The best lip balms for soft and supple lips
Last updated: 14/08/2026
When the weather begins to change, your complexion isn’t the only thing that suffers. The skin on your lips is incredibly thin and delicate, so it doesn’t always respond well to seasonal changes. Whether you’re amid the colder winter months or the intensive heat of the summer, your lips can always benefit from an extra dose of hydration and SPF protection. To keep dry, chapped lips at bay and keep your pout in check, we’ve selected our best nourishing and protective lip balms that will ensure your lips stay plumped and hydrated, whatever the weather.
The best tinted lip balms for colour and protection
Discover our top picks of the best tinted lip balms to add a comfortable wash of colour to your pout. Spanning glossy, pH-responsive and soft-matte finishes, plus an SPF50 option.
How often should you apply lip balm?
While we know the importance of hydrating and nourishing our skin as part of our daily morning and evening skincare routines, caring for our lips is often a missed step. Incorporate lip balm into your daily skincare routine, applying it in the morning and in the evening before bed. You can also reapply lip balm throughout the day as often as you need to get that nourished, hydrated feel - particularly after eating or drinking.
Can you take lip balm in your hand luggage?
Yes! Lip balm that is solid can be taken in your hand luggage with no problems, so you’re free to pack as many as you desire for on-the-go hydration! Any cream or liquid lip balm that is 100ml or less can also be taken in your hand luggage, but it must be placed in a clear plastic bag to be checked by security.
Can you use lip balm as an overnight treatment?
Do your lips need SPF protection?
Our Picks of the 10 Best Lip Balms
1. Prada Banana Lip Balm 3.8g
Recommended Retail Price: £40.00Current price: £34.00
Best For: Refillable luxury
Prada Banana Lip Balm pairs a melting, buttery texture with a subtle yellow tint that helps to counter visible dullness. Bifidus extract and jojoba oil moisturise, smooth and support the lip barrier, while a juicy banana scent adds a playful finish. The sleek case can be replenished with a compatible refill.
2. Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Kiss Cupuaçu Lip Butter
Recommended Retail Price: £16.00Current price: £12.80
Best For: Gourmand fragrance
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Kiss Cupuaçu Lip Butter conditions dry lips with cupuaçu butter, coconut oil and sunflower seed oil. The rich balm leaves the pout feeling soft and dewy, while the Cheirosa 71 scent blends caramelised vanilla, white chocolate and tonka bean. Smooth evenly over the lips whenever extra moisture is needed.
3. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume Lips 7.5ml
Recommended Retail Price: £9.00Current price: £8.50
Best For: Severely chapped lips
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume Lips envelops dry, cracked lips in a comforting barrier texture. Formulated with 5% panthenol, the fragrance-free balm helps to nourish, soften and protect against further chapping. Apply to the lips or surrounding dry areas as often as needed for a smoother, more comfortable feel.
4. NARS Afterglow Lip Balm 3g (Various Shades)
Recommended Retail Price: £28.50Current price: £21.38
Best For: Sheer tinted hydration
NARS Afterglow Lip Balm adds a translucent wash of colour and subtle shine while keeping lips smooth and comfortable. The Monoï Hydrating Complex and antioxidant-rich formula support lasting softness without a heavy feel. Wear it alone for a natural-looking tint or beneath lipstick as a moisturising base.
5. The Ordinary Squalane and Amino Acids Lip Balm 15ml
£8.50
Best For: Lightweight barrier support
The Ordinary Squalane and Amino Acids Lip Balm delivers long-lasting moisture with a smooth, non-sticky finish. Squalane supports the lip barrier, while amino acids help to retain hydration and soften dry texture. The versatile spherical balm can also be applied to dry cuticles and elbows whenever they need extra care.
6. KIKO Milano Coloured Lip Balm 3g (Various Shades)
£6.99
Best For: Affordable tinted moisture
KIKO Milano Coloured Lip Balm combines a sheer wash of high-shine colour with a creamy, moisturising feel. Shea butter helps to soften and nourish, supported by vitamins A, C and E. Available in a selection of wearable shades, the balm can be reapplied throughout the day for comfortable colour and shine.
7. LANEIGE Lip Glowy Balm - Berry 10g
Recommended Retail Price: £17.50Current price: £14.00
Best For: Glossy on-the-go hydration
LANEIGE Lip Glowy Balm in Berry gives thirsty lips a glass-like shine and barely-there tint. Murumuru and shea butters nourish and hydrate, helping the pout feel smoother and softer with each application. The travel-friendly tube and angled applicator make it an easy handbag companion for moisture throughout the day.
8. Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment, Vanilla Bonbon 12ml
Best For: Smoothing visible lip lines
OLEHENRIKSEN Pout Preserve Lip Treatment combines lip-specific peptides with kokum and mango seed butters to soften dryness and smooth the look of fine lines. The vanilla-scented formula adds a high-shine finish and promotes a plumper-looking pout. Wear alone or layer over lip colour for extra gloss and moisture.
9. Ultrasun Lip Protection SPF50
Recommended Retail Price: £11.00Current price: £8.80
Best For: High sun protection
Ultrasun Lip Protection SPF50 helps to protect delicate lips against UVA and UVB rays while replenishing moisture. Shea butter, argan oil and vitamin E condition dry, chapped areas for a soft and supple feel. Apply generously before sun exposure and reapply regularly throughout the day to maintain protection.
10. Kylie Skin Lip Butter - Vanilla Caramel 10g
£20.00
Best For: Overnight conditioning
Kylie Skin Lip Butter melts across dry lips with a rich, cushiony texture and vanilla-caramel flavour. Shea butter, jojoba oil and cloudberry oil help to maintain moisture and smooth the appearance of lip lines, while the non-sticky formula leaves a glossy finish. Apply throughout the day or wear as an overnight mask.
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