If you live anywhere near where we do, you spent the weekend unpacking winter jackets, vests, gloves and hats because the temperature is quickly approaching what we’d call frigid, and it’s only going to get worse. In addition to covering the rest of your body, you need some serious protection and/or repair for your lips. You need a great lip balm. The ChapStick or Carmex you grew up and still probably use is great, but there are other options to consider.
Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lip Balm (Four Pack)
You’re going to need at least a few tubes of the good stuff to get through winter because you need one in each of the coats, the car, at home and at the office. Skip the big box brand multi-packs in favor of an affordable four-pack of organic lip balm from Dr. Bronner. Whether you’re partial to the Naked, Peppermint, Lemon Lime or Orange Ginger option, each tube contains a light and easy applying balm that will help repair dry lips instead of just protecting them from further damage. Plus, since each tube is roughly the same price as domestic swill on cheap beer night at your local watering hole, you really have no reason not to try them. $12
Försvarets Hudsalva Original Military Balm (Two Pack)
Originally crafted in the mid-1900s for use by soldiers in the Swedish military, this anhydrous balm grew to have a cult status because of the many uses of Hudsalve. It works for cold sores. It works for cuts and scrapes. It also works for blisters, minor frostbite and, you guessed it, for dry and cracked lips. Hudsalve is basically the Swiss Army Knife of balms and salves, which is why it’s been a trusted military staple for decades. This particular hudsalve has been field-tested in some of the most extreme conditions available–it’s more than capable of taking care of your precious lips. $10
Hurraw! Lip Balm
Hurraw! Lip Balm was started with a list of requirements that can only be described as obsessive–truly natural, vegan, made from premium raw and organic ingredients, long-lasting, not sweet, and never grainy. They delivered on everything. It goes on smooth. It has just the right amount of scent and taste. It will actually soften your lips. It comes in an oval tube reminiscent of a classic Bic lighter. Best of all, it comes in two dozen different options ranging from tangerine chamomile (with SPF 15, no less!) and mint to earl grey and coffee bean. $6
Jack Black The Stick Natural Lip Balm
Almost two decades after they got their start, the team at Jack Black is still living up to their reputation as a world leader in the world of men’s grooming because you can pick up almost any product of theirs and know it’s going to work. The Stick Natural Lip Balm from Jack Black is no different. The Stick goes on easy but isn’t as slippery as traditional balms. It has a mild, natural mint flavor that’s refreshing without being overpowering. Even if you’re licking your lips all day (we do it, too) The Stick will prevent cracks and dry skin while keeping you moisturized. At the end of the day, isn’t that all you’re really looking for in men’s lip balm? $7
Lucky Bastard Co. Lip Balm
With a combination of oils (Calendula-infused almond, coconut, Jojoba, avocado, red raspberry seed and chamomile), waxes (Candelilla, bees), vitamin E and menthol, this organic lip balm is all but guaranteed to make your lips feel better than they’ve ever felt before while also protecting them from nasty weather and sun damage. Now, add in the fact that it comes in a cool tin that fits perfectly in your fifth pocket, and that it comes from the Lucky Bastard Company. It’s easy to see why we like this California-made lip balm so much. $8
Duke Cannon Balm Tactical Lip Protectant
If anyone was going to make a tube of something called Tactical Lip Protectant, it would have to be Duke Cannon, the fictional hero of men’s grooming. Duke might not be real, but the products that come out of his lab most certainly are. Like everything else they make, Cannon Balm Tactical Lip Protectant is oversized (.56 oz, or nearly four times the size of regular balms) and made with premium, natural and organic ingredients. It’s also rigorously field tested by active duty U.S. Soldiers to verify the claim that it holds up in “the harshest conditions.” This is lip balm with an attitude. We wouldn’t have it any other way and neither would Duke Cannon. $8
Kiehl’s Facial Fuel No-Shine Moisturizing Lip Balm
We’ve been huge fans of pretty much everything Kiehl’s makes since we first got our hands on a bottle of their energizing face wash. We’re not going to tell you it’s cheap to build an entire regimen around their products–hello $9 tube of “Chap Stick”–but their premium price point does come with premium features. This Facial Fuel No-Shine Moisturizing Lip Balm uses a combination of Shea butter and vitamin C to keep your lips moisturized throughout the day without you having to worry about shiny lips. This stuff makes your lips feel so good you’ll be applying throughout the day. $9
Baxter Hydro Salve Lip Balm
Like everything else they make, Baxter of California Hydro Salve Lip Balm is a fantastic product with a price tag that takes some getting used to. But trust us when we tell you it’s worth it. The key ingredients (Shea butter, Jojoba oil and aloe) mean this “balm” has more of a Vaseline texture except it’s nowhere near as messy. We’re all for the protection and moisturizing aspects you’ll get from this Baxter product, but it’s the subtle smell and taste of mojito from the lemon and lime extracts that truly set it apart. $10
