Wintertime calls for serious pucker attention. Nothing will rebuff potential suitors quite like flaky, chapped, weather-beaten lips. especially at the end of a late night when you're going in for the kill. But don't despair. This unfortunate fact of February life does not have to end in rejection and a loss of self-esteem. Instead, we've road-tested five of your favorites. So, read on and pucker up.
Carmex
Weather tolerance: Non-existent. The product needs to be reapplied often, and note the oh-so-intriguing fact that one of the main ingredients in it is salicylic acid, also included in Origins "Spot-Remover". need I say more?
Kissability: Better off without it.
Stickiness factor: Let's just say that the stickiness is cancelled out by the acidic ingredients that dry your lips out in minutes.
Taste/Smell: Bad/Worse.
Appearance: A light sheen, followed by dry lips. Reapply and repeat.
Overall: My grandma Vivian is still using it. its sole claim to fame. Our best advice? Throw it out.
Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm
Weather tolerance: Good; always on me when I ski.
Kissability: Gives you soft lips and a tingling sensation, if that's what you're into.
Stickiness factor: Not sticky at all. Thanks, Burt!
Taste/Smell: Nothing like honey, but pleasant.
Appearance: Matte; great unisex choice.
Overall: All around good choice for cold weather; perfect for the pocket of your North Face.
Aquaphor Healing
Ointment
Weather tolerance: TrŠs bien!
Kissability: Workable, nothing to write home about.
Stickiness factor: The risk of hair getting stuck in your lips is always annoying, but at least it will be stuck on soft lips.
Taste/Smell: Fair/Tolerable.
Appearance: A little bit of shine that lasts, no tint.
Overall: The new actually effective Carmex. Can also be used on elbows and hands, and it's dermatologist recommended. Have it with you all winter.
Sugar Lip
Treatment by Fresh
Weather tolerance: Not only tolerant of weather, it is also time-tolerant. Stays on forever and withstands the elements.
Kissability: Don't know how anyone has gotten along without it. Really.
Stickiness factor: The "sugar" in its name is misleading -- this balm is not sticky at all.
Taste/Smell: Mildly sweet/Fantastic.
Appearance: Smooth, natural sheen.
Overall: Not only the perfect pick for your lips, it also comes in edgy packaging that can withstand being dropped, stepped on, etc. If you thought the only reason to go to Douglas was for a bottle of Russian Navy, you were mistaken.
Dr. Pepper
Lip Smackers
Weather tolerance: Just okay. But to be fair, probably not a primary concern for Lip Smackers' makers.
Kissability: Worth its weight in nostalgia.
Stickiness factor: Not a factor at all.
Taste/Smell: Diluted Dr. Pepper.
Appearance: Light tint, little bit of shine.
Overall: Now Lip Smackers also come in Skittles' flavors. Who doesn't want to "taste the rainbow?" If the vintage appeal isn't enough to get you, the previous information should be. Pick your flavor and stock up right now.
