26 Editor Approved Lip Balms You Need in Your Collection

Whether it's a thick salve, a , or a convenient stick, there's nothing we depend on more than a lip balm. Besides our keys, wallets, and phones, it's probably the one thing we can't leave our homes without. And just to make sure our lips are always hydrated, we have several stashed all over our homes, in our cars, and even in a few purses.

After all, we can't just have one — we need a whole arsenal just in case one gets lost or forgotten. They're a dime a dozen, and with so many options available in the market, finding a favorite can be overwhelming. That's why we rounded up the best of the best lip balms on the market backed by our editors' reviews.

From high quality drugstore lip balms to more high end formulas to the best tinted lip balms, our team of editors has a myriad of recommendations that will keep your lips soft, smooth, and hydrated all day long. There's something for everyone's lip needs, whether it's a classic beeswax formula, lip balms with for deep hydration, ones that offer a high shine gloss like finish, and even a few with from UV rays.

And, of course, we had to include a few lip balms with yummy flavors and refreshing scents. Investing in a high quality lip balm is a beauty essential for maintaining healthy and beautiful lips, so keep reading to discover and shop the top lip balms that are worth your attention. — ($24) "The Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm checked all the boxes.

Its applicator hugs my lips perfectly, and it applies like butter. Not only that, but it smells incredible, too. I own both the vanilla beige and poppy, and they both have a light scent that fades away quickly. Personally, I apply mine over lipstick, and I love how plump and moisturized it makes my lips feel.

It gives off that perfect dewy summer look and lasts a few hours on my lips before I feel the need to reapply." — Haley Lyndes, former assistant editor, commerce For swatches and a full breakdown, read our . ($28) "The color of the Ilia Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm is consistent and vibrant without feeling thick, heavy, or just overbearing.

It feels soothing and soft on my lips, like I'm actually getting moisture. Not only does the color not wear off, but hours later, I still have a fresh pink pout." — Krista Jones, former editor, commerce ($10, originally $12) "From the formulation and feel to the color payoff, the Phyto Glow Lip Balm exceeded my expectations.

It has a thicker, balmy feel like Rhode's Peptide Lip Treatment, yet it's smooth and conditioning like the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm. The formula delivers all day moisture that sinks into the lips, leaving you with a conditioned, softer feel. Plus, its thicker texture helps prevent lips from cracking and feeling dehydrated in the winter.

They're all pigmented enough to deliver a gorgeous flush of color to the lips with a shiny, gloss like finish. Although it's not a plumping formula, my lips look juicier immediately after using it, making fine lines less noticeable." — Anvita Reddy, assistant editor, commerce For more information and swatches of the shades, read our .

($16) "To me, Sakura is a great barely there color for every day; Chia is a bit moodier and offers a touch of drama; and Girl Crush provides that juicy, bitten lip look you can throw on to make a statement. . . I have been keeping one on my desk at all times and apply — and reapply — constantly throughout the day.

Whether I'm going to an in person meeting or just hopping on a Zoom call, it's like the cherry on top of my minimal makeup look." — Jessica Harrington, senior editor, beauty See swatches and read more about this in our . ($9, originally $10) "I carry the Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Red Dhalia with me at all times.

It moisturizes just as well as the classic lip balm, and the sheer shade adds the perfect pop of color, making me feel instantly more pulled together." — Angela Elias, contributing editor, commerce ($24) "I've always been the type of person who reaches for fruity scents over the sweet ones, and Pink Lemonade Swirl and Mango were just as delectably summery as I had hoped.

It's a lusciously thick formula with a silky soft texture and a glossy finish. I agree with our former content director, Macy Cate Williams, who reviewed the original berry formula and said: 'This lip mask isn't sticky or uncomfortable — it glides on smoothly and feels very soothing on my lips.' Like her, I'm also a fan of using it instead of a regular lip balm throughout the day.

The tiniest amount goes a long way, so even with multiple applications daily, it lasts a while." — Marisa Petrarca, contributing editor, commerce Read our full . "What's nice about the ($18) is that it has a similar consistency to the fan favorite Lip Sleeping Mask — the brand's creamy overnight lip treatment — but slightly thinner and therefore, better suited to wear throughout the day.

Plus, the tube applicator makes it easy to swipe on when on the go, and it fits easily inside a purse or a pocket." — MP Check out our . ($22) "The first thing I noticed about the gloss balm was the thick, nonsticky texture. It's completely different from 'standard' lip balms, but the gel like consistency gave my lips a juicy, plumped effect with a gorgeous shine on top.

Not only does it make my lips look fuller, but the balm is also packed with hydrating ingredients that lock in moisture." — Chloe Dunn, social content producer, UK Check out our in depth for more. ($14) "Glossier's Coconut Balm Dotcom is the best smelling lip balm I've ever owned (and I've owned a lot).

It revives my lips from their driest days and gives a low key glossy look that I love. Pro tip: I always use the excess product from my fingers on my knuckles and cuticles." — Madison Meltzer, former associate social media strategist ($16) "[It has a] gel like consistency that spreads easily over my lips.

They felt immediately hydrated and soothed after just two swipes of the Peptide Lip Treatment. When my lips stayed hydrated even after the product and glossiness faded, though, I knew I had found a winner. Rhode's Peptide Lip Treatment has become my new go to product for my dry, chapped lips, and it's landed a permanent spot on my beauty counter." — Renee Rodriguez, staff writer and social producer Rhode also has a tinted version of its bestselling lip treatment formula.

The ($16 )comes in five sheer but buildable colors, including a shimmery pink, a berry, a rosy taupe, and a rich brown. Check out the in depth . ($15) "One of my best friends got this [Jack Black] lip balm for me and explained that, despite it being from the men's department at Nordstrom, it was the best lip balm of all time.

She was not lying. It is glorious. And minty fresh. And moisturizing. Bless it." — Dominique Astorino, former assistant editor, fitness ($45) "Ever since I got my hands on Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare's DermInfusions Plump + Repair Lip Treatment, I don't use anything else. For starters, this lip treatment has a flattering plumping effect that adds the perfect amount of volume; it's like I got a subtle amount of lip filler.

There's a slight tingle, but it's not irritating at all and only lasts for a few seconds. But that's not all — the lip treatment is clear but is able to bring a flush of color to your lips. To top it all off, the hydration lasts all day long. I can truly go several hours without needing to reapply.

You only need a tiny bit to make an impact. This lip treatment is the ultimate 'my lips but better' product." — AR To see the lip plumping effects in action, read our in depth . ($4, originally $5) "At this point I'm not sure how many tubes of lip balm I have stashed away in every purse in my house, but the one I've been using the most lately is the Eos the Hero Extra Dry Lip Treatment.

I've been dealing with extremely dry, cracking lips lately, and every time I reach for this lip balm, it saves me with just a small swipe. It's super hydrating — it's made with shea butter and olive oil — and makes my lips feel soft and moisturized for hours, not to mention that I'm never left with a heavy, sticky feeling." — Danielle Jackson, former assistant editor, beauty ($12) "I swear by the Aquaphor Healing Ointment.

It's not the sexiest lip balm out there, and I get a lot of confused looks when I pull out that big white tube, but it's the only thing that heals my chapped lips year round. Plus it's noncomedogenic, so I don't break out around my mouth when I use it. I slather it on every single night before bed and wake up with supersoft lips." — Mary White, former copy chief "As someone with supersensitive skin, I have to be really picky about what I wear on my lips, choosing balms and lipstick that are mostly natural and fragrance free.

For years, I've been addicted to good old ($4, originally $5), and there are usually at least three tubes within my reach!" — Laura Meyers, former content director, Trending and Viral Features ($4) "The Carmex Classic Lip Balm is a tried and true lip product that makes chapped lips practically nonexistent.

To give myself just a subtle amount of color, I love applying this one over a tiny amount of lip stain — every time I wear it, my lips are softer than ever." — DJ "I swear by ($4) — it's the only chapstick I use now! Carmex works the best for my lips but I can't stand the taste or smell of it.

The cherry version doesn't have the overpowering smell, but it works just as well as regular Carmex." — Meghan Tipton, former editorial recruiting associate ($5) "Shout out for the Maybelline Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm; cheap and cheerful, and the cherry one is amazing. For reasons unknown, this didn't come to the UK until a few years ago, and I once panic bought about eight tubes on a trip to the US because I'd heard too much about it." — Gemma Cartwright, former senior editor, UK ($14) "Created by longtime cosmetic chemist Ginger King, I knew I was getting nothing but the best ingredients from the FanLoveBeauty 100% Natural Vegan Lip Balm.

Although, the subtle scent of peppermint makes it even better." — Kelsey Castañon, senior content director ($30) "I'm a lover of any Tatcha product, so I naturally fell for the brand's Gold Camellia Nourishing Lip Balm. I know it's so expensive and bougie but it makes me feel so glamorous.

I also think it leaves your lips with a slight golden glow so, you know, that's amazing." — Kelsey Garcia, associate content director, features ($10) "The Evan Healy Lip Balm tastes and smells like vanilla thanks to the addition of vanilla oil. It's $10 for a tube that will definitely last you a long time.

It's one of the few chapsticks that has all natural oils and no funny stuff. It actually moisturizes and doesn't leave a weird waxy film on your lips." — Anna Roberts, former editor, food ($5) "I will try pretty much any lip balm put in front of me, but my all time favorite is the classic Nivea stick.

The shea butter gives it a silky texture and a mild natural scent that's addictive." — Nancy Einhart, head of content ($10) "L'occitane's Shea Butter Lip Balm Stick is my new favorite to wear under lipstick because it's not sticky at all, but it's made with 10 percent shea butter so I know it's working!" — Alessandra Foresto, executive operations director ($10) "Last year, I went to Paris and spotted Bioderma's Atoderm Lip Stick at one of the pharmacies.

As a huge fan of the brand's makeup remover, I bought a bunch to give to friends when I returned. It has a slightly fruity scent that's addictive and goes on smoother than any lip balm I've ever tried. It's somehow really slick but not glossy. Luckily, I didn't need my passport to re up my stash.

It — and the makeup remover — is available on Amazon." — JD ($4) "SPF is a must for my lip balm when on vacation and this smells so yummy. I have coconut and pomegranate!" — Lisa Sugar, former president, POPSUGAR ($28) "The Ormedic Balancing Lip Enhancement Complex is a little pricey, but once a friend recommended it, I was hooked.

It goes on smooth and is not sticky at all, but the formula is thick enough that it stays on and makes your lips look fuller and more defined even when you don't have any color on it. I also love to put it over lipstick or tinted balm for added shine. Also, the tube is tiny but it actually lasts longer than you'd think!" — Lauren Turner, former editorial operations director ($7) "I love the Rosebud Salve in a Tube and keep it in my purse, my car, and my gym bag.

Essentially, I want it everywhere I am, and this works because of the packaging. Since the salve is in a tube, it travels well and can handle the heat of my glove compartment without melting like stick balms. The scent is subtle and lovely." — Susi May, former senior director, fitness ($17) "Mine is the original Lano Lips 101 Ointment, which is an Australian bestseller.

A tiny bit goes a long way, it's scent and color free (though it also makes a tinted version), and it seals in moisture like nothing else." — GC ($15) "Through my extensive lip balm research, I've found that the Dr. Hauschka Lip Care Stick is no joke. It's so thick and creamy and you really feel it working upon application.

I also like that it's not a super pretty product that's all about the packaging. It just gets the job done." — KG.