I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives That I Absolutely Recommend Instead

I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives That I Absolutely Recommend Instead

      Does anyone else find that even the best lipsticks are extremely drying? Regardless of how much I prepare my lips beforehand, I can almost guarantee that after applying lipstick in the morning, my lips will be dry and chapped by lunchtime. This is something I’ve learned to accept over the years, and I often find myself opting for one of my go-to lip liners along with a hydrating lip balm or gloss instead. Consequently, I carry a multitude of lip products in my handbag, and if I’m being honest, I miss the simplicity of just using a single lipstick to apply and go. So, when I noticed a colleague using the Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm, I became immediately interested. If you've tried this product, you’ll know that one swipe provides impressive color, a glossy finish, and a hydrating formula without the need for additional balms, liners, or glosses. This product inspired me to look into other glossy lip balm hybrids, and I discovered there’s a vast selection of hydrating, high-performing lip products available.

      With brands like Jones Road and Gucci recently launching their own glossy lip balms, I’ve been busy testing the best options on the market and have created a concise list of products that genuinely offer nourishing formulas and high-performance finishes. If you’re also not a fan of traditional lipstick, I highly recommend checking out my suggestions 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 slightly messy

       I regard this Hourglass product as the top glossy balm on the market. With a three-in-one hybrid formula, it hydrates the lips, provides a stunning wash of color, and gives a glossy finish. The gold packaging is exceptionally chic, and it comes in a variety of shades (I’ve been using Rouse, a true chestnut, for my evening look). I will mention that the applicator can be a bit messy, but aside from that, I can’t fault the nourishing, glass-like finish. If you want a lipstick alternative that appears like lipstick but feels like a lightweight, non-sticky balm, this is the product 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 release from Jones Road exceeded all my expectations. While I’d categorize it more as a lip balm, it adds a sheer wash of color and impressive shine. It comes in nine shades (including a clear option), and the formula features moisture-boosting peptides. I love that it delivers a super-glossy finish without that unwanted sticky feeling. The cooling metal applicator is a nice addition, but it can get a bit messy at times. I enjoy wearing this alone during the day and layering the clear version over my favorite lip liner in the evening.

      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, very glossy

       **Cons:** I would love to see more shades in the future

       When I interviewed Daisy Edgar-Jones and she mentioned this as one of her favorite beauty products, I knew I had to try it immediately. After testing it, I understand why it has Daisy's approval. Though there are only eight shades, each one provides a fun burst of color. The formula starts as a solid gloss that melts on contact with the lips, forming a liquid, glass-like finish that looks incredibly shiny. It’s visually appealing, comfortable to wear, and easy to apply, making it a staple in my handbag.

      4. **Rhode Peptide Lip Tint**

       While Rhode's lip product is typically regarded as a lip balm, it offers an incredibly glossy finish, which is why I consider it one of the top glossy lip balm hybrids available. It doesn’t provide a strong hint of color like a lipstick, but it gives a sheer tint that appears shiny, feels hydrating, and is easy to reapply.

      5. **Westman Atelier Hydrobalm Tinted Lipstick**

       **Best for blurred lips**

I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives That I Absolutely Recommend Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives That I Absolutely Recommend Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives That I Absolutely Recommend Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives That I Absolutely Recommend Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives That I Absolutely Recommend Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives That I Absolutely Recommend Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives That I Absolutely Recommend Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives That I Absolutely Recommend Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives That I Absolutely Recommend Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives That I Absolutely Recommend Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives That I Absolutely Recommend Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives That I Absolutely Recommend Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives That I Absolutely Recommend Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives That I Absolutely Recommend Instead I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives That I Absolutely Recommend Instead

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I Dislike Wearing Lipstick—8 Moisturizing Alternatives That I Absolutely Recommend Instead

The ideal pout.