Martina Appendino Writing

An overview on selected brands, from au naturel looks, to a bolder shine.

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March is a bit of a wild card, as we say in Italy—one moment it’s swept by chilly winds and wintery air, the next it’s bathed in dazzling sunshine. While those biting winter temperatures that chap your lips and flush your cheeks are behind us, we’re still far from the sticky embrace of summer. That’s why a good, hydrating lip product is an absolute must.

In this article, I dissect lip balms’ ingredients, explore options for every budget, ranging from sheer, natural finishes to richer, more pigmented choices—all in line with the latest trends.

My friends Ella and Huda, certified lip-products experts whom I met while working in fashion, join the conversation and share their favourite brands. They will provide go-to tips and advice on an ever-lasting plump lip look.

The basics:

• A lip balm is waxy and thick. A starting point for dry lips, its purpose is to hydrate.
• A lip oil is a lightweight, hydrating product. Good for a more natural finish. Often tinted.
• A lip gloss is thick, and gel-like. A tinted cosmetic that adds shine and colour to your make-up routine.

Those who prefer a simple, no-fuss hydration—free of colour and with that effortless nature effect (read with a French accent)—will be pleased to know that Weleda’s Lip Balm is available in every pharmacy. With over 80% natural ingredients and certified raw materials, it lasts all day. Rich and creamy, it creates a durable, protective base.

Ella: I would recommend Eucerin as a staple, fantastic lip balm. It’s hydrating, with no scent, and is pocket-friendly. Dermatologist recommended.

Honest by Benton is a K-Beauty brand. Its masks are life-changing, as well as their new lip balm. You can find them well-stocked in Chinatown, London, or at your go-to K-Beauty boutique. Personally, I swear by Aigoo.

Snow mushroom (tremella fuciformis) is a PETA-approved, hydrating beauty ingredient. It holds up to 500 times its weight in water. @CelestialPeach talks all about snow mushroom and its benefits on her blog, including a mean Tong Sui recipe, great for collagen intake.

If a hint of colour is non-negotiable, there are bolder alternatives with a richer pigment payoff. In line with the rising metallic makeup trend we saw at Paris Fashion Week, E.L.F. offers budget-friendly, vegan options that are also environmentally conscious.

Fenty Beauty offers an admirable range of shades, with a scent so enticing it practically invites you to reapply. Their Lip Gloss Luminizer glides on in a thin layer, adding just the right touch without overpowering your overall look. For a richer, more luscious finish, I recommend trying the Gloss Bomb Cream.

Ella: Summer Fridays is a great all-rounder, as well as my current favourite. It covers so many different flavours and tings. Very easy to get a hold of!

Huda: I like Clarins’ Lip Comfort Oil because it’s very versatile. I like how it’s perfect for a natural day where I want to wear no makeup, makes me look clean and put together. At the same time, its got a shade to it, so I can put it on with a lip liner when I’ve got some makeup on and it compliments the face just as well!

For a more defined look that plays a bigger role in your everyday makeup, combining gloss and lip liner is a great solution—nothing new, but it’s worth reiterating.

Ella: Rhode Liptide (Hailey Bieber) is a top for me, purely because people ask me if I’ve had lip filler when I’m wearing it…

Isamaya Ffrench, queen of makeup and beauty guru, shares well-curated visuals through her portfolio of work. I highly recommend checking out her social channels for makeup tips, basic advice on how to apply makeup, but also to witness her genius eye. She shows that we shouldn’t be afraid to experiment with colours and textures we don’t typically use in our daily routines.