TL;DR endless product name notwithstanding, this one is a new favorite

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A Deeper Look

Guys, peptides are the latest rage. They are everywhere. Snail mucin is so 2022 and don’t even try to impress me with your knowledge of [plant-derived] squalane. It’s 2023, and our skincare routine is benefiting from the super-charged production of collagen and elastin, powered by the presence of (you guessed it) peptides.

This balm, specifically, purports to contain lip-specific peptides that promise to make your lips look fuller and more defined. The peptides are helped in this endeavor by kokum and mango seed butter, which contribute to “plumping your lips” with hydration.

Normally, I call BS on a lot of claims made by lip balms regarding their “star ingredient” lineups, which often boast a collection of nature-made miracle workers and then a single buzzy ingredient being heralded by beauty journalists everywhere as the next big thing in skincare.

In this case, however, they really got this formula right. I mean, the lip balm works so well that I actually believe the ingredients that were selected are doing the things that the advertising says they are. Crazy, right??

First of all, the texture is beyond luscious. It feels like coating your lips in mango-flavored butter (aha! one of the key ingredients!) without it feeling like you’ve forgotten to dab that dollar-slice of pizza from Sbarro’s with a handful of napkins prior to taking a bite.

It tastes like (per my husband) orange creamsicle. You don’t like orange creamsicle, you say? Trust me – you do.

And best of all, it actually works. My lips appear plump and full, but in a healthy and nourished way, not in a “how much lip filler did she use today?” kind of way. They exhibit just the right amount of shine, such that it’s obvious that I value my skin health and not like I’m trying to impress the boy who sits next to me in fifth period. It’s hours before I feel the need to reapply (though there is a want to — see creamsicle comment above).

It’s also just thick enough to be both an excellent winter top-up and a perfect summer go-to. Magical. This lip balm hits every note.

And one last thing – did I ever think a liquid lip balm formulation would ever become a Pritha’s Pick? No, I did not. But there’s a first time for everything.

Bottom line: 5 stars across the board.

Important: Vegan, Clean at Sephora, Cruelty-Free, Contains Kokum & Mango Seed Butter