Is it nature or nurture? Is there life on other planets? Life after death? Are lipsticks or nail polishes the ultimate drugstore impulse buy?
These questions have plagued humankind throughout the ages, but let's be clear, we're not setting out to put them to rest for once and for all right here. You seriously think we could choose between buying our forty-millionth lip balm or bargain bin drugstore polish during a Duane Reade run? Nuh-uh. Not us. Instead, we're here to share some of our Coveteurs' favorite lip products, corralled and compiled throughout the years. And while there's no beating an OG cherry Chapstick, who knows, you might just find your new favorite.
Lip Balm
"I am a product junkie. I love trying new products all the time but if I can only pick one, it has to be Eucerin Aquaphor Original Ointment. It is the most simple and inexpensive product but I use it daily on myself and for my work. For myself, I use it as a lip balm everyday and on my body in the winter time. I also use it when I get a burn or skin irritation. For work, I use it as lip balm as well on every client, or as a highlighter when I want a subtle, dewy finish on the skin. I sometimes mix it with lipstick to sheer out the texture or with pigments to create cream eyeshadows."– Hung Vanngo
"My single favorite drugstore product? Aquaphor, hands-down. I have every size—from the tub (next to my bed) to the tiny tubes (in pretty much every bag and pocket). I use it as a lip balm or over lipstick for a little extra sheen.”– Jenny Bailly
"I can't live without Vaseline Lip Therapy." – Jayne Min
“I dare anyone to not fall in love with Vaseline Rosy Lips lip balm. The pint-sized packaging is downright adorable, the light rosy scent is addictive and the petroleum jelly locks in moisture without being too sticky.”– Joanna Douglas
“[In my bag, I always carry] Chapstick, because my lips always get chapped.” – Sofia Richie
“Before bed I apply organic Pawpaw lip balm and rub coconut oil all over my body." – Phoebe Tonkin
“I'm not a product snob and love, love, love drugstore products! I can wax poetic about Jergens Original Scent body lotion and Burt's Bees Beeswax lip balm.” – Leah Wyar
Lip COlor
"Revlon’s Ultimate Liquid Lipstick in Top Tomato is a great shade of red that suits most skin tones. Its clever formula stays put so you don’t have to worry about smudging or bleeding.” – Miranda Kerr
"My favorite lip color is Boots No7 lip pencil in nude. I designed it for myself when I was their creative director and I still wear it.” – Lisa Eldridge
“For lips, I like Milani Color Statement Lipliner in True Red—it’s one of my all-time favorite liners. It's so creamy, and can double up as a lipstick.” – Milly Almodovar
“Maybelline Baby Lips. I think I have one of these in every single color (including the limited edition ones, which in my opinion, are the best... Coral Crush #ftw) and there's always at least one rolling around in my purse. They give the perfect sheer tint of color, while leaving my lips soft and slightly shiny. And they literally smell like candy. I'm a sucker for anything in chubby and in pencil form, which makes Revlon's ColorBurst Balm Stains a favorite—there are so many colors and finishes now, I'm always stocking up. The color pay-off is surprisingly good, but it feels more like a smooth, hydrating balm.” – Faith Xue
“For lips, I really love the Revlon ColourBurst Matte lip colors. They have a great color payoff and feel velvety on. Plus, the shade choices are all so on-trend, with some cool colors to play with!" – Amber Dreadon
