I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives I Rely on Instead

I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives I Rely on Instead

      Does anyone else find that even the best lipsticks can be severely drying? Regardless of how much I prepare my lips in advance, I can almost guarantee they will feel dry and chapped by lunchtime after applying lipstick in the morning. It's something I've learned to accept over the years, and I often end up opting for one of my favorite lip liners paired with a hydrating lip balm or lip gloss instead. This has led to me carrying about ten million lip products in my handbag, and if I'm being honest, I miss the simplicity of just swiping on a single lipstick. So, when I saw one of my colleagues using the Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm, I was instantly intrigued. If you've tried this product, you'll know that just one swipe provides impressive color, a glossy finish, and a hydrating formula—all without the need for balms, liners, or glosses layered on top. It was this product that got me exploring other glossy lip balm hybrids, and I discovered there's an entire range of hydrating, high-performing lip products available.

      With brands like Jones Road and Gucci recently releasing their own glossy lip balms, I've been busy testing the top options out there and have compiled a concise list of products that really deliver on both nourishment and performance. If you're also not a fan of traditional lipsticks, I highly suggest checking out my recommendations below.

      **The Best Glossy Lip Balms, Tried & Tested**

      - **Best Overall:** Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm, £36

      - **Best Glossy Option:** Jones Road Lip Recharge, £24

      - **Best for On-the-Go Application:** Estée Lauder Pure Colour Melt-On Glosstick, £34

      - **Best Hydrating Option:** Rhode Peptide Lip Tint, £20

      - **Best for Blurred Lips:** Westman Atelier Hydrobalm Tinted Lipstick, £45

      1. **Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm**

       - **Best overall**

       - **Pros:** Super hydrating, adds impressive color, glass-like shine

       - **Cons:** Packaging (and application) can be a bit messy

      I consider the Hourglass lip product the best glossy balm available. With its three-in-one hybrid formula, it hydrates the lips, imparts a vibrant color, and provides a glossy finish. The gold packaging feels incredibly chic, and there’s a diverse range of shades available (I’ve been using Rouse, a classic chestnut, as my preferred evening lip product). I should mention that the applicator can be slightly messy, but aside from that, I can't find fault with the nourishing, glass-like effect. If you're seeking a lipstick substitute that has the look of lipstick but the feel of a lightweight, non-sticky balm, this is the one for you.

      2. **Jones Road Lip Recharge**

       - **Best glossy option**

       - **Pros:** Super hydrating, very glossy

       - **Cons:** Applicator can be a bit messy, finish is more sheer

      This new product from Jones Road exceeded all my expectations. I would categorize it more as a lip balm, but it provides a sheer wash of color and incredible shine. It comes in nine shades (including a clear option) and includes moisture-boosting peptides in the formula. I love that it offers a super-glossy finish without that unpleasant sticky sensation. The cooling metal applicator is a nice bonus, though it can be a bit messy at times. I enjoy using this by itself during the day and layering the clear version over my favorite lip liner in the evenings.

      3. **Estée Lauder Pure Colour Melt-On Glosstick**

       - **Best for on-the-go application**

       - **Pros:** Easy to apply, adds a pop of color to the lips, comfortable to wear, really glossy

       - **Cons:** Would love to see more shades in the future

      When I interviewed Daisy Edgar-Jones, she mentioned this was one of her favorite beauty products, so I had to try it immediately. After testing it, I understand why it has her approval. Although there are only eight shades available, each one offers a fun burst of color. The formula begins as a solid gloss that melts upon contact with the lips, creating a liquid, glass-like finish that’s ridiculously shiny. It looks great, feels comfortable, and is easy to apply, making it a staple in my handbag.

      4. **Rhode Peptide Lip Tint**

       - While Rhode's lip product is generally seen as a lip balm, it delivers an impressively glossy finish, which is why I consider it among the best glossy lip balm hybrids available. It doesn’t offer a strong color payoff like a lipstick, but it does provide a sheer tint that looks shiny, hydrates well, and is easy to reapply.

      5. **Westman Atelier Hydrobalm Tinted Lipstick**

       - **Best

I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives I Rely on Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives I Rely on Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives I Rely on Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives I Rely on Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives I Rely on Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives I Rely on Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives I Rely on Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives I Rely on Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives I Rely on Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives I Rely on Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives I Rely on Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives I Rely on Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives I Rely on Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives I Rely on Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives I Rely on Instead

Other articles

It's Confirmed: Here Are the Most Stylish Ways to Sport Short Nails This Summer It's Confirmed: Here Are the Most Stylish Ways to Sport Short Nails This Summer Short nails are trending for summer. Check out the 13 top ideas that will be popular in 2026. In case you needed a reminder, heels look their best paired with this legging style. In case you needed a reminder, heels look their best paired with this legging style. Adopt a Parisian style with a unique twist, similar to Rihanna. The new Miss Dior hand and body creams will leave your skin feeling (and smelling) like a flower petal. The new Miss Dior hand and body creams will leave your skin feeling (and smelling) like a flower petal. Dior has just launched new hand and body creams featuring one of its most signature fragrances. Click here to view and purchase these stylish new products. Zara Casually Released a Minimalist Collection That Looks Luxurious—9 Items Set to Sell Out by May. Zara Casually Released a Minimalist Collection That Looks Luxurious—9 Items Set to Sell Out by May. I'm creating a stylish, minimalist spring wardrobe, and these new purchases from Zara are simplifying the process. I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—Here Are 8 Moisturizing Alternatives I Rely on Instead. I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—Here Are 8 Moisturizing Alternatives I Rely on Instead. The ideal pout. The new Miss Dior Hand and Body Creams will leave your skin feeling and smelling as soft as a flower petal. The new Miss Dior Hand and Body Creams will leave your skin feeling and smelling as soft as a flower petal. Dior has just launched new hand and body creams in one of its signature fragrances. Click here to view (and purchase) these stylish new products.

I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives I Rely on Instead

The ideal pout.