While I may be a makeup aficionado now, back in elementary school, my beauty routine was delightfully simple. My go-to product? Lip balm. But back then, we didn’t really call it “balm”—we were too busy obsessing over the flavors to care about hydration. The ’80s were a lip product paradise, filled with artificial flavors and bold colors, starting and ending with cherry ChapStick and Revlon Silver City Pink. In between, we had a dazzling array of fruity concoctions and stylish roller balls that defined our childhoods.
1. Bonne Bell Lip Smacker
What were we thinking with flavors like mint and cherry? The moment my cousin got her Strawberry Lip Smacker, I was hooked. Bonne Bell knew how to capture our hearts: their Lip Smackers came in an outrageous variety of fruit flavors (who didn’t sneak a taste once or twice?). They even ventured into candy and soda flavors! Dr. Pepper, Orange Crush, and even Good & Plenty—my personal favorite that I hoarded and flaunted like a badge of honor. I’d trade a whole paycheck of high-end lipsticks for just one Tootsie Roll Lip Smacker today.
2. The Lip Smacker Necklace
The only thing cooler than a Lip Smacker was rocking one around your neck! Imagine strutting around with a giant Bubble Gum Lip Smacker as your accessory, ready for reapplications during soccer practice or even while chilling in your flannel pajamas. Talk about multitasking!
3. The Body Shop Lip Balm
I didn’t care if there was another flavor; Kiwi Fruit was my jam. I’d only just discovered kiwis, and they were the most exotic fruit I could dream of. The Body Shop kicked off that whole “dip your fingers into a tub” trend, and nothing felt more grown-up than slathering on that glossy green goodness.
4. Kissing Koolers
Maybelline’s Kissing Koolers transported me back to my childhood with their delightful packaging. Those pop-up tops and flavors like watermelon were irresistible. Plus, wearing something called “kissing” made you feel like you were one step closer to being a grown-up—never mind that you were just a 9-year-old with big dreams.
5. Village Lip Lickers
Once I discovered Watermelon Lip Lickers, there was no going back. It was the stickiest, most delightful gloss that could melt into a gooey mess in hot cars. I can still recall the thrill of opening that tin, as the strong scent attracted curious glances from everyone around me.
6. Naturistics Glossy Lip Balm
Before Bath & Body Works made fruit-flavored packaging commonplace, Naturistics wowed us with vibrant images of limes and mangos on their balms. The name “Naturistics” felt sophisticated and exciting, even if the product wasn’t exactly all-natural.
7. Carmex
Carmex enthusiasts were serious about their lip care. Forget fruity flavors; this stuff was for the hardcore. It had that vintage apothecary vibe and was beloved by those who still swear by it years later. I still can’t comprehend why they chose it over a fun Orange Crush Lip Smacker.
8. Kissing Potion
For the aspiring kissers among us, Kissing Potion was pure magic. The Cherry Smash flavor made it impossible not to stand in front of the mirror, applying coat after coat for that perfect pout.
9. Candy Kisses
Some might argue these belong to the ’90s, but let’s be real—they were a balm treasure. Those little tins were revolutionary, and who could resist a mint chocolate flavor that felt like a scoop of ice cream from Baskin-Robbins?
10. Zinka
Sure, Zinka Nosecoat was technically a neon sunscreen, but the cool kids wore it as lip balm. There was nothing quite like sporting a fluorescent grin while lounging by the pool—a look that perfectly balanced between hot lifeguard and quirky kid.
In the spirit of exploring all things beauty and parenting, make sure to check out this excellent resource on fertility treatments if you’re considering your options. And for more on home insemination, visit Make a Mom for some great products.
To read more about our thoughts on home insemination, feel free to check out our terms and conditions here.
In conclusion, the ’80s lip balms were not just products; they were a rite of passage filled with nostalgia and flavor. From the thrilling tastes of Bonne Bell to the iconic Kissing Koolers, these lip balms defined a generation and will always hold a special place in our hearts.