u/Miz_Lo

Ok, so after many recommendations and trying several more, this is my most recent try-ons and final verdict. I am only missing rhode and a few elusive sticks, but between my last post and this one I think I’ve tried most. Some from my last post I don’t have pictured bc I already returned or donated them. I just pictured my keepers and new try-ons.

I divided the squeeze balms into glossy and matte and then sticks are their own category. I arranged them favorite to least favorite.

Marin is the GOAT. Super thick and cushiony without spreading to your mouth. I love the applicator tip the best. Nice mint. Alleyoop is a great dupe for Marin! Very similar feeling formula. Topicals was solid, same thickness ALMOST, but I heard about mold concerns so I’m a little worried. I know Co Bigelow is thin but it tastes good, I love the mint, and #nostalgia. Prequel was MINTY, but got into my mouth and the sunscreen taste was not great, did not like that. Summer Fridays was thin, didn’t taste good to me, not much mint scent. I don’t get the hype🤷🏼‍♀️

Lanolips 101 is so thick, stays put, great mint smell. Jack Black is a slightly thinner version, but so good. Vitamasque is the thinnest, it’s fine, not the most amazing but it’s a great price point.

THE STICKS GOOD LORD THE STICKS. Co Bigelow and Starface taste good and moisturize. Lypsyl is super moisturizing, not much flavor but scented well. From Blistex to Chapstick they’re all similar. To the right of Chapstick are returns. Either grainy or I didn’t like the taste. Korres is a crime against humanity. It has a sour beer taste. It smells fermented and gets into your mouth. Blech. 🤮

I know I have more to test but I think this is where I stop, lol. I have a list of like, 8 more already but at some point it must end. I love that I have found a community with my interests that I can share lip balm joy with! 💚

AMA! Edit* I keep adding ones I’ve tried that I have forgotten about 🤭🤪

I decided to go on a quest for my favorite mint lip balm. I have slowly collected over the years and here is my personal rankings. I divided them into squeeze tubes and sticks. I have noticed I tend to favor lanolin and coconut bases and less the wax bases.

The piles to the left on each row are my winners, arranged in order of favorite. I would repurchase all.

The piles to the right on each row are returns/trash/giveaway. But I would never use again.

Not pictured that I have tried: eos sweet mint (middle of the pack), Burt’s Bees (return/trash/giveaway pile), wet’n’wild grapefruit mint (middle of the pack), neccessaire (bottom of my keeps, maybe in returns) Vaseline mint (trash. This one broke my heart because I adore rosy lips) Henry’s black tinted balm (color was neat, didn’t do much. I lost it), Chapstick Candy Cane (meh? Giveaway)

Not tested but want to try: rhode, Summer Fridays, Prequel Lip Visor, Jones Road Lip Recharge, Poppy & Pout, Surface, Lanolips 101 Candy Cane, Korres

Squeeze top 3: Marin, Lanolips, Jack Black
Stick top 3: Co Bigelow, Starface, lypsyl

The one mint to rule them all: Marin

2nd ETA- you guys are coming through on the recs, I’m gonna need a pt. 2! 😂

3rd ETA -
I tried Korres 😖. Super moisturizing. But. It burnt my tongue! and smelled like sour beer! Blegh! (Return)
I also tried Poppy & Pout. It wasn’t sweet at all and had no flavor. More peppermint and super strong mint. Super moisturizing but not my jam.(Return)

Has anyone tried this? I’m super interested in the vanilla mint. They also make a pink tinted version.