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Dry, cracked lips are a Nairobi classic. Dusty wind, the dry season, hot afternoons and air conditioned offices all pull moisture out of your lips. A good lip balm is cheap and works quickly, as long as you pick the right type and use it the right way. Here are the lip balms we recommend and how to get the most from them.
What to look for
- Something that seals in moisture. Petroleum jelly and cocoa butter sit on the lips and stop water escaping. That is what dry, flaky lips need most.
- Plain if your lips sting. If your lips are sore or cracked, a simple, unflavoured balm is usually the most comfortable.
- Sun protection in the day. Lips burn and darken in the sun like the rest of your face. A balm with sun protection is worth having if you are outdoors a lot.
- A size you will carry. The best lip balm is the one in your bag, your car and your desk drawer.
Our picks
Best everyday balm: Vaseline Lip Therapy Cocoa Butter
Vaseline Lip Therapy Cocoa Butter is our everyday favourite. It is Vaseline Lip Therapy with cocoa butter in a small 20g pot that fits in any pocket. Good for daily dryness and for lips that peel in the dry season.
Best with a hint of colour: Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy
Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy gives a soft rosy tint while it keeps lips moisturised. A nice choice for school, the office or days when you want a little colour without lipstick.
Best plain balm: Vaseline Lip Therapy Original
Vaseline Lip Therapy Original is pure petroleum jelly with nothing extra. It is the gentlest option for sore, cracked or sensitive lips, and it makes a good thick overnight layer.
Best for badly chapped lips: Carmex Classic
Carmex Classic Lip Balm is the well known medicated lip balm in the little jar, made to soothe dry, chapped lips. Many people keep one for the days their lips are properly cracked, not just dry. It is popular, so if it is not available, ask us on WhatsApp when it is due back.
Best for daytime: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Lip Balm
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Moisturising Lip Balm combines cocoa butter and vitamin E with sun protection, which makes it a good daytime balm if you spend time outdoors.
Lip balm prices today
Prices are live from our shop in KSh. Delivery is KSh 150, free from KSh 3,000. Pay on delivery with M-Pesa or cash.
How to fix chapped lips quickly
- Stop licking your lips. Saliva dries quickly and leaves lips drier than before.
- Do not peel the flakes. Pulling them off opens small cracks. Put on a thick layer of balm, wait a few minutes, then wipe very gently with a soft, damp cloth.
- Reapply through the day. In the morning, after eating and drinking, and whenever your lips feel tight.
- Go thick at night. A generous layer of plain Vaseline Lip Therapy before bed does a lot of repair work while you sleep.
- Drink enough water, especially on hot days and in air conditioned rooms.
If your lips stay cracked for weeks, the corners of your mouth keep splitting, or you get swelling or blisters, see a doctor or pharmacist. It could be an allergy or an infection that a lip balm will not fix. For dryness on the rest of your face, our guide to protecting your skin in the dry season will help.
Quick pick
- Everyday: Vaseline Lip Therapy Cocoa Butter
- A little colour: Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy
- Sore or sensitive lips and overnight: Vaseline Lip Therapy Original
- Badly chapped lips: Carmex Classic
- Outdoors in the day: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Lip Balm
Questions we get asked
Which lip balm is best for dry lips in Kenya?
For everyday dryness, Vaseline Lip Therapy Cocoa Butter is our first pick. For sore or very cracked lips, use plain Vaseline Lip Therapy Original or Carmex Classic, and put on a thick layer at night.
How can I make my dark lips pink naturally?
Your natural lip colour is set by your genes, and many people have naturally darker lips. What you can change is darkness from sun, dryness, smoking and constant licking. Keep lips moisturised, use a balm with sun protection in the day, and try Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy if you want a soft pink tint.
Is Carmex good for chapped lips?
Yes, Carmex Classic is a medicated lip balm made to soothe dry, chapped lips, and many people keep it for days when their lips are badly cracked. Use it as the pack directs.
Can I use Vaseline on my lips overnight?
Yes. A thick layer of Vaseline Lip Therapy Original before bed is one of the simplest ways to repair dry lips. It seals in moisture while you sleep.
How much is a lip balm in Kenya?
The lip balms in this guide cost roughly KSh 330 to KSh 600. The live prices are in the list above. Add one to a bigger order to reach free delivery from KSh 3,000.
See all our hand, lip and foot care, or shop by brand: Vaseline and Carmex. Do not forget sunscreen for the rest of your face, our guide to the best sunscreen in Kenya has the picks. Same-day delivery in Nairobi before 5pm, and pay on delivery with M-Pesa or cash.