Pucker Up: Battle of the Lip Balms

Everyone loves a good lip balm, but the fact that the weather is warming up doesn't mean we should be neglecting lip care. I find the sensation of dry lips - almost as though there isn't enough skin to stretch over them, so it's being pulled incredibly tight - incredibly irritating. It isn't painful, but it's sufficiently horrid to make me drop whatever I'm doing and go in search of the closest lip balm.

Here are five options from budget to not so budget to save you from the dreaded curse of raisin mouth:   

• Mac Lip Conditioner (€15)

I've loved this for as long as I can remember. In my teens, I'd save up to ensure that I always had one. (And I was always saving, because I perpetually lose lip balms. Does that happen to everyone - you find it under the couch cushions two years later and feel equally happy and enraged?)

I still find that when my lips are really bothering me, this gives immediate, soothing relief, and primes them perfectly for lipstick. For those reasons, I'll always keep one nearby.

• Balmi Cube Lip Balm Coconut (€5.99)

The Balmi Cubes are very cute, and this one smells like coconut. Frankly, that's why I like it. It's emollient, it does the job. But mostly it smells like coconut and the packaging is pretty.

• Clarins Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm (€19.50)

If you're in a spendy mood, this lip balm from Clarins is rather gorgeous. Softly moisturising, subtly scented and unctuous in texture, it's a lovely combination of luxury and function. If you're apt to lose lip balms like me, though, stick to something less spendy!

• Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 Pear (€11.50)

I've been using the mint version of this for years. I like it because it works wonders on chapped lips, and though it's pricey for a lip balm, it's not unmanageably expensive. Since finding the pear version, I haven't looked back. It's every bit as effective as its minty cousin, and smells deliciously of pear.

• Carmex Original Duo Blister Pack (€6.49)

We love Carmex here at Beaut.ie. The ultimate affordable and reliable lip balm, it's always there when you need it. I recently discovered that you can get a double pack on Boots online, and now I keep one in my handbag, and one by the bed. Just in case.

What's your lip soother of choice? And how much do you think is just too much to pay for a lip balm? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.