Cool Hunting

by Passa Chattra

We're all connoisseurs of lip balms to different degrees. We have preferred brands because of how well they work, the packaging they come in or whether it comes in a stick or tin. Some (like myself) are addicted and habituated to swiping their lips after each sip of a drink, end of a meal, after a phone call or during conversation. And then there are some who just need the occasional protection against the sun or cold. Whatever your level of obsession, here are some new and old faves.

Chicken Poop Lip Balm
Almost worth buying just for the name, this one's also a great product. The ingredients are simple: Soy, Jojoba, Sweet Orange, Lavender and Beeswax. We've long been told that licking your lips makes them chapped and in making this lauded product, founder Jamie Faith Tabor Schmidt took the advice her grandpa gave her: "I know how to fix those chapped lips, I'll rub some chicken poop on 'em so you won't be lickin' 'em." Well, she took the goofy idea of it at least. A tube sets you back $4 or a "Pile of Poop" (five sticks) is $18 from I Love Chicken Poop.

Lip Trip SPF 15
A veritable hippie classic, this lip balm claims to last three times longer than others. I have to admit, I didn't have to do my usual post meal, post drink swipes after applying this lip balm once. Unlike other lip balms, you hardly notice you're wearing it. Made by Mountain Ocean in Colorado, ingredients include PABA-free Sunscreen, Aloe Vera, Lanolin, Cocoa Butter, Allantoin, and Vitamin E. It's available online from Everybody Ltd. for around $4 and also in-store at Whole Foods.

Dr. Bronner's & Sun Dog's Magic Organic Balm
For dry/chapped skin or tattoos, the package claims this product will protect and brighten new and old tattoos as well as soothe dry skin. The classic tin is big enough to get two fingers in for a good swipe and has a nice texture that's not greasy. The ingredients are USDA organic and minimal: Jojoba Oil, Beeswax, Avocado Oil and Hemp Oil. If you're familiar with Dr. Bronner's soap (another hippie standby), you know there are many reasons to buy a product from their company. Read more on their website. The balm comes in four scents and can be purchased for $5 from Dr. Bronner's.

Eco Lips Sport Balm with Clip
With its built in carabiner and SPF 30 protection, this lip balm is great for outdoor sports enthusiasts. The clip is a nice way to keep the balm handy on your belt loop, backpack,or keychain. Having it attached to something also keeps you from forgetting to bring it. Over 70% of the ingredients are organic: Soybean Oil, Beeswax, Jojoba Oil, Aloe Vera, Rosemary, Calendula and Vitamin E. The company also offers " Eco Lips Beta Balm," a product straight from their testing labs giving you the opportunity to offer feedback on new potential products. Eco Lips Sport Balm with Clip can be found for $4 at Ecolips.

Ben & Jerry's Lip Balm
With a smell and taste just like the real Ben & Jerry's stuff, these new balms will bring you back to your Lip Smackers days—in a good way. The container looks like a mini ice cream pint and comes in three flavors: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Fudge Brownie and Peanut Butter Cup. Unfortunately, it's currently only available in the U.K. for £4 from Ben & Jerry's.