Kiehl's LIP BALM #1: everything you need to know

My fellow lip balms lovers, this post is dedicated to you!
Ever wondered if the oh-so-famous Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 is actually worth the hype? Well, you can stop wondering because I'm here to give you the ultimate 101 guide on one of the world's most popular lip balms ever made!

Hmmm, that came out too cheesy...
Take 2:

Because the Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 is so hyped among beauty bloggers, it's only natural to expect nothing but grandeur and perfection once you try it out, and in concequence be easily disappointed by the product. That's why I've collected all the facts and trivia about this lip balm, so you know what to expect beforehand.

Here we go:

1. The Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 has been around since 1969- keep that date in mind.

2. Without doubt, it's one of the brand's best-sellers; I've read claims of one lip balm sold every minute- or every 15 seconds, even one in 9 seconds! Whatever the case, this baby is selling like hot cakes for sure.

3. The 15ml tube packaging is the most popular format, but it comes in a 17gr jar as well. According to the website, we also have the option of the Scented Lip Balm #1 with fragrances like Coconut, Vanilla, Mango and Mint.

4. The packaging: it's a sqeezy tube with a screw-on cap. Some people are disappointed because there's no slanted applicator in the opening, which means that you have to sqeeze some product on your finger and rub it on your lips. To me, that's not all bad; I think it adds to the whole "retro" feel of owning and wearing this particular lip balm, so I don't mind.

5. The formula: the Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 is based on petroleum jelly; this is where the "glorified Vaseline" attributes begin. I personally find that statement quite harsh, and here's why: first of all, this lip balm doesn't pretend to be anything else- it reads "Petrolatum Skin Protectant" on the front. Secondly- remember the date when it was first produced? You can't expect a modern day formula from an old-fashioned lip balm. Lastly, the petroleum jelly enables the product to stick on the lips for the rest of the ingredients to act upon- namely Squalane, Lanolin, Almond Oil and Vitamins A and E.

6. Consistency: it's a transparent jelly with a yellow tint that melts on body temperature. I imagine that during summer heat, it's going to turn to liquid. It's also odourless and has no taste.

7. On the lips: it doesn't penetrate the lips (is there a lip balm that really does so?), it rather sits on top as a protective film. It offers a pretty shiny finish- not as glossy as a clear lip gloss, but a more muted shine that looks appropriate for that "no makeup" makeup look.

8. Much like the Elizabeth Arden 8-hour cream, the Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 can also be used to heal cracked skin, treat dry cuticles, etc.

9. Now for the most important part of this post: some reviewers have mentioned that their lips got chapped after using this lip balm. I'm here to tell you that my lips got chapped, too. Does this mean that the Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 is a bad/faulty product? Absolutely not! You see, what happens is that it takes some time for your lips to get accustomed to petroleum jelly lip balms, if you've been using wax-based lip balms for a long time. Once your lips "acknowledge" the new protectant, the petroleum jelly lip balm will keep your lips healthy and moisturised. So if you experience some chapping, don't let it discourage you because it's only the transitional stage!

10. What you also need to know is that Kiehl's in Greece has lowered the prices for many of their products, including this lip balm! I got mine for around €10, which isn't as scary as I thought it would be.

     [Not to mention the loads of samples you're given at Kiehl's! It's their policy to be generous with samples in every single purchase,
     be it big or small like mine.]

To conclude, this is my verdict:

If you love collecting lip balms like me, the Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 is a must-have. The "cult" value of this product is hard to pass by! Simply put, you just have to be aware of its formulation and take it for what it is.

And kudos to YOU if you've made it this far ;)
Have you tried this lip balm by Kiehl's?

Evi   xx