The 20 Best Lip Balms We Tested for Smooth, Nourished Lips Start at Less Than $4 at Amazon

After testing 29 lip balm formulas, we were most impressed by Ilia Lip Wrap Reviving Balm. This formula is enhanced with hyaluronic acid and sea succulent to provide a burst of hydration while also soothing and protecting the moisture barrier.

With its nourishing ingredients, our lips felt hydrated immediately after application. But we also noticed that the hydrating ingredients worked overtime to provide longer-lasting moisture, so you don’t need to reapply often. We also love that this formula has a more glossy finish that slips across the lips without feeling sticky. 

In addition to the formula, we were impressed by the application. The tube allows you to squeeze the formula out so you can use every last bit of it. Plus, the slanted ceramic applicator tip makes it easy to distribute product onto the pout, and it has a cooling effect that feels nice on dry, irritated lips. 

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, sea succulent | Size: 0.23 oz.

Our Ratings

• Feel

  5/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Look

  5/5

• Value

  4.9/5

Formulated with a blend of nourishing shea butter, jojoba oil, and avocado oil, Nivea Smoothness Lip Care is another one of our top picks, but less expensive than our best overall pick. When testing this formula out, our team raved about the buttery soft texture. The formula has a more traditional lip balm finish, so it’s creamy instead of glossy and feels a little thicker on the lips. 

The Nivea balm is designed to smooth the lips, and we felt like it lived fully up to its claims. After just one application, we saw a difference in hydration levels, and common concerns such as cracking and flakiness improved significantly. On top of that, the lip balm features SPF 15, so it protects the pout from the sun’s UV rays, making it a great option for all-day wear. 

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, jojoba oil, avocado oil | Size: 0.17 oz.

Our Ratings

• Feel

  4.8/5

• Hydration

  4.5/5

• Look

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

Despite its classic formula, Burt’s Bees Original Beeswax Lip Balm is anything but basic. This budget-friendly option is formulated with a deeply nourishing blend of beeswax and vitamin E that not only soothes and protects the pout from drying elements but also attracts moisture to the lips for added hydration.

Additionally, the lip balm features peppermint oil for a nice cooling effect on dry, irritated, chapped lips. On the other hand, it may also make your lips feel too cold in the winter months, but there are other Burt’s Bees formulas made without peppermint oil if you’d rather avoid it.

When testing this formula out, we noted its thick texture and loved how it creates a barrier from the elements while treating chapped lips. On top of that, the formula stays in place, so you don’t have to worry about it sliding around on the lips and wearing off easily. 

Key Ingredients: Beeswax, vitamin E, peppermint oil | Size: 0.15 oz.

Our Ratings

• Feel

  4.8/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Look

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

If you love the Laneige Lip Mask, you’ll love this glossy lip balm version. Laneige Lip Glowy Balm features a base of murumuru butter with shea butter for deep nourishment and lasting hydration. Our tester even noted it felt “like a glass of water for your lips” and said it offered her immediate relief and hydration upon first application. During the testing period, we found it offered lasting hydration even when the glossiness of the balm wore off.

Since this is essentially a daytime version of the Laneige Lip Mask, our tester wished it featured SPF in its formula for added sun protection, especially since she works at an outdoor pool in the summertime. However, the nourishing ingredients and the way it hydrates and smoothes the pout over time still make it well worth the buy.

Key Ingredients: Murumuru butter, shea butter | Size: 0.35 oz.

Our Ratings

• Feel

  4.5/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Look

  3.8/5

• Value

  5/5

Most lip balms with sun protection have SPF 10 or 15, so if you’re shopping for something with a higher level of protection, we recommend Everyday Humans Milky Lip Balm. Featuring SPF 30, this lip balm has a deep-conditioning shea butter base with jojoba and argan oil for added deep conditioning.

During testing, we found that its waxy consistency is similar to Burt’s Bees Original Beeswax Lip Balm, so if you love that formula but want something with sun protection, this is a great option. A couple of minutes after applying, we forgot we had it on. Since the formula features zinc-based sun protection, the lip balm can leave behind a slight pasty white residue which is not ideal but is common for lip balms with sunscreen and worth it if added protection is what you’re seeking.

Key Ingredients: Zinc, shea butter, jojoba oil, argan oil | Size: 0.15 oz.

Our Ratings

• Feel

  4.3/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Look

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

The drugstore is stocked full of different lip balms to choose from, and after testing nearly two dozen formulas, we found Eos Coconut Lip Balm to be another great pick with SPF that’s also super budget-friendly. This lip balm is enhanced with sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter and boasts a consistency that feels thick on the lips for added protection.

Speaking of protection, the drugstore lip balm has SPF 30, which is on the higher side for a lip balm, making this one of the best options for daily protection against the sun’s UV rays. And its thicker texture sits on the surface of the lips, staying put through swimming and sweating. 

Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, shea butter | Size: 0.14 oz.

Our Ratings

• Feel

  5/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Look

  4.7/5

• Value

  5/5

If you want a lip balm with fantastic staying power and an ultra-hydrating formula, you’ll find it in Glossier Balm Dotcom. Available in nine tints and flavors, the lip balm features a blend of castor jelly, synthetic beeswax, and shea butter, so it’s not only deep-conditioning but also provides long-lasting hydration. We love this formula because it has a glossy yet slightly creamy finish, making it a good in-between option for those looking for a lip balm that isn’t greasy but isn’t waxy either. 

Additionally, the synthetic beeswax makes it vegan-friendly and a good alternative for those looking for a plant-based formula with the benefits of beeswax. While we wish the formula featured SPF, we appreciate that the thicker, creamy consistency protects the pout from the elements to prevent further damage caused by dry, windy climates. Overall, we were super impressed with the Glossier product and thought the value even exceeded the cost.

Key Ingredients: Castor jelly, synthetic beeswax, shea butter | Size: 0.5 oz.

Our Ratings

• Feel

  5/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Look

  4.8/5

• Value

  5/5

The Fresh Sugar Lip Balm is our top pick for best tinted because it not only features 14 different color options but also provides that perfect kiss of color with a subtle and natural-looking finish. Additionally, this nourishing formula features lots of hydrating ingredients, including upcycled cranberry seed oil and rapeseed oil, along with sugar, which is scientifically proven to provide lasting moisturizing benefits. 

Color and ingredients aside, we love this formula because it has a smooth and slightly glossy texture that glides across the lips easily and doesn’t feel sticky or waxy. Our tester described it as “so buttery” and said it was the perfect option if you want something with a bit more oomph than a regular lip balm but not quite a lipstick, either. Additionally, it has a slight plumping effect that provides lips with a fuller pout.

Key Ingredients: Sugar, upcycled cranberry seed oil, grapeseed oil, vitamins C and E | Size: 0.15 oz.

Our Ratings

• Feel

  5/5

• Hydration

  4/5

• Look

  5/5

• Value

  4.5/5

The lip balm with the best pigment is definitely the Tower28 JuiceBalm Tinted Lip Balm. This conditioning formula is designed with a blend of shea butter, mango seed oil, vitamin E, and vitamin C, and immediately upon application, we noticed a difference in hydration.

In addition to its nourishing benefits, the lip balm comes in four highly pigmented shades that provide the pout with a lipstick-like pop of color with the hydration of a lip balm (we just wish it were available in more hues). Our only complaint is that the color didn’t have great staying power — we had to apply often throughout the day if we wanted the color to last. On the plus side, our lips still felt moisturized even after the color faded.

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, mango seed oil, vitamin E, vitamin C | Size: 0.09 oz.

Our Ratings

• Feel

  4.9/5

• Hydration

  4.5/5

• Look

  5/5

• Value

  4/5

If you want something with a little more shine (but not super glossy), we recommend Dior Addict Glow Lip Balm. This formula features cherry oil, shea butter, sunflower wax, and rice wax to nourish the lips and provide a lip gloss-like finish. We love that this formula comes in a clear color for no-makeup days but also features 27 other shades for a subtle pop of color. 

When testing this formula, we found that it’s highly effective at moisturizing the lips when wearing it, though the effect wears off when it’s removed so it’s not great for treating dry lips. Nonetheless, the lip balm is a fantastic option for those looking for a glass-like finish with more color options. 

Key Ingredients: Cherry oil, shea butter, sunflower wax, rice wax | Size: 0.12 oz.

Our Ratings

• Feel

  5/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Look

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

If you need an extra punch of nourishment, Goop Beauty’s Clean Nourishing Lip Balm is the way to go. This formula features a blend of pomegranate extract and shea butter with coconut, argan, castor seed, jojoba, and sunflower oils for ultra-deep nourishment. The Goop lip balm comes in four shades — as well as clear for a no-makeup look — with a more pigmented tint, making this an excellent long-lasting lipstick alternative.

While it has a slightly waxy finish, it applies smoothly and is barely noticeable, so it’s a great choice for those who don’t love the feel of thicker, waxier lip balms but don’t want to go too far into gloss territory. While the price is on the higher end for a lip balm, our tester said the rich pigment and long-lasting color make it worth the cost.

Key Ingredients: Pomegranate extract, shea butter, plus coconut, argan, castor seed, jojoba, and sunflower oils | Size: 0.16 oz.

Our Ratings

• Feel

  5/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Look

  5/5

• Value

  4.8/5

Our top pick for an all-day option is Kaike Lip Frosting, which has a velvety finish that soothes and hydrates the lips without transferring as easily as glossier options. This softening lip balm formula sits on top of the pout without absorbing too much, so it provides a nice protective layer while promoting all-day hydration. 

Additionally, it has a more deep-conditioning feel thanks to its candelilla wax, mango seed butter, and coconut oil base. With its impressive performance and budget-friendly price tag, this formula feels like a more elevated drugstore lip balm. We only wish the cap to the plastic tub snapped on more securely — it made us second-guess bringing it everywhere with us in fear it would open up and get ruined.

Key Ingredients: Candelilla wax, mango seed butter, coconut oil | Size: 0.15 oz.

Our Ratings

• Feel

  4/5

• Hydration

  4.5/5

• Look

  5/5

• Value

  4.5/5

To get a plumping effect on the pout, you need a lip balm that provides plenty of glossy moisture — without bleeding into the skin. Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment is our top pick for this category because it features a deep conditioning blend of shea butter, peptides, babassu, and cupuaçu that give lips a supple-looking finish. 

We love that the glossy formula absorbs into the skin and sits on top of lips for long-lasting shine and hydration. Additionally, we found that it works well at trapping moisture to the lips for improved hydration over time. However, we did notice it’s easy to squeeze out too much product, and if you apply more than you need it can feel too clumpy on the lips.

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, peptides, babassu, cupuaçu | Size: 0.3 oz.

Our Ratings

• Feel

  5/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Look

  4.7/5

• Value

  4.5/5

If you need extra hydration, a lip balm formulated with hyaluronic acid is worth considering. Kosas LipFuel Lip Balm features hyaluronic acid for its humectant properties as well as nourishing vitamin E and konjac root. On top of that, the lip balm also has a touch of wild mint to provide chapped and irritated pouts with a cooling sensation.

During the testing period, we were most impressed by its hydrating formula and could tell that the hyaluronic acid worked well at giving our lips a burst of moisture. We were also impressed by the tints (so much so that we wish it came in even more options). 

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, wild mint, konjac root | Size: 0.17 oz.

Our Ratings

• Feel

  5/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Look

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

Lanolips 101 Ointment Superbalm is our top pick for the best lip balm for cold climates because it features an ultra-thick consistency — thanks to the lanolin-based formula — that nourishes, hydrates, and protects the lips against the elements. Additionally, it’s also safe to use on other parts of the body, including as a moisturizer for dry hands, making it a super versatile option for those colder months.

After just one use, we noticed a difference in our lips’ texture and found that it works particularly well at addressing super dry, cracked, and chapped lips — our tester even said, “This is the best lip balm I’ve ever used, and it’s my new go-to. I’ve tried dozens of lip balms, clear and tinted, and this one has provided the best results by far.”

Key Ingredients: Lanolin | Size: 0.52 oz.

Our Ratings

• Feel

  5/5

• Hydration

  4.8/5

• Look

  5/5

• Value

  4.5/5

For a formula that is just as conditioning as Lanolips 101 Ointment Superbalm except lighter and fast-absorbing, consider Lanolips The Original LanoStick. This stick lip balm is infused with vitamin E, candelilla wax, mango seed butter, and, of course, lanolin to provide deep nourishment and replenish parched lips. 

We noticed a difference in our lips’ hydration right after application and love that it has a smooth, glossy finish that stays in place and doesn’t bleed, smear, or smudge. Since the lip balm is in a classic style, it’s also easy to apply and convenient to travel with. 

Key Ingredients: Lanolin, vitamin E, candelilla wax, mango seed butter | Size: 0.11 oz.

Our Ratings

• Feel

  5/5

• Hydration

  4.4/5

• Look

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

For sensitive lips, consider Drunk Elephant Lippe Balme. This lip balm is formulated with green tea leaf and vitamin C, which are rich in skin-protecting antioxidants, and has a shea butter base to gently and effectively moisturize the lips. While we wish the formula featured SPF for added protection, we were still impressed by how well the balm protects lips from the elements, including heat and cold. 

During the testing period, we found that this lip balm falls somewhere in the middle of a matte and glossy finish, for a more creamy, moisturized look with a subtle touch of sheen. Our tester also noted that it lasted longer on the lips compared to other lip balms she’s tried — she only had to reapply every few hours.

Key Ingredients: Green tea leaf, vitamin C, shea butter | Size: 0.13 oz.

Our Ratings

• Feel

  4.5/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Look

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

Formulated with medical-grade lanolin and jojoba oil, SuperLan Organic Lanolin Lip Balm is worth trying if you’re sensitive to scents or have an easily irritated lip. The unscented lip balm has an instant hydrating effect after the applicator and feels glossy on the pout without being super sticky. 

While we felt the need to reapply this formula every hour, we were really impressed by how much it moisturized our lips, even when it wore off. We also appreciated the easy-to-transport packaging that can be thrown into purses and backpacks for easy everyday use.

Key Ingredients: Medical-grade lanolin, jojoba oil | Size: 0.35 oz.

Our Ratings

• Feel

  4.3/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Look

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

We love a two-in-one formula — and this lip balm from Erbaviva totally impressed us. The Erbaviva Lip and Cheek Balm is designed to be worn on both the lips and the cheeks as a highlighting slick. Featuring a shea butter base with a blend of lavender and chamomile essential oils for their calming properties, along with calendula and rosemary extract, the product feels ultra-nourishing, hydrating, and soothing. 

The formula features a thick consistency that is slightly waxy and sits on the lips’ surface. While this might not be ideal for some preferences, we found that it made the lip balm more effective at hydrating and protecting against the elements. Additionally, the texture helped keep transfer at bay, even while sipping coffee and water throughout the day. 

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, lavender essential oil, chamomile essential oil, calendula extract, rosemary extract | Size: 0.6 oz., 0.16 oz.

Our Ratings

• Feel

  4.7/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Look

  5/5

• Value

  4/5

If you have ultra-dry lips and are looking for a lip balm that can reverse the effects of a parched pout, we love Augustinus Bader The Lip Balm, which works well as an overnight treatment. Despite its hefty price tag, this formula boasts excellent value as a little goes a long way, and you only need one application in the morning and at night to experience its moisturizing effects. 

The formula is enriched with soothing and protecting vitamin E along with candelilla wax, shea butter, bisabolol, and castor seed oil to deep-condition over time. Additionally, this balm has a lip-plumping complex that revitalizes lips and adds a supple finish. 

Key Ingredients: Lip plumping complex, vitamin E, candelilla wax, shea butter, bisabolol, castor seed oil | Size: 14 oz.