Pucker up! It’s time to seal the deal with these 10 moisturisers that will protect your lips from the elements during the winter months.
We often neglect our lips when we’re doing our skincare routines, but just like the rest of the visage, lips are exposed and therefore prone to damage. The skin on your lips is thinner than the rest of your face and over time, ageing, sunburn, smoking, diet and dehydration start to affect the way lips look and feel.
According to dermatologists, it’s not nearly enough to just use a lip balm now and then; protecting your lips includes cleaning, exfoliating using a lip scrub, drinking enough water, prepping lips before applying make-up, as well as moisturising. Another thing that might seem obvious is a healthy diet – vitamin-rich foods aid in preventing dry, cracked lips.
Dr Ameesha Mahajan shared with Bebeautiful.in: “Some people get cracks on the corner of their lips, which can occur due to vitamin-B12 deficiency or an early sign of diabetes, so it’s best to consult your doctor if you see these symptoms. Therefore, an essential part of lip care is to consume a healthy, wholesome and nutrient-rich diet.”
Cold weather is synonymous with chapped lips, however, a great moisturiser in addition to the above mentioned treatments can prevent dry, flaky lips. Here’s our non-exhaustive list of lip moisturisers to use all year round and suited for any budget.
Caramex Lip Balm – R62,99
A classic that we love! Made with menthol and camphor, this lip balm has been soothing dry lips for decades (since the ’80s to be exact), and it’s still a must-have for everyday moisture.
Uriage Repairing Lip Balm – R135
With its patented Poly-2p complex, Uriage creates a protective barrier against harsh elements while soothing and moisturising.
Eucerin Intensive Lip Balm – R84,95
From the experts in dermatological skincare, Eucerine’s licochalcone, primrose oil, pathenol and glycerin formula soothes and nourishes dry, chapped lips.
Lulu & Marula Mint Lip Balm – R85
You can rarely go wrong with mint. This lip treatment leaves your lips feeling tingly and fresh. It also contains other ingredients like marula oil, mango butter and olive squalene, which are great for preventing drying and cracking.
Blistex DCT with Cocoa Butter with Vitamin E – R100
Another classic with an uber-soothing formula, DCT is a daily conditioning treatment that moisturises your lips while protecting them from the sun. Just like wearing sunscreen in winter, this balm is an essential for the colder months.
Skin Creamery Multipurpose Balm – R325
This is an organic balm that provides instant relief for dry, sensitive skin areas and works just as well for your lips. Made with prickly pear seed, baobab and marula, it melts into your skin and soothes irritation.
Drunk Elephant Lippe Care – R420
Made from avocado oil, this lip balm’s buttery formula protects and maintains your lip’s plumpness.
Dr Hauschka Lip Balm – R285
Pros in premium organic skincare, Dr Hauschka’s nourishes and protects even in extreme weather conditions, sans harmful chemicals.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask – R400
Not a day moisturiser, but a great long-term lip mask that ensures your lips are repaired and moisturised while you sleep. Say goodbye to waking up with dry lips and hello to smooth, supple lips that can weather the elements. The berry-derived antioxidants and Vitamin C formula make this product worth the splurge.
Chanel Hydra Beauty Lip Care – R 500 upwards
This one’s quite a splurge, however, the nourishing balm contains jojoba oil, shea butter and camelia – a combination that ensures lips are hydrated and that moisture is locked in.
Words by Palesa Kgasane