Carmex

Chapped lips have never been a problem of mine until this summer. The temperature keeps rising, it's insanely hot and my lips have felt the effects of the harsh weather. Now, it's quite dry and rough to touch. (I know I should drink water more often.) These Carmex samples came just in time to rescue my lips. (Thanks, Carmex team!)

There are 4 Carmex variants to choose from. There's the Original Carmex Jar (that comes in a pot), the Original Carmex Tube (that's more like a glossy balm), and the Original Carmex Stick and Carmex Strawberry Stick, both with Click Stick Movement Control Technology (which is basically in a normal lip balm stick form - only it has a clicking sound when you turn the base to dispense the product).

Original Carmex Jar: The one that started it all.

This is the original formula that is available since 1937, with over 1 billion jars sold! It's supposed to be in a more solid form, but mine's sort of melted maybe because of the scorching weather we've been having lately. I'm not complaining since this texture makes it more easy to apply. This lip balm relieves the symptoms of chapped lips and cold sores. It gives a tingly feel that lasts for about 5 minutes. It looks very natural on my lips, not glossy or waxy at all. It also makes my lips feel soft and smooth. I like using this at home or at night and I don't bring it out so much because my hands get dirty all the time and I wouldn't want to contaminate it. For those with issues with regards to lip balms in pot form, then you might want to try the one in gel-type below.

Original Carmex Tube: Your main squeeze

This gel-type version of Carmex is perfect for those who want a glossy sheen to their lips without the sticky feel. I love how the texture of this lip balm glides so smoothly on my lips. This can be used together with lipstick for a moisturizing boost. I also like the packaging - it's soft, squeezy, and hygienic. I'd choose this over the other glosses in my kit anytime.

Original Carmex Stick: Solid protection in a stick.
Carmex Strawberry Stick: A berry nice way to treat your lips.

I was excited to try this out, especially the strawberry variant since it smelled so good (the taste, not so much). I liked that it has SPF 15, perfect because lips need all the SPF they could get, especially when we're outdoors. This lip balm has a thick, buttery, and waxy texture which is good for those in cooler climates. I think this is meant to be used alone. I tried using this under my lipstick but it ended up looking messy, so I'll use other the Carmex in pot or tube form for that purpose.

Each type of Carmes lip balms may include some or all of the following ingredients that moisturize and help heal chapped lips and cold sores while protecting them from further damage.

• Menthol — Kills germs and relieves discomfort.
• Camphor — Alleviates pain.
• Phenol — Kills germs, exfoliates and anesthetizes.
• Lanolin — Softens, lubricates and protects.
• Cocoa Butter — Moisturizes and protects.
• Salicylic Acid — Exfoliates and relieves pain.
• Aloe Butter — Helps heal and soothe.
• Vitamin E — Reduces damaging free radicals.
• Shea Butter — Prevents dry, cracked lips.
• Petrolatum — A moisturizing barrier that protects the lips.

You might notice Carmex having salicylic acid, and I used to wonder why the hell a lip balm would have that as in ingredient, because salicylic acid is meant to treat acne when it comes to skincare products. For Carmex, this salicylic acid aids in the mild exfoliation of the lips so it allows other healing ingredients to penetrate effectively to your lips. True enough, my dry lips experienced mild peeling on the first few days of use. I've noticed that almost all variants of Carmex have a medicinal smell to it. Some might not like it, but I find a positive side to that, since you won't want to lick your lips after you apply this one on. (Lips are more prone to chapping and drying when licked.)

Carmex is available in the following stores for only P109.75 each:

• PCX outlets (Robinsons Place Manila, Festival Mall, Rockwell, Alabang Town Center)
• First Aid (Greenbelt 3)
• Robinson's Department Stores (nationwide)
• Landmark Department Stores (Makati and Trinoma)
• Shopwise Supermarkets
• Pure Beauty, Serendra (2nd floor)
• Boracay Budget Mart
• Suesh, Greenhills
• Red Dot, Laoag Ilocos Norte

Carmex has been helping lips for 75 years now. Many makeup artists and celebrities swear by it for good reasons. No matter what type of lip balm you're looking for (be it in pot, tube, or stick), there's bound to be a Carmex match for you!
Love,
Helen

PS. Like Carmex Philippines on Facebook to learn more about their products.