GUEST REVIEW: Weleda Everon Lip Balm
by Jenni Simmons

One thing I always have on hand is a good lip balm. I do not like chapped lips one bit. They feel icky, they flake, and it’s gross. And it’s not good to neglect my skin, especially my puckers which are very delicate and sensitive. Since my lips are obviously very close to my mouth, I surely don’t want petroleum or disgusting chemicals (or worse) entering my body by way of lip balm. I study ingredient lists like you wouldn’t believe.

So, I can safely say that Weleda’s Everon lip balm rocks my world. It moisturizes perfectly, makes my lips nice and smooth, leaves a subtle shine, and it smells SO GOOD. Scent is actually a big deal for me. I’m pretty sure this is because I was near-addicted to Bonne Bell Lip Smackers as a kid. Nothing natural about that lip balm line, but oh my, the smells. I recall they tasted great, too, but thank God I grew out of that silly habit.

Back to Everon lip balm, it has a soft rose/vanilla fragrance which is honestly very calming. After researching the ingredient list, I discovered that it’s not just rose and vanilla aromatherapy going on, but a few other fragrances derived from natural essential oils. In fact, you can click on each of the following ingredients (on Weleda’s site) to read both the sources and health benefits:

Simmondsia Chinensis (jojoba), beeswax (cera flava), Butyrospermum Parkii (shea butter), Euphorbia Cerifera (candelilla), Rosa Damascena, Copernicia Cerifera (carnuba), Vanilla Planifolia, Rosa Damascena, Citronellol, Benzyl Alcohol, Geraniol, Eugenol, Farnesol.

For example:

• Citronellol is “fragrance (parfum) from natural essential oils. Citral is a naturally occurring component of essential oils, such as lemon oil, orange oil, lemongrass oil and bergamot oil.”
• Benzyl Alcohol is “fragrance (parfum) from natural essential oils. Benzyl Salicylate is a naturally occurring component of essential oils, such as ylang-ylang oil.”
• Geraniol is “fragrance (parfum) from natural essential oils. Geraniol is a naturally occurring component of essential oils, such as rose oil, geranium oil, palmarosa oil, lavender oil and ylang-ylang oil.”
• Simmondsia Chinensis (jojoba) seed oil: “Commonly referred to as the Jojoba plant, this evergreen shrub bears olive-shaped fruits and grows wild in arid environments, such as Arizona, Mexico, and South America. Jojoba oil is derived from the seeds (beans) within the fruits. This oil, classified as a wax, is easily absorbed by the skin and is especially beneficial in treating inflamed and irritated skin conditions.”
• Beeswax (Cera Flava): “This waxy substance comes from beehives and is naturally secreted by honeybees in the form of scales. It was used by the Egyptians for mummification and by the Romans as a waterproofing agent for painted walls. In the Middle Ages, it was considered valuable enough to act as a currency. Beeswax soothes and protects the skin from dryness without inhibiting its ability to breathe. It also serves as an emulsifier.”

And so on - you get the idea. That kind of information really geeks me up. I’ve figured out why products such Weleda’s lip balm, Dr. Bronner’s magic soap, and Juniper Ridge make me so freaking happy. It is simplicity and forthrightness. Simplicity in that the ingredients are actually natural. No toxic chemicals, no fake aromas, but the real deal - straight from nature. Forthrightness either from the information on their web sites, or from an actual person from each company. You aren’t left to wonder, “Hmm. I wonder if this product is safe for me and my family or not?” Through effortless research you come away with a fantastic item such as Everon lip balm. This product also proves yet again that the natural beauty industry does in fact have the capabilities to make excellent-quality cosmetics. Even by extracting fragrances from real essential oils such as Weleda does with vanilla, rose, Citronellol, Benzyl Alcohol, Geraniol, Eugenol, and Farnesol.

Weleda’s Everon lip balm and like-minded products are the ones that will get my money from this point forward. I mean, I gotta keep my lips kissable (says my husband).