When it comes to skincare, sometimes you truly get what you pay for. This appears to be the case with Elizabeth Arden's lip protectant, a stick version of the brand's iconic Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant, now with SPF 15. While its price tag is closer to a luxury lipstick than a standard balm, reviewers insist it is worth every penny, smoothing even chronically chapped lips after just a few applications. Even better, it is currently available at a rare 31% discount on Amazon, bringing the cost well under $30 — a much more agreeable price as we approach the sunniest season.
$26.24 at Amazon (regularly $38)
Compare: $38 at Macy's
Compare: $38 at Elizabeth Arden
What Makes This Balm So Special?
Its formula dates back to 1930, featuring a blend of lanolin and natural oils that heal skin quickly. Created by American businesswoman and beauty pioneer Elizabeth Arden, the Eight Hour Cream has serious roots. While you might think the name comes from eight hours of moisture, brand lore says it originated when a fan used the cream to treat her child's skinned knee, which healed completely in just eight hours. The cream has been recommended to HuffPost readers by Tara McDonald, the makeup artist behind Netflix's Wednesday, for achieving supple, glowing skin.
The lip balm is packed with the nourishment of the original cream, including powerhouse lanolin — a super moisturizing oil from sheep's wool — and Vitamin E, which studies show helps wounds heal, making it ideal for chapped lips.
Because your lips have thinner skin than the rest of your body and are often drier due to a lack of sweat or oil glands, the balm includes additional chap-fighting ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil for restoration, moisture retention, and protection from the elements. The balm has a slight herbal fragrance and no color, applying sheer. Shopper Sadie, who experiences very dry chapped lips in both summer and winter, says the tube is easy to apply and not messy. “Without this stuff my lips look scabby and horrible,” they wrote. “It ensures my lips look normal!” Another reviewer noted, “Has beeswax instead of petro jelly like many others. Excellent under lipstick and even better just as a lip moisturizer. I never have a cracked lip when I use this, day or nite.” The balm also includes SPF 15, which is beneficial since lips are especially susceptible to sunburns. Reviewers confirm there is “no sunscreen taste.”
Reviewers Call It a Life and Lip Saver
Reviewers describe the balm as a “life/lip saver,” offering extra healing power when other products fall short. Because lip balms are usually small and inexpensive, they are easy to collect. Yet fans agree Elizabeth Arden outperforms all others. Shopper Debra said it worked better than a prescription from her doctor for “extreme chapping.” “Had 2 scripts that did not heal my lips,” they wrote. “Friend told me about this product, bought it, and it's a miracle worker.” Another reviewer, who dealt with chapped lips for over 30 years, was initially skeptical about spending so much on a lip balm but after trying it deemed it “SO WORTH IT.” “Within a few days of using it, my lips were chap-free, smooth, pink and pretty,” they said. “I've now been using this product for about 3 months and it's amazing how much of a difference this has made. I had tried almost every other lip balm at the drug store, health food store, etc., and this is the only one that has done the trick for me. The search is over!” They also praised how long the balm lasts. Shoppers who report lips becoming “dry and peely again” less than an hour after applying drugstore options like Aquaphor and Vaseline say Elizabeth Arden not only smooths lips but keeps them soft. “Within 2 days my lips were beautifully soft and moist and lasted hours,” one wrote. “I get chapped lips all the time and used other popular products out there, but I had to reapply constantly. This wonderful product makes my lips feel so soft and caressed,” another said. “I will never be without it - EVER!” Whether worn alone or under lipsticks, fans say the balm lasts all day, layers well, and boosts confidence by eliminating cracks, chaps, and flakes.
$26.24 at Amazon (regularly $38)
Reviewers swear by Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream balm for smoothing and protecting even the driest lips. Read more 5-star reviews and grab some for yourself on sale.
“I was a little apprehensive to pay this price for a lip balm, but it is so worth it. I have perpetually dry lips and have tried it all over the years. Everything else hydrates for a while but ends up causing rebound dryness and irritation. It was a vicious cycle! This is the first product I use that feels so nourishing and hydrating, and that doesn't cause any dryness or irritation after. My lips feel smoother and more hydrated than ever thanks to this! I will continue to purchase it because it is worth the price!” — Christina
“I'd had chapped lips for my entire life, 30+ years. Some balms worked better than others, but seemed to only help for a few days and then stop working. I read about this product and although it seemed expensive for 'just a lip balm' (vs. a lipstick) I decided to give it a try. Well, it is SO WORTH IT. Within a few days of using it, my lips were chap-free, smooth, pink, and pretty. My boyfriend even noticed the difference in how they look! I've now been using this product for about 3 months and it's amazing how much of a difference this has made. I had tried almost every other lip balm at the drug store, health food store, etc., and this is the only one that has done the trick for me. The search is over! I have bought numerous tubes of this now and keep it stashed all over the place.” — Amazon customer
“This is by far my most favorite lip balm solution. I always come back to this and I have tried everything, yes I mean everything confessions of a product junkie here. The lip protectant provides the perfect amount of moisture, sheen and hydration for hours on end. I rarely have to reapply and when I do my lips scream 'thank you!'. It has a faint herbal smell and does not melt down even in extreme temperatures. I live in New England so my skin is permanently dry from 6 months of winter and the remainder trying to stay cool and moisturized. If they ever stop making this I will be in trouble. I love it so much I buy one for my purse, one for the bedroom and one I keep in the living room so I know its there when I need it. I'll be back to restock soon.” — Amazon customer
“Happy to find this was a genuine product - I can't seem to find it locally, so had to buy online. I've been using this lip balm for years and have gone through several tubes - it's the only product that actually hydrates my lips and doesn't cause irritation. The price is much higher than I'd like to pay for lip balm, but I've tried so many of the cheaper alternatives and nothing works as well (plus I seem to get a reaction from the scents/flavors used in balms from other brands). It feels smooth to apply and not greasy or waxy at all. I live in a dry climate so lip balm is an essential - I use morning and night and never have overly dry or cracked lips anymore. Love that it also has SPF so I can easily apply before going out in the sun and not worry. Will always repurchase.” — Ms C
$26.24 at Amazon (regularly $38)
Looking for More Quality Lip Care with SPF?
Check out these three favorites, courtesy of HuffPost shopping.
- Aquaphor Lip Protectant Plus Sunscreen SPF 30 — Aquaphor is a trusted staple for softening and protecting chapped lips. This version includes SPF 30 for year-round UV protection. $5.12 at Amazon, $5.89 at Target.
- EltaMD UV Lip Balm SPF 36 — Few brands know sun protection like EltaMD. Their water-resistant lip balm is a must before hitting the beach or pool. Long-lasting, moisturizing, and soothing for already burned lips. $18.99 at Target (regularly $21), $21 at Amazon, $21 at Dermstore.
- Coola Organic Mineral Sunscreen Tinted Lip Balm SPF 30 — Available in four shades, this organic balm adds natural color while keeping lips nourished and protected. $20 at Amazon, $20 at Nordstrom, $20 at Dermstore.
The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through fake hike-and-drop deals and deceptive sales tactics. Products are usually rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (When there's an exception, we'll explain why.)
