It’s that awkward, meteorological identity-crisis time of year again. Is it winter? Is it spring? Is it some chaotic in-between situation where the weather throws snow in the morning and sunshine by lunch? Nobody knows. Least of all my lips, which have clearly decided the best course of action is to panic… and dry out completely. Sooooooo dry. Please send help. Preferably in balm form!
Flexitol Lip Balm - 10g - $6.49 - available in Regular, Berry and Mint - This concentrated little overachiever is basically first aid for lips that have gone through some things - clinically proven to show visible results in just one day, thanks to a formula powered by 2.5% urea and a squad of hardworking hydrating ingredients.
Translation: it softens severely dry, chapped lips and brings them back from the brink with smooth, healthy-looking moisture.
It’s dermatologically tested, deeply hydrating, and forms a protective barrier to keep precious moisture from making a dramatic escape. And because the formula is Australian-made, you can assume it knows a thing or two about surviving harsh conditions. Personally, I’m partial to the Refreshing Mint version - it gives a cool, soothing little tingle that makes my lips feel instantly happier (and a lot less crusty).
Nivea Glowy Lips - 10ml - $6.29 - adds a little extra oomph for hydrated, visibly glowy lips.Available in Classic Clear which uses magnolia extract for a fresh natural shine or my preference, Berry which delivers a juicy hint of colour and a rich gloss finish. Both are packed with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and glycerin to hydrate immediately and keep lips comfy for 24 hours. Vegan, dermatologically tested, and gentle on even the crankiest lips.
Grace & Stella Kiss Me Softly Nourishing Berry Lip Mask - 20ml - $13.95 - which sounds like something straight out of a rom-com but actually delivers some serious hydration. This berry-scented treatment is packed with plant-derived ingredients like jojoba seed oil and vitamin-rich shea butter to help heal dry, chapped lips while keeping them soft and moisturized - without that sticky gloss feeling.
You can slather it on overnight as a lip sleeping mask for serious hydration or swipe it on during the day as a glossy berry-tinted balm. The clean formula is vegan, paraben-free and sulfate-free, with mineral oil, castor oil and cocoa seed butter delivering deep moisture for lips worthy of a truly cinematic smooch.
Though I will admit… I’m not entirely sure why I need a tint at night. Perhaps it’s meant to entice one’s bedmate? In my experience it mostly just ends up decorating the pillowcase. Beauty is sacrifice, apparently.
Spring may be taking its sweet time figuring itself out, but at least our lip care routine doesn’t have to. With a little help from these hydrating heroes, dry, cranky lips can get back to being smooth, happy and ready for whatever weird weather comes next.
- Lisamarie -
