The coldest months of the year are fast approaching and so are the dreaded dryness and irritation caused by chapped lips. But fear not—there are a variety of lip balms and chapsticks to remedy this discomfort. 

Here are some of the best of the best to keep your lips hydrated during the chilly months ahead. 

Bag Balm

This product has been around for more than a century, and for good reason. 

Bag Balm has earned a loyal following for its ability to make even the driest, most chapped lips soft and smooth. It shields against harsh winter winds and cold temperatures. Little goes a long way—a thin layer provides lasting relief all day, and putting it on before bed ensures the best results in the morning. 

Its packaging may not be the prettiest, but Bag Balm is one of the most effective solutions for cracked or painfully dry lips, making it a winter essential for everyone.

LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask

When the air turns crisp and your lips start to feel like they’re calling for help, this overnight treatment steps up. 

Formulated with amazing ingredients like murumuru seed and shea butter, this mask is designed to soften and protect your skin while you sleep. It comes in a variety of flavors— vanilla, berry, and watermelon, to name a few—and can be purchased individually or in sets. 

At $24, it’s on the pricier side, it is 100 percent worth it. Not only is it beneficial, but it leaves a glossy, beautiful shine.

Aquaphor Lip Repair

A winter classic, Aquaphor delivers instant relief for dry, cracked lips and keeps them healthy all season long. 

Its rich formula seals in moisture while shielding against harsh winds, making it perfect for both on-the-go protection and overnight repair. Free of fragrance and preservatives, it’s gentle enough for sensitive lips yet powerful enough to heal severe dryness. 

Aquaphor may not be as aesthetic as some of the other balms, but its effectiveness speaks for itself. If your lips are feeling rough, tight, or irritated, this is the kind of salve that restores softness and smoothness quickly. 

Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask

This luxe, jelly-style lip mask is the perfect solution for dry winter lips, as it melts to deeply moisturize, smooth fine lines, and restore comfort. 

This mask is like a gloss, leaving a beautiful tint while also providing lasting comfort. For best results, apply a generous layer before bed and you’ll wake up with visibly softer lips. 

Priced at $29, it’s not the cheapest product on the market, but certainly one of the most effective and aesthetic. 

Carmex

Many were introduced to Carmex in 2018 when Emma Chamberlain popularized it—but this winter icon has been saving lips for generations.

With its instant cooling effect, Carmex soothes even the most chapped lips. Its rich petrolatum base locks in moisture and protects your lips from winter chaos. Plus, the cocoa butter and beeswax keep things soft and smooth, not sticky. 

This travel-sized balm fits easily in your coat pocket and provides lasting hydration wherever you go.