My Favourite Lip Balms for Everyday Hydration

If there is one thing you will find in my makeup bag or tucked away in every single handbag I own, it is a lippy. Usually, that means it is either a luxe balm or a juicy gloss, or sometimes, both. I have a soft spot for clear formulas and tinted ones that give just a subtle wash of colour. They're my go-to everyday essential, the kind of product that makes me feel instantly put-together, even on no-makeup days.

When it comes to lip care, for me, quality is everything, and I naturally gravitate towards products that are deeply hydrating, nourishing, moisturising, plumping, and non-sticky. So, here, I'm sharing the lip balms that have earned their place in my makeup bag.

Skinceuticals Antioxidant Lip Repair

This has easily become a staple in my skincare kit, especially during colder months when my lips need extra care. It is infused with Sylimarin and Vitamin E, both known for their intensely hydrating and antioxidant benefits. Together, they soften and protect my lips from dryness and environmental stress.

Since it doesn't come with an applicator, I apply the product with my fingertips (clean, of course). The antioxidant lip repair's texture is silky and smooth, which absorbs well with no sticky residue.

I use it as an overnight lip mask (a pea-sized amount is plenty!) or on bare-lips days when I don't feel like wearing a gloss or hint of colour but still want my lips moisturised and hydrated.

If I'm heading out in the daytime, I always make sure to top it with SPF, because sun protection is non-negotiable, even for your mouth! It's the kind of product that quietly does its job and does it really well. So, if you're serious about anti-ageing lip care or suffer from dry, dehydrated lips, this is a splurge that pays off.

Victoria Beckham Posh Balm (Glacé)

If you're searching for a high-quality, fragrance-free lip balm that smooths, hydrates and adds shine to your lips, you will definitely enjoy the Posh Balm. It is formulated with clean ingredients, including cucumber extract and a murumuru seed butter complex, to nourish and moisturise the lips. It's also fragrance-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free, which makes it a good alternative, especially if your skin is sensitive or you prefer fragrance-free lip products.

I picked up the Posh Balm in the shade Glacé, a sheer, universally flattering tone that delivers a clear, buildable shine. The finish looks natural, which is perfect for everyday wear or layering with other lip products.

Also, the lip balm comes in a luxe slim stick that dispenses the product by twisting it from the bottom. Although it delivers just the right dose of buttery hydration to your lips, it's worth noting that if you over-twist it, the balm won't retract. At first use, two clicks were sufficient to dispense the product; thereafter, a single click was enough. So be careful not to push more than you need.

Rouge Dior Lip Balm (001 Dior Midnight)

I first spotted the Rouge Dior Lip Balm while browsing the Boots UK website and instantly fell in love with its chic, minimalist appeal, and the fact that it's refillable (ooph! A big plus for sustainability). The formula is 95% natural-origin ingredients, super hydrating, protects lips from drying, and offers just the right amount of shine and has a light floral scent. The shade adapts beautifully to your natural lip colour. So, instead of masking your lips, it gives a soft, satiny finish that enhances your natural pigment. It's the perfect "your lips but better" balm for anyone who loves a clean, polished look.

Nº1 De Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm (Berry Boost)

If you are a minimalist when it comes to makeup or love a simplified makeup routine, you will love the Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm. This 2-in-1 multitasker gives your lips and cheeks a natural, radiant flush. It comes in a chic little pot, and the creamy, buildable formula melts into the skin seamlessly. It's perfect for streamlining your vanity and easy to carry in your clutch or travel makeup kit. It is currently available in six super-hydrating, pigmented shades, and I got mine in the shade Berry Boost.

Augustinus Bader The Lip Balm

So, I've been wanting to try the Augustinus Bader lip balm for ages, and finally picked up the universal shade. This balm is vegan and formulated with the brand's signature TFC8® Complex, along with rich butters and waxes designed to support skin renewal and deeply nourish dry, chapped lips.

On first application, it feels buttery smooth, with a subtle buttery scent that you notice right away. For some reason, I could also taste a bit of the oils, which was unexpected but not overpowering. Despite that, the formula has a non-sticky, non-glossy finish, making it great for people who prefer a more natural, treatment-focused lip balm rather than something shimmery or glossy.

If you're looking for a high-performance lip treatment that prioritises repair, hydration, and science-backed ingredients, this one is worth trying.

In summary

I think at this point, you've noticed a common theme: I'm all about lip products that care for, nourish, hydrate, and protect my lips just as much as they beautify them. So whether you use them to prep your lip before applying a lipstick, wear them alone for a natural look (as I often do!), layer them over colour for extra shine, or slather them on as a comforting overnight mask, adding one of these to your routine is an instant worthwhile upgrade. So if you're searching for hydrating, non-sticky lip balms, these are my tried-and-true favourites.