After Trying This Cult Favorite, I Threw Away All My Other Lip Balms

Some people have chapped lips in the Winter — I have chapped lips year-round. The unwelcome dryness is the one lingering side effect (not counting my blemish-free skin) from my six months on Accutane years ago. It's a small problem to have, but man does it bother me. I have tried dozens of lip products, from traditional balms to medicated ointments. Recently, I even bought a highly rated, specialized lip peel from Amazon. That one worked to temporarily soften my lips, but everything else just seemed to make the dryness worse.

Then I found Glossier Balm Dotcom.

My trendy coworkers had been using Glossier for years, but despite the features on POPSUGAR, I hadn't tried anything from the brand — not the cult-favorite Boy Brow, not the Hero Duo that everyone had been raving about, and not the Balm Dotcom that I was certain wouldn't work for my chronically dry lips.

After seeing the product pop up on so many "best of" lists — minty lip products, best balms, chapped lip cures, even best gifts for men — I whipped out my credit card.

You can buy the glosses individually for $12 or get a bundle of three for $30. I opted for the trio because, frankly, it was too hard to decide among the flavors: Original, Birthday, Rose, Cherry, Mint, and Coconut. Each promised to moisturize, but some had added benefits like a tingling sensation (Mint), a subtle shimmer (Birthday), or a deep red tint (Cherry). I went with Cherry, Mint, and Coconut (because I love tasting like a tropical vacation in the Winter).

My package arrived a week later. I ripped the balm out of Glossier's signature pink pouch, slathered it over my parched pucker, and waited. The balm itself is waxy and reminded me of my mom's heavy-duty Mary Kay Extra Emollient Night Cream. Whereas most products I've tried just sit on my lips and eventually make them even drier, the Balm Dotcom soothed my skin, and within minutes they felt healthier. For once, advertising promises came true for me!

Billed as a "universal skin salve," the balm is multipurpose (meaning you can squeeze some out and put it on your cracking elbows), and it deeply hydrates, thanks to antioxidants and natural emollients. It's dense and definitely doesn't have a high-gloss finish, so if that's what you're looking for, move along. The shades (especially Cherry) are flattering without screaming, "I HAVE LIPSTICK ON," they all taste juicy as hell, and, best of all, the product actually works.

I was so happy with the results that I cleared out my balm box, where I'd been hoarding products that kinda, sorta helped my dry lips. After my dog ate the Cherry (devastating true story) and I immediately misplaced the Coconut, I ordered another trio to spread around my car, purse, and bedside table. My lips feel more hydrated overall, and now I just use the balm because I love the dense texture and the flavors. It's great for daily use, and I'll layer it on top of lipstick if I'm feeling fancy.

If you're at the end of your rope, looking for something that will actually help your chapped lips, I can't recommend Balm Dotcom more. It's the only product that worked for me, and it might just work for you, too.