No matter how you define the winter season—Christmas or Hanukkah, no school, snow, hot tea vs. iced—we can all bond over one thing: the desperate need for lip balm during these blistering times. Despite its many names and euphemisms, winter is always Lip Balm Season. While lip balm may seem like just another product to have to remember on the daily, I can’t say that I’m not excited to put to use the pouches of Lip Smackers I’ve been hoarding doomsday-style just for this occasion. Here to commemorate this joyous time are a few faves I highly recommend you peep (and purchase).

It’s Skin Macaron Lip Balm

It’s a macaron! It’s a balm! It’s... both! More specifically, it’s one of the best K-Beauty creations I’ve seen to date. How often can you pull a perfectly-crafted macaron out of your pocket and proceed to schmear it across your lips? Leave it to K-Beauty to make our wildest dessert/beauty dreams come true. What’s more: the balm is no gimmick and has been single handedly keeping my lips on my face this week.

Clinique Chubby Stick

I’ve never met a better hybrid of lipstick and balm than this lip crayon, which has been a staple for many (including me) since the product first launched at the beginning of the lip crayon craze. The Stick is the definition of convenient with its easy-to-apply figure; however, the smooth formula is full of skin do-goods that Clinique is known for including in their products. 

Botanic Farm Melting Heart Two-Tone Lip Balm

Don’t ask me why more brands haven’t used the word “melting” in their balm marketing tactics or created actual melting balms, because these babies from K-Beauty brand Botanic Farm are rocking my senses. With a translucent balm surrounding a colored core, these balms take on the two-tone trend while also caring for your skin. Bonus points for the magnetic packaging that will ensure the safety of your Melting Heart as it travels from hand to bag and back again. 

Peach Slices Jelly Bounce Lip Balm

Peach Slices had me at the words “Jelly Bounce”, and absolutely sold me with the packaging design. However, the formula of the balm itself is nothing to sneeze at. The formula goes on thick and melts slightly with the temperature of skin to create a comfortable coat on dry lips. Cherry is my fave for its sweet and soda-y flavor.  

Dr. Jart Ceramidin Lip Repair

Trust this doctor. Dr. Jart Ceramidin Lip Repair balm is easily one of the smoothest balms I’ve used to date. Part of the dermatologist-founded line, Lip Repair was created with intense repair and dermal penetration in mind. I can already tell that this balm—luxurious and hassle-free at the same time (with a slight mint flavor to top it off)—will be a personal recurring purchase. 

Stila Water Plumping Lip Primer

A non-traditional lip nourisher, Stila’s lip primer is a skin caretaker that subtly plumps. The product goes on translucent despite its beige appearance—great for lip care while keeping up with your lip #look, this product was made to go under your lip color. If you feel like using it a la carte, you’re not alone: I’ve been keeping it simple with this multitasking primer, also.