This Intense Lip Balm Saved My Intensely Chapped Lips

I have a big mouth. Meaning both that I can talk to anyone about anything for any period of time, and I also have just, uh, a physically large mouth. So if my lips are chapped, the whole world is going to know. Because of this, I have been on a lifetime hunt for the perfect lip balm. Particularly when I’m sleeping, I need the big guns. I typically use Aquaphor, but I read about Qtica Intense Lip Therapy Balm on Heather Armstrong’s gift guide and knew I had to give it a try.

Not only do my fat lips require constant vigilance, I also had this cut on the side of my mouth that 1) Had a mysterious origin story that I still can’t figure out (Flossing mishap? I’m the Joker? Unknown!) and 2) Would NOT heal (I’d accidentally open my mouth wide and rip it right open. Gross! But! True!). I started slathering on Qtica Intense Lip Therapy Balm whenever it was needed throughout the day, and coating my lips in a heavy dose before bed, making sure to cover the cut on the side of my mouth. That cut that stuck around for over a week was HEALED in TWO DAYS.

I will say that this balm is thick and a teensy bit opaque on first application, particularly if you apply with a heavy hand, like I do. It does melt a little and it won’t look like you have white lip gloss on forever, but this is perhaps not the balm to apply before a date or a loan application meeting. I would say, though, that it’s JUST what you need before being out in the cold for long periods of time, or before going to sleep.

I had never heard of Qtica before, and was eager to find out if they made a facial moisturizer with the same intensity of the lip balm. They’re just a hands, feet, and nails (and this one lip balm) kind of operation, though. Still, I’m holding out hope. And maybe until then I’ll just dab this lip balm around my nose when the need arises.