Choosing the best lip balm is difficult as the market has become a minefield. Good thing there are so many reviews to help the consumer decide, as there have never been so many options for your lips. Cracked and chapped lips? Perhaps they are dry or sensitive? How about sunburned and blistered? There are 101 balms out there: products for boys, men, those that promise to turn back time by offering fine line minimizers and lip plumpers.

Then there are the natural varieties that offer synthetic free alternatives with only natural and organic ingredients. Luxury brands also offer luxurious lip treats alongside everyday drugstore alternatives.

There are also products for the hardcore, offering zinc and high SPFs that are great for extreme conditions on the slopes or in the sea, ideal for men who spend time outdoors and are exposed to the often harsh elements.

The newer tinted varieties are a hybrid option: they add a pop of color, they sit halfway between a lipstick and a lipstick, making them the perfect addition to any makeup bag.

With all these options, it’s no wonder the average consumer is a bit overwhelmed and confused when it comes to choosing the right product. The following are some of the key questions that are asked when it comes to choosing the best lip balm to meet a wide range of needs.

1. Which one is better for the winter season?

When it comes to choosing one for cold winter weather, don’t forget that the sun’s harsh rays are just as damaging this time of year as they are in the summer. Therefore, a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 is essential to protect the thin layer of skin. Opting for a product that contains zinc will provide further protection. A thicker formula that doesn’t slide off easily is better at keeping moisture trapped. Try: Sunscreen with zinc and aloe; Blistex Daily Conditioner; Clarins Moisture Repair Balm.

2. Which one is better to use in summer?

The same rules apply in both winter and summer, it’s about prolonged exposure to extreme weather conditions, harmful UV/UB rays and wind, which can dry and crack just as much as the sun. So again, an SPF is essential. Drinking water generally also helps keep your lips, as well as your entire body, hydrated, which is essential when the temperature rises. Reapplying frequently will ensure lips retain a protective layer. And it is worth remembering that sweating occurs in hot weather, so the lip balm quickly wears off. Try: Vaseline Lip Therapy SPF 15; Aveda lip balm; Virgin Vie Lip Defense SPF 15 Antioxidant Balm.

3. What is the best way to kiss?

When you kiss, you don’t want a lip balm that’s too sticky, otherwise it’s likely to spill all over your face, let alone anywhere else you’re being kissed! It’s also best if the ingredients are natural, as kissers are likely to ingest a fair amount in the process. A pleasant but not overpowering flavor and fragrance will make the experience even more enjoyable. Proof: Lush’s It started with a kiss; Snog Me Senseless by Anatomicals; Mix of kisses by Eve Lom.

4. Which ones have all natural ingredients?

Although many products smell and taste great and look great thanks to their fancy packaging, they are often full of synthetic ingredients that, while not harmful, are far from natural. Natural and organic alternatives, often made with plant extracts, are proving to be a popular alternative. For people concerned about the environment and health, lip balms that avoid unnecessary extras and stick to things like beeswax and essential oils to add perfume are attractive alternatives. Try: Aromatherapy Associates Moisturizing Balm; Aveda lip balm; Dr Hauschka lipstick.

5. What is the best medicated variety?

Medicated products are great for treating severely dry and chapped lips, including those that may be prone to bleeding. They will go to work very quickly to restore the lips’ natural moisture levels so they become soft and supple once again. If left untreated, dry lips can get worse, so it’s best to regularly apply a lip balm that contains a variety of soothing, nourishing, and healing ingredients, including honey, hydramine, and grape seed extract. Try: Blistex Daily Conditioner; E45 Lip care; Lanolips 101 ointment.

6. What is the best dyed type?

Tinted varieties are great in the middle, doubling up to provide subtle color with a layer of hydrating nourishment. They come in a range of colors and shades and can be transparent and barely visible or darker and more like glitter. They swipe on with a wand or a little can and are giving the humble lipstick a go. Tinted lip balms are great for the woman who doesn’t want to look like she’s wearing makeup, so it’s definitely a great option for the low-maintenance type. Try: Benefit Cosmetics Benetint; Jane be Pure Mineral Tinted; Bobbi Brown Tinted Balm.

7. What is the best that is available in the pharmacy?

The good old classics that have graced drugstore shelves for years continue to be great options that are inexpensive and effective, not to mention great smell and taste. They certainly compete with some of the more luxurious brands. With so much on offer, the consumer can choose from a range of great options across all categories, including those with sun protection or a medicated component. Test: Carmex Classic; Ultra-smooth chapstick; Blistex daily conditioner.

8. What is the least sticky brand?

A sticky formula can help the product adhere to your lips effectively, but more often than not it can also end up on your teeth and cheeks, which is not a pretty sight. It should go on smoothly, stay in place without the need for further applications for at least 2 hours, and sink into the lips, not just sit on the surface of the lips. That’s why consistency and application are key: it should slide on, not stick and disappear with application, not leave a sticky mess. Test: Badger Tangerine Breeze; Burt’s Bees Beeswax; Carmex Fresh Mint.

9. What is the best product to plump lips?

Products that promise to plump lips and smooth fine lines around the upper lips and the areas around the corners of the lips are now an essential part of an older woman’s skincare routine. Because the lips do not have oil glands, they are one of the first parts of the body to lose essential moisture and begin to show signs of premature aging, which is why it is essential to stop the aging process with a super-hydrating, nourishing daily treatment. . Try: Creme de la Mer; Lancome, Primordiale Levres.

10. What is better for men?

Men’s lips require just as much hydration and nourishment as women’s, but they may be less interested in over-packing and strong tastes and smells. They need a product that works hard and also protects, offering a high SPF for wind and sun exposure. An applicator that delivers just the right amount of product and doesn’t leave any shiny telltale marks is also a must. Try: MD Skincare: Powerful Sun Protection SPF 25; Brave Soldier Lip Defender SPF 15; Jack Black Black Diamond Intense Therapy Formula SPF 25.