BellaSugar

Doing Drugstore: Blistex Medicated Lip Ointment

BellaSugar — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:05:04 PST

Remember how I asked you if obsessively applying lip balm is a problem for you? Recently, it certainly has been a problem for me, particularly after a case of medication-induced angular cheilitis (aka cracks on the corner of the mouth). Enter Blistex Medicated Lip Ointment ($2), a very inexpensive drugstore option that contains camphor, menthol, and phenol, all of which, I might add, can actually cause drying of the lips.

That aside, when all was said and done, the Blistex did indeed provide relief to my chaffed, sore lips. This treatment has somewhat of a medicinal, minty smell, but not in a completely overpowering kind of way. Its creamy texture does indeed take longer to blend into the skin than, say, a ChapStik or Vaseline-based ointment-type formula. Often, I was left with obvious whitish marks where the product had been applied, but after a minute or two, the white marks vanished, and all was good with the world again. Speaking of all that's good, what I like most about this lip product is that it doesn't have a strange aftertaste, and it's not greasy. In fact, I consider it more of a conditioner than anything else - a conditioner with medicinal properties. As for the cracked corners of my lips, after a few days, the problem was. . .salved. Sorry.

BellaSugar's Top Five Lip Balm Picks

BellaSugar — Mon, 05 May 2008 07:00:07 PDT

I've written about my favorite lip balms before, but a year and a half has passed and I've got some newbies in the mix that I seriously can't live without. Lip balms are one of my all-time favorite products because they feel good and they provide instant relief all year round. Here are my top five picks (for now). What's your favorite?

This small, silver Molton Brown Vitamin Lip Saver ($18) is odorless and flavorless. It spreads easily, penetrates deeply and I often find it missing in my guy's dopp kit!
Some drugstore brands have got it right! This cool, roller-ball Blistex Cherry Splash ($2.89) is sweet, thin-textured and fast absorbing to correct dryness and chapping.
Bobbi Brown Extra ($55) is the most expensive salve of the bunch, but it works wonders on my cuticles, elbows hands and on my lips. I can't seem to stay away from the subtle geranium smell and thick shea butter formula.
Lancome's Baume Baiser ($25) came out as part of the Mystery Game collection. Although it's no longer in stock, you can still find a few of these indulgent padded soft rose-marshmallow scented lip balms online in the UK (and have it shipped).
A year and a half later, one of my faves is still the amazingly nourishing Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment ($22.50). It lasts long, it's thick, it smells amazing, and I'm the first to admit that I'm a sucker for the cool screw-top cover.

Doing Drugstore: Blistex Lip Infusion Sheer Liquid Balm

BellaSugar — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 11:30:45 PDT

Over the weekend, I commenced gardening season by planting my annual beefsteak tomatoes. At the end of the day, as I looked down at my fruitful accomplishment, I realized I'd been stricken with the dreaded poison ivy. When I went to buy calamine lotion, this new Blistex Lip Infusion Sheer Liquid Balm in Cherry Splash ($2.89) came in the package as a free sample.

Never one to resist the temptation of a chapstick, I immediately tried it, and I was wowed by the result. Let me start by noting the cool sensation of the metal roller-ball applicator, which is perfectly refreshing in the hot Summer sun. For the rest of the highlights,

read more
Then, there's the texture: Somehow, they have managed to avoid all of the unpleasant waxiness that plagues most drugstore lip balms. This stuff has a great cherry flavor and contains SPF 15. Also, it has a smooth, more liquefied consistency, yet it still binds itself to the lips despite being very light. The result: fully conditioned, chap-free lips that lasted all afternoon. Thanks to Blistex for turning a very itchy situation into a delightful new discovery.