Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
With summer comes the need for a change in our beauty routine. Lips are prone to be dry when we’re out in the sun so a lip balm is always a good idea, but if you’re prone to cold sores, the LIPQ Liquorice Lip Balm is especially helpful, thanks to liquorice’s unique properties.
The virus which causes cold sores lies dormant in the body until it is activated by stress or by being in direct sun and heat. Cold sores are itchy before they start to show, usually around the lips and under the nose and give you some warning before they start to show. Rather than use harsh prescription medicine, or before you do, LIPQ Liquorice Lip Balm helps prevent the severity of the Herpes virus and the length of time it takes for the sores to heal. Especially during periods of increased sun exposure, the Herpes Virus Association trialled LIPQ Liquorice Lip Balm and found that regularly using it increased the time between outbreaks, making it an effective preventative measure.
The liquorice ingredient (and the lip balm does not overwhelmingly taste or smell of liquorice if you’re wondering!) is what does the trip with the virus which causes cold sores. All of the ingredients are 100% natural and the balm is free from MI, SLS, parabens and perfumes.
The 30gram balm is bigger than what you usually buy on the High Street, but is still handbag sized, and I think it would be useful to take on holiday with you too. The balm might include liquorice as an ingredient but there isn’t an overpowering aroma to it, just a slight hint so if you’re not a fan of liquorice, it won’t affect you. The balm is surprisingly light so you can use it without make up, or I found it will glide on over lipstick to create a light gloss effect. I might prevent cold sores, but the make-up properties of it are just as good as any other lip balm and left my lips moisturised.
I don’t normally suffer with cold sores so I can’t say that the balm prevented them, but I did have soft lips and enjoyed using it with the slight liquorice fragrance.
Available for £9.50 at: https://www.skinshop.co.uk/lipq/liquorice-balm
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