A good quality lip balm shouldn’t be considered a cosmetic. It should be categorised as a basic human right, like access to clean water. A bit dramatic? Us? Never. Whether your lips are a little raw or severely chapped, there’s nothing quite like lathering on a hydrating balm to protect them from the harsh elements of winter.
What makes a good lip balm for winter?
The best lip balms for winter will feature a formula that can protect you against harsh environmental conditions. We recommend looking for formulas packed with hydrating ingredients like vitamin E, beeswax and shea butter. SPF and antioxidants can also help to protect from sun and windburn for those who spend a lot of time outdoors.
So, whether you rely on your lip balm as a dewy layer over your lipstick or you wear it alone to manage persistently chapped lips, here are eight lip balms we have used, loved and can vouch for when it comes to safeguarding your pout from dryness.
10 of the best lip balms for winter
Eau Thermale Avène Lip Balm with Cold Cream
We say: Looking for a lip balm that will withstand a windy day and multiple cups of coffee? Avène’s lip balm will repair, nourish and moisturise chapped lips and protect them with a lipid film that is water-resistant. No need to apply generously with this one either, a little will go a long way.
You say: “This is the best lip balm hands down that I have tried, ever and I have tried them all. No need to say anymore. It is a bit pricey but worth it because it works.” – honey_bee
$23.99 at Adore Beauty
Want to know more? Read Eau Thermale Avène Lip Balm with Cold Cream reviews here…
Blistex® Lip Infusions Hydration
We say: Ideal for lips in need of serious hydration, this balm is infused with hyaluronic spheres which help to lock in hydration so you can go longer in between applications. The fact that it features SPF 15 also earns it bonus points.
You say: “This Blistex Hydration Lip infusion is the perfect lip balm for the colder months as it makes the lips feel very hydrated, and smooth and leaves a mild scent on the lips. It also does not feel too heavy or sticky on the lips, which is perfect if you don’t like heavy lips balms.” – AAstacey
$5.99 at Priceline
Read more Blistex® Lip Infusions Hydration reviews
Carmex® Naturally – Berry
We say: The ‘Naturally’ range by Carmex is not only made to soothe and hydrate sore lips but it’s environmentally friendly too. 93 per cent of the ingredients are derived from nature and 20 per cent are sustainably sourced from the Amazon, helping to maintain its rainforest as well as over 10,000 native families so they can continue to live there.
You say: “If you want a lip balm that does the job, this is it. It is expensive compared to other lip balms but it is very effective. My lips get really dry using the winter and sometimes cracks. After using this product for a few times, it recovers fairly quickly. This product is so hydrating and soft on the lips. Lots of natural ingredients in this product, which I love.” – heretotry
$3.39 at Chemist Warehouse
Read more Carmex® Naturally – Berry reviews
Dermal Therapy Lip Balm Enriched with Manuka Honey
We say: Need to heal a severely dry pout? The Dermal Therapy Lip Balm has been enriched with MGO 400+ manuka honey to deliver visible results in as little as 24 hours. We recommend keeping one in your handbag, car and desk drawer.
$5.49 at Chemist Warehouse
Want to know more? Read Dermal Therapy Lip Balm Enriched with Manuka Honey reviews here…
Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm
We say: Free from parabens and sulphates, the butter-soft Drunk Elephant balm is made up of avocado, cranberry and marula oils to replenish, protect and moisturise dry lips. Plus, the additions of vitamin C and green tea leaf also work to repair the damage caused by excessive UV exposure.
$30 at MECCA
Burt’s Bees Advanced Relief Lip Balm
We say: Advanced Relief, a variation of this cult favourite lip balm, contains turmeric and eucalyptus to facilitate healing, seal in moisture and repair severe dryness.
You say: “It’s so nourishing and instantly my lips feel a cooling effect due to Eucalyptus. Definitely my fave this winter” – Abeera Farooq
$8.50 at Big W
Want to know more? Read Burt’s Bees Advanced Relief Lip Balm reviews here…
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
We say: Though it’s called a balm, this formula more closely resembles a mix between a cream, oil and lip mask. Formulated with plant-derived butters, the rich Lip Butter Balm offers a strong barrier to seal in moisture and inject instant hydration.
$40 at MECCA
DU’IT Tough Lips
We say: If you’re forced to choose just one lip balm for the rest of your days, let it be this one. DU’IT’s Tough Lips has been clinically proven to repair, moisturise and protect, so you can trust it’s a balm that has been built to do the heavy lifting. All you have to do is remember to keep one close at all times.
You say: “Overall this is a no frills lip balm and it does exactly what it is meant to and that is to provide moisturisation and protection to soothe lips and keep them in good condition and it does that very well and I highly recommend this product to do that” – Elunia
$5.50, Chemist Direct
Want to know more? Read DU’IT Tough Lips reviews here…
Plunkett’s NS Therapy NS Lip Balm
We say: Is there anything better than a seriously soothing lip mask? Honestly, we don’t think so. Slathering on a helping of hydrating balm at night and waking up to a revitalised, refreshed pout will leave a stunning smile on your face. With a whopping 18 natural actives, this rapid mask leaves long-lasting reparative results.
You say: “I love the way this lip balm makes my lips feel ‘normal’ – that is, not dry or dehydrated. My lips feel comfortable and wonderfully normal during AND after using this! It has a slightly sweet taste and it’s in a tube that gets squeezed out. It claims to restore lips to a healthy state and yes, this is exactly true! This is one of my highest ranking lip balms and I’ve tried HEAAAPS! It cost a tiny bit more than most but it’s fantastic value in my view!” – clearcrystalwater
Want to read more? Read Plunkett’s NS Therapy NS Lip Balm Reviews here…
$6.83 at Healthy Life
Plunkett’s Suvana Beauty Certified Organic Paw Paw & Honey Balm
We say: This Aussie-owned (and made) balm is made from 100 per cent naturally derived organic ingredients. Not only will this honey-infused balm soothe sore, chapped lips (a true gift) it’s also a wonderful multi-purpose product able to calm and hydrate any dry or cracked patches you may have.
You say: “I just love this balm and am very happy that they are an Australian company and they mainly use organic materials and no petro-chemicals. The packaging is really cute, love the yellow and imagery used. This lip balm can be used on different areas as well, such as on dry skin, under your eyes or just on your lips. I mainly used it on my lips but I did try it under my eyes and on my elbows. It moisturised my elbows really well. It feels nice on your lips, it’s not shiny or sticky and it tastes nice on my lips.” -RINNY
Want to read more? Read Plunkett’s Suvana Beauty Certified Organic Paw Paw & Honey Balm Reviews here…
$8.39 at Healthy Life
Do you have a favourite lip balm? What are your tips on preventing dry and cracked lips?
I always carry a Burt’s Bees lip balm with me.
I have one in the bathroom, one in my handbag and one in my drawer at work
Me too. I love the tinted one
My favourite Burt’s bees.I always apply lip balm in the morning and before going to bed.
Ive been using Carmex for years daily and it really helps condition my lips.
Same here!
I love Chapstick. However at the moment, I have been using Carmex which is great
I use Burt’s bees its works and has a pleasant flavour
I’d love to try the Drunk Elephant and the Summer Fridays ones.
Yes me too. They sound great.
The drunk elephant one is great! Can confirm – just finished my first tube and loved it.
I love the Burt’s Bees Advanced Relief Lip Balm with paw paw ointment to lock it in.
I have tried the Dermal Therapy and Burt’s Bees lip balms, but my favourite is Blistex Lip Conditioner (in the pot).
Good to know -I haven’t tried that one
Like Burt’s Bees ones.
That eucalyptus one looks nice, I bet the smell would be good for you if you have a cold at the time as well.
Good point
Burts Bees is good but some of these look great. I would try any of them
I need a new lip balm.
loccitane shea butter and some lip gloss form random uk brand.
I didn’t know Eau Thermale Avène made a Lip Balm. I have some of their products. They’re fab
I have quite a few lip balms and find regular application helps a lot.
Nice list, my go-to is still vaseline
the avene one sounds great
I can’t live without my lip balms
So many options!
Always so nice to try a new lip balm
Love a good lip balm. Not tried BBs before, so many to choose from
I have almost all the Summer Friday ones after trying the original. Best thing ever.
I love the hemp lip bslm from the body shop
I’m trying Duítt lip balm at the moment, seems good
Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Intensive Lip Treatment SPF15 is my favourite lip balm by far as it’s soothing, hydrating, doesn’t melt and also has SPF. Works well both with and without lipstick. I use it daily.
I just love the name of ‘Drunk elephant’. never tried any of their products but the name does draw me to them
I have so many half used lip balms – they seem to come with every giveaway, sample bag, gift with purchase…
I keep trying different lip balms but the Sukin Paw Paw Ointment is the only one that I have purchased several times. It has a thicker formula and it feels nourishing.
Somehow I’ve mislaid my tube of Dermal Therapy – I must replace it.
Burts Bees and Dermal therapy lip balms are good. I always have one around during Winter