DHC

The only (non-SPF, overnight) lip balms that work for me are ones with lanolin in it. This has two types, lanolin oil, which is a derivative, and lanolin itself. In terms of its efficacy, it's great.

I used the Paula's Choice Lip & Body Treatment Balm (in the tin) before switching to this. The PC product has lanolin and has a long ingredients list that is more impressive than the relatively simple ingredients list of the DHC product. However, the PC product is quite cumbersome to use, since it's in a tin, and it's not exactly hygienic.

The DHC lip cream is more viscous and 'buttery' than the PC product when applied. I don't like using this in the daytime because it's overly glossy (thanks to the olive oil), and there's no SPF, so I use this at night. It's not exactly cheap, though - it goes for an average of $10 per pop and you'll run through it relatively quickly because there's not much product in it... it'll add up over time.

So is it worth it? If you want a lanolin-based lip balm in stick form and don't want to put plain old nipple cream on your lips, then sure. I'll be sticking to this one for that reason alone.

On a separate note, it's weird when people give lip balms a bad review because their balms did nothing to help their 'parched and cracked' lips. You'd think they'd have some common sense and apply a hydrating layer on their lips first - perhaps a little hyaluronic acid - before then going over with a layer of lip balm. It's not the lip balm's fault that you don't understand how hydration works.

I've wanted to hop on the double cleansing train for a while now, and this has been a great first step. I usually need a lot more than just face wash to remove my winged eyeliner and waterproof mascara, but this has done a fantastic job of taking it off quickly and without rubbing my face off. A little on the pricey side, but if you're on the fence you can always shop during a sale.

I rubbed a sample of this on my neck and within a day broke out with a nasty, itchy red rash all over my neck. And that's why you should always patch-test products first, friends.

DETAILS
Softens lips with aloe leaf extract and vitamin E, and gives lips a polished, neutral shine. Free of fragrance and added colorants.

INGREDIENTS
lanolin oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax/candelilla cera/cire de candelilla, beeswax/cera alba/cire d’abeille, lanolin, stearic acid, squalane, paraffin, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, pentylene glycol, tocopherol, phenoxyethanol, stearyl glycyrrhetinate, panax ginseng root extract, aloe barbadensis leaf extract

MY PERSONAL REVIEW
It's great for moisture on your lips. I have very dry lips because I always forget to drink liquids. This keeps my lips from chapping. The price is fairly reasonable compared to popular brands. I highly recommend it.

I tried a bottle of this as I was curious about the lactic acid. I think it did make my skin softer, but I didn't notice much in the way of evening out tone or brightening. It does have a strong odor and it does sting, especially around my hairline, which probably meant I wasn't as diligent in my use as I should be. Texture sinks in well and bottle keeps everything air-tight. I won't be running out to repurchase, but might give it another try in future, as it is reasonably priced for this type of product.