I am a lip balm addict & these 10 are the ones I always keep on hand

Who remembers Maybelline’s Baby Lips? It was a collectable arsenal of colourful balms that we carried through the 2010s with an unshakable sense of adolescent power and pride. We've matured since then, but the craving for a comprehensive 'lip wardrobe' remains intact. And the beauty industry has taken note. Take the ever-expanding universe of butter balms from Summer Fridays, for example. Or Rhode's lip balm phone cases.

I, myself, have fallen victim to the hype behind bulk buying lip balms. I rarely leave home without at least three in my handbag (alongside four lip liners, two lipsticks, an oil and a couple of glosses). Needless to say, I have tried most of the options out there in the process.

But with such an overwhelming range of options on the market, which is the best lip balm to buy? From traditional tubes of Decubal found on every Vogue Scandinavia desks, to higher-end options from the likes of Dr. Barbara Sturm, below we list the ten best lip balms to buy.

Related: I swatched every pink lipstick to find the most smooch-friendly one for Valentine’s Day

For optimal hydration, a good rule of thumb is to apply lip balm as needed, generally two to four time throughout the day. A fresh layer is highly recommended before venturing outdoors. Particularly during the colder months, considering the Scandinavian winter weather is notorious for stripping lips and skin of essential moisture.

Related: The ultimate 3 step skincare routine to protect your skin when skiing

Yes! Where possible, seek out a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher. The delicate skin on and around your lips is exceptionally thin and lacks melanin, making it highly susceptible to burning, soreness, and blistering. A good SPF is your first line of defence.

Moreover, just like the rest of your complexion, prolonged sun and UV exposure can accelerate premature ageing. This small protective measure can significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and ensure your lips remain soft and healthy throughout your life.

Related: "Lip basting" is the ultimate way to get rid of chapped, dry lips this winter

What it is: A waterless, unscented balm that delivers serious nourishment with a subtle veil of colour. All without any sting, slip, or moisture loss.

Why we love it: The original Decubal lip balm is a already desk-drawer staple at Vogue Scandinavia, but this tinted version takes it further. You get the same barrier-repairing comfort, plus a sheer pigment that washes lips with a healthy flush of hydration. Practical, flattering, unfussy. The gold standard of lip care.

What it is: A thick, occlusive balm designed to seal in moisture and reinforce the lip barrier.

Why we love it: This balm works fast, but it’s the format that seals the deal. Lightly retro, and deeply satisfying, if you love to luxuriate by dipping into a pot and pressing it onto the lips with your finger tip, this balm was made for you. If you're keen on a swipe-and-go format, not so much.

What it is: A reparative balm formulated to soothe, protect, and help rebuild compromised lip skin.

Why we love it: When lips are cracked, chapped, sore, and borderline painful, this is the balm you reach for. It calms things down instantly, then gets to work strengthening the barrier so the problem doesn’t keep coming back. Especially essential in cold or dry winter climates.

What it is: A lanolin-free balm that hydrates while delivering a glossy, comfortable finish.

Why we love it: Lanolin-free balms can be a bit bland. This one is not. With multiple tints and a juicy finish, it proves you can skip lanolin and still have it all. Just choose your shade and enjoy the shine.

What it is: A shiny, tinted balm with buildable pigment and a soft hint of sparkle.

Why we love it: If you can get past the shade name, this balm provides a powerful punch of pink colour with just enough shimmer to keep things playful. Wear it sheer for a soft flush, or build it up for a Barbie boost.

What it is: A smooth, non-greasy balm with a sheer red tint that melts into the lips.

Why we love it: The colour is that elusive just-kissed red, and the scent absolutely delightful. Fruity without tipping into synthetics, it smells like summer and is addictive in the best way.

What it is: A peptide-infused balm with a rich brown tint and serious hydration credentials.

Why we love it: Brown balms are tricky to get right, but this one nails it. Somehow avoiding muddy undertones, it also doesn't give of the impression that you have guzzled a hot chocolate. It is just a flattering wash of colour, plush hydration, and a scent that makes you want to reapply. Frequently.

What it is: A peptide-rich treatment designed to nourish, soften, and visibly plump lips

Why we love it: We all want our lips to look their best, and this balm makes sure that's the case. With peptides that help lips look fuller and more defined, this balm also boasts mango butter for nourishment, cloudberry oil for intense moisture and açai for a strengthened barrier. Plus, it comes in so many yummy flavours, it's hard to choose which one to buy.

What it is: A thick, waxy balm that locks onto lips for all-day hydration.

Why we love it: She may not be the sexiest product on the shelf, but she gets the job done. A thick, intensive balm, she's guaranteed to stay all day. To boot, it's the only balm I've gone to sleep in and still felt on my lips when I woke up.

What it is: A lightweight and silky balm that soothes and hydrates lips in an instant.

Why we love it: Clear but glossy, simple but effective, this is a true all-conditions balm. Sun, snow, wind, or air-con. It handles all of it without fuss. Expensive, yes. But very hard to fault.