The Minis de la Mer Gift Set with Hand Cream & Lip Balm $116 Value

A long-time favorite, there's only one thing I don't like about this product and that is its packaging. I wish it was in a tube, or came with an applicator. It's not always possible to wash my hands before applying so I end up using a cotton swab to apply, which wastes some of the product in the process, and at this price I really hate to waste any of it! Despite that (and its ever-increasing price tag) I love this lip balm and have re-purchased it a few times over the years. This is like a basic every day lip balm, neither too concentrated, nor too light - a hard balance to find. and it's that balance, its perfect texture which keeps bringing me back to it, because it's the only one I can easily apply any lip color or product over and not have any issues with. As much as I love Nuxe and Jack Black's lip balms, they're just too rich and sticky to work as a base, although they are much better as lip treatments - when your lips really need the extra hydration in cold weather. This one, on the other hand doesn't doesn't do a thing in winter, and I tend not to pack it in my suitcase if heading anywhere cold. Like all LM products, it contains the Miracle Broth, along with a whole bunch of other ingredients, yet despite the minty taste which lingers for a few hours after applying, there doesn't appear to be anything remotely minty in the ingredients list which is puzzling. In any case, it works well, lasts me a very long time and is one of just a few LM products that I'd happily repurchase. -> My ‘Nordstrom Beauty Top 7 must-have list’ (My 7 favorite beauty products of all time, focusing mainly on my purchases at Nordstrom) <- < 1. Hair Loss Treatment: Divine Herbal Hair Oil < 2. Concealer: ‘Mac’ - Studio Finish Concealer < 3. Lip Gloss: Clarins Lip Comfort Oil < 4. Mascara: ‘Lancome’ – Cilis Booster XL < 5. Anti-Aging Serum: Divine Herbal Facial Treatment Serum < 6. Mask: ‘Eve Lom’ – Radiance Transforming Mask < 7. Face Scrub: ‘Sisley' - Botanical Gentle Buffing Cream

First, at this price point, my expectations are high — and the La Mer brand sets the bar high anyway. So suffice it to say I was underwhelmed. It’s smells and taste good, but thats where the pros stop. It wears off quickly and is not particularly hydrating. And I am totally NOT a fan of the container. Hands are dirty - putting it in a tube seems like a no brained and would be %100 more sanitary. Honestly, plain old Vaseline performs better. I love La Mer but I will not purchase this again. If I hadn’t already dug into it, I’d absolutely return.

I bought this with some other La Mer products after hearing great things. I was very disappointed in the effectiveness/quality of the product. I have Image brand ormedic lip treatment that was $20 and is SO much better than this. This product completely depleted my lips of moisture and caused so much dryness/irritation. I will be returning!

I love this lip balm. I’ve so many over the years, and this is the best. I have 3 of them at all times: handbag, makeup area, bedside. My lips are always soft. Always. It’s even great to swipe over lip sticks. Color stays put. I personalize the lids to give as gifts. This one is in progress to ship to my bestie.

This is just decent. It smells a little cheap for the price tag, and I don’t find it to be any more effective than chap stick that you can get at any gas station. Chanel Hydra Beauty Lip Balm is SOOO much better, and it’s also less expensive than this. It has a fresh floral scent as well, not this cheap mint smell. La mer disappointed me on this one.