Have you ever found yourself constantly licking your lips, only for them to feel even drier and more irritated a few moments later? I certainly have. That’s when I decided to give the “Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm – 0.13 oz” a try. I mean, who wouldn’t want lips that are moisturized, soothed, and possibly even a bit plumper?
My First Impressions
Packaging
The Lippe Balm from Drunk Elephant arrives in a sleek little tube that easily fits in any pocket or purse. It’s plastic, but in that sturdy way that makes you feel it’s been engineered to withstand the chaos inside my bag, featuring old receipts and a lonely Tic Tac. Plus, I love the minimalist aesthetic; it just looks chic sitting on the counter.
Texture
This lip balm isn’t the waxy type that sometimes feels like you’re smearing a candle across your lips. It’s more of a smooth, creamy texture. It glides on effortlessly, leaving your lips feeling like they’ve just been wrapped in a luxurious cashmere blanket—if cashmere were hydrating and not particularly clothing material.
Ingredients Breakdown
Shea Butter
Shea butter forms the foundation of this balm. It’s famous for its hydrating properties and for protecting the skin’s barrier function. Think of it as the bodyguard for your lips.
Avocado Oil
One of my favorite foods has now become one of my favorite skincare ingredients. Avocado oil is packed with fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins A, D, and E. My lips love it as much as my avocado toast.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an old friend in the skincare game, known for its antioxidant-rich properties. It helps neutralize those pesky free radicals that love to mess with our lips and can make them age prematurely.
Tripeptide-1
This fancy-sounding ingredient promotes collagen production, helping lips look fuller. Who doesn’t like a bit of a plump without the need for injections?
Green Tea Leaf
Another antioxidant powerhouse, green tea leaf helps to fend off environmental aggressors. It’s essentially giving your lips a protective shield against the elements.
Key Features
Moisturizing Properties
From the moment I first tried this balm, I could feel its moisturizing benefits kicking in. No longer did I have to worry about my lips cracking in the dead of winter or drying out under the summer sun. The fatty acids and antioxidants really do the trick.
Plumping Effect
I wouldn’t say that my lips looked drastically fuller after using this balm, but there was a subtle improvement in the lip line definition. Tripeptide-1 seems to be doing its job rather well.
Protection from Environmental Aggressors
The combination of antioxidants like green tea leaf and vitamin C work together to fight off those sneaky free radicals. It feels good knowing that my lips are getting a little extra protection throughout the day.
Clinical Results
Drunk Elephant doesn’t just make claims; they back them up with clinical studies. Here’s a little table summarizing the consumer study results:
| Category | Percentage of Participants Reporting Positive Results |
|---|---|
| Lips felt protected, soothed, comfortable | 96% |
| Lips felt smoother | 86% |
| Balm relieved cracked, chapped, or flaky lips | 80% |
These stats actually aligned with my personal experience. My lips felt undeniably more comfortable and protected, and there was a noticeable improvement in smoothness.
The Drunk Elephant Difference
The brand prides itself on avoiding what they call the “Suspicious 6”: essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances/dyes, and SLS.
Healthy pH Levels
This balm aims to maintain a healthy pH level, which is crucial for keeping the skin—yes, even the skin on your lips—in its best shape.
Formulations the Skin Recognizes
Drunk Elephant ensures that their formulations are made with molecules that our skin inherently understands and accepts. It’s like feeding your lips their favorite food.
Active Ingredients
Rather than bombarding you with an arsenal of random substances, the active ingredients in Lippe Balm have proven benefits. From hydration to antioxidation, each ingredient has a purpose.
The Absence of the Suspicious 6
Essential Oils
While essential oils might smell nice, they can irritate the skin. The absence of these means fewer reactions for those of us with sensitive lip areas.
Drying Alcohols
These can make lips feel tight and dry—exactly what we’re trying to avoid.
Silicones
While silicones might make products feel silky, they can interfere with healthy skin function.
Chemical Sunscreens
The balm avoids these, opting instead for items that won’t potentially irritate or disrupt your skin.
Fragrances/Dyes
Ever wonder why some lip balms smell like a candy shop but leave your lips feeling worse off? Fragrances and dyes, my friends.
SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)
Commonly found in toothpaste and those sudsy shampoos, SLS can be a real troublemaker for sensitive skins.
How I Use It
I start my day with a swipe of Lippe Balm after my morning routine but before applying any sort of lipstick (if I’m feeling fancy that day). During winters, I find myself reapplying two to three times a day—especially after meals. There’s no tacky or greasy feeling left behind, just smooth, moisturized lips.
Nighttime Regimen
Before bed, this balm becomes my knight in shining armor. It’s the last step before I turn off the lights, ensuring I wake up with lips ready to face another day.
On-the-Go
Whether I’m hitting the grocery store or just having a lazy coffee shop day, the Lippe Balm is my go-to companion. It’s small, portable, and effective.
Comfort and Long-Lasting Effects
Immediate Relief
The instant I apply the balm, I’m greeted with a rush of relief. Dryness? Gone. Cracks? Soothed. It’s like my lips took a deep breath of fresh air.
Long-Term Comfort
Using the Lippe Balm continuously over the weeks, I noticed a marked improvement in how my lips felt even without the product. They were less prone to cracking and dryness, and the overall texture had improved.
Versatility
This isn’t just a balm for harsh winters. It’s equally effective in the scorching heat or windy autumn days. Its ability to adapt to different environmental conditions is a major win.
Final Thoughts
Pros
- Incredibly Moisturizing: My lips have never felt more hydrated.
- Soothing: Instantly alleviates the discomfort of dry, cracked lips.
- Plumping Effect: Lips appear slightly fuller and better defined.
- Protective: Shields against environmental damage.
- No “Suspicious 6”: Free from ingredients that may cause irritation.
Cons
- Price Point: At 0.13 oz, it’s not the cheapest option out there. However, the quality justifies the price.
- Availability: Sometimes it’s hard to find, especially if it’s sold out.
Would I Recommend It?
Without a doubt. If keeping your lips in top-notch condition is important to you, investing in the Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm is a no-brainer. The blend of effective, nourishing ingredients and the absence of dubious ones makes this balm a standout in a crowded market.
This little tube of wonder has become a permanent resident in my bag, and I can’t foresee dethroning it any time soon. Here’s to happy, healthy lips!
