I've recently discovered that when I use Vaseline it doesn't seem to penetrate my lips to truly moisturise, all it does is just sits on my lips. It does acts as a barrier against the wind and cold to prevent further damage but ultimately it's not very soothing because the lips can't absorb such a thick oily substance. Vaseline is made of 100% pure petroleum jelly which is a blend of mineral oils and waxes. It is formed as part of the oil drilling process and then later refined and distilled to produce pure petroleum jelly. Petroleum is an occlusive moistuiser, it coats the skin/lips to create a sealing barrier between the cells in dry skin to locks in moisture. I've been on the hunt for a non occlusive lip balm that truly soothes and moisturise my lips.
Unlike the Body Shop's honey lip butter and the pot born lippy (in melon) this balm in stick form actually worked- it moisturised fully and felt comfortable on the lips. It smells slightly fruity and tastes a little sweet and plummy. Unfortunately this does have a bitter aftertaste which you can feel in your throat. However being a tinted lip balm it does give your lips a great colour, a dark pink/mauve colour (a your lips but better look) which enhances your makes your lips.
E45 Lip care 5gs (£2.49) from Boots
This lip balm does an ok job of moisturising lips but I feel that some of the others are better (Boots Lipsalve/The Body shop) . The formulation is a little waxy, I don't mind but this may be an issue for some people. This claims to be perfume free and while it doesn't smell of much, the taste is a subtle fragrance of vanilla/crème Brule. E45 manufactures gentle, kind to skin products and this is dermatologically tested and allergy screened. An added bonus is that it contains UVA and UVB sunscreens.
Burts Bees Nourishing Lip Balm with Mango Butter 4.25g (£3.69) from Boots and Burts Bees
I've heard nothing but good reviews from Burts Bees and a friend swears by them, but I did not find this to be very moisturising. It does soften the lips but it felt like Vaseline where it just sits on top not being fully absorbed or actually feels nourishing at all. It does smells gorgeous though- sweet, fruity and smells of summer. I'm tempted to keep it close by just so I can inhale the scent and daydream that I'm not in rain soaked Britain for a few minutes but on a sunny tropical island. This is also 100% made from natural ingredients.
Dr Organic Aloe Vera 5ml ( currently £3.25) from Holland and Barrett
I really wanted to love this. It's organic and contains Shea butter, beeswax, vitamin E and the soothing gentle properties of aloe Vera. It also has an SPF 15 to protect the lips from UVA and UVB rays. The smell is slight and inoffensive. It does feel fully moisturising, however this felt strange on my lips like a tingling sensation even though this isn't a lip balm that tingles because it's making your lips fuller. Even that fuller lip tingling I avoid as I don't like it. After trying other lip balms from this brand I don't think my lips react well to Dr Organics Bio Active products. For others this may be worth trying, in particular those looking for organic, scent free or SPF lip balms.
Boots Essential lipsalve in Strawberry 5g (£1) from Boots
This moisturises well and smells like a strawberry milkshake and tastes a little like it too- lovely! The texture isn't too waxy but just right. This lip balm also contains Shea Butter, Aloe Vera and beeswax-good ingredients, I don't know why this isn't made more of in the marketing of this product. The lip balm is also dermatologically tested suitable for sensitive lips. All in all good value for the price.
Neals Yard Bee Lovely 15g (£6.50) from Neals Yard
This is marketed as being a multi-purpose balm for elbows, cuticles and general dry patches as well as for the lips. On the lips it feels like butter.-heaven. It's incredibly nourishing as well. It smells and tastes citrusy due to the orange essential oil. It also contains cocoa butter and beeswax.This has a screw top lid which is unusual but at least you know when the lid is securely fastened and not going to fall off in your handbag. While this is more expensive than the others, you are also getting triple product so it's not bad value. This is cruelty free (there's a bunny label on the packaging), 99% organic and approved by the soil association. Also by buying this you also help the ecosystem by raising funds to save the bees who play a vital part of our environment and food production.
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