Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer: Is it the Ultimate Solution for Dry, Chapped Lips?

I have been looking for solutions for two problems - Brittle nails and dry, chapped lips since time immemorial. While I have found some kind of a relief for the former in the Seacret nail care collection, I had hoped that I had found the answer for the latter through Neutrogena lip moisturizer. Here's more about the product and my experience and my review.

Product Details
Product Name: Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer
Sun Protection: SPF 15
Fragrance: No Fragrance :)
Color: No Color
Price: Rs 99 for 4gms (0.15 Oz.)

Product Description
'Lip Moisturizer softens, smoothes and protects dry, chapped lips with no waxy feel. This moisture-enriched formula soothes and conditions your lips, keeping them healthy looking and soft in all weather.

Contains a PABA-free SPF 15 sunblock for added protection from the sun's UV rays.
Use everyday to keep lips smooth and moisturized.
Formulated with only the purest of ingredients - so there's no color, no fragrance, no unnecessary additives.'

What is PABA?
'Para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA) was one of the earliest active ingredients used in sunscreen. While PABA is a powerful UVB absorber, it does not absorb UVA rays. PABA can also attach to skin proteins so it is not easily washed off while swimming. Since PABA needs to be mixed with alcohol for application formulas, it can sting when applied to skin. PABA can also stain clothing. Other disadvantages were allergic reactions, dermatitis, or perceived sensitivity to PABA.'

My Experience and Review
This was recommended to me by a friend who was very happy with the effect the product had on her. In general I trust Neutrogena products and hence decided to check this besides the numerous lipsticks and lip jelly's I have already tried. Moreover it was reasonably priced, so no worries.

May be I was expecting results too soon, but nothing really happened in the first 2 weeks. My lips continued to dry and flake. I had almost given up hope but then things started improving. My lips softened and it stopped flaking and drying too soon. And it's not like I had to re-apply every 5 min, but I did have to re-apply at regular intervals. The product started finally doing what it was supposed to do! I am reasonably pleased but not overwhelmed.

What I like about Neutogena Lip Moisturizer

• No color, no fragrance
• Very convenient to apply and carry, wouldn't melt in hot summers
• Eventually did what it was supposed to do (after 2 weeks of use) - softened lips, prevented dryness and flakes
• Has sun protection
• Not heavy on the pocket

How Has Your Experience Been?
In general I have read good reviews about this product. I like this product too, but I am not convinced that this is the 'bestest lipbalm' as many claim. How have you liked it? Did it take 2 weeks to show its effect? And have you ever used any other lip balm which has had a faster and better effect?

Conclusion
While I will continue to use this product till I a better one, my search is not fully over. What will you recommend?

Lotus SPF 60 Sunblock: Review & Comparison with Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch (SPF 50)

I had actually gone to buy the lotus SPF 40 sunblock but that was not available and hence I ended up buying this.

Product Description

Extreme Sun Block Cream, SPF 60, UVA-INDEX 20*

This extreme sun block cream contains high concentrations of intense sun screens and sun filters to reflect, scatter and absorb all the UVA & UVB rays. 

Protects skin completely against skin ageing, tanning, skin cancer and all sorts of UVA rays associated damages.

*UVA Index 20: Most sun protective creams/ lotions offer protection against UVB only. Recent research shows that UVA rays are even more harmful. UVA Index 20 guarantees protection against UVA rays.

Price: Rs 375 for 60 gm

Direction for Use

Apply liberally and evenly on face and exposed parts of (body neck, arms, legs etc.) before exposure to sun.

Re-apply frequently. For sun-sensitive skin, apply every 2 hours.

Active Ingredients

Pure and researched herbal extracts of 

• Oregano (anti-oxidant and anti-irritant)
• Chamomile (Soothing & Calming)
• Carrot (Anti-tanning)

For those interested in the full ingredients list, I have taken a close-up!

My Experience
 This is something that is mentioned inside the box. 'On application, the cream may leave a temporary whitening film which on further rubbing will disappear into the skin'.

It is indeed true that it disappears in the skin really quickly (rubbing after 5-10 seconds), but I don't like this initial white cast too much.

Left: Apply a little                                                   Right: Initial Rubbing

Absorbs completely within 5-10 seconds of more rubbing

Lotus SPF 60 Sunblock: My Likes and Dislikes and Comparison with Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock (SPF 50)

I don't currently own neutrogena ultra-sheer but have used it in the past. It is by far one of the best-selling sunblocks. Here's how I compare lotus vs neutrogena. I have attached a summary table too.

What I like about Lotus SPF 60

• The high SPF and protection against both UVA and UVB. Of course this is why I bought it in the first place.
• A tiny amount is required, so the tube will last for a really long time. This is true for neutrogena too.
• It is water-proof and sweat proof.
• It is not sticky and absorbs well in the skin within a few minutes of application. I won't say that I don't feel anything on the face at all, but it is light-weight.
• Does not make the face look shiny (I have normal skin). Neutrogena leaves the face a little shiny in the beginning but that goes away soon.
• It is water-proof and sweat-proof.
• I totally love the fact that this product has natural ingredients.
• Has a very mild fragrance, typical to lotus creams. It's very bearable.

What I don't quite like about Lotus SPF 60

• Despite having a high SPF, it needs to be re-applied every 2 hours. Neutrogena on the other hand has to be re-applied only after swimming, towel drying or excessive perspiration/ sun-exposure only.
• I don't like the white cast it forms initially, though it disappears within 5-10 more seconds of rubbing. This does not happen with Neutrogena.
• Texture is thick, which makes it a little difficult to spread. You end up wondering if the whole face has been covered or not. Neutrogena also has a thick texture.
• It is a bit expensive (Rs 375 for 60 gm vs Rs 150 for 30ml for Neutrogena). Also a trial size is not available.

Will I repurchase again?

I would actually buy a Neutrogena Ultra Sheer when I am over with this.

Overall Recommendation

I like lotus products because they are natural. This is also a good product in isolation but I prefer Neutrogena because it is giving the same protection for a lower price and need not to be re-applied very frequently.