I’m a minimalist when it comes to most things but lip balm is not one of them.
They’ve infiltrated every corner of my life. I have one designated for each handbag, my desk, nightstand, and makeup bag. As if that wasn’t enough, I keep a back-stock in my medicine cabinet. Being that they’re the easiest thing to lose on the planet, I get a rare satisfaction from getting all the way to the bottom of a tube.
While I can’t offer much when it comes to the latest make up trends or tips, I do have some background when it comes to a good lip moisturizer. I’m as adventurous as you can get in that particular section of a beauty aisle. Enter my lip toolbox:
I’ve tried the usual suspects:
- ChapStick – The OG of lip products. Cherry Red is the nostalgic choice but I prefer the original blue variety with SPF. Even though the brand is easily one of the most recognizable, I would select most brands over their trademark (2.5/5 stars)
- Vaseline – a moisturizer that I used exclusively for years although not as much anymore. I’m a sucker for the cute miniature pot made specifically for lips which may be partly why it scored so high (4/5 stars)
- Aquaphor – a similar formula to Vaseline but a touch thicker. I much prefer using it for tattoo maintenance over my pout (3/5 stars)
- Burt’s Bees Tinted Formula – perfect for lazy make up days (most days in my case) offering a natural pop of color (4.0/5 stars)
- Nivea – the brand I reached for most consistently. The reliable formula is emollient and packed with nourishing hydration. The downside is consistent reapplication is needed for benefits (4.5/5 stars)
Honorable and perhaps lesser known mentions include:
- Weleda Lip Balm – An equally rich formula to Weleda’s Skin Food, I prefer using it solely at night. It’s become a nightstand essential next to my lava lamp and glass of water (4.75/5 stars)
- Cocokind’s Mymatcha Stick – It contains cleaner ingredients than it’s popular counterparts and has a subtle scent of matcha tea which I love. The quantity will last a lifetime (4.75/5 stars)
All of the previously mentioned varieties do a fair enough job although a missing element left me in a constant search of the next best thing. Because lip balm is a fairly small investment, it was easy to keep sinking money into them without much thought over the years.
The hunt seemed endless. Until…
My search for the perfect lip balm ended in late December of 2020. Truth is, I can’t even take credit for this find. A friend and colleague gifted it to me in a Secret Santa exchange along with some other thoughtful goodies. He’s a musician and Quality Assurance Audio Engineer. Admittingly the discovery came from an unlikely place. Somehow that makes me even more grateful.
The magic lip moisturizer I’ve been alluding to is called Booda Butter Naked Lip Balm. It was love from the moment I spread it across my thirsty lips. The small oval shaped tube has brought me so much usage. Not too thin, not too thick- the formula glides on effortlessly for supple hydrated lips.
My biggest pet peeve is when a layer of sticky residue is left behind giving off an unsightly white cast (why I purchased Carmax only once in my life. Stay away from ingredients like menthol and salicylic acid at all costs).
But what makes it so special??
As the name suggests, the Naked Lip Balm instantly melts giving off a healthy velvet-y sheen. The nourishing moisture is long lasting so no need to obsessively reapply. It’s what my lip toolbox was missing.
Upon researching the holy grail of lip balm, I’ve come to find even more reason to fall in love. The family owned Washington based business is home to vegan, sustainable, gluten free and cruelty free products made with natural raw ingredients. I feel good anytime I whip it out. It’s also really hard not to smile over the happy teal and yellow packaging.
With only a few swipes and plenty of water, my lips are the happiest they’ve ever been.
The upward trend towards clean and ethically made beauty products has become more accessible in recent years. While finances and brand loyalties may prevent some people from making the switch in their make up bags, I think choosing a clean lip product is a great place to start.
Their product line also includes body moisturizer, deodorant and laundry soap with several gift sets that would make a wonderful Mother’s Day present (and it’ll wow your Secret Santa during the holidays too).
To my surprise, Booda Butter is carried at a wide number of local health markets throughout the U.S as well as being available online. Best part is it’s only $4 bucks a pop! I just finished my first tube and immediately ran to New Leaf to stock up on a few more. You know, for emergencies.
To be clear this post is NOT sponsored.
I just wanted to share an honest review of my new favorite product. The Naked Lip Balm is a gamechanger. If you’ve tried Booda Butter products before, I would love to hear what you think!
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