Lip Balm That Tastes Like Vampire Weekend’s “Holiday”?

Maybe it’s the combination of winter and COVID leaving us unable to travel which has us pining for reminders of somewhere tropical (see our recent review of Skin Trip’s Coconut Lotion).

Whatever the reason, we were stoked to see the classic Jack Black lip balm - something every guy has probably had in their backpack at least once in their life - in an array of new scents: there’s Vanilla Bourbon, Mango Chili Lime, and Shea Butter to name but a few.

We were curious to try the Pineapple Mint because, frankly, we would’ve never thought to put those two together: would you drink Malibu and pineapple juice followed by a mint julep? Probably not. The moment we applied it however, that familiar smell of Dole canned pineapple soaked in its own marinade and a Caribbean Colada air freshener tree greeted us. It reminded us of the early aughts’ fascination with surf culture a la Hollister Co., pooka shell necklaces, and movies like Blue Crush and we were hooked. 

The formula remained the same: thick and creamy where a little goes a long way, it spread easily whether we applied it from the tube or rubbed it between our lips. A light tingle lingered afterwards from the mint, making you feel clean even though you just applied chapstick.

At $8, it’s not drugstore-cheap chapstick, but it’s a small luxury worth splurging on for a quick pick me up throughout the day. We’re fans. 

Jack Black Pineapple Mint Lip Balm, $8.00

Price point: Low