Audrey Dao

Carmex Original Tube ($2.99 for a pack of 3) I think I have found my HG (holy grail) lip protectant. Carmex has worked mircles! For 2 weeks, I was suffering from dry lips. I could not get rid of it. I chugged lots and lots of water thinking maybe it was because of dehydration. That didn’t work. I used my beloved and always-solves-everything Vaseline. Nope. Still dry lips. I used my favorite Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer SPF 15. Nothing. Finally, I dug through my stash of lip balms and treatments hoping to find something that could help. At the bottom of my stash was my pack of Carmexes. I don’t know what made me try it. Thank goodness I did! Within 2 days of using Carmex, my dry lips were gone! Not only were my lips no longer dry, but they were super moisturized. I didn’t have to reapply for hours. What I really like about Carmex, besides the healing and protectant effects, it really soothes. The menthol-like cooling sensation is not very strong where it burns. Instead, it’s a light cooling feel. I LOVE CARMEX! It’s super affordable (approx. $1 a tube) and long lasting. A total must-have.

Blistex Ultra Protection ($2) Ultra Protection is formulated to give your lips and extra high level of protection against the elements, with a light feel that’s comfortable to apply.

Ultra Protection provides 6 protectants to defend your lips from nature’s drying forces in any season, reducing the effects of cold, wind and sun.

Ultra Protection has a broad range of sun protection features:

• SPF 30 - Provides 30 times your natural protection against burning. Remember, LIPS DON’T TAN, BUT THEY DO BURN®.
• UVA – Protects from burning UVB rays and less noticeable UVA rays
• Water Resistant - Retains protection for at least 80 minutes when in water
• PABA Free – For sensitive lips
• Anti-Oxidants – Help neutralize damaging oxidants from the environment to supplement lips’ own defense

My Thoughts:

This balm has a hint of sunscreen smell which I don’t mind at all. I love the smell of sunscreen! It reminds me of the beach so much. It’s not my favorite balm because it’s bit thick and gooey when I apply it. However, Blistex Ultra Protection leaves my lips feeling soft, moisturized, and protected. This balm isn’t something I would repurchase, because I prefer a balm that protects and moisturizes with thin layer. I want to feel like there is nothing on my lips.

Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer SPF 15 ($2.99) I love this lip moisturizer! I am so glad I saw this and snagged it. It’s kind of hard to find. It’s not even listed on Neutrogena’s website! If you do find it, I say stock up. It glides on so easily and effortlessly. It feels like Vaseline. It goes on clear so you don’t have to worry about a tint. Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer really does keep my lips moisturized for a few hours. Hands down the best lip moisturizer I have ever used.

Nivea Lip Care SUN SPF 25 ($2.99) Lips have no self-protection against sun, therefore it is very important to protect them.

The NIVEA Lip Care SUN SPF 25:

• Guarantees long-lasting UV-protection even from intensive sun rays
• Contains protective Vitamin E, one of the most effective anti-oxidants supports your skin’s own protection system. Skin damage and premature aging are so reliably prevented
• Contains natural ingredients: caring shea butter and jojoba oil

The result is highly protected and smoother lips.

NIVEA Lip Care special formula – complete protection with Vitamin E & SPF 25 effectively prevents lips from external influences and moisture loss.

My Thoughts:

I actually bought this on a trip in Australia. You need all the SPF you can get in the Land Down Under, trust me. For me, it wasn’t so moisturizing and smooth as I had hoped it would be. I don’t use this daily, only when I’m outside for long periods of time. When you apply it, it leaves a white tint on you lips. Sort of reminds me of when you apply concealer to your lips. The thing I do like about Nivea Lip Care SUN SPF 25 lip balm is the amount of product you get for so little money. It’s the size of a glue stick! Maybe even a little bit bigger.

Chapstick True Shimmer ($2.99) The only ChapStick® with shimmering highlights… Add shimmering highlights with our latest moisturizing lip balms. True Shimmer™ Botanical Berry and True Shimmer™ Tropical dress your lips with a radiant shine every time you put them on. Choose one or both to highlight your lips for a healthy, beautiful look and feel.

My Thoughts:

I have this in True Shimmer Tropical (pictured above), and I don’t really like it. It does keep my lips moisturized and chapped-free. I don’t like it, because it’s glittery. I thought the shimmer would be like a gloss-like shimmer, not a glitter-shimmer. If the glitter specks weren’t so noticeable, I would like it. It doesn’t go on clear. It has a whitish tint to it. I’m guessing because True Shimmer Tropical is a cream color. I also wish it had some SPF. Living in Southern California, I’m constantly blasted with sun rays. It’s really important for my lip balm to have SPF.