Your cheeks and forehead aren’t the only parts of your face that need hydration. Your lips deserve plenty of TLC too—and there are lots of balms, oils, and masks that claim to make your pout irresistibly soft, moisturized, and plump. That’s why we’ve dedicated an entire category of our 2024 Healthy Beauty Awards to those luscious lips of yours.
To find the best-of-the-best formulas to nourish your lips (and sometimes add a little bit of shine or color), our testers spent months playing with dozens of products that promised dewy, smooth, and kissable results. After countless rounds of swiping, smacking, and puckering, we’re happy to announce the top nine winners that have earned permanent spots in our purses and on our bedside tables.
Be sure to check out the rest of SELF’s 2024 Healthy Beauty Award winners here.
Best SPF Lip Balm: Aquaphor Lip Protectant + Sunscreen
Why we love it: They call ’em classics for a reason. This Aquaphor staple is made with petrolatum (or petroleum jelly), an occlusive that completely coats your lips to lock in moisture. Plus it has SPF 30 to shield your delicate and extra vulnerable skin from sun damage. (Because what’s worse than dry lips? Sunburnt ones.)
Bonus points, per the experts: In addition to the petrolatum, this balm is made with hydrating glycerin, panthenol, and castor oil.
One tester said: “I apply my regular Aquaphor lip balm constantly, and this version with SPF is my new go-to. I keep a tube next to my keys—that way, I’ll always remember to put it on before leaving the house. That’s how much I love this product! So moisturizing and a true holy grail.”
Best Lip Mask: Lanolips 12-Hour Overnight Lip Mask
Why we love it: If you’re all about aesthetically pleasing beauty products, you’ll love this one from Lanolips (the cheery lavender tube will pop on your vanity!). But this mask’s appeal goes beyond looks: It’s also packed with nourishing hyaluronic acid and ceramides that’ll work overnight to keep your lips juicy and hydrated.
Bonus points, per the experts: It also contains moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E, as well as vitamin C to brighten and protect against environmental damage.
One tester said: “I LOVE LOVE LOVE this! I work in a hospital and have to wear a mask for many hours, which dries out my lips. After having this on all day, my lips stayed moisturized thanks to its superthick consistency.”
Best Lip Balm: Burt’s Bees Shea + Coconut Oil Moisturizing Lip Balm
Why we love it: Our testers said this lip balm glides on smoothly and is so lightweight, it almost feels like you’re not wearing anything at all. But don’t let that fool you: It’s loaded with ultra-hydrating ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter—so rest assured it doesn’t skimp on moisture.
Bonus points, per the experts: Occlusives like cocoa butter, coconut oil, castor oil, and jojoba oil keep lips protected and hydrated.
