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Best lip balms in Australia

Our expert team has pulled out all the stops to find you the top lip balms available in Australia.

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Sarah Ashe
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The best lip balms in Australia

How did we pick this list?

Our editorial team selected the products on this list based on real customer reviews from top beauty retailer sites such as Mecca, Sephora and Adore Beauty. For each category, we carefully selected parameters based on our research and identified the lip balm products with the highest review scores within those parameters.

Read more about our methodology below.

Lucas' Pawpaw Ointment

Best overall lip balm

Lucas' Pawpaw Ointment
Image: Supplied/Finder

Not yet rated

Pros

  • Many remarked on how quickly they saw positive results after using this product
  • Versatile and easy to carry with you

Cons

  • Ointment can melt off
  • A few customers felt like it was very similar to its cheaper friend Vaseline

Why we chose it

Lucas' Pawpaw Ointment received many glowing reviews by more than 1,600 customers on Product Review, Chemist Warehouse, Priceline and Amazon. With many describing Lucas' Pawpaw Ointment as a staple part of their makeup bag, this Australian lip balm helps to heal and soothe chapped, dry or damaged skin.

In 1906, after years of research, botanist and surgeon Dr T.P. Lucas stated that the pawpaw was the finest natural medicine yet discovered. His special formula has remained unchanged in over 100 years. It contains Queensland-grown pawpaws and high-quality ingredients resulting in a therapeutic ointment. More than just a lip balm, it can be used to moisturise chapped lips, heal cuts and abrasions, relieve insect stings, calm nappy rash and soothe sunburn.

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

Best natural lip balm

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm
Image: Supplied/Finder

Not yet rated

Pros

  • Hundreds of customers commented on the peppermint tingle
  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • Some customers noted that the scented varieties weren't as moisturising
  • For some, the peppermint caused irritation

Why we chose it

If you prefer to fill your beauty routine with natural products, then Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm could become a permanent feature in your bathroom cupboard. With thousands of customers rating this product 4 stars or higher, this lip balm is well received by natural beauty product lovers.

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm's ingredients are of 100% natural origin and responsibly sourced. This natural lip balm is infused with beeswax, a natural skin conditioner, to hydrate, moisturise and nourish lips. The balm also harnesses antioxidant vitamin E and cooling peppermint oil for moisturisation and a satisfying tingle!

It's also proud to claim no animal testing, ingredients sourced straight from nature and recyclable packaging. You can read Finder's review of Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip balm here.

Philosophy Kiss Me Tonight Intense Lip Therapy

Best lip balm for dry lips

Philosophy Kiss Me Tonight Intense Lip Therapy
Image: Supplied/Finder

Not yet rated

Pros

  • No animal testing
  • Many customers used it as an overnight treatment and noted good results

Cons

  • Can become soft in the summer heat
  • Some considered it to be too pricey

Why we chose it

With heaps of praise from customers across Adore Beauty, Mecca, Sephora and Myer, Philosophy's Kiss Me Tonight Intense Lip Therapy is certainly a lip balm favourite.

Considered a luxurious lip therapy by customers, this balm works to soften roughness and soothe the driest of lips. Made with a blend of nurturing shea and mango butter and a rich mixture of antioxidants, it promises to restore your lips to a healthy, rosy, kissable glow.

Clarins Hydra-Essential Moisture Repairing Lip Balm

Best lip balm for cracked lips

Clarins Hydra-Essential Moisture Repairing Lip Balm
Image: Supplied/Finder

Not yet rated

Pros

  • Many customers enjoyed the product's light scent
  • Customers noticed positive results, fast

Cons

  • On the pricier side
  • A couple of people remarked that the scent went 'off'

Why we chose it

Clarins' Hydra-Essential Moisture Repairing Lip Balm received solid reviews across the board, with 4.6 stars on Adore Beauty, 5 stars on David Jones and 4.7 stars on Myer.

The perfect consistency for healing cracked lips, this lip balm promises to instantly replenish dry and damaged lips to help promote a plump and restored appearance. With continued use, your lips will become smooth, silky and hydrated. Plus, its subtle rose tint will leave your pout looking luscious.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick Sunscreen SPF 15

Best lip balm with SPF

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick Sunscreen SPF 15
Image: Supplied/Finder

Not yet rated

Pros

  • This balm is long lasting
  • Not sticky

Cons

  • Some customers said the product was too greasy
  • A few customers didn't like the scent

Why we chose it

Suitable for everyday use with its protective SPF, this lip balm has received highly rated reviews across Adore Beauty, Mecca and David Jones from almost 200 customers. Many customers reported that they've been using this product for years. Enriched with protective sunscreen and vitamin E, Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream will keep your lips soft, supple and protected.

This lip balm has been designed to combat dry lips and shield them from harmful sun exposure, making it the perfect all-weather, always-in-your-handbag lip balm. It is available in a variety of shades to suit any complexion and contains lanolin, which is known to repair broken skin and relieve irritation.

Fenty Beauty Pro Kiss'R Luscious Lip Balm

Best tinted lip balm

Fenty Beauty Pro Kiss'R Luscious Lip Balm
Image: Supplied/Finder

Not yet rated

Pros

  • Smells like vanilla
  • Can be used alone or as a lipstick topper

Cons

  • A few customers felt that this was more of a gloss than a balm
  • Expensive

Why we chose it

This lip balm from Fenty Beauty received almost 700 positive reviews on Sephora, and with an average of 4.5 stars. It's a creamy lip balm that comes in 4 shades: Hint Hint, Latte Lips, Pinch Me and Cocoa Drizzle. The product promises to soften and smooth, and its lightweight formula locks in moisture.

Made with shea and mango seed butter, this balm is non-sticky and delivers the perfect level of shine with a hint of colour. Customers were also pleased with the product's applicator, which is described as a plush doe-foot that glides over lips.

KORA Organics Noni Lip Treatment

Best organic lip balm

KORA Organics Noni Lip Treatment
Image: Supplied/Finder

Not yet rated

Pros

  • Yummy citrus smell
  • Glass pot, not plastic

Cons

  • Some customers felt that there wasn't much product in the pot considering the price
  • Needs to be reapplied frequently

Why we chose it

Last but not least on our list is KORA Organics' Noni Lip Treatment. It's a popular choice if you're searching for an organic lip balm, and with 75% of people recommending this product on Adore Beauty, it's a favourite addition to many makeup bags.

This certified organic lip balm is naturally rich in vitamins A and C, and it contains anti-aging ingredients such as organic noni and licorice root. Cocoa seed and jojoba seed oil is included in the blend to condition lips, and the balm is free from sulphates, parabens, artificial fragrances and silicone. Plus, it's vegan and not tested on animals.

It's described as deeply conditioning and helps to treat dry, chapped lips to leave them looking plump and full.

Amazon prices last updated on 11 June, 2022 at 03:42 pm
eBay prices last updated on 11 June, 2022 at 02:04 am

Methodology

30+
Brands considered
50+
Products compared
7
Best lip balms chosen
  • We considered lip balms from over 30 leading beauty brands.
  • We based our findings on the highest-rated products among Australian consumers (as of November 2020).
  • The products on this list were chosen by our editorial team and were not selected based on commercial relationships.

What are my main options?

Lip balm may seem like quite a simple item at first, but it comes in a surprising array of different styles and varieties. So how can you find the right lip balm for your needs?

One simple way to distinguish between lip balms is in the packaging and how you apply the product. Lip balm is available as a roll-on stick for easy application, which also makes it easy to keep in your handbag and use whenever you need. But it also comes in tubs and squeezable tubes that allow you to dab some balm on your lips with a finger.

Next, it's worth taking a look at the ingredients used in the lip balm. Beeswax is commonly used to lock in moisture, aloe vera helps soothe cracked lips, and ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter and natural oils help keep lips soft and moisturised.

Finally, you can also differentiate lip balms based on your own health and fashion needs. Some balms offer SPF protection if you're going out in the sun, some include colour to brighten up your smile, and others are created to help tackle cold sores.

Take a look at our guide to the best lip balms in Australia to check out some popular lip protection options.

How to compare lip balms

There's a wide range of products to choose from when shopping for lip balm, so which one should you choose? You'll need to compare a number of options to find a product that's right for your needs. Considering the following factors should help you make a wise choice:

Price

For a 4g-5g tube of roll-on lip balm, prices range from approximately $2 to $7, but some products targeted more at the cosmetics market attract a higher price tag.

Tins and squeezable tubes have a larger volume and so typically attract a higher price. Remember to compare similar products based on the price per gram to ensure a fair comparison.

Sun protection

If you're heading outside, look for a lip balm that offers some form of sun protection. The higher the SPF rating, the more protection the product will provide.

Protecting yourself against ultraviolet rays is crucial to reducing your risk of skin cancer and looking after your skin. Check out our sunscreen buying guide for more information.

Ingredients

Take a close look at the ingredients panel to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction. If you're unsure whether there are any lip balm ingredients that you should avoid, it may be worth speaking to a dermatologist.

Taste

Okay, you're not going to be eating the lip balm, but you are going to taste it every time you apply it. You may want to opt for a special flavoured lip balm if you like that kind of thing, or just go for something a little plainer.

Packaging

Are you looking for a roll-on lip balm that you can pop in your handbag and apply on the go, or a tin or tube of lip balm for home use? Also consider the ease of application.

Sensitivity

If you've got sensitive skin or lips, you may want to limit your use of products that contain added flavours or fragrances. These may contain chemicals that cause irritation, so consider your needs before you buy.

Colour

Tinted lip balms can add a little bit of colour and gloss to your lips while also providing hydration. Compare colours to find a tone that's right for you.

3 things to consider

There are a few other factors you should consider when buying lip balm:

  • Cold sores. If you suffer from cold sores, there are some lip balms on the market that are designed to prevent the formation of cold sores and also relieve the discomfort that they can cause. Ask a pharmacist or your doctor for advice on whether one of these products could be right for you.
  • Is lip balm addictive? There's been plenty of online debate in recent years about whether or not lip balm is addictive. The answer is no, lip balm doesn't contain any addictive ingredients, but regularly applying it can become a habit that's hard to break. If you find yourself reaching for a tube of the good stuff frequently throughout the day, it might be time to look at the triggers that prompt you to apply lip balm when you don't actually need it.
  • Should I apply lip balm over or under lipstick? Lip balm should go underneath lipstick. That way it can provide the hydration that your lips need to prevent them from becoming dry, and the lipstick can then go on top to create the look you want.

Best Rated Lip Balm award breakdown

Total Score Overall rating Value for Money Texture Scent Ease of application
Other 8.57 4.66 4.58 4.72 4.4 4.76
Nivea 8.39 4.54 4.58 4.6 4.34 4.7
Blistex 8.26 4.51 4.41 4.45 4.16 4.51
Burt's Bees 8.03 4.38 4.1 4.32 4.28 4.58
Lucas' Pawpaw 8.03 4.42 4.24 4.32 3.94 4.38
Carmex 7.91 4.34 4.14 4.32 4.1 4.44
Vaseline 7.86 4.26 4.32 4.28 3.92 4.5
Maybelline 7.57 4.09 3.91 4.15 3.94 4.21
Palmer's Cocoa Butter 7.51 4 3.97 4.19 4.11 4.19
Lanolips 7.13 3.88 3.35 3.94 3.71 4.06
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2020, Kantar. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info. Kantar logo

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