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Top 10 multi-purpose balms
Could a multi-purpose balm be the do-it-all beauty product you're looking for? They can be used to soothe, moisturise, and smooth skin - and often have even more uses than that. Depending on the balm, they may also be good for treating lips, nails, or even dry skin on elbows and heels.
We tested 19 multi-purpose balms in the Good Housekeeping Institute beauty lab to see which ones live up to their claims and can really deliver hydration. Read on to find out which ones came top in our tests...
Best of the bunch
Glossier Balm Dotcom
Score: 84/100
Overall, this balm has performed really well. It was the winning balm at providing best moisture retention in skin and reducing overall dryness. With impressive results boosting skin hydration, consumers both saw and felt the difference. This proved that not all petrolatum based lip balms are the same, and this is really outstanding at treating chapped lips.
Price: £10.00
Available from: glossier.com
The runners-up
Neal's Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm
Score: 83/100
Overall, many were impressed by the light balm texture which provided good hydration and a nourishing feeling to the skin. The packaging felt premium - 'the product itself smells lovely and is easy to apply', said one tester. The product was easy to use and it scored well overall with a great scent and light texture. It absorbs quickly while leaving the skin soft and nourished.
Price: £40.00
Available from: nealsyardremedies.com
The Body Shop Amazonian Saviour
Score: 81/100
The initial feel of the balm was a smooth texture providing great hydration and a nourishing impression. The non-fragrant and non-greasy formula was praised, with the packaging being light and easy to carry.
Price: £9.00
Available from: thebodyshop.com
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Skin protectant
Score: 79/100
The balm's performance proved its excessive hydrating, smoothing and soothing properties, with its main function protecting dry areas of the skin. Some testers praised its ease of use, while one commented: 'I liked how quickly it softened the skin'. Overall, the testers found this balm easy to use, though sticky in their hands.
Price: £27.00
Available from: boots.com
Superdrug Vitamin E Superbalm
Score: 78/100
Testers found the scent pleasant. Once the balm is applied to the skin, it's easily absorbed without leaving a greasy residue. The packaging of the product was praised as being user friendly, although the grainy and solid texture of the formula makes the initial use difficult.
Price: £3.99
Available from: superdrug.com
Odylique by Essential Care Calendula Balm
Score: 78/100
Results were impressive, with both lab and consumer evaluations having good outcomes. Testers praised the product's non-greasy texture. A few would continue to use this balm due to its pleasant scent and continuous effect on the skin after several hours. It's suitable for all skin types, particularly dry and eczema prone skin.
Price: £14.00
Available from: odylique.co.uk
Bobbi Brown Extra Soothing Balm
Score: 78/100
The Bobbi Brown Extra Soothing Balm delivered on its designed purpose, and many praised the scent of the balm too. The non-greasy texture and smoothness left on the skin after application was praised, though some testers found the texture slightly too solid and gritty. It's suitable for all skin types.
Price: £44.50
Available from: bobbibrown.co.uk
Mamo Mio Superstar in a Jar
Score: 73/100
This product resulted in an overall satisfaction for the testers and is great for a quick fix for areas all over the body. The moisturising effects were not long lasting though. It's great to travel with but you'll need to top up areas to keep skin moisturised.
Price: £10.00
Available from: mioskincare.co.uk
Lanolips 101 Ointment
Score: 73/100
This smooth textured balm is pleasant when applied on the lips and skin, having a handy tube size. A few testers praised its moisturising ability and versatility.
It is fragrance free, not too greasy, just the right texture, and deals with cracked lips effectively.
Price: £10.99
Available from: boots.com
Dr. PawPaw Original Balm
Score: 71/100
The product is great for a good range of uses, on everything from feet to hair on anybody of any age. The fragrance-free formula and yellow with black coloured packaging makes it quite a unisex product too. A few of our testers found the texture smoothing, nourishing, and effective.
Price: £6.95
Available from: drpawpaw.com
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