Did you know that your lips are mainly made of fats and proteins – and that saliva contains specific enzymes meant to break them down?
That’s right, this is why you should resist the urge to lick your lips when they feel dry; saliva actually causes your lips to flake even more!
Instead, reach out for a trusty stick of lip balm to help soothe those chapped lips. Now, there are more choices than ever, with lip balms specially designed to brighten up duller lips (we’ve previously done a whole article on tinted lip balms!), dry lips, and super-sensitive lips!
Go on, dig into our list of 32 best lip balms for every lip concern you may have, so you no longer have any excuse NOT to reach out for a tube!
Make Up For Ever Artist Hydrabloom
One of the best lip balms for: Dull lips
This Make Up For Ever tinted lip balm gives an instant flush of colour that gives you that my-lips-but-better look. Promising 24-hour hydration, it contains hyaluronic acid spheres that keep moisture in. This same ingredient also gives your lips a fuller appearance.
It looks great on its own and can also be used on top of your favourite lip colour to bring extra comfort to parched lips. Another tip: apply thick layers of it on your lips before you sleep to use it as a “lip mask”.
Make Up For Ever Artist Hydrabloom retails for S$33 at Lazada.
First Aid Ultra Repair Lip Therapy
One of the best lip balms for: Dry lips
Chapped and dry lips are never a good look, so we’re always on the lookout for an effective lip balm to heal and nourish those parched lips when the need arises! This Ultra Repair Lip Therapy is the lip version of First Aid Beauty’s highly-rated top-to-toe moisturising cream, so you are assured of a winning formulation.
It is made of colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, glycerin, and the brand’s very own Fab Antioxidant Booster that contains licorice root, feverfew and white tea extracts. When worn, this balm dries semi-matte and is neither slippery nor sticky at all.
First Aid Ultra Repair Lip Therapy retails for S$20 at Sephora.
Glossier Balm Dotcom in Birthday
One of the best lip balms for: Trying something fun!
This is a hydrating and long-lasting lip balm that – wait for it – goes on your lips with a little magical sparkle thanks to its subtle glitter! It smells just like birthday cake to remind you of your special day, so you’re bound to feel special when you slick this on.
Fun factor aside, this lip balm’s formula looks really impressive too. It contains natural emollients like castor seed oil, beeswax, and lanolin; natural moisturisers packed with Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids such as cupuacu fruit extract; and antioxidants to fight skin damage from free-radicals such as rice bran and rosemary leaf extracts. It is also cruelty-free.
Glossier Balm Dotcom in Birthday retails for S$16.37 (USD12) on Glossier and Shopee.
Frank Body Lip Balm
One of the best lip balms for: Dry lips
Dry lips can be annoying, because not only do they hurt, it can also cause your lipstick to settle within the cracks on your lips. One of the best lip balms to solve this issue is the Frank Body Lip Balm. Formulated with all the good ingredients that will keep your lips moisturised such as beeswax, vitamin E, safflower seed oil, and coconut oil, this lip balm is certainly one to be placed in your bag.
This lip balm also doubles up as a spot moisturiser whenever you notice dry patches on your face. One gentle swipe is all it takes to give you moisturised skin!
Frank Body Lip Balm retails for S$18 on Sephora.
Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15
One of the best lip balms for: Dull lips
Fresh’s range of lip balms are yet another cult classic for many beauty junkies. We love that its tinted range offers a wide selection of buildable colour without compromising on the stellar moisturising job it does.
It slicks on smoothly, feels lightweight on the lips and offers SPF15 protection; plus points to its ultra moisturising formula that contains its signature sugar – a humectant that prevents loss of moisture. It’s one of the reasons why this is considered to be one of the best lip balms out in the market!
Other key ingredients include moisturising oils like meadowfoam, blackcurrant seed oils, and grapeseed oil with its antioxidant properties.
Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15 retails for S$36 at Sephora.
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25
One of the best lip balms for: Chapped lips
Contrary to popular belief, your lips, just like your skin, should be protected from the sun. This is especially so when your lips are already dry, because the sun can burn your chapped lips more easily. If you’re looking for a solution, one of the best lip balms you can go for is the Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25.
This lip balm boasts a formula enriched with superior moisturising oils and antioxidants to relieve your chapped and irritated lips. Since it also has SPF 25, it offers optimum sun protection while also shielding you from windburn.
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 retails for S$12 on Sephora.
Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm (Best colour payoff!)
One of the best lip balms for: Dull lips
This unassuming crayon-like lip balm from Clinique is an absolute winner for being a star at providing full-coverage lip colour and hydration for your lips at the same time. A sumptuous concoction of oils and butters, such as mango butter, shea butter, and jojoba oil, helps deliver soothing hydration for dry lips.
There are six different shades to choose from and fans love how each one fills fine lines and smooths over flakey lips. We’ve got so much love for these!
Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm retails for S$30 at Sephora.
Eau Thermale Avene Cold Cream Lip Balm
One of the best lip balms for: Sensitive lips
Avene is well known for tailoring its products for sensitive skin, and this lip balm is no exception. Its creamy and nourishing Avene Cold Cream Formula is rich in vitamins E and F to help repair and soften lips.
It also contains sucralfate to aid recovery, linoleic acid to lock in moisture, shea butter to hydrate and provide comfort and of course, the famed Avene Thermal Spring Water to soothe lips.
Eau Thermale Avene Cold Cream Lip Balm retails for S$18.30 at Watsons.
Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm
One of the best lip balms for: Sensitive lips
This is a soothing lip balm with a non-sticky gel texture that is deeply restorative for dry, chapped and peeling lips. It is rumoured to be a favourite for many celebrities, with many saying that this is one of the best lip balms, thanks to its effectiveness and lightweight texture!
It contains essential rose wax to comfort and protect the lips, Ceramide 3 and shea butter to hydrate and repair, natural rice oil extract to soothe and nourish, and a proprietary ingredient – Maxi Lip Complex – to stimulate the production of natural Hyaluronic Acid and collagen in the lips.
Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm retails for S$38 at Clarins.
Too Faced Hangover Pillow Balm Lip Treatment
One of the best lip balms for: Dry and sensitive lips
The Too Faced Hangover Pillow Balm Lip Treatment is a holy grail for many who have dry lips, with many customers saying that it instantly gives the surge of moisture they need upon application.
As it leaves behind a slight glossy finish, it gives your lips that plump, kissable, and hydrated look.
This is infused with antioxidants to ensure that your lips remain hydrated for a long time, and it is also paraben and sulphate-free, so this is ideal for those with sensitive lips.
Too Faced Hangover Pillow Balm Lip Treatment retails for S$37 on Sephora.
Hurraw! Lip Balm (Delicious flavours!)
One of the best lip balms for: Dry lips
This lip balm is well-loved for its non-sticky texture, all-natural ingredients, and unbeatable price point! It comes in a whopping 24 flavours and scents, each made with 100% natural oils and produce.
For example, the Chocolate flavoured balm contains unsweetened raw chocolate, and the Orange flavoured balm has cold pressed orange oil to thank for for its amazing scent. There is surely a flavour for everyone – or opt for the classic unscented version if you simply cannot decide.
Whatever you choose, you can make your choice knowing they’ve all got that amazing smooth texture and are 100% au-naturale!
Hurraw! Lip Balm retails for S$5.90 on Shopee.
Marc Jacobs Lip Lock Moisture Balm (Discontinued)
One of the best lip balms for: Dry lips
It’s rich, creamy, and smooth as butter – which is why this is one of the best lip balms for those with dry lips. It carries a tiny hint of mint that is a refreshing touch on those parched lips, and also contains SPF18 so you can be sure your puckers are protected from those UV rays. Its formula is made from natural oils and butters including andiroba, buriti, shea and avocado; all of which are extremely moisturising.
Badger Company Classic Lip Balm Unscented
One of the best lip balms for: Sensitive lips
If you have really sensitive lips, this would be one of the best lip balms for you. It contains only four natural ingredients: olive oil, beeswax, castor seed oil, and rosemary leaf extract; all of which are extremely moisturising and provide natural protection for your lips.
With no added fragrances or artificial colours, this is probably as natural as it gets! It glides on smoothly and leaves your lips lightly moisturised without any stickiness or tackiness.
Badger Company Classic Lip Balm Unscented retails for S$4.93 on iHerb.
KENZOKI Nourishing Flow Balm For Lips To Kiss
One of the best lip balms for: Dry and chapped lips
We all want kissable lips (who doesn’t?), and we all know that it takes effort to achieve soft and supple lips that look full and not cracked. Thankfully, this KENZOKI Nourishing Flow Balm For Lips To Kiss takes us one step closer to our goal with its formula that is infused with sacred lotus flower oily extract.
One swipe of this is all it takes to instantly soothe, nourish, and wrap your lips in softness. The result? Kissable lips with a satin finish!
KENZOKI Nourishing Flow Balm For Lips To Kiss retails for S$30 on Sephora.
Chanel Rouge Coco Baume
One of the best lip balms for: Dull lips
If you’re looking for a lip balm that will also give your lips a bit of colour, look no further. The Chanel Rouge Coco Baume is exactly what you need. Available in a total of seven shades, this lip balm will moisturise your lips and leave a sheer wash of colour on them, giving a natural luminous finish. The most popular variation is Natural Charm, which offers that MLBB look!
Need more colour on your lips for an important meeting but not in the mood for lipstick? You’ll be delighted to know that this lip balm is buildable. Simply apply three coats of it and you’ll get a lipstick-like intensity! Talk about multi-purpose, right?
Chanel Rouge Coco Baume retails for S$53 on Chanel.
Mario Badescu Rose Lip Balm
One of the best lip balms for: Dry lips
If you’re looking for a lip balm that will soften your dry lips without having to burn a pocket in your hole, the Mario Badescu Rose Lip Balm is one of your best bets.
This lip balm is lightly scented with a rose fragrance, and it features nutrient-dense butters and moisturising oils such as cocoa butter and sweet almond oil that melt into your lips to nourish them. We love that this doesn’t leave you feeling greasy after application despite its intense moisturising abilities!
Mario Badescu Rose Lip Balm retails for S$14 on Sephora.
L’Occitane Shea Butter Lip Balm Stick
One of the best lip balms for: Sensitive lips
Made from shea butter, a natural ingredient that women in Sub-Saharan Africa use to nourish and protect their skin and hair, this lip balm is non-greasy and non-sticky as it works its magic on your dry lips.
Shea butter is very effective at healing cracked lips, as it has anti-inflammatory properties and is easily absorbed into the lips. It also acts as natural protection from the sun, which helps protect your lips from free radical damage.
The shea butter used in this lip balm is from Burkina Faso, harvested by women in a fair trade and sustainable partnership, so you can be assured of the ethical source of the shea butter used in this.
L’Occitane Shea Butter Lip Balm Stick retails for S$18 at L’Occitane.
Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm
One of the best lip balms for: Dry lips
This one is a veritable classic, and that’s because it does such a good job at keeping dry lips moisturised and hydrated. The classic recipe contains its signature beeswax and vitamin E – and many who have used it swear by it, calling it one of the best lip balms they’ve ever used. Take note, though, if you’re allergic to beeswax, then this may not be a good option. This favourite lip balm is also paraben-, phthalate-, SLS- and petrolatum-free.
Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm retails for S$10 at Sephora and S$13.58 for a four-pack on iHerb.
Blistex Medicated Lip Balm SPF15
One of the best lip balms for: Dry lips
Blistex Medicated Lip Balm is a pocket-friendly lip balm that promises to eliminate dryness by sealing in moisture and preventing recurrence. It glides on smoothly and provides a cooling sensation with its menthol ingredients. It also contains sunscreen to provide complete care. It’s no wonder that this is considered to be one of the best lip balms out on the market.
Blistex Medicated Lip Balm SPF15 retails for S$7.50 on Shopee.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
One of the best lip balms for: Dry lips
If you’re a fan of K-beauty, you would have come across Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask at least once. This cult favourite has been highly raved by many as this lip mask incorporates Laneige’s patented moisture technology to form a moisturising film around your lips. This then locks-in moisture, and allows your skin to absorb hydro ion mineral water, evening primrose root extracts, and Hunza Apricot extract while you sleep.
The formula is a berry mix complex; it is packed filled with berry extracts that are rich in vitamin C and anti-oxidants, both of which are highly effective in treating dry and rough lips.
This lip mask is available in five scents: Berry, Grapefuit, Apple Lime, Mint Choco, and Sweet Candy.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask retails for S$27 on Sephora and Laneige.
EOS Organic Natural Shea Lip Balm Sphere
One of the best lip balms for: Sensitive lips
Millennials love this brand for its instantaneously recognisable spherical pod packaging that comes in a rainbow of colours and flavours. And the product is really effective too, of course!
Made with jojoba oil and shea butter and touted to be 100% organic and paraben-free, this balm’s formulation is both moisturising and hydrating! While it comes in a range of scents, we especially love this peppermint version in mint green, as it provides a healthy glow to your lips, complete with refreshing taste.
EOS Organic Natural Shea Lip Balm Sphere retails for S$3.74 on iHerb.
La Mer The Lip Balm
One of the best lip balms for: Dry and dull lips
La Mer isn’t only known for its iconic Creme De La Mer Moisturiser, it is also known for its Lip Balm! Encased in a round tin, this lip balm is easy to carry around with you wherever you go.
This lip balm is said to last for hours, and some reviewers even said that this is the only lip balm to moisturise their chronically dry lips.
Pro tip: Apply a generous amount right before you sleep and it’ll work as a great sleeping mask that will leave you with soft, supple lips in the morning.
La Mer Lip Balm retails for S$130 on Sephora.
Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask
One of the best lip balms for: Dull lips
A little goes a long way with this hard-working lip mask! Crowned one of the best lip balms out on the market, this lip mask is extremely soothing to dry, cracked lips thanks to its dense and heavy consistency, and it dries off smooth as it is absorbed into the lips. Handcrafted with agave nectar and jojoba oil with no parabens, sulfates or phthalates, this lip mask promises hours of emollient nourishment.
The tinted version is a very sweet rose gold pearl shade that is great for when you need a little colour in the day.
Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask retails for approximately S$35.38 (USD26) on Bite Beauty.
Dior Addict Lip Glow Lip Balm (Most luxurious!)
One of the best lip balms for: Trying something pretty!
Formulated with Dior’s ‘Color Reviver’ technology, the Dior Addict Lip Glow Lip Balm responds to the chemistry of our lips to create a wash of colour that is entirely unique to us. But of course, besides the natural tint, the Lip Glow is packed with ingredients like mango butter that will provide 24 hours’ worth of hydration.
The Lip Glow Lip Balm now comes in eight shades, but they’re selling out fast, so you might want to order them before they get sold out completely.
Dior Addict Lip Glow Lip Balm retails for S$54 at Dior counters and Sephora.
Hermes Rouge Hermes Lip Balm
One of the best lip balms for: Dry lips
Moisturise those lips with the Hermes Rouge Hermes Lip Balm, one of the best lip balms for dry lips. It has a natural, non-shiny finish, making it perfect for both men and women to use.
The formula is a high concentration blend of beeswax and candelilla wax to keep your lips supple and well-hydrated. Once you’ve gone through this lip balm, you can easily purchase refills and continue using its case, making this more sustainable than other lip balms!
Hermes Rouge Hermes Lip Balm retails for S$107 on Hermes.
Kiehl’s Baby Lip Balm
One of the best lip balms for: Sensitive lips
If you’re looking for a lip balm that is gentle on your lips, you can certainly opt for Kiehl’s Baby Lip Balm. Formulated specifically for babies, the formula used is gentle and light in fragrance; you can rest assured that it’ll be gentle for your sensitive lips too. It glides on smoothly, and it will be the answer to dry and parched lips.
This little unassuming tube of goodness is packed filled with shea butter and vitamin E to give your lips the much-needed hydration it needs, without leaving a sticky residue. Touted as one of the best lip balms, this certainly deserves a spot in your drawer!
Kiehl’s Baby Lip Balm retails for S$19 at Kiehl’s.
Innisfree Canola Honey Lip Balm Intensive Moisture
One of the best lip balms for: Trying something delicious-smelling!
Innisfree Canola Honey Lip Balm Intensive Moisture contains Jeju canola honey extract and canola seed oil. Harvested from yellow canola flower gardens strictly in the month of April, the canola honey nourishes the skin with its flavonoids and proteins. Jeju canola honey and seed oil and canola extract provide a blanket of moisture while strengthening the skin barrier for soft, kissable lips.
Innisfree Canola Honey Lip Balm Intensive Moisture retails for S$10 at Innisfree and Shopee.
Rare Beauty With Gratitude Dewy Lip Balm
One of the best lip balms for: Dull lips
The Rare Beauty With Gratitude Dewy Lip Balm is a cult favourite because of its highly moisturising properties as well as its ability to add a slight pop of colour to your lips with a dewy finish. Many customers are in love with the various shades available as it offers colour variety with the same formula. If you find yourself often going for events, you might want to pick up the Compliment shade for slightly redder lips. For something a little more natural, you can go for Honor which offers just a slight shimmer, or Praise for that natural pink look.
Rare Beauty With Gratitude Dewy Lip Balm retails for S$26 on Sephora.
Givenchy Rose Perfecto Lip Balm
One of the best lip balms for: Dull lips
Make your lips pop with the Givenchy Rose Perfecto Lip Balm. This balm has hydrating properties that will keep your lips moisturised throughout the day, while also giving you some colour.
Available in 10 shades, the Givenchy Rose Perfecto Lip Balm truly is one of the best lip balms with colour variety. It’s great that this is also buildable, which allows you to personalise the amount of coverage you would like with this product.
Givenchy Rose Perfecto Lip Balm retails for S$54 on Sephora.
Vaseline Lip Therapy Advanced Formula
One of the best lip balms for: Sensitive lips
This is surely a case of old is gold in your beauty drawer! Made from 100% pure petroleum jelly that has been triple-purified to remove impurities, it contains no other additives, which makes it one of the best lip balms for sensitive lips.
One dab of this scent-free jelly provides instant relief for dry and cracked lips while the petroleum creates a barrier to lock in moisture so that those cracks can get to heal. It goes on silky smooth and does not leave your lips sticky – even more reasons to love this.
Vaseline Lip Therapy Advanced Formula retails for S$2.90 at Watsons and for S$3.95 at Guardian.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Levres
One of the best lip balms for: Cracked lips
Need immediate relief for your cracked lips? Go for the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Levres, a barrier repairing balm that is highly effective in what it says it will do. This balm will soothe, protect, and rebuild the epidermis on your cracked lips using its formula that is enriched with MP-Lipids, a pro-hydration active ingredient.
This works wonders if you also tore the inner corners of your lips. Apply a generous layer and you’ll immediately feel the balm working its magic.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Levres retails for S$16.90 on Watsons and Guardian.
NARS Afterglow Lip Balm
One of the best lip balms for: Dry lips
The NARS Afterglow Lip Balm is a lip balm that is enriched with antioxidants to keep your lips protected and nourished all day. This easily glides onto your lips and immediately hydrates with its Monoi Hydrating Complex and antioxidant formula.
Tip: Layer any lip product over the NARS Afterglow Lip Balm to intensify its colour.
NARS Afterglow Lip Balm retails for S$42 on Sephora.
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- “Red bean paste” lipsticks are all the rage – here’s what you should know about this lip trend
- We tried >S$250 worth of new lipsticks from luxury fashion houses to tell you which is for you
Featured image credit: @diorbeauty and @freshbeauty on Instagram