I hate this time of year – I slather on the lip balm and by the time I arrive at my office my lips are flaking off, making me look like a scaly alligator.
The key to ditching the alligator lips is to splurge beyond the $2.99 Chapstick and Bonne Bell
Lipsmackers. These are not intended to protect delicate lips against the cold weather. I don’t care how good the Dr. Pepper one smells or that it reminds you of your youth.
Here are my raves and reviews:
Kiehls Lip Balm #1 – Meant to be clear but does give you a slight pink tinge. About $14 but well worth it. Only drawback is that there is no applicator – you squeeze the tube onto your finger which may not be the most hygienic way to apply lip balm. So far only available at Holts stores in Toronto and two stand-alone Kiehls stores, also in Toronto. However, Kiehls also accepts mail orders.
Benefit Lipscription – This comes in a set with a lip balm and a lip exfoliant. Both wonderful – take the time to use the exfoliant once in a while. It works wonders. The balm is a creamy gel – again, no applicator. Clear, no colour. Available at the Bay or Sephora and some Shoppers Drug Marts. About $40 for the set.
Smith’s Rosebud Salve – This stuff always ends up on some top 10 list with fabulous reviews. Personally, I don’t think it is that great. The initial application is good but it wears off very quickly. Comes in a tin, so requires a clean finger to be dipped in and rubbed on your lips. I have issues
about sticking my grimy fingers into a pot repeatedly but that’s just me. About $7 at Sephora.
Clinique Superbalm – Finally! An applicator! I love this stuff, and it is relatively cheap and easy to find. About $14 available at the Bay, Sears and Sephora. Comes in clear only.
Cake Kissed Whipped Creams (Pink Berry and Caramel flavours) – Smells so good and has a buttery texture. A steal at $10. Buy it online or search the website for stores.
If you are one of those lip balm addicts, remember that the effects of a product used continuously over time can diminish. It is important to change it up once in awhile, so buy a few different brands to spread around in different purses, in your desk or at home. If you still can’t shake the addiction, get help at www.lipbalmanonymous.com.
Have a question for the Fashionista? Seek her counsel at fashionista@lawandstyle.beta-site.ca