The Lip Products I Buy Again and Again
If there's one beauty category capable of convincing me I need just one more, it's lip products. No matter how many glosses, balms, oils, and lipsticks I already own, I'm always convinced there's room for new addition. While that philosophy has occasionally led to disappointment, it's also helped me discover a handful of formulas I genuinely love. Whether I'm heading to dinner, boarding a flight, or running errands, these are the formulas I reach for again and again.
Here are the lip products I buy on repeat.
MAC Lip Pencil in Spice
If I'm wearing makeup, there's a very good chance I'm wearing MAC Lip Pencil in Spice. My sister introduced me to the shade years ago, and it's been a staple ever since. I've applied (and lost) this pencil on Franklin Field's track while cheering at Penn football games. I've applied (and lost) it in the streets of Brooklyn while out with friends on a Saturday night.
Two decades later, I still haven't found anything I like better (or anything more prone to disappearing from my makeup bag). The color is the perfect my-lips-but-better shade: slightly darker, a little more defined, and somehow flattering no matter what else I'm wearing. I pair it with balm, gloss, or lipstick depending on the occasion. There have been trips when I've accidentally forgotten to pack it, and I basically don’t feel like myself without it.
Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick
No one does lipstick better than Charlotte Tilbury. Over the years, I've accumulated shades that run the gamut from everyday nudes to punchy pinks to classic reds. The formulas are comfortable, flattering, and somehow manage to strike the perfect balance between polished and effortless.
As someone who gravitates toward a more natural look, Nude Kate gets the most wear in my rotation. But this is one of the few lipstick lines where I've genuinely loved nearly every shade I've tried. Whether I'm looking for the perfect nude, a bright pop of color, or a timeless red, Charlotte Tilbury is always my first stop.
Kosas Wet Stick Moisture Lip Shine
Somewhere between a lipstick, balm, and gloss sits the Kosas Wet Stick. The formula delivers enough pigment to create an actual look while still feeling hydrating and effortless. The finish is glossy without being sticky, and my lips always feel healthier after wearing it. Hot Beach, Heatwave, and 100 Degrees are the shades I reach for most often.
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
I've been loyal to Gloss Bomb since it first launched in 2017. The formula delivers the perfect amount of shine without the tackiness that often accompanies gloss, and it somehow looks good with everything. Whether worn alone or layered over lip liner or lipstick, it's one of those products I’ll never tire of.
Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Treatment
If I could only keep one lip balm, this might be it. I have one in my purse, one on my nightstand, and one at my desk at all times. While I've experimented with other flavors, I always come back to Vanilla. The formula strikes the ideal balance between nourishing and lightweight, making it the kind of product you reach for absentmindedly throughout the day.
RoC Derm Correxion Lip Volumizer
RoC has earned a great deal of trust from me over the years. So when the brand launched a lip volumizer, I was more intrigued than skeptical. The formula delivers the familiar tingling sensation you'd expect from a plumping product, but I found the results worth it. My lips look noticeably smoother, fuller, and more defined after use, and unlike many lip treatments, the formula feels genuinely nourishing
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
Summer Fridays' Lip Butter Balm has earned its cult following for good reason.
I have perpetually chapped lips, so I'm always searching for products that actually deliver on their hydration claims. This one does. The formula is rich, nourishing, and leaves my lips feeling noticeably softer and smoother.
While I've tried several shades over the years, Vanilla Beige is the one I reach for most often. The tint adds just enough color to feel polished without requiring much thought )and it pairs perfectly with MAC Spice. It's the lip product that permanently lives in my purse—and one I immediately replace when I run out.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask in Vanilla has been a bedside-table staple for almost a decade, and I rarely go to sleep without applying a generous layer. The formula is thick enough to last through the night, and I consistently wake up with softer, smoother lips by morning. While the brand has introduced countless flavors since the product first launched, Vanilla remains my favorite. It's simple, classic, and one of the few beauty products I've repurchased so many times that I've lost count.
