'I've used every lip balm under the sun. This is the only one you need, and it's $6.'

Thanks to our brand partner, CARMEX

To me, a lip balm is just as essential as my keys, phone or wallet — and I know my day's going downhill when I find myself frantically digging through my bag only to realise my favourite balm has mysteriously vanished. The trauma!

To avoid that exact scenario, I've developed what some might call a minor obsession: I have lip balms stashed in every corner of my life — the house, my car, work desk, jacket pockets, you name it. And honestly it's justified since one of my biggest pet peeves is dealing with dry, chapped lips.

Naturally, owning a ridiculous number of balms has turned me into a bit of a lip balm snob. I've come to realise not all balms are created equal and I now judge each one by a strict three-part checklist: effectiveness, texture and cost. Most manage to tick only two of the three — and spoiler alert: it's usually the price tag that lets them down.

Sure, some exxy balms do tick all the boxes but more often than not it's the budget-friendly gems that truly deliver.

Exhibit A: The CARMEX Classic Jar.

Image: Supplied.

Just to put things into perspective, this little yellow-capped icon won the 2025 You Beauty Awards Lip Balm category (you can see the full list of winners here), proving it's a cult favourite amongst the Mamamia team and listeners. 

It was even a staple in my school days but somewhere along the way I swapped it out for trendier options. That changed recently when I decided to put it to the test again — and I've got to say it still holds its own well over a decade later.

Here's what went down when I put this nostalgic classic through a week-long trial.

What is the CARMEX Classic Jar?

If you've ever dealt with dry, chapped lips (and let's be real — who hasn't?) chances are you've come across it. First created in 1937 by Alfred Woelbing in his home kitchen to soothe his own dry lips, this little yellow icon has since become a global cult favourite.

And honestly with beauty trends constantly evolving, the fact that it's remained relevant for 88 years (and counting) speaks volumes. That kind of longevity? You can't fake it.

So what's the secret to its staying power? Unlike lip balms that just sit on your lips like a sticky or glossy film, CARMEX is clinically proven to deliver twice the hydration after just one use with visible results in as little as an hour. It's long-lasting so you won't find yourself constantly reapplying — which also makes it one of the most budget-friendly options out there.

Why is the CARMEX Classic Jar so good?

You know how they say simple is best? Well, that applies to the CARMEX lip balm. The concise but effective list of 10 heavy-duty ingredients works hard to hydrate and protect.

High-purity white petrolatum and lanolin help lock in moisture and shield against dryness while beeswax and cocoa seed butter soften the lips and create a smooth silky texture. Camphor and menthol bring that signature cooling sensation that helps refresh and soothe. There's also salicylic acid to gently exfoliate dry skin and a touch of vanillin for a subtle comforting scent.

Where to buy the CARMEX Classic Jar. 

The CARMEX jar of goodness is super easy to get your hands on. You can find it in most supermarkets and pharmacies or order it directly from their online store. It retails for $6.25 for 7.5g — about the price of your morning coffee — and lasts ages making it a total steal.

How to use the CARMEX Classic Jar.

In the morning, use it after skincare to lock in hydration. At night, layer it on thick as a lip mask and wake up with soft, smooth lips. Before makeup, dab on a little to prep and plump — it wears beautifully under lipstick. And of course, keep it on hand throughout the day for touch-ups.

Image: Supplied.

The verdict.

I gave this balm a full week's trial, using it morning, night and throughout the day. For context: I'm a chronic lip balm user and rarely have super-dry lips, so I have to be honest and admit I wasn't expecting any dramatic results.

But I was wrong.

I used it as the final step in my morning routine, slathered it on thick before bed and applied a thin layer before makeup.

By day five, something shifted. I noticed I wasn't reaching for it nearly as often, even while sitting under the moisture-sucking heater vent at work. Where I'd normally reapply every hour, I was down to maybe twice a day. Even after eating or drinking, I could still feel that lasting, protective layer working.

That's when it hit me. Most of the balms I'd been using were probably just coating my lips instead of actually hydrating them! As for the CARMEX balm, it was absorbing and keeping my lips feeling moisturised.

Now, post-trial, that little yellow jar hasn't left my side. Honestly, I think I'd feel lost without it.

Shop CARMEX's Classic Jar online.

Feature Image: Supplied.

We believe in creating quality, reliable, simple lip-care. Our formula is more than just talk—it's backed by science. After just one use, it's clinically proven to boost lip hydration more than two times and keep them moisturised for up to 24 hours.
Our signature blend brings together tried-and-true ingredients like lanolin, petrolatum, beeswax, and cocoa seed butter. They lock in moisture, restore softness and prevent dryness, giving your lips the VIP treatment.
Every CARMEX balm—whether it's in a jar, tube, or stick—is made to multitask: hydrating, protecting and relieving dry lips for a healthy look and feel.