"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 bare lips, 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 HydroBalm Tinted Lipstick shades created from colors I've been mixing for clients and models on set for decades. They’re effortless, easy to wear, and bring just the right touch of life to the face—each one has its own personality. xx Gucci
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."
HydroBalm Tinted Lipstick:
"Our brand new HydroBalm Tinted Lipstick is everything I want in a lip balm—sheer, hydrating, and incredibly comfortable. It’s so pillowy and nourishing, I keep every shade in rotation, but I tend to reach for Nectar, Juice, and English Rose most often—it all depends on my mood."
Macrene Actives High Performance Lip Filler:
"Hyaluronic acid, peptides, and clean actives in a weightless formula that helps to diffuse any fine lines—plus, I love its fresh scent."
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.”
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."
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.
