Lip Balm Lollapalooza: Potty Mouth

Potted lip products - ah, such a love hate relationship with these things. While they can be messy (and a bit unsanitary) to apply, something about them intrigues me.  Maybe it's the fact that you get a fabulous cuticle treatment every time you dip your finger into the pot (who doesn't love a multitasking product?) or maybe it's because digging into that little well of product gives me a weird sense of gratification ... Either way, I've had my fair share of experience with these pint-sized wonders and I'm happy to share my reviews with you!

$1.50 for 0.25oz
Available at Amazon.com

Just like listening to the Spice Girls, good old Carmex brings me back to my childhood.  A classic standby, Carmex offers a refreshing menthol feeling and glossy finish - not to mention a price tag that's hard to beat.  The consistency of the yellow gel is rather delightful - slippery enough to glide easily on the lips, but sticky enough to adhere for decent lasting power.  I enjoy the signature scent, but keep in mind that it may not appeal to everyone.  On the downside, Carmex doesn't provide enough moisture for my very dry lips.  While the balm feels soothing when initially applied, it returns my lips back to their desert-like state as it wears off.

The Bottom Line: A decent buy for the cheap price, but not moisturizing enough for chronically chapped lips

Want to read more about my potty mouth?  

$7.25 for 0.8oz
Available at Amazon.com

A cult classic, Smith's Rosebud Salve is touted as a cure-all for everything from burns and blemishes to diaper rash and callouses.  As a lip balm, it offers a beautifully glossy, barely pink finish and a pleasant rose scent. Unfortunately, I don't find the salve to be particularly great at keeping my lips hydrated.  While the product does condition my lips slightly, it wears off almost immediately and reapplying every few minutes quickly becomes a pain. The slick formula (think Vaseline-like) melts under the heat of finger application and slides off my lips, leaving me longing for something with a more substantial consistency.  I purchased this once and quickly passed it on to a friend since I wasn't too impressed with it myself.

The Bottom Line: Could be used as a nice gloss, but the poor lasting power is a major let down

$3.89 for 0.25oz
Available at Amazon.com

Of all the potted lip balms I've come across, Blistex Daily Conditioning Treatment (DCT) is my absolute favorite - and one that I've repurchased countless times.  It provides a slightly cooling menthol effect when first applied to the lips and offers a decent wear time.  The texture is on the thicker side, so I find the tasteless balm is best used as a nighttime treatment.  I slather it on my lips before bedtime and, by the time I wake up in the morning, my lips are supple and utterly kissable.  Lipstick glides on like a dream.  SPF 20 is a bonus.


The Bottom Line: An excellent moisturizing balm worthy of repurchasing

$6.00 for 0.3oz
Available at TheBodyShop-USA.com

Available in a wide variety of delicious scents, The Body Shop's lip butter is a solid contender in the fight against chapped lips.  The incredibly thick, creamy texture is very soothing and reminds me more of a lotion than a traditional lip balm.  The wear time is nothing extraordinary, but the product does leave my pout soft and conditioned for a couple of hours after application.  The major drawback of this item is that it's not completely transparent.  You have to be careful to blend the butter into your skin entirely or you'll be left with an awkward white film coating your lips.

The Bottom Line: Great for conditioning lips as long as you remember to blend thoroughly 

What's your favorite potted lip balm?  Leave your thoughts on these wonderful little pots of goodness below!