Don’t be embarrassed, gents — chaps get chapped, too. And, now the frosty throes of winter loom, we should be taking all the protection we can get. From serums and salves to chapsticks and creams, there are more ways than ever to soothe and comfort your dry, cracked lips. But our reliable, functional favourite? Balms.
Unlike creams or other gels or lotions, balms do not contain water. Instead, they’re solidified oils — that melt into a defensive coat once they come into contact with your skin; a flexible barrier between your skin and the elements. Below, we’ve rounded up our favourite pocket-ready, man-friendly and endlessly helpful lip balms for winter…
Be proactive with a protective lip balm
It’s true what they say; attack is the best form of defence. So why not arm yourself with a protective lip balm — a real shielding, safeguarding formula — and keep your lips out of danger from all day long? There are many balms available with these pre-emptive properties, offering everything from extra hydration to SPF protection.
Aesop’s Protective Lip Balm is one of the best; enriched with botanical oils and packed with UVA and UVB filters to deflect the sun’s damaging rays. Shiseido’s offering is SPF30, formulated with ‘Clear Defence Technology’ and is even water-resistant. Or, for an easily absorbed formula that doesn’t feel sticky or dense, Baxter of California’s Hydro Salve Lip Balm will keep your lips moisturised from biting dawn til bitter dusk.
Maintain moisture with a hydrating lip balm
Of course, with sleet and storms raging outside, who’s to know if even the most moisture-proof lip balm will make it through the day? That’s why it pays to invest in a handy pocket-sized tin or tube of balm — so you can top up that protective layer as the wintry day shivers along.
Malin and Goetz‘s lip moisturiser is created using exceptionally absorbent fatty acids instead of traditional oils, to ensure that even a quick on-the-go application goes a long way. From Tom Ford, this hydrating balm is infused with natural oils and vitamins that work to lock in existing moisture. And Le Labo’s colourless offering is unscented, non-sticky and matte — if you want your lip-care to fly below the radar.
Repair your ravaged lips with a restorative lip balm
Of course, you’ll occasionally find yourself caught-out in a flurry or frosty spell — and that’ll spell dryness and discomfort for your lips. But don’t despair; there are still plenty of products on the market that can soothe your skin after the cracked fact.
This Age-Repair Lip Treatment Tri-Peptide Violet Leaf Extract from Grown Alchemist, for example. It may be a mouthful, but it’ll give you a lipful of potent tri-peptides to increase collagen production and get your lips back to their smacking best. Kiehl’s, also, have a powerful moisturising formula to revive and relieve. Or, for a more flavourful option, Jack Black offers a range of balms — in flavours from Winter Melon to Pineapple Mint.
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