be disappointed! I have to reapply about every hour. I will not be re-buying this." Another disappointed reviewer says, "It's not very great for chapped lips. It doesn't moisturize very well and the frosted pink color tends to accumulate on rough patches." 

The Worst No. 1:L'Oreal Paris True Match Gentle Lip Conditioner, $2.70
TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 3.4* 
Why: The majority of readers agree this lip conditioner was just one big mess. One reader writes, "I had to return this product because I couldn't stand the smell. Had this flour/yeasty smell. The product amount is hard to control and too much always came out, which made a mess in the cap. The appearance of my lips was nothing special, just looked like I had a layer of grease on my lips. Horrible!" Another adds, "This is a disappointment! The packaging is horrible, it smells and tastes awful and I didn't get much in the way of conditioning either." 

The Best :Clinique Superbalm Lip Treatment, $13.50
TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 9.2* 
Why it's great: Readers love the unique qualities of this superbalm. One fan writes, "I'm not one to even care about lip balm, because they're all pretty much the same. But this one is crazy good. It gives an extremely unique shine also, that I haven't found in any other lip balm or lip gloss." Others love to use this as nighttime treatment. One such fan says, "I use this every night before bed and whenever I need extra moisture (especially during the winter months). It goes on smoothly and stays on all night long. My lips feel amazing when I get up and I rarely ever get chapped or peeling lips which is something I have battled for years." 

The Best No. 6:Blistex Lip Medex, $1.29

TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 9.2* 
Why it's great: The instant relief this lip balm brings to painful, chapped lips had readers hooked after one use. One fan writes, "This is wonderful for severely cracked lips. When regular Chapstick just doesn't cut it anymore, I use this. Slather it really thick before bed and wake up with soft, lush lips that are no longer painful or peeling. Love the tingling sensation from the menthol too." Another writes, "This is the best out there. When your lips need some TLC, this stuff will help. You can actually feel it working on your dry lips. And if you feel a cold sore coming on, this stuff will kick it too." 

The Best C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve, $5.50
TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 9.3* 
Why it's great: When it comes to this cult favorite, readers agree you should definitely believe the hype. "After finally giving in and buying a tin, I really enjoy this product. It's not sticky, feels very moisturizing, and it smells amaaaazing. My lips look luscious after putting this on." Another reader writes, "C. O. Bigelow's Rose Salve offers more moisture than the average lip balm. It cushions lips beautifully and comfortably, and leaves a flattering rose tint. You won't find yourself needing to continually reapply." One reader adds, "This product has been around for ages and there is a reason why. It WORKS! I love this stuff, it glides on so well, its not heavy, doesn't feel greasy or icky, and it smells fantastic!" 

The Best No. 4:Laura Mercier Lip Balm, $20
TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 9.5* 
Why it's great: One reader explains, "I can't believe I am just now discovering this miracle product! Lipgloss, lip balm, lipstick -- you name it, I've tried it ... or at least I thought! This is THE BEST lip balm I've tried. It's sheer and adds the perfect amount of moisture and softness. Perfect for under OR over lipstick. It also gives a nice sheen to bare lips for that perfect soft nude look. The only drawback: it's addicting! You'll never want to be without it!" Another reviewer writes, "When I discovered this product, it was instant love! A long-time fan of natural-looking cosmetics, this is a great take-everywhere balm that I use all day, alone or on top of lipstick for extra shine. When I restock, I'll probably buy several -- for work, for my purse, and for home use. It's a little pricey for a balm, but well worth it."