The System
My 6 Favorite Lip Balms of All Time
"Lip balm is my everyday essential, especially when the weather is cold or I'm spending a lot of time indoors with dry air. I gravitate toward clear formulas, which I layer over with a swipe of Lit Up Highlight for a subtle boost. I also love tinted formulas that feel comfortable on lips alone, or ones that I can layer over pigmented lipsticks to amp up the sheen.
As a makeup artist, my biggest criteria is a formula that really hydrates and sinks in, rather than just sitting on top of the lips like a barrier. For that same reason, exfoliating your lips gently with a warm textured cloth before applying balm is essential to helping it penetrate. So is being consistent about reapplying so that things stay healthy and soft.
Here are a few of my all-time favorites, including the Squeaky Clean tinted lip balm shades that I created from colors I've been mixing for clients and models on set for decades. Each is special in its own way, depending on what I need on a certain day." xx Gucci
Vertly CBD Infused Lip Balm:
"This lip butter glides on so smoothly and gives you a little sense of calm. I like that it's rich in natural fatty acids and phytonutrients."
Macrene Actives High Performance Lip Filler:
"Hylauronic acid, peptides, and clean actives in a weightless formula that helps to diffuse any fine lines—plus, I love its fresh scent."
Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm:
"Everything I've ever wanted in a tinted lip balm! I created these six sheer liquid shades to be super flattering, from a juicy brick red to a cool ultra-wearable nude. They have the most heavenly enveloping texture—plus, they give lips a surge of hydration with organic jojoba, almond, and argan oils that really nourish. No petrolatum, silicones, or mineral oil. Right now, I'm really loving Garçonne for a just-bitten effect."
Egyptian Magic All-Purpose Cream:
"My forever favorite multi-tasking remedy, made with olive oil, royal jelly, and honey. I use it on lips, face, and nails—and it's 100% natural, which makes it great for my kids."
Dr. Lara Devgan Platinum Lip Plump:
"This instantly plumps and it contains niacin and peptides that bring out the natural pinkish color of my lips."
Omorovicza Perfecting Lip Balm:
"This clean balm is a staple in my working makeup kit and my go-to prep before a bold lipstick application. I'll exfoliate, then use a thick layer and let it penetrate for a few minutes before removing with a tissue and applying one of the supersaturated Lip Suede shades. Great on its own, too, for making lips instantly softer and fuller. "
Want to add an instant boost and sheen to lips on the go? Lit Up Highlight Stick is a moisture-rich formula with detoxifying grape extract and the subtlest gleam. Great on lips for a quick moisture boost or dabbed on the cupid's bow for the prettiest light-catching accent.
