As Long As We're Talking About Lip Balm...10 Unexpected Uses

Lip balm is commonly used to moisturize and protect the lips, but it can also serve other unexpected purposes. Today we share some of our favorite ways to use lip balm for purposes other than healing dry, chapped lips.

1. Cuticle Moisturizer: Apply a small amount of lip balm to your cuticles and massage it in to moisturize and nourish dry cuticles. This can help soften and hydrate the skin around your nails.

2. Soothe Minor Skin Irritations: Lip balm can relieve minor skin irritations such as insect bites, rashes, or dry patches. Apply a thin layer to the affected area to help soothe and moisturize the skin.

3. Tame Flyaway Hair: Rub a small amount of lip balm between your fingers and lightly run it over stray hairs or flyaways to help smooth them down. It can be a temporary hair fix when you're on the go.

4. Lubricate Stuck Zippers: If you have a stubborn zipper that gets stuck, glide some lip balm along the teeth of the zipper to help lubricate it. This can make it easier to zip and unzip your clothing or bags.

5. Prevent Blister Formation: Apply a thin layer of lip balm to areas prone to friction, such as the back of heels or the inside of shoes, to help reduce friction and prevent blisters from forming.

6. Makeup Remover: In a pinch, lip balm can be used as a makeup remover for small areas. Apply a small amount to a cotton pad or your fingertips and gently wipe away makeup, focusing on stubborn areas like eyeliner or lipstick.

7. Protect Shoe Polish: Apply a thin layer of lip balm to leather shoes or bags before applying shoe polish. This helps protect the leather and prevents the polish from staining other surfaces.

8. Smooth Shaving: Use lip balm as a pre-shave or post-shave treatment. Apply a thin layer before shaving to help the razor glide smoothly over the skin, or use it afterward to soothe and moisturize the shaved area.

9. Emergency Sunburn Relief: If you're out and about and need quick relief for a mild sunburn, lip balm can provide temporary soothing and moisturizing properties to the affected area.

10. Silencing Squeaky Hinges: Apply a small amount of lip balm to squeaky door hinges or other small mechanical parts to temporarily lubricate them and reduce squeaking sounds.

Remember, while lip balm can serve these unexpected uses, it's important to choose a lip balm without any irritants or allergens if you plan to use it on other parts of your body.