Burt's Bees Lip Balms

It's not easy to keep lips soft and healthy when it's freezing outside. I'm one of those people who really can't stand dry and chapped lips. It drives me crazy and makes me bite my lips which is even worse. This is why I have to have lip balm with me at all times and I'm always on the lookout for something new to keep my lips smooth.

I bought my first Burt's Bees lip balm (in the little tin) more than a year ago but I don't use it that much anymore. I like the peppermint flavour and the tingling sensation, but as it fades it becomes a bit yucky-tasting. Also, a tin isn't ideal for when you're wearing gloves. About two months ago I decided to try the tube versions and today I want to share my thought on them with you. I picked up four different ones: the Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil, Honey Lip Balm, Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Açaí Berry and the Nourishing Lip Balm with Mango Butter. While all these balms have a similar composition, they do feel differently on the lips and do different things.

Let me start with the one I liked the least. You know I have very dry lips, so I need something that isn't going to fade away after five minutes. That's exactly what the balm with mango butter does for me. I love the flavour (fruity but not too sweet) and I love the texture (very light) but for me, it just doesn't work. It sinks in very quickly and I'm left with dry lips again. Definitely not enough for the colder months, but I'm going to give it another try in the summer.

The honey lip balm is definitely the thickest but will also protect your lips from the cold better than the other ones. Beeswax is the main ingredient here, which creates a protective layer on your lips. It also contains lanolin to prevent moisture loss and (as the name would suggest) honey. Honey is known for its healing properties, which of course is a big bonus when your lips are chapped and need some help. The only downside to this balm is the flavour. While I love honey, I really don't like the one they used in this balm. I got used to it after a while, but I didn't like it at all the first time I used it.

The third one I want to talk about, is the one with pomegranate oil. Pomegranate is known to be filled with antioxidants, which is always a good thing in my book. It has a very light, fruity flavour which resembles pomegranate and does a really good job at moisturizing the lips. All the men out there, beware, it is slightly tinted! Nothing like a lipstick and I wouldn't even call it a real tinted lip balm, but it does have some colour. However, it is very natural and just a little bit richer than my natural lip colour, so I can get away with putting loads on before anyone could ever notice the difference. Personally, I really like it because it makes my lips look healthier. I always have one of these with me.

The last one is definitely my favourite: the Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Açaí Berry. When I was reading the description on Burt's Bees website, it said it was a "super balm" and I can completely understand why. Açaí Berries are full of antioxidants and vitamins (A, C, D and E) which, as I said, is always more than welcome! I find this balm very moisturizing and protecting, not very thick and yet it doesn't fade away after five minutes. It has a pleasant sweet, fruity flavour but it's not offensive at all. I'm not a big fan of flavoured balms, but I have no problem with this one whatsoever. Also, the Burt's Bees balms are all made from natural ingredients so the flavours aren't something synthetic or potentially dangerous. I'm almost out of this one, so I'll have to get a new one as soon as the tube is empty.

Overall I'm really pleased with all four balms, but I have my favourites. The tube is really handy to carry around and I enjoy using the balms a lot. Going to put some more on once I'm done writing this review because I need to take my dog for a walk asap! ;) So, what are your favourite balms to survive the winter with smooth lips? Definitely let me know in the comments! -L.

Aveda - Lip Saver SPF 15

Aveda
Lip Saver SPF 15

After spending the whole day outside at the pool, I decided it was time to write about one of my favourite lip balms with SPF. I've never had sunburnt lips, but it's definitely not something I want to experience either so I'd rather be safe than sorry, as they say!

I've discovered this lip balm a few months ago and had it with me ever since. To be honest, I don't know much about Aveda but after trying this balm I think I'll have to take a closer look! This lip balm has many natural ingredients (whoop!) such as anise oil, beeswax, cinnamon leaf and vitamin E. It tastes like cinnamon and anise, which I actually enjoy (and those who get to kiss your lips will too!). This was a surprise to me, because I normally prefer lip balms with neutral flavours or no flavour at all. I've never liked fruity balms because they tend to make me bite my lips (weird, I know) so they actually do more harm than good.

Once you've applied this balm, you can feel it melt and sink into the skin to leave you with soft and moisturized lips. It's not particularly shiny, although this depends on the amount you put on. But don't worry; it's not nearly as shiny as lip gloss! Also, you get 4,25g of product but I can't say it'll last you a long time. Although maybe it's because I reach for this one a bit more often than the other ones I carry with me.

If you're looking for a good lip balm with SPF - give this one a try! As far as I can see, it doesn't contain any nasty ingredients and it really does a good job at moisturizing and protecting the lips. Even when you go swimming, it'll stay on for a long time thanks to the waxy texture. It's definitely a lip balm I'll repurchase once I run out!

What are your favourite lip balms with SPF? I'm always open for suggestions! -L.

Nuxe - Rêve de Miel Lip Balm

Nuxe - Rêve de Miel Lip Balm

Since I'm on strong medication for treating acne, my lips are dry almost all day every day. Annoying, right? Because of my little lip balm addiction, I've tried and tested a lot of products. There are only a few lip balms out there that can help my dry and flaky lips and this is definitely one of them. It might even be - dare I say it - my favourite lip balm I have used this far!

Before I move on to the real review, I want to talk about the two major groups of lip balms: the ones that treat lips 'from the inside' and ones that sit on your lips and protect them on the outside. The first category is amazing to use as a night treatment because these balms really absorb into the lips and treat them with smooth and plump lips as result. The second group of lip balms is often petrolatum-based and, for me, they barely ever absorb or make my lips much smoother. What they are amazing at, is protecting your lips from harsh weather. These won't improve the look of your lips very much, but they will prevent your lips from drying out and looking worse.

The Rêve de Miel lip balm belongs in the first category and is meant to treat lips (although it does a pretty decent job at protecting them too!). It contains many natural ingredients such as sweet almond oil, shea butter and honey. All these ingredients are amazing at making your lips soft and plump. When you apply this balm before bed, you'll wake up with really healthier looking lips in the morning: moisturized, repaired and smooth.

The balm comes in a little pot (15g) but will last you a long time. To me, it smells like oranges or grapefruits and - the best part - it's matt once applied on the lips! Not something you see very often, huh? Since I'm a guy and don't always want my lips to look like I have used gloss, it's a big plus! I can imagine girls liking this one too, because it smells divine and really makes a difference! Whenever I feel my lips are dried out and on the verge of cracking, I apply a bit of this balm and within a minute the uncomfortable feeling's gone. It's like a little lip miracle in a pot, to be honest!

So if you're in need of a good lip treating balm - definitely give this one a try! Nuxe also makes a stick version of this balm, but I don't find it nearly as good as the little pot (because of different ingredients). So if you're going to invest - the pot is what you want. Oh, by the way! The balm has no SPF in it, so if it's something you worry about then keep an eye on our blog since I'll review some of my favourite lip balms with SPF soon! -L.