Drugstore vs. Viral: Is the Pretty Lip Balm Actually Worth It?

Let’s be honest. A basic drugstore lip balm does the job. It’s everywhere, it’s easy, and there are probably three of them rolling around your car right now.

So when a lip balm in a cute little pot started showing up in everyone’s bags, we had questions. Is Honeybalm just pretty packaging, or is there more going on? We broke it down.

Here’s where the viral one pulls ahead, in our very unofficial opinion.

A classic drugstore balm keeps things simple. Honeybalm comes in more than 25 flavors, from Watermelon and Blueberry to Vanilla and Mint, and fans collect them like trading cards. 

Customers say they reach for Honeybalm three to four times a day. In the brand’s 2026 customer survey, 96% of VIP customers said they’d recommend it. Plus, almost half of US shoppers buy it as a gift. Try wrapping a drugstore stick and see how that goes.

So, is it worth it? We think so. Every pot has the built-in Honeyspoon, so you scoop and swipe without dipping a finger in. And thanks to the hive-made ingredients, the balm melts on with a smooth, comforting feel. Forget the heavy, waxy finish of your regular stick. Keep the drugstore one in the drawer. This one goes in your bag.

The verdict: the pretty one earns its spot. If you’re curious, there’s only one way to find out.