Description of My Lip balm

General Description
            Lip balm is generally used to add moisture to dry, chapped or sunburned lips.  It comes in a variety of flavors, scents and colors. Most lip balms contain a sunscreen.  Lip balm is mainly a semi-solid substance that is applied to the lips as often as needed.  One tube of lip balm typically lasts for many months depending on how often it is applied.

Description of Major Parts

The typical tube of lip balm is made solely out of plastic.  As figure 1 indicates, a tube of lip balm is made up of three basic parts. There is the cap, the main body, and the base adjustment knob.
Base Adjustment Knob

Figure 1: Tube of Lip Balm

Source: Chap Stick. Wyeth Consumer Healthcare. Retrieved March 31, 2006.
http://www.chapstick.com/moisturizer/index.asp

Cap

The cap on a tube of lip balm protects the lip balm that is inside the tube from getting dirty.  The cap also keeps the lip balm from getting all over everything that it touches.  Lip balm can leave a gooey mess if it gets on cloths or furniture.  The cap simply snaps on and off of the tube of lip balm and can be easily lost.

Main Body

The main body is a simple cylindrical tube that holds the semi-solid lib balm.  It is approximately 1 ½ inches in length and ½ inch in diameter.  This small size makes it easy for anyone to hold on to it.  This part of the tube usually has a plastic label around it listing the drug facts of the lip balm and displaying the brand name and name of the product.  The label also lists the uses, any warnings, and directions for use.  It also has a barcode on it with a product number.

Base Adjustment Knob

            On the bottom of the base adjustment knob the expiration date is listed.  Usually the expiration date is a couple of years from the time of purchase.  The adjustment knob rotates in both directions.  As the knob is turned one direction it pushes the lip balm toward the other end of the tube so it can be applied to the lips.  If the knob is turned the opposite direction the lip balm is pulled back down into the tube so it can be used at a later time.

How I Use My Lip Balm
                                           
            When I feel that my lips need a little moisturizer I reach in my pocket and take out my lip balm.  I take the cap off and apply the balm in the same manner that I would use to apply lipstick.  I typically apply lip balm to my lower lip before I apply it to my upper lip.  I tend to use lip balm more in the winter months because the wind and cold air cause my lips to get chapped.  My family says that I am addicted to lip balm because I need leave home without it.  One thing I have learned from always leaving lip balm in my pants pocket is that if it goes through the washer and dryer it is time to buy a new tube of lip balm.  This has happened to me on many occasions.

Crystal Cole