I have tried so many different lip balms, some that I feel are over hyped (i.e. eos) and others that I could never live without (i.e. Nivea). With that being said, I have horrible dry lips and most of the balms I’ve tried just don’t provide enough moisture that lasts throughout the day. For me, finding a good lip balm that actually treats my dryness hasn’t been an easy task. 

Kona Kare was founded and created by Mikayla & Nadim, on nothing more than a dream and a few dollars. They are a local couple that I connected with on Twitter, who after relentless experimentation with different ingredients as well as changes in formulation, released what I consider the “ultimate” lip butter balm!

“Essensual Lip Butter Balm is a poetic blend of natural ingredients that will leave your lips feeling wonderstruck. Beautifully blended with Monoi Tiare oil-a Tahitian oil-this elixir will instantaneously nourish your lips; giving it a natural gloss, while you go on to live the life that you’ve always dreamed.”

Essensual Lip Butter Balm in French Vanilla

At first, I thought to myself, “how is this balm going to be any different from all the rest?”. I was a bit skeptical and didn’t really know what to expect. It literally took one swipe, to know that this balm was something special.  My lips felt smooth and silky instantly and unlike other balms, remained conditioned throughout the day. 

The packaging of these butter balms is sleek and simple. Each tube comes conveniently wrapped in an information booklet which is beautifully tied with a ribbon. Such a nice touch! 

Product encased in the Information Booklet

The balms come in 4 different flavours: Chocolate Peppermint, Peaches & Dream, French Vanilla & Original and are made using all-natural ingredients. Original is perfect for those with sensitivities to fragrance. 

Mikayla & Nadim: The Couple Behind the Brand (picture property of KonaKareInc)

Essensual Lip Butter Balms in Original, Peaches & Dream, French Vanilla & Chocolate Peppermint (picture property of KonaKareInc)

French Vanilla

While I have heard that the chocolate peppermint smells good enough to eat, I was lucky enough to try the French Vanilla Butter Balm, and also smells AMAZING! It glides on easily, is not sticky and lasts on the lips a really long time. I truly love it’s buttery soft formulation and gorgeous glossy effect this balm has! 

If you suffer from dry/chapped lips, you seriously need this product in your life. It is so nourishing! I have only been using this for a week and already notice a significant difference in the condition of my lips and the wear of my lipsticks. I use this under and over my favourite lipstick and no longer have to worry about dry or flaky skin ruining the way my lipstick looks. The Monoї Tiaré Oil from Tahiti and other natural butters, oils and waxes used to create this butter balm, protect and moisture my lips, while providing a beautiful sheen.

You can order these balms online on the KonaKare website. Each balms retails for $10 US, but are currently on sale for $8 each. Also on sale, is the entire collection (all 4 specially formulated balms), which you can pick up for $25 US. Shipping to Canada and the USA is included in the price for a limited time.

I wholeheartedly stand behind this brand and love that they are Canadian! This butter balm has found a permanent place in my heart and my handbag!