Don’t get too close to the new Carmex ads For some, Carmex is like a drug. A Nov. 11, 2005, post on the Spelunk in the Trunk blog is fairly typical: “I have a confession to make, Internet: I am a lip balm addict. … It all started many years ago when I began my unfortunate relationship with Carmex (heretoforth known as Satan’s Spawn). I was so addicted to that crap that I would have sold my first-born child for just one tube of its smooth, minty deliciousness.” (Thankfully, she kicks the stuff.) I had never seen any Carmex ads before, but suddenly they’re all over the NYC subway. They look nice, but Carmexaholics will see their dark side—the hypnotic pull of the headline, the promise of release in the tag. Will someone investigate these ads? —Posted by Tim Nudd

January 13, 2006 | Permalink

Comments

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Burt's Bees is better. I suggest you all switch!

Posted by: | Jan 13, 2006 10:07:06 AM

The reason people are addicted is biological, I know, I'm a recovered addict. Your lips become so used to the balm, that when unprotected, they are more sensitive to wind and sun. My doctor told me this, and, I suspect, Carmex knows this...just like the cigarette companies know smoking kills decades ago. Investigate away.

Posted by: Wrightoff | Jan 16, 2006 9:15:43 PM

I AM STILL a carmex addict. I have them strategically placed in each room in my apt, in my bag, and in my office by my monitor. I will never be without NEVER! I tried Burt's Bees. Didn't like the white residue it left on my lips. I never tried the salve in tin pots just the retractable stick. Anyway, I'd never seen an ad for it before either, and all of a sudden there they are! Out of the closet and into the streets.

Posted by: Stellaaahhh | Jan 17, 2006 7:08:02 PM

I've been using carmex due to my recent use of accutane, which is a government-owned acne treatment. The most common side effect of it is dry lips. Carmex just seems to be the best healer of chapped lips. I'm hoping that once i get off the medication, in 2 months, that I won't be ADDICTED to carmex.

I've been on the medication for 4 months as it is, and feel like i constantly need carmex, but it's probably just the medication.

Posted by: Jerry | Dec 15, 2006 5:57:31 AM

There are no addictive properties within Carmex. As hinted at early, the mirror process of applying the lip balm or anything else for that matter to the lips is what some mistake as being a habit. Really the only thing about Carmex that is addicting is that it is addictively good! It is the only lib balm that I have found that is not waxy and actually does what it says it will. I have noticed the ads as well and find them to be clever. They are playing off of people like the one who posted this who say that the product is addictive as a promotional pitch. The ads are retro and eye catching, remaining with the feel of the product. For a first time advertisement campaign, the ads were very well done!

Posted by: Mustangbuilder | Aug 12, 2009 4:59:07 PM

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