If you live in the Northeast and continually battle the winter’s single-digit temperatures, chapped lips are not something you want to mess around with. It’s terrible. You feel like you just stuck your head in the freezer for 20 minutes when all you really did was walk to your mailbox. Or even worse, you look similar to the seventh grade version of yourself who just learned how to have a steamy make out sesh with your tween boyfriend or girlfriend. Total redness all over the mouth area extending far beyond your tender two lips –super hot.
So obviously you’ve got to spend a couple of bucks and come prepared to take on winter face first. This means having several lip balms on hand at all times: one in the purse, one in the coat jacket, and one that materializes into a flavored ice cube in the center console of your car. Three minimum. Protect yo’self.
Keeping your lips moisturized is not a stressful financial commitment, so please first throw out the Burt’s Bees you bought in 2012 that still makes a casual appearance in your junk drawer.
The average woman applies Chapstick anywhere from two to 30 times a day! I’m putting my reputation on the line to bring you this knowledge and recommend the following products. So as mentioned, don’t take chapped lips lightly and next time you make a trip to the drugstore or the best “safe space” on Earth (this is obviously, unanimously Target*), consider stocking up on your Chapstick varieties to make this hellish winter a little bit easier.
Say Yes to Coconut, $2.99
Why I love it: The Say Yes To brand offers an awesome line of elevated skin care products, and this one happens to be a bit more affordable than some of their other lines like facial moisturizers and masks. The lip balm is packaged inside a surprising new shape (oval), and uses the super trendy, natural coconut oil to lightly coat your lips. If you fall in love with this product, it’s safe to say you can splurge and explore the benefits of the rest of the line.
Vaseline Lip Therapy, $1.79
Why I love it: Sometimes it’s nice to switch it up and scoop your finger in a sticky mixture before touching it to your mouth, right? But Vaseline is a reliable brand that has many helpful uses, so I couldn’t wait to try this product. People love miniature versions of things (fact) and this lil’ one keeps your lips feeling good for hours in the freezing cold or dry heat.
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm, $7.50
Why I love it: This one’s for the boys! The Jack Black line (no relation to the actor) always pops up in women’s mags as the best product to borrow/steal from your man at home. This lip balm, though a bit more pricy, makes it cool for guys to use it and also includes SPF 25 for extra protection. It’s a great choice for someone hitting the ski slopes where even in 10° temperatures, the sun is still shining and can affect your skin. It also comes in a variety of flavors (mint, mango, lemon, grapefruit, black tea, you get it).
Carmex Classic Lip Balm, $2.74
Why I love it: Carmex might seem like an outdated brand, but that’s because it is. It took off in 1937 and almost a century later is still a tried-and-true medicated lip balm that simply works. If you want some no nonsense protection and don’t care about fancy logos or packaging, this is a solid go-to. You don’t have to search far for it as it’s available from dollar stores to big name retailers like Target or Walmart.
This should give you a pretty good start to stockpiling your lip protection collection for winter. I will leave you with one last thought, and that’s to not shy away from the traditional Chapstick or Burt’s Bee’s tube when you’re in a pinch. It’s there for you at the end of every checkout aisle and will get you through the toughest of dry-lipped times.
*Target = safe space. It’s in the basic b*tch handbook. You make a list, stop by Target for a couple of things and leave with 100. You walk in the automatic doors and are greeted by a big hug that says, “Don’t worry. I’ve got what you need.”
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