25 Editor-Approved Lip Balms You Need in Your Collection

Product Images: Sephora | Net-a-Porter / Glossier
Photo Illustration: Aly Lim
Product Images: Sephora | Net-a-Porter / Glossier
Photo Illustration: Aly Lim
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Whether it's a thick salve, a glossy balm, or a convenient stick, there's nothing we depend on more than a lip balm. Besides our keys, wallets, and phones, it's probably the one thing we can't leave our homes without. And just to make sure our lips are always hydrated, we have several stashed all over our homes, in our cars, and even in a few purses. After all, we can't just have one — we need a whole arsenal just in case one gets lost or forgotten. They're a dime a dozen, and with so many options available in the market, finding a favorite can be overwhelming. That's why we rounded up the best of the best lip balms on the market backed by our editors' reviews.

From high-quality drugstore lip balms to more high-end formulas to the best tinted lip balms, our team of editors has a myriad of recommendations that will keep your lips soft, smooth, and hydrated all day long. There's something for everyone's lip needs, whether it's a classic beeswax formula, lip balms with hyaluronic acid for deep hydration, ones that offer a high-shine gloss-like finish, and even a few with SPF to keep your lips protected from UV rays. And, of course, we had to include a few lip balms with yummy flavors and refreshing scents. Investing in a high-quality lip balm is a beauty essential for maintaining healthy and beautiful lips, so keep reading to discover and shop the top lip balms that are worth your attention.

Additional reporting by Victoria Messina

Best Lip Balm For Overnight Use
amazon.com

Best Lip Balm For Overnight Use

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ($24)

"I've always been the type of person who reaches for fruity scents over the sweet ones, and Pink Lemonade Swirl and Mango were just as delectably summery as I had hoped. It's a lusciously thick formula with a silky-soft texture and a glossy finish. I agree with our former content director, Macy Cate Williams, who reviewed the original berry formula and said: 'This lip mask isn't sticky or uncomfortable — it glides on smoothly and feels very soothing on my lips.' Like her, I'm also a fan of using it instead of a regular lip balm throughout the day. The tiniest amount goes a long way, so even with multiple applications daily, it lasts a while." — Marisa Petrarca, contributing editor, Commerce

Read our full review of the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask here.

Best Lip Balm With Hyaluronic Acid
sephora.com

Best Lip Balm With Hyaluronic Acid

Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Lip Gloss Balm ($22)

"The first thing I noticed about the gloss balm was the thick, nonsticky texture. It's completely different from 'standard' lip balms, but the gel-like consistency gave my lips a juicy, plumped effect with a gorgeous shine on top. Not only does it make my lips look fuller, but the balm is also packed with hydrating ingredients that lock in moisture." — Chloe Dunn, social content producer, UK

Check out our in-depth review of the Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Lip Gloss Balm for more.

Best Lip Balm With a Yummy Scent

Best Lip Balm With a Yummy Scent

Glossier Coconut Balm Dotcom ($14)

"Glossier's Coconut Balm Dotcom is the best-smelling lip balm I've ever owned (and I've owned a lot). It revives my lips from their driest days and gives a low-key glossy look that I love. Pro tip: I always use the excess product from my fingers on my knuckles and cuticles." — Madison Meltzer, associate social media strategist

Best Lip Balm That's Buttery and Tinted
sephora.com

Best Lip Balm That's Buttery and Tinted

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm ($24)

"The Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm checked all the boxes. Its applicator hugs my lips perfectly, and it applies like butter. Not only that, but it smells incredible, too. I own both the vanilla beige and poppy, and they both have a light scent that fades away quickly. Personally, I apply mine over lipstick, and I love how plump and moisturized it makes my lips feel. It gives off that perfect dewy summer look and lasts a few hours on my lips before I feel the need to reapply." — Haley Lyndes, former assistant editor, Commerce

For swatches and a full breakdown, read our review of the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm.

Best Lip Balm For a Plumping Effect
sephora.com

Best Lip Balm For a Plumping Effect

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DermInfusions Plump + Repair Lip Treatment With Hyaluronic Acid ($45)

"Ever since I got my hands on Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare's DermInfusions Plump + Repair Lip Treatment, I don't use anything else. For starters, this lip treatment has a flattering plumping effect that adds the perfect amount of volume; it's like I got a subtle amount of lip filler. There's a slight tingle, but it's not irritating at all and only lasts for a few seconds. But that's not all — the lip treatment is clear but is able to bring a flush of color to your lips. To top it all off, the hydration lasts all day long. I can truly go several hours without needing to reapply. You only need a tiny bit to make an impact. This lip treatment is the ultimate 'my lips but better' product." — Anvita Reddy, assistant editor, Commerce

Best Lip Balm With Peptides
rhodeskin.com

Best Lip Balm With Peptides

Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment ($16)

"[It has a] gel-like consistency that spread easily over my lips. They felt immediately hydrated and soothed after just two swipes of the Peptide Lip Treatment. . . . When my lips stayed hydrated even after the product and glossiness faded, though, I knew I had found a winner. . . . Rhode's Peptide Lip Treatment has become my new go-to product for my dry, chapped lips, and it's landed a permanent spot on my beauty counter (and in my purse . . . and in my car . . .)." — Renee Rodriguez, staff writer and social producer

Check out the in-depth review of the Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment here.

Best Lip Balm That Is Lightweight and Hydrating
amazon.com

Best Lip Balm That Is Lightweight and Hydrating

Eos the Hero Extra Dry Lip Treatment ($4)

"At this point I'm not sure how many tubes of lip balm I have stashed away in every purse in my house, but the one I've been using the most lately is the Eos the Hero Extra Dry Lip Treatment. I've been dealing with extremely dry, cracking lips lately, and every time I reach for this lip balm, it saves me with just a small swipe. It's super hydrating — it's made with shea butter and olive oil — and makes my lips feel soft and moisturized for hours, not to mention that I'm never left with a heavy, sticky feeling." — Danielle Jackson, former assistant beauty editor

Best Lip Balm That's a Thick Healing Ointment
target.com

Best Lip Balm That's a Thick Healing Ointment

Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($9)

"I swear by the Aquaphor Healing Ointment. It's not the sexiest lip balm out there, and I get a lot of confused looks when I pull out that big white tube, but it's the only thing that heals my chapped lips year-round. Plus it's noncomedogenic, so I don't break out around my mouth when I use it. I slather it on every single night before bed and wake up with supersoft lips." — Mary White, copy chief

Best Lip Balm That's Medicated
target.com

Best Lip Balm That's Medicated

Carmex Classic Lip Balm Medicated Tube ($4)

"The Carmex Classic Lip Balm is a tried-and-true lip product that makes chapped lips practically nonexistent. To give myself just a subtle amount of color, I love applying this one over a tiny amount of lip stain — every time I wear it, my lips are softer than ever." — DJ

"I swear by Daily Care Lip Balm Moisturizing Assorted Sticks ($4) — it's the only chapstick I use now! Carmex works the best for my lips but I can't stand the taste or smell of it. The cherry version doesn't have the overpowering smell, but it works just as well as regular Carmex." — Meghan Tipton, former editorial recruiting associate

Best Lip Balms That's Affordable
walmart.com

Best Lip Balms That's Affordable

Maybelline Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm ($4)

"Shout-out for the Maybelline Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm; cheap and cheerful and the cherry one is amazing. For reasons unknown, this didn't come to the UK until a few years ago, and I once panic-bought about eight tubes on a trip to the US because I'd heard to much about it." — Gemma Cartwright, former senior editor, POPSUGAR UK

Best Lip Balm That's Vegan
fanlovebeauty.com

Best Lip Balm That's Vegan

FanLoveBeauty 100% Natural Vegan Lip Balm ($10)

"Created by longtime cosmetic chemist Ginger King, I knew I was getting nothing but the best ingredients from the FanLoveBeauty 100% Natural Vegan Lip Balm. Although, the subtle scent of peppermint makes it even better." — Kelsey Castañon, beauty director

Best Lip Balm That's Tinted
amazon.com

Best Lip Balm That's Tinted

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm ($9)

"I carry the Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Red Dhalia with me at all times. It moisturizes just as well as the classic lip balm, and the sheer shade adds the perfect pop of color, making me feel instantly more pulled together." — Angela Elias, contributing editor, Commerce

Best Lip Balm That's Minty
nordstrom.com

Best Lip Balm That's Minty

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 Duo ($15)

"One of my best friends got this [Jack Black] lip balm for me and explained that, despite it being from the men's department at Nordstrom, it was the best lip balm of all time. She was not lying. It is glorious. And minty fresh. And moisturizing. Bless it." — Dominique Astorino, assistant editor, Fitness

Best Lip Balm For Sensitive Skin
amazon.com

Best Lip Balm For Sensitive Skin

Aquaphor Lip Repair ($4)

"As someone with supersensitive skin, I have to be really picky about what I wear on my lips, choosing balms and lipstick that are mostly natural and fragrance-free. For years, I've been addicted to good old Aquaphor Lip Repair, and there are usually at least three tubes within my reach!" — Laura Meyers, former content director, Trending and Viral Features

Best Lip Balm That's Luxurious
sephora.com

Best Lip Balm That's Luxurious

Tatcha Gold Camellia Nourishing Lip Balm ($30)

"I'm a lover of any Tatcha product, so I naturally fell for the brand's Gold Camellia Nourishing Lip Balm. I know it's so expensive and bougie but it makes me feel so glamorous. I also think it leaves your lips with a slight golden glow so, you know, that's amazing." — Kelsey Garcia, associate content director, Breaking News

Best Lip Balm Formulated With Shea Butter
amazon.com

Best Lip Balm Formulated With Shea Butter

Evan Healy Lip Balm ($10)

"The Evan Healy Lip Balm tastes and smells like vanilla thanks to the addition of VANILLA OIL. Nommm. It's $10 for a tube that will definitely last you a long time. It's one of the few chapsticks that has all-natural oils and no funny stuff. It actually moisturizes and doesn't leave a weird waxy film on your lips." — Anna Roberts, former editor, Food

Best Lip Balms That's a Thick Ointment
ulta.com

Best Lip Balms That's a Thick Ointment

Lano Lips 101 Ointment ($17)

"Mine is the original Lano Lips 101 Ointment, which is an Australian bestseller. A tiny bit goes a long way, it's scent and color-free (though it also makes a tinted version), and it seals in moisture like nothing else." — GC

Best Lip Balm With a Silky Texture
target.com

Best Lip Balm With a Silky Texture

Nivea Moisturizing Lip Balm ($4)

"I will try pretty much any lip balm put in front of me, but my all-time favorite is the classic Nivea stick. The shea butter gives it a silky texture and a mild natural scent that's addictive." — Nancy Einhart, interim publisher

"The Nivea Smoothness Lip Care SPF 15 ($17) is not sticky or shiny (good for guys, too!) and it has SPF. It used to only be available in Europe and I would bring lots of tubes back every time I was there." — AF

Best Lip Balm That's a Salve
sephora.com

Best Lip Balm That's a Salve

Rosebud Salve in a Tube ($7)

"I love the Rosebud Salve in a Tube and keep it in my purse, my car, and my gym bag. Essentially, I want it everywhere I am, and this works because of the packaging. Since the salve is in a tube, it travels well and can handle the heat of my glove compartment without melting like stick balms. The scent is subtle and lovely." — Susi May, former senior director, Fitness

Best Lip Balm With a Buttery Texture
amazon.com

Best Lip Balm With a Buttery Texture

L'occitane Shea Butter Lip Balm Stick ($10)

"L'occitane's Shea Butter Lip Balm Stick is my new favorite to wear under lipstick because it's not sticky at all, but it's made with 10 percent shea butter so I know it's working!" — Alessandra Foresto, executive operations director

Best Lip Balm That's Smooth and Soothing
amazon.com

Best Lip Balm That's Smooth and Soothing

Bioderma Atoderm Lip Stick ($10)

"Last year I went to Paris and spotted Bioderma's Atoderm Lip Stick at one of the pharmacies. As huge fan of the brand's makeup remover, I bought a bunch to give to friends when I returned. It has a slightly fruity scent that's addictive and goes on smoother than any lip balm I've ever tried. It's somehow really slick but not glossy. Luckily I didn't need my passport to re-up my stash. It — and the makeup remover — is available on Amazon." — JD

Best Lip Balm With SPF
ulta.com

Best Lip Balm With SPF

Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm ($4)

"SPF is a must for my lip balm when on vacation and this smells so yummy. I have coconut and pomegranate!" — Lisa Sugar, former president, POPSUGAR

Best Lip Balm That's Refillable
sephora.com

Best Lip Balm That's Refillable

Dior Rouge Dior Refillable Lip Balm ($45)

"It was the packaging of this Dior lip balm that sucked me in, but the creamy formula got me hooked. In addition to shea butter (which guarantee a smooth and perky pucker), pomegranate flower and red peony to hydrate the lips. Bonus: it's refillable!" — Emily Orofino, former beauty editor

Best Lip Balms That's Not Sticky
dermstore.com

Best Lip Balms That's Not Sticky

Ormedic Balancing Lip Enhancement Complex ($26)

"The Ormedic Balancing Lip Enhancement Complex is a little pricey, but once a friend recommended it, I was hooked. It goes on smooth and it's not sticky at all, but the formula is thick enough that it stays on and makes your lips look fuller and more defined even when you don't have any color on with it. I also love to put it over a lipstick or tinted balm for added shine. Also the tube is tiny but it actually lasts longer than you'd think!" — Lauren Turner, former editorial operations director

Best Lip Balm That's Glossy
drhauschka.com

Best Lip Balm That's Glossy

Dr. Hauschka Lip Care Stick ($15)

"Through my extensive lip balm research, I've found that the Dr. Hauschka Lip Care Stick is no joke. It's so thick and creamy and you really feel it working upon application. I also like that it's not a super pretty product that's all about the packaging. It just gets the job done." — KG