BASE LAYER | Lip Care

For the first Base Layer post, we tackled sunscreen, next up was Prospector Co.'s leg care goods, now Kristi's throwing down on lip care. Ba-Boom!

Leading Lips
By Kristi Head

Ever since I read an article in some magazine (probably YM circa 1992), that claimed all lip balms makes our lips even drier, I haven’t touched any of them. It’s over 20 years later and product ingredients have evolved dramatically. With so much awareness on healthier and more efficacious ingredients I figured it was time to take a dive back in. 

The first recommendation is super simple. If you don’t already know the trick, the best way to condition your lips is to take a soft bristle tooth brush and brush over dry lips for about 30 seconds. Any clean soft toothbrush will work, but we like Bogo Brush's philanthropic angle (buy one, and one gets sent to someone in need). Then apply a pure Vitamin E oil capsule ($13 for 100). Make sure it is food-grade and not cut with anything else. The result is total softness, a punch of blood flow color and slick shine.

For your on-the-go needs with less of a process, here are four more recommendations (left to right): Ila Balmy Nights ($24) is made from organic ingredients blended with tiny granules of volcanic stone powder that gently exfoliates leaving lips smooth. Absolution Le Baume ($20) is a multi-use balm for lips, cheeks, the tip of nose, and any dry areas on hands. Organic Essence Lip Balm ($3) [not pictured] is thrify and of all the health food store options, this one was the least greasy and least waxy and light weight. W3ll People Universalist ($33) is great for a pop of color on the lips, but it also works on eyes and cheeks too. It has a weightless texture and is 100% natural and free from all harsh artificial chemicals and petroleum.

[Editor's note: For the non-purist, I love Chanel's Boy 54 color of their lip shine ($34).]