Lip Products That Should Be on Your Radar
While I do love makeup, I am by no means an expert. Luckily, being a chronically online zillenial has come in handy in this respect. I've seen my fair share of makeup tutorials on YouTube over the years, and these days I'm often down a beauty routine rabbit hole on reels and shorts (who is TikTok? I don't know her). So shout out to the influencer girlies who have most definitely influenced basically all of the products I'm going to mention.
As for my routine, I typically stick to a no-makeup-makeup look that I can do in under fifteen minutes. The only aspect that I often switch up is what I wear on my lips. For me, the key is having products that are easy to use and leave practically no room for error. I also need something that not only looks good but will be hydrating too. So without further ado, here are the lip products I've been loving lately:
Rom&nd Glasting Water Tint
I'm calling it now—this will be my favourite makeup find of 2026. The first time I wore it, I immediately bought a duplicate and another shade because it is that good. It looks great on its own, but I typically blot it after leaving it on for a few minutes, then put a gloss or balm overtop to maximize the shine (it actually looks great with Merit's Jeté lip oil). This shade is the perfect "red but not too red" for people who think they can't pull off red lipstick—aka moi. I had never heard of the brand Rom&nd until I saw this product in Sarah Pidgeon's Springtime Makeup Routine for Vogue. Apparently Pidgeon's MUA used this on the set of Love Story, and I can totally see why. It's a beautiful shade and it's also super long lasting. You can get this on Amazon for $21.99 CAD or Kiyoko for $13.00 CAD.
Merit Lip Oil
Speak of the devil, I have been loving the Merit lip oil ever since my friend recommended it a couple of years ago. It's so hydrating, it gives a great sheen to the lips, and it's much more lightweight than a typical gloss. My favourite shades are Jeté (which is sheer) and Pink Beet (which is more opaque). I find myself reaching for this constantly because it looks great on its own and on top of other products. It doesn't feel super tacky and aside from eating it stays on well. These are great to give as gifts since they're very universal. The price tag is a bit hefty for my liking, but they do last a long time (I've used mine almost every day for months and I still haven't run out). You can get this from Sephora for $33.00 CAD.
Mac Cosmetics Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Hydrating 8HR Lipstick
I admit, the influencer girlies got me on this one. I bought this because of a video that claimed they used this shade on Monica in Friends. Whether it was Courtney Cox's beauty, or me being a sucker for 90s nostalgia, that made me buy this product I'm not sure. But I am sure glad that I did! I'm not normally a fan of lipstick (especially red) because I feel like it ages me. However, this Mac one is so luxurious and moisturizing that it almost feels like a balm. The colour "Spice it Up!" is absolutely perfect, and it's very customizable depending on how much you build it up. It's a great Fall/Winter shade, but I use it during every season! You can get this on Sephora or Mac Cosmetics for $33.00 CAD.
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
I know that everybody and their mother is talking about this lip balm, but it is for good reason. I'm personally not a huge fan of the tinted ones, but the clear versions are a great chapstick-gloss hybrid. They're long lasting and they keep my lips hydrated, what more could I ask for? My favourite shades/flavours are Toasted Marshmallow, Pink Sugar, and Vanilla. On the surface they all appear to be the same product just with different packaging, but there is a subtle difference. Does a person need more than one of these? Definitely not. Did that stop me from getting a few? Unfortunately no. My excuse is that I'm a lip balm hoarder, and I cannot survive (dramatic, I know) without some form of chapstick in every room, pocket, or purse. I do prefer these to the rhode Peptide Lip Tint Nourishing Glaze, which is kind of overhyped in my opinion. If you're in the mood to treat yourself, you can get these from Sephora for $32.50 CAD.
Revlon Super Lustrous Glass Shine Balm
This was another "influencer made me buy it" purchase that I am so happy I made. The Rum Raisin shade has been making its rounds on Social media as the perfect 90s lipstick, so of course I was intrigued. Low and behold, I was not disappointed. The formula of this is so nice and feels very luxurious for the price point. It has great colour payoff and lots of shine. I think it works for both day and night, since it is semi-buildable. I would even consider it to be a dupe of the Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick, but I actually like this better. If you're looking for more of a "your lips but better" shade, I also like #006 Girly Swirly and #004 Nude Illuminator. You can get this from Amazon for $12.98 CAD.
Glossier Ultralip High Shine Lipstick
This product is an oldie but a goodie, and screams summer to me. While in the photos this shade (Fete) looks red, on me it leans way more pink. The best way I could describe this is it makes you look like you just ate a bunch of watermelon, which is personally the vibe I want to be going for in the warmer months. It's fun and it's easy to throw on in a rush or without a mirror. If you were going to buy one product from the Glossier brand, this would be my recommendation. The balms are so overrated (RIP OG formula and packaging, you were so superior) and feel super waxy compared to this. The Ultralip is very hydrating and semi-sheer, which makes it great anyone who wants a little splash of colour. You can get this on Sephora for $30.00 CAD.
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