# Lip balm addicts - what is your brand and why? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 23, 2003, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-balm-addicts-what-is-your-brand-and-why/150454 "2003-01-23T15:43:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![skot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b782af/32.png) [@skot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skot)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-balm-addicts-what-is-your-brand-and-why/150454/1 "2003-01-23T15:43:50Z")
Over in the [vice thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?postid=2890397#post2890397) a couple of dopers (myself included) admitted to being addicted to lip balm. My question to you is: What brand (and flavor) are you attached to and why? I’ll go first: I buy **LIP MEDEX** by _Blistex_ exclusively. I prefer this to, say Chapstick, because it doesn’t leave that "waxy’ feeling on my lips. It also contains medicinal ingredients (camphor, phenol and menthol) which help keep any nasty cold sores away. I almost always have 3 or 4 of these on the go at any given time, strategically placed around the house, office and coat pockets. Once you start using this stuff, you’re hooked for life… ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-balm-addicts-what-is-your-brand-and-why/150454/2 "2003-01-23T15:50:12Z")
Carmex. It tingles and it really works. It’s addictive. ---
**Author:** ![DeVena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/dec6dc/32.png) [@DeVena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeVena)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-balm-addicts-what-is-your-brand-and-why/150454/3 "2003-01-23T15:55:24Z")
yep I love my Carmex and I’ve gotten my boss addicted to it too that’s me - the lip balm pusher… 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![Maeglin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8baadc/32.png) [@Maeglin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maeglin)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-balm-addicts-what-is-your-brand-and-why/150454/4 "2003-01-23T15:59:16Z")
Plain old petroleum jelly. Due to misprescribed medication and years of woodwind playing, I have an “inadequate barrier,” that is to say, I am missing a layer of skin on the top of my lips that normal people have. I can’t use any kind of lip balm that is not completely neutral. Anything with alcohol or menthol is downright destructive and blindingly painful. ---
**Author:** ![Stana\_Claus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stana_claus/32/13874_2.png) [@Stana\_Claus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stana_Claus)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-balm-addicts-what-is-your-brand-and-why/150454/5 "2003-01-23T16:02:36Z")
Blistex Regular. You know you’re truly addicted when you plan your purchases so that you always have a new tube on hand WAY before the one currently in use comes close to running out. And you keep spares stashed in strategic locations JUST IN CASE! SC ---
**Author:** ![TeaElle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8491ac/32.png) [@TeaElle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TeaElle)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-balm-addicts-what-is-your-brand-and-why/150454/6 "2003-01-23T16:06:22Z")
Hi, I’m Tracey and I’m also a lip balm addict. (Listens for the chorus of “Hi, Tracey” from the crowd. Hears only crickets. Chokes back a little sob, regains composure, continues on.) I’m not terribly picky about brand. I’m less interested in tingle as I am in smoothing ability and frankly, taste. I don’t like Carmex and Blistex and the stuff that tastes bad. Right now, I have two balms on my keyboard (yes, on my computer keyboard!) and they are both from Avon, one is Raspberry Creme and the other is Candy Corn. (MMmmmm, candy corn.) I have French Vanilla, Sparkling Grape, Mint Chocolate, Strawberries and Creme, Root Beer, Tiramisu and my newest is Movie Theatre Popcorn, which I haven’t tried but smells delicious. I’m a girlie lip balm addict, I guess. ---
**Author:** ![Contrary](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/db5fbb/32.png) [@Contrary](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrary)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-balm-addicts-what-is-your-brand-and-why/150454/7 "2003-01-23T16:09:48Z")
Blistex ointment, not the stick stuff. I suspect I’ve stripped away that same layer of skin, Maeglin, from playing oboe for so many years. And I use Vaseline in the winter. My lips get horribly dry then. ---
**Author:** ![In\_Conceivable](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/4bbf92/32.png) [@In\_Conceivable](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/In_Conceivable)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-balm-addicts-what-is-your-brand-and-why/150454/8 "2003-01-23T16:14:34Z")
I use chapstick during the day if I am not trying to be pretty. I use some kind of Covergirl tinted lip gloss if I am trying to be pretty. Every night before I go to bed I smear batch of Carmex. It keeps my lips kissable all year long. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![XJETGIRLX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9fc29f/32.png) [@XJETGIRLX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XJETGIRLX)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-balm-addicts-what-is-your-brand-and-why/150454/9 "2003-01-23T16:17:08Z")
I’m a sucker for _Softlips_. It’s really soft and smooth, and doesn’t leave you feeling like you’ve got goop on your lips. I like the menthol variety the best. If I can’t get my hands on some Softlips, I’ll go for Blistex in a pinch. ---
**Author:** ![Sunshine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Sunshine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunshine)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-balm-addicts-what-is-your-brand-and-why/150454/10 "2003-01-23T16:33:18Z")
I’m a hardcore addict. Gotta have the tingly stuff–it’s Lip Medex or Carmex for me. I have a stash at home of about 8 containers so there’s no way I will run out of one without a refill. I do not like blistex–it’s too soft. Regular ChapStick is too waxy. I have one in my purse, of course, but I also keep others in the following locations: back pack gym bag office desk car kitchen bedside table bathroom end table next to my chair Basically, I am never more than 5 steps away from lip balm. I generally don’t wear pants with pockets, so for when I am away from my desk at work (at a meeting or something) I bought this little thingy that you can slide a stick of lip balm in and clip it to something. I keep it on my id card, which we are never suppsed to leave our desk without. A co-worker who is also a lip balm addict saw it one day and begged me to tell her where to get one–she’d been keeping her lip balm in her sock when she left her desk. I have tried to cut back, really, I have…but I love the tingly feeling and the moist lips. I did recently find a non-tingly version that I just love. It’s ChapStick brank LipMoisturizer (SPF 15) in a flavor called Vanilla Mint. I love the smell, and it’s not as waxy as the regular version, so I’m using it to try and cut back off the hard stuff. ---
**Author:** ![Kayeby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9de0a6/32.png) [@Kayeby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kayeby)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-balm-addicts-what-is-your-brand-and-why/150454/11 "2003-01-23T16:34:24Z")
Another Carmex addict here. I love the medicated smell, the deeper-than-it-originally-appears container and the way it makes my lips soft and glossy. I used to use Blistex but I found that it gave me tiny pimples around my mouth, but I can’t find any faults with Carmex. ---
**Author:** ![even\_sven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dfb087/32.png) [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-balm-addicts-what-is-your-brand-and-why/150454/12 "2003-01-23T16:37:01Z")
Good old fashioned Lipsmackers for me. I prefer the roll-on kinds, but the plain old chapstick-style stuff works, too. I just bought the Christmas variety pack. The smell of Cherry candy-cane takes me right back to fifth grade. I’m such and addict that I consider my essentials for going out to be my wallet and lipgloss. I’ve been known to miss my rides to school because I hadn’t yet found my lipgloss. My friends all make fun of me… ---
**Author:** ![Jorel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f19dbf/32.png) [@Jorel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jorel)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-balm-addicts-what-is-your-brand-and-why/150454/13 "2003-01-23T16:40:32Z")
I am so glad I am not alone in this! My first choice (drug of choice?) is the CherryMentholatum. My husband gives me several tubes every Christmas. I forget who makes it because I always peel the label off and make my own ‘brand name’ on there. Yes, I realize I am a dork. Second choice is the Blistex in a tube. I have lip stuff in all of the places that Sunshine mentioned (except the car, as I don’t drive) I also make my husband carry one on his person, in case I lose all of mine. ---
**Author:** ![Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/5fc32e/32.png) [@Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bad_News_Baboon)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-balm-addicts-what-is-your-brand-and-why/150454/14 "2003-01-23T16:48:11Z")
I used to like Carmex, but then I discovered Burt’s bees. That stuff is the bomb. A nice tingle but not thick like carmex. ---
**Author:** ![CrankyAsAnOldMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crankyasanoldman/32/11670_2.png) [@CrankyAsAnOldMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrankyAsAnOldMan)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-balm-addicts-what-is-your-brand-and-why/150454/15 "2003-01-23T16:53:06Z")
Burt’s Bees, all the way. Just the usual stuff, but sometimes at night I put on the Lifeguard version of it. My husband is fond of the plain bacl-label Chapstick. Michael Vick, BTW, is positively addicted to Chapstick. He keeps his tube stuffed in his helmet during NFL games so he can lube up in the huddle. ---
**Author:** ![gallows\_fodder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8c91f0/32.png) [@gallows\_fodder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gallows_fodder)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-balm-addicts-what-is-your-brand-and-why/150454/16 "2003-01-23T16:57:36Z")
Another Softlips user here. I like the vanilla flavor the best, and I really dig the skinny tube. I will, however, use almost anything. A salient feature of my addiction is my urge to try any new kind of balm I come across. I have a tin of Rosebud salve in my desk at work – nice and smooth and, yes, smells like roses. I have 3 tubes of something called “Lip Healer” I picked up at Trader Joe’s…this is beeswax-based and has a very lovely texture: light and smooth. I keep one tube in my bathroom, one in my purse, and one in my jacket pocket. Speaking of beeswax, Burt’s Bees lip balm (in the tube) is also fabulous. (And minty!) ---
**Author:** ![Broken\_Doll](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bbce88/32.png) [@Broken\_Doll](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broken_Doll)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-balm-addicts-what-is-your-brand-and-why/150454/17 "2003-01-23T16:57:36Z")
I use plain old Vaseline in the handy little tube thingy. Small enough to keep in your pocket, but enough in the tube to last you a while. If I’m feeling fancy, I love Lipsmackers in Pink Lemonade and The Body Shop’s Raspberry lipbalm in the little container [but it’s expensive]. Mmmm… ---
**Author:** ![TelcontarStorm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3ab097/32.png) [@TelcontarStorm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TelcontarStorm)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-balm-addicts-what-is-your-brand-and-why/150454/18 "2003-01-23T17:29:14Z")
Herpecin L in the little tub is what I’m using right now, but I really prefer the tube. I’n not as crazy about it as you all are, but I like the Hepecin as it gets rid of the damn cold sores. And makes the lips kissy soft overnight. ---
**Author:** ![scout1222](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/34f0e0/32.png) [@scout1222](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scout1222)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-balm-addicts-what-is-your-brand-and-why/150454/19 "2003-01-23T17:52:43Z")
Plain old Chapstick here. I’ve also got some of the flavored stuff - vanilla frosting, raspberry, that kind of thing. But candy corn lib balm? OH YEAH! I’m looking for some of that right NOW. ---
**Author:** ![Mogwei22](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@Mogwei22](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mogwei22)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2003, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-balm-addicts-what-is-your-brand-and-why/150454/20 "2003-01-23T18:19:41Z")
Alright,admit it, who here had to put lip balm on after/during reading this post. I’ll raise my hand right here and now. Blistex Silk & Shine in the purple tube for me. It’s not too thick and smells and tastes good. I abhor Chapstick brand for it’s waxy texture, vile medicinal smell and taste. I’ve lost count of how many little purple tubes litter my life and cannot go to bed without making sure it’s in reach. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-balm-addicts-what-is-your-brand-and-why/150454.md?page=2)