I’ve always had a thing for Anatomicals. I love the cool and fun names this UK brand gives to their products and their simple but eye-catching packaging. Those big letters and striking colours are sure to grab anyone’s attention!
Now that winter’s around the corner, I’ve tuned to Anatomicals Stop Cracking Up to stop my lips from… well, cracking up. Does it work?
What’s In Anatomicals Stop Cracking Up Lip Balm?
ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE
Ethylexyl Palmitate is a substitute for mineral oil and silicones.
It’s a mixture of fatty alcohol and palmitic acid. It can be synthetic or derived from animals or plants.
Its job? It’s an emollient that makes skin softer and smoother. It also gives richness to the texture so it glides better on the lips.
Related: Are Silicones Bad For Skin?
ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE
Isopropyl Myristate is another emollient and texture enhancer. It literally does the same thing as Ethylhexyl Palmitate, so I won’t repeat myself here.
I’ll just say this: Isopropyl Myristate has a reputation for being pore-clogging. When I use it on my face, it gives me pimples all over the place. But on the lips, I’ve never had a problem with it.
Related: What Ingredients Are Comedogenic?
Texture
The balm has the same consistency of a lipgloss minus the stickiness. You may find it a bit greasy at first, especially if you’re generous with application (less is definitely more with this one).
Fragrance
Fruity. It slightly reminds me of coconuts.
How To Use It
Apply it on your lips whenever you feel like they could do with some extra moisture.
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Performance & Personal Opinion
Anatomicals Stop Cracking Up is a clear lip balm with an identity crisis. It looks way more like a shiny lip gloss than a moisturising lip balm. Thankfully, it does both jobs well!
As a lip balm, it makes my lips soft, smooth and hydrated for hours. I don’t have to reapply it as often as I usually do with most lip balms.
It shines like a gloss, too. It’s not something you can wear underneath lipsticks. But on top? It adds a touch of shine and hydration to your pout that takes any lippie to the next level.
In case you’re wondering, this balm has no taste at all. I don’t find myself eating it up, like I do with cherry flavoured balms. Ahemm…
Keep in mind, my lip are already in good condition and don’t need that much extra moisture. If you have cracking, to the point of bleeding, lips, this may not be enough alone to fix that.
Who Is This For?
Anyone into shiny lip balms they can use as clear glosses, too.
Who Is This Not For?
Chapped and cracked lips. It can help prevent them, but it’s not enough to heal them.
Packaging
The lip balm comes in a funky red tube that won’t go unnoticed.
Does Anatomicals Stop Cracking Up Lip Balm Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| Its ingredients will ensure you have lips so smooth, moisturised and kissable. | Yes, it makes lips soft, smooth, and kissable. |
| The texture of stop cracking up balm is more like a gloss. | Yep! |
| It stays on your lips for a long time, even after drinking and eating. | It definitely lasts longer than most lip balms, but you have to reapply it after a meal. |
| Even when it’s worn off, I find my lips feel moisturised and stay looking “plump” without the deep grooves for a long time. | Yes, with regular use, it keeps lips moisturised for a while even when you stop feeling it on the lips. |
Price & Availability
£2.50 at Harvey Nichols
Do You Need it?
Need is a strong word. This lip balm isn’t a must, just a nice-to-have.
Dupes & Alternatives
- Laneige Glossy Lip Balm (£8.22)
- Malin + Goetz Lip Moisturizer (£11.00)
Have you tried Anatomicals Stop Cracking Up Lip Balm? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Ingredients
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polybutene, Isopropyl Myristate, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, BHT
That’s such a unique name! Its cute…too oily? Like Kiehl’s Oily or oilier?
Nikki, less oily, I’d say. The consistency is more liquidy than that of most glosses and lip balm, which makes it slightly oily. But it’s mostly a problem if you apply too much. With only one thin layer it’s not really that oily at all.