Long before I learned how to read and write, cosmetics were (and still are) one of my areas of passion and expertise. My parents gave me my first vanity at the tender age of three, and with a whole palette of eyeshadows and tubes of different coloured lipsticks, where I would create various looks, and whole thus whole new characters or alter-egos. But out of all the products out there, one of my greatest obsessions is lipbalm. Nothing could break your entire look like dry, chapped lips. And after many years of experimenting and trials, five lipbalms have stood out out of the sea of options.

Now I know that personal preference is just that, personal, but the key ingredients to what makes a lip balm absolutely amazing are, the softness (which usually means it’s a bit thicker and not on the shiny side) and the scent (an awful smelling lip balm is quite distracting, especially when one wears it 24/7 as I do!).

Here are my five favourite lip balms, in order of preference:

LABELLO – CHERRY KISS

Not only does this lip balm promises soft lips with its conditioning ingredients, but it smells amazing. The slight reddish tint is perfect when you’re on the go and don’t really want to commit to lipstick. I’ve been using this since I was ten, and no other product tops this one. Usually retails around $8 on amazon, but if you’re in Europe you can purchase it around 2 euros.

EOS – LIP BALM

What I absolutely love about this lip balm is the pure softness. It’s very thick, which means that it doesn’t easily dry out, so less applications than your normal lip balm are required. Plus it’s made from organic ingredients, which means no harsh chemicals. Cause ya know…not all of wish to be spreading lead on our lips (looking at you L’Oreal). Retails around $4.

CAUDALIE – LIP CONDITIONER

This lip balm smells amazing, and on top of that it is very moisturizing with a hint of honey goodness to make your lips that extra soft! It goes on colorless, making it the perfect balm to wear under lipsticks or glosses. Or at night and not leave residual hue on your pillowcases. Retails around $12.

MARGOT ELENA TOKYO MILK BON BON LIP BALM – CHERRY BOMB

I’ll admit it right now, most of my lip balm flavours revolve around cherry. This lip balm is the best smelling cherry lip balm there is. The feel is extremely luxurious, as is the beautiful packaging. Put this on your lips and set the little case on your vanity and you’ll be feeling like a gorgeous Marie Antoinette in no time. Retails around $12.

SHISEIDO WATER IN LIP – PURE PINK (CHERRY BLOSSOM POWDER)

When it comes to innovative and amazing beauty products, Japan is the place to go. They’ve had BB creams years before the rest of the world got wind of the craze. This is why Shiseido’s lip balm is one of my all time favourites, with Vitamin E and Gritilretin Acid blended with Italian mineral water, it provides exceptional moisture for hours. As most of the lip balms mentioned, it doesn’t have a real tint to it, but a slight pearly sheen, giving the lips a youthful look. Retails around $5.