September’s cooler air and stronger winds are exactly when lips start to feel it first — tight, flaky, prone to cracking. A proper balm makes all the difference, whether you want deep overnight repair or something to swipe on before you head out the door. Here are four lip balms worth adding to your bag this month.
1. Allies of Skin Peptide and Ceramide Repair Lip Balm
A treatment balm rather than a quick fix, this glides on velvety-smooth and works to repair the lip barrier over time rather than just masking dryness.
- Formula: Sea buckthorn and avocado oil bring nourishment, while palmitoyl tripeptide-5 and ceramide NP support the skin’s natural barrier repair for plumper, healthier-looking lips.
- Finish: Soft and supple with long-lasting comfort, not sticky or waxy.
- Good to know: Designed to be applied throughout the day on dry, chapped or cracked lips whenever needed.
2. Prada Refillable Lip Balm Banana 3.8g
A luxury pick with a satin-soft, melting texture, this balm carries a subtle yellow tint designed to counter dullness while looking completely natural on the lips.
- Formula: A buttery blend of emollients and skin softeners, enriched with jojoba for a cushion-soft, radiant finish after just one swipe.
- Finish: Enveloping and luxurious, with sleek refillable packaging that suits an AM or PM routine.
- Good to know: Refills are available, so the case can be reused once the balm runs out.
3. Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Kiss Cupuaçu Lip Butter
Bringing the brand’s signature Cheirosa ’62 scent to lip care, this butter delivers gourmand warmth alongside a genuinely hydrating formula.
- Formula: Coconut and sunflower seed oil provide rich moisture, while açaí extract helps visibly brighten and rosemary leaf extract soothes.
- Finish: Soft, plump and dewy, with notes of caramelised vanilla, white chocolate and tonka bean.
- Good to know: Part of the cult Cheirosa ’62 range, so it pairs well with the brand’s body mists and lotions for anyone building a full routine.
4. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume Lips 7.5ml
A dermatologist-recommended barrier balm, this is the one to reach for when lips are properly chapped or sore rather than just a little dry.
- Formula: Contains 5% panthenol in a barrier texture that isolates lips from aggressors while soothing and nourishing.
- Finish: Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, formulated without parabens and tested on sensitive skin.
- Good to know: Can be applied as often as needed to lips or the surrounding area to prevent further chapping.
From Allies of Skin’s peptide-powered repair to La Roche-Posay’s dermatologist-approved barrier balm, these four picks cover everything from daily upkeep to serious lip recovery this September.