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Society’s general apathy towards male grooming has spread to the lips. Sure, most men have heard of Chapstick, Carmex, perhaps Burt’s Bees — but few know where to start beyond impulse buying a $2 Blistex pack at the checkout counter.
Fortunately, male skincare has progressed rapidly in the wake of men realizing it’s nice to be soft and clean, and now there are plenty of options. Is a $20 lip balm worth the extra cash? Are the ingredients that much better? We asked a team of beauty experts which they recommend for mens’ cracked kissers.
There’s a range of products here: sunscreen lip balms, expensive overnight lip masks, and an everyday option that’s low-cost and easy to find. There should be something for every guy, whether they want to indulge in some top-tier skincare or just have a reliable go-to for the cold and dry winter months.
The Best Lip Balms: At a Glance
BEST OVERALL
Aquaphor Lip Repair
Buy Now On Amazon$8.39Jump to Details
BEST LIP BALM WITH SPF
Supergoop! Lip Shield SPF 30 Mint
Buy Now$30.00Jump to Details
BEST OVERNIGHT LIP BALM MASK
In Fiore Veloutee Complexe
Buy Now$85.00Jump to Details
BEST IN A PINCH
Carmex Classic Lip Balm (4pk)
Buy Now$5.69Jump to Details
What the Experts Say
SPY spoke to three skincare experts to find out which are the best lip balms for men. Jake Jaime, a skincare product designer, beauty influencer, and self-described lip balm obsessive weighed in, alongside skincare and beauty blogger Bart Kaczanowicz and long-time grooming editor Garrett Munce.
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Jaime said that he rarely goes out without a cheap, everyday lip balm, both to avoid the feeling of chapped lips and for aesthetic reasons. “A small coating of balm makes the lips look so healthy and fresh!” Jaime said. “I hate the way my lips feel without it.” Kaczanowicz emphasized not overcomplicating the decision. He says you need it to keep your lips moisturized, be easy to apply, and not lose its shape over time since a mushy swivel stick is worse than flaky lips.
The experts also gave us picks for luxe lip masks that you’re meant to use overnight, a step up in the cosmetic game but something that can make a serious difference in long-term hydration if used properly. Men who experience chronically dry lips, especially in the winter, should tune in. For those who don’t want to go that far, a daily-use product is still a must. Read on to hear the top picks.
BEST OVERALL
Aquaphor Lip Repair
$8.39
Buy Now On Amazon
The best lip balm overall is a simple, ubiquitous product: Aquaphor. There are a few different Aquaphor formulas, but they’re very similar. Kaczanowicz recommends the Healing Ointment, which can be used on the lips and anywhere on the body. Jaime, meanwhile, recommended Aquaphor’s SPF 30 lip formula, which gives some UV protection as well. “Aquaphor does it all!” Jaime said. “It really is the ultimate lip balm for all skin types.” If even beauty pros with access to the highest-end products keep coming back, that’s all the endorsement you need.
BEST LIP BALM WITH SPF
Supergoop! Lip Shield SPF 30 Mint
$30.00
Buy Now
SPECIALTY PRODUCT: “No one makes sunscreen like Supergoop! and the lip balm is no exception,” Munce said. “Good protective factor, broad spectrum, it’s even water and sweat-resistant without feeling heavy or sticky on your lips.”
ALSO CONSIDER: Both Munce and Kaczanowicz also recommend the Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm as another high-quality option with SPF. “It’s super thick and super hydrating, way more than your average cheap stick,” Munce said.
BEST OVERNIGHT LIP BALM MASK
In Fiore Veloutee Complexe
$85.00
ROI: At $85, this mask isn’t cheap. But Kaczanowicz says it’s worth it. “It’s a stunning, soft balm formula the brand refers to as ‘The Last Lip Treatment You’ll Ever Need’ and I concur,” Kaczanowicz said. “This luxe treat is meticulously formulated and heals, rejuvenates, and protects the skin against any harmful exposure to the environment.”
MULTI-PURPOSE: “It’s incredibly nourishing and can also be used around the eyes,” Kaczanowicz said. The skin around the eyes is infamously sensitive and delicate, so any product with ingredients that work there is worth investing in.
BEST IN A PINCH
Carmex Classic Lip Balm (4pk)
$5.69
BACKUP: If you can’t find Aquaphor or even standard Vaseline, Munce says to go for the old, reliable Carmex. It’s petroleum-based, so “it’s great at both moisturizing and protecting lips,” Munce said.
TRAVEL HACK: “I also like that it comes in a tube,” Munce said. “When I travel, I try to avoid tubs that I have to dip my fingers into because I seem to always get sick when I travel and I try to do whatever I can to minimize germ exposure.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Lip Balm
What is lip balm made of?
Many balms are petroleum-based, essentially, Vaseline with other ingredients. Some however will contain beeswax and other lipids like coconut or jojoba oil. Carmex, for instance, has a bit of salicylic acid that Munce says is good for keeping lips smooth.
How much does lip balm cost?
The price range in this list is anywhere from a couple of dollars to a whopping $80 for the most luxurious option. The mid-range for a good, top-tier specialty product appears to be around $10 per small tube, typically a quarter or a third of an ounce.
When should I wear lip balm?
Ideally, every day. A light balm for daily use will keep you from chapping or cracking in normal conditions, and heftier products will keep you safe in the elements and can help repair any damage you sustain.
What’s the difference between lip balm and Chapstick?
Chapstick is a brand, officially, but the two terms are often used interchangeably to talk about moisturizing lip products. Chapstick tends to be more of a wax-based substance that comes in a small tube and is solid, whereas a balm is a liquid that spreads on easier and feels lighter.