To Balm, Or Not to Balm?

Lip Balm was first marketed in the 1880s by the creator of Chapsticks (Charles Browne Fleet) and has since them become a product that it widely used and produced by majority of all cosmetic/beauty companies. So why do we use them? Well simply put, lip balms are used to relieve or prevent dry or chapped lips by sealing moisture into the lips and protecting them from external exposure. Moisture is drawn away from the body by dry air, cold temperatures and wind, and lips are particularly vulnerable to this effect as the skin is so thin. To prevent moisture loss lip balms that have ingredients such as waxes and petroleum jelly are used. However most modern lips balms also include flavourants, colourants, sunscreens and various medicament that can provide additional, specific benefits.

So in answer to the question to balm, or not to balm? The answer is definitely yes. By maintaining the condition of your lips you are not only going to have luscious lips but you are going to avoid the awkward situations were you are caught out with cracked lips that no one wants to go near. But what lip balm brand should you use? It's all up to personal preference and what additional benefits you are looking for. I have a few that I have been testing and would recommend for you to use.

I have been absolutely loving the Nivea Lip Butters. As you can see I have two; Caramel Cream and Vanilla & Macadamia.  If you aren't into scented lip products they also have put out an unscented version. 

Nivea Lip Butter's are enriched with Shea Butter, Almond Oil and Hydra IQ, provides an intense long-lasting moisturisation to keep your lips soft and silky smooth. Nivea's Hydra IQ's deep moisture technology helps to restore and maintain soft and healthy lips; and Shea Butter protects the sensitive lip skin from the elements. I am absolutely in love with the creaminess of these lip butters and I can't even tell you how good they smell. 

Another Nivea product? Yes. Nivea has one of the most extensive lip care ranges I have seen. There is definitively something for everyone. Nivea's Lip Balm in stick come in numerous different colours and formulations. As pictured above, I have purchased balm that also have a colour pay off. After all who doesn't want those luscious red lips you see on celebrities. So first off I have two Fruity Shine Balms; Strawberry and Pink Guava. Nivea's Fruity Shine balms have a delicious fruity scent in addition to their smoothing and long lasting care. The balms naturally enhance your lips with shimmering pigments and a soft glossy glow. And to top it all of the product offers protection against UVA and UVB rays. And similarly to the lip butters, they are enriched with Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter.

I though there was going to be a difference between the Fruity Shine balms and the other two pictured  Soft Rose and Pearly Shine. But to my surprise the formulation is the same, all that is different is the colour. But all that said these are great products.

WARNING: Do not leave them in the sun or extreme heat, they melt. (bad experience)

And finally we have the iconic baby lips. Everybody has heard of them, everybody probably has them. They are obviously a staple in everybody's lip care collection and now they have released their Baby Lips Loves Colour range and Baby Lips Pink Glow collection. Baby lips also protect the sensitive skin on your lips from the sun with their formula including SPF 16. 

Pictured above is the Baby Lips Loves Colour in the shade Berry Crush; and Baby Lips Pink Glow in the shades Pink Blast and Baby Pink. The Baby Lips Love Colour balms have great colour payoff, and the shades are great. Definitely something everybody should have!

You can purchase any of the products mentioned just about anywhere; Coles, Woolworths/Safeway, Priceline, Target etc. And most are around $4 to $5 depending on where you go and what promotions are currently on.