As a former beauty editor, I’ve tried and tested a *multitude* of lipsticks. However, I personally tend to opt for balms and lip tints that are more in-line with my minimal makeup aesthetic. And, while the idea of wearing a bold lip color has popped into my head a time or two, adding an extra step to my makeup routine just didn’t seem worth it. That is, until I found colorful lipsticks that acted like hydrating balms–truly the best of both worlds.
Below are six of my favorite hydrating lipsticks (trust me–I’ve tested many!) that I use on rotation to liven up my fall looks. Keep scrolling for my candid reviews.
Petal Pink: While not technically a lipstick, Merit’s Lip Oil in ‘Pink Beet‘ ($24) is the perfect cool pink shade for everyday wear. Composed of clean and moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and grape seed oil, this good-for-you balm is the hydrating (and grown up) version of my teenage-favorite: Lancome’s Juicy Tubes.
Watermelon: A poppy pink hue in line with the current Barbiecore trend, YSL’s Rouge Volupte Shine in ‘Rose Rive Gauch‘ ($39) is a buildable watermelon shade that is technically a lipstick that looks and feels like a gloss. It glides on smooth, hydrates with six different natural oils and macadamia butter, and delivers just the right amount of pigment to make a statement. I’m a fan of this whole line, and would buy more colors if my wallet would allow.
Your Lips, But Better: I never leave the house without this hydrating lipstick from Charlotte Tilbury Superstar Lips in ‘Pillow Talk’ ($34). It has a gloss-like finish that accentuates your pout and is super hydrating. It comes in a few different shades, but I’m a fan of the cult-favorite color ‘Pillow Talk’ because it looks like my lip shade but better. Trust me–this lipstick is a must-have!
Matte Berry: Not quite red, nor pink, Glossier’s Generation G in ‘Jam’ ($18) is a medium magenta shade that accentuates your pout without looking like you tried too hard. Think the way your lips look after a kiss or two.
Rosey Pout: Thanks to the sheer nature of this formula, Dior’s Lip Glow in ‘Raspberry’ ($38) is easy to apply (no mirror necessary), making it the perfect option for daytime use. Unlike other lip products that you test to see if it suits you, Dior’s Lip Glow shades shift depending on your personal lip chemistry, meaning this line of lipsticks flatters most pouts.
Pale Pink Glow: While all the previous reviews are tried, true, and vetted, Glossier’s Ultralip ($18) is one I have yet to try, but it is currently in my cart. While the marketing definitely sucked me in–it is described as plush, comfortable and “like pulling on a cashmere sweater”–the hydrating formula made with four different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid (aka my favorite moisturizing ingredient) is what really sold me. I literally just ordered this lipstick in the soft pink shade called ‘Lucite’, and will report back when I try it!
