Lip balm. If I could only use one beauty product for the rest of my life, that’s what I’d choose. It’s an unconventional selection, I realise – what about moisturiser, or serum, you might wonder. And I admit, I wouldn’t love to sacrifice them. But I can’t live without lip balm. My lifelong nervous habit of biting and peeling the skin on my lips means that they are always dry, cracked and often bleeding. (Apparently, the act of biting and peeling at the skin on your lips releases endorphins, thus helping to calm anxiety. I’d still love to break the habit, but I know it serves a purpose.) Obviously, I need all the lip care products I can get my hands on.
For years, I never left home without a tube of Bonne Bell Dr. Pepper lip balm. I received my first tube as a gift when I was nine and was immediately hooked. Recently, I’ve been on the hunt for a more sophisticated version of my old favourite, and I’ve found it in the lip balm from Nat’s Organic Lab.
What it is: A paraben-free lip balm made of 100% organic and cruelty free ingredients in Calgary, Alberta. The formula creates a barrier to seal moisture into the lip and prevent dryness. There are four scents available; coconut, lavender, matcha and chocolate. Coconut is my go-to, but I am a fan of the lavender formula, as well.
What to do with it: Apply liberally to your lips, either on its own or underneath your daily lip product. I like to apply twice daily, when I wake up in the morning and before bed, as well as any time my lips are feeling especially dry.
What it costs: $9.50 for a single 4.25 g lip balm, or $35 for a four pack
Why it’s fabulous: Lip balm is one of those products; decent ones are a dime a dozen, but a truly great one is a rare gem. It needs to tick all of the boxes – smooth, hydrating, easy to apply, scented without being overpowering. And, if you’re like me, it needs to look beautiful, too. The lip balms from Nat’s Organic Lab really do it all. The coconut lip balm is the smoothest I’ve ever come across, without feeling sticky or greasy – it just melts perfectly over your lips as you apply it, lightly absorbing while still leaving a smooth finish. The fact that it photographs beautifully can’t be discounted, either.
I’ve been in search of a long lasting balm, while I remain devoted to EOS – the coconut is my favorite – I feel like it needs to be reapplied hourly, though perhaps when being outside in the cold winter months that would be too much to expect from any lip balm.
Chic on the Cheap