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.
12 of the best lip balms for winter
Dermal Therapy Tinted Lip Balm in ‘Peach Nude’
We say: Just because the temperatures have plumetted and your pout’s in need of a little extra soemthing doesn’t mean that you’ve got to forgo your usual wash of colour. And sure, you might want to opt for something a little more natural, but when you can get all the same hydrating, soothing and reparative benefits from a tinted balm, why wouldn’t you?
Want to read more? Read Dermal Therapy Tinted Lip Balm in Peach Nude Reviews here…
$8.99 at Dermal Therapy
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
DermaGen by Botanical Chemist Propolis Balm
We say: Look, when it comes to balms, this one is rather expensive, but we promise it’s for a damn good reason. This healing balm is not just for your lips. The ‘totally okay to use anywhere’ balm is seriously rich with nourishing all natural ingredients such as hydrating propolis and antioxidant-rich manuka oil.
Want to read more? Read DermaGen by Botanical Chemist Propolis Balm Reviews here…
$24.61 at Amazon Australia
Do you have a favourite lip balm? What are your tips on preventing dry and cracked lips?
I am totally addicted to lip balm. My favourite is Hurraw. The Summer Friday one looks gorgeous – but $34 bucks is a lot.
Oh yeah i used to love the hurraw balms and all the cool flavours they had. forgot about them , might have to restock.
I don’t use lip balm very often, but I like the Dermal Therapy original.
I use lip balm all the time but have to admit that I change the brand everytime I buy. Just for a chance to check them all out.
I love the BB one’s and buy them all the time.
I also use the DR. Bronner’s unscented organic magic balm for hands, face and body. Awesome product.
I really love Burt’s Bees lip balms, they are so good for dry lips in the winter time.
Burts bees is definitely my fave
Carmex lip balm sticks are my favourite at the moment. I frequently apply it throughout the day to prevent my lips from getting the chance to dry out.
I’ve always been a fan of Carmex but I prefer the tube over the jar, I haven’t tried most of these other options though..
I’ve always been a fan of Carmex but I prefer the tube over the jar – I hate having to dig around in the jar. I haven’t tried most of these other options though..
I want to try some of these, I usually up my game on lip gloss in winter!
So many to choose from. Burt’s bees is my go to lip balm.
Burts Bees tinted is one i would like to ty
I love, love, love lip balm. I really like using Nivea. Some of these sound great. Must try them!
Lip balm is best way to keep lips moisturized and I note Bees Balm now have a tinted one which I must try
I agree, dont think I could do without Lip balm. Really not too fussy about which one though
I really liked the Dermal Therapy Papaya Lip Balm from a trial, so I’m keen to buy the manuka honey version.
I don’t have a favourite, whatever is on hand, and they last for ages.
I love the Burts Bees lip balms.
So do I, Meedee.
The Dermal Therapy lip balms are my faves, they’ve really saved my lips.
I was loving sample of lip sleeping mask (pink one) from that popular brand, forgot the name. Serves well as a lip balm, good stuff.
I have a nice stash of lip balms at the moment. I usually only use them in winter.
I’ve used Carmex for 15 years too and it’s the only one that works for me. Always have at 3 at home and in my bag. Tried the D’uit one but it tasted really horrible and didn’t exfoliate, hydrate and protect my lips like Carmex. I also love that Carmex has a natural range, SPF, no SPF, and comes in either jars or click sticks
I need lip balm all year round.
I use whatever brand is in my stash. I still have at least 8 unopened ones even though I use lip balm every day.
Always keep Burts Bees Tinted Lip Balm in my Purse it is a staple doesn’t matter what the Season.
I need some now, plus hand cream. My lips and hands are super dry.
I like stock ones as not so fussed with using fingers
Need to add the Go-To one to the list. It’s the best one I’ve tried to repair dry chapped lips during the day and at night a lip oil does wonders
I like other Du’it products so I should try their lip balm too
I like Burt’s Bees and chapstick.
I would love to try the Summer Friday balms!
I need lip balm during winter for sure.
I would like to try the Drunk Elephant balm.
Love using Burts Bees, great value for money and lip balms the whole family can use including the boys.
Ooooh love lip balms! Especially those that have spf in them for day and those that are super anti-aging for night! Great for those on Roaccutane / Isotretinoin too!!
I want to try the Avene Cold Cream one – looks great for night time!
I use Burt’s Bees but I do like the sound of the Avene one.
Some of these lip balms are so expensive! I’d never pay more than $10 lol
I always need to have a lip balm on hand. I swear I go into a panic if I realise I left the house without one!
Totally addicted to QV lipbalm as well as yours only balm. Both game changers for me
I use lip balm everyday as my lips get dry and cracked quickly
My favorite lipbalm is Bath and Body Works’ C.O. Bigelow My Favourite Night Lip Balm, I always ask my sister to get it when she travels from US as it is a bit difficult to get it here.
I would love to try the Avene lip balm
I love lip balm! I use it all year round before bed
I find lip balm essential in winter, but it’s not a product i really like much.
Love a good lip balm. Have them stashed all over the house, my fave has essential oils. Not game to mention brands on here anymore though.
The Summer Fridays product has the tick of approval from Caroline Hirons- that’s enough for me!
Very surprised not to see any Lano[lips] options recommended here. They are amazing.
You can never have enough lip balms.
Lanolips craps over all of these. I have been using the golden dry skin salve for years on my lips and it is my ride or die desert island product. I always have 3 tubes, one beside my bed, one in the lounge room and one in my bag. It also doubles as an under eye cream and has heaps of other uses other than a lips soothing salve.
I like Burt’s bees and dermal therapy, my favourite is Burt’s bees with spf.
Vaseline is the best 😂