Chapped lips are a big concern for me. Nothing can be worse than lipstick applied to dry, chapped lips. This problem is not limited to winter, even in summer when there is more sun exposure; my lips tend to dry, too.
Recently, I received a vanilla flavored lip balm from the African Republic for review, and I was hoping that this one would end my problem.
I liked the statement on the product: “Your Lips, Our Passion“, that was a great start! I decided to put my regular one aside for 2 weeks and try African Republic lip balm, and see what happens.
Let’s Start with the Companies Description:
“Love your lips with the lush softness of this exotic blend of oils and butters and waxes, Afrikan Republic lip balm naturally contains Vitamins A, C, D and E, protein, beta-carotene, lecithin, and potassium. These naturally elements help to rejuvenate skin cells making this balm perfect for everyday use. Fortified with Avocado, Evening Primrose & Vitamin E Oils.”
What about the Ingredients?
- Sun Bleached Beeswax
- Shea Butter
- Evening Primrose Oil
- Avocado Oil
- Vitamin E
- Rosemary Extract.
- Natural Vanilla Flavor
It is good to see that this lip balm contains Shea butter, avocado oils, and vitamin E, all of which are very good for dry skin, including dry lips.
What did I like about African Republic lip balm?
- Natural ingredients (bees wax, Shea butter, avocados oil and vitamin E).
- Paraben free.
How Often did I Apply African Republic Lip Balm?
At first, I used it twice a day, once in the morning, and another in the evening. I hear you asking “why?” Well, I am concerned that I may become lip balm addicted. I learned that one should limit using lip balms since they coat your lips with butter and oils, making the process of cell rejuvenate harder. Another concern is that lip balms containing fragrances, preservatives, phenol, menthol and camphor can create “lip balm addiction”. Those ingredients may cause contact dermatitis, that is a negative reaction that causes your lips to dry and crack, meaning you will need to apply your lip balm again, causing more dryness, forcing you to apply more lip balm, and so on.
I am one of those lucky women who suffer from contact dermatitis. And, Yes! That means that most lip balms are useless for me.
Did I Like African Republic Lip Balm?
For some point, yes. Then I noticed that rather than using it twice daily, I used it more frequently and always carried it in my handbag when I go out. My lips tend to dry faster, and that was very disappointing.
My Over all Experience
African Republic lip balm “vanilla flavored” is not for me. My lips are very dry now, and it looks like all because of that vanilla scent (which I did not like, by the way). The bottom line is; it is NOT on my shopping list.
I guess it is time for a week off from lip balms. So hide my dear in the drawer because I am going back to my honey and sugar lip scrub!
Last Word
Did you get used to silky lips? You may think that non-silky lips are dry while your lips are normal!
Over to You Now
What is your favorite lip balm? How often do you use it? Did you consider taking few days off lip balm? Tell me about it in the comments.
*Though the brand sent me this product for review, all opinions are my own, and completely based on my own experience with this product.
Oh, what an interesting and honest review, Dima! The lip balm sounded so promising! I stopped using Blistex Medicated Ointment because altho’ it temporarily made my lips feel better, it has menthol, camphor and also mineral oil, petrolatum and other stuff I’d like to avoid in it. I switched to a couple of natural brands without those ingredients and my lips are much better. I luckily don’t seem to get a reaction to vanilla scent since so many lipsticks and lip products have it.
Allison recently posted…Revlon Nail Art Appliques
Yes, Allison, it was so promising!
My lips are much better now since I am using natural lip sticks, and DIY lip scrubs.
Great review! This is awesome product. I’m using it until now.