With lipstick, one of the biggest challenges can be striking the right balance between sidesweeping color and luscious hydration. Cracked and dry lips are a common problem, especially for people who wear lipstick every day. That’s where moisturizing lipsticks come in — they marry the best of both worlds: beautiful shades that also feed your lips in their formulas. In this guide, we’ll discuss what makes a lipstick moisturizing, the essential moisturizing lipstick ingredients to look for, and the best moisturizing lipsticks in the market right now. Whether you’re a makeup aficionado or just someone looking for everyday lip care, we’ve got you covered.

Why Choose a Moisturizing Lipstick?
These lipsticks are specially formulated to keep your lips hydrated as they provide you with beautiful wearable colors. Traditional matte lipsticks can often be drying; moisturizing formulas are full of ingredients that keep your lips soft and supple such as hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and vitamin E to lock in moisture and prevent chapped lips.
If you have sensitive as well as dry lips, then moisturizing lipsticks are great. They are ideal for all seasons — be it winter dryness or summer sun exposure. And now, many moisturizing lipsticks also offer SPF protection, making them great for daytime wear.
Key Ingredients to Look for in a Moisturizing Lipstick
When shopping for the best moisturizing lipstick, keep an eye out for these hydrating and nourishing ingredients:
- Hyaluronic Acid: Known for its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid plumps and hydrates lips.
- Shea Butter: A natural emollient that soothes and softens dry lips.
- Vitamin E: An antioxidant that protects lips from environmental damage and locks in moisture.
- Jojoba Oil: Mimics the skin’s natural oils, providing deep hydration without greasiness.
- Coconut Oil: Offers a lightweight, nourishing layer that keeps lips smooth.
- Beeswax: Creates a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss.
- Aloe Vera: Soothes irritation and adds a boost of hydration.
Brands like Fenty Beauty, MAC Cosmetics, and Clinique often incorporate these ingredients into their lipstick formulas, ensuring both color and care.
Top 7 Moisturizing Lipsticks to Try in 2023
Here is a compilation of the best moisturizing lipsticks that offer hydration, stay power, and gorgeous shades:
- Fenty Beauty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick
- Enriched with mango and papaya butter, this lipstick leaves a glossy and sheer finish and keeps your lips feeling moisturized.
- Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
- A cult favorite, this lipstick has a buildable, moisturizing formula that looks stunning on everyone.
- Laneige Lip Glowy Balm
- Technically a balm, this offering lends a tinted, glossy finish along with serious hydration.
- Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lipstick
- This lipstick is eco-friendly and made with beeswax and vitamin E.
- Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Happikiss
- Packed with hyaluronic acid, this lipstick has a plumping and hydrating quality that also provides a natural tint.
- NARS Afterglow Lip Balm
- A sumptuous balm-lipstick hybrid that imparts sheer color and all-day hydration.
- Maybelline Color Sensational Made for All Lipstick
- A budget pick with a creamy, moisturizing formula and an extensive array of shades.
How to Choose the Best Moisturizing Lipstick for Your Needs
When selecting a moisturizing lipstick, consider the following factors:
- Finish: Do you want a gloss, satin, or matte finish? Glossy formulas are more hydrating.
- Shade Range: For example, seek out products from Fenty Beauty or MAC Cosmetics, which offer a wide range of shades for all skin tones.
- Ingredients: Look for lipsticks that contain natural, hydrating ingredients such as shea butter or jojoba oil.
- SPF Protection: If you’re going to be rocking your lipstick outside, look for one with SPF to keep your lips safe from UV damage
Tips for Applying Moisturizing Lipstick
- Exfoliate First: Use a light lip scrub to slough off dead skin and create an even canvas.
- Use a Lip Primer: A primer enables the lipstick to cling better and be longer-lasting.
- Layer with Lip Balm: To combat dryness, slather on a thin layer of lip balm before your lipstick.
- Blot and Reapply: Blot the lips with a tissue, then apply the luster finish again for staying power.
FAQs About Moisturizing Lipsticks
1. What is the difference between moisturizing lipstick and regular lipstick?
Moisturizing lipsticks contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and shea butter, while regular lipsticks may focus more on color payoff and longevity, often at the expense of hydration.
2. Can I wear moisturizing lipstick every day?
Absolutely! Moisturizing lipsticks are designed for daily wear and can help keep your lips healthy and hydrated.
3. Are there moisturizing lipsticks for sensitive lips?
Yes, brands like Burt’s Bees and Clinique offer hypoallergenic formulas suitable for sensitive lips.
4. Do moisturizing lipsticks last as long as matte lipsticks?
While moisturizing lipsticks may not last as long as matte formulas, many now offer impressive staying power without drying out your lips.
5. Can I find moisturizing lipsticks with SPF?
Yes, brands like Neutrogena and Burt’s Bees offer moisturizing lipsticks with SPF protection.
6. Are there vegan and cruelty-free moisturizing lipsticks?
Yes, brands like Fenty Beauty and Charlotte Tilbury offer vegan and cruelty-free options.
7. How do I make my moisturizing lipstick last longer?
Use a lip liner, apply in thin layers, and blot between applications to extend wear time.
Conclusion
What is the best moisturizing lipstick for you With a focus on moisturizing ingredients, reputable brands, and your unique preferences, you can feel confident that every application will result in beautiful, healthy lips. Whether you prefer a luxe lover like Charlotte Tilbury or an inexpensive find from Maybelline, there’s a hydrating lipstick for everyone.
Your lips need just as much love as the rest of your skin. Well, invest in a hydrating lipstick that will not only make you look hot but will also give you soft, smooth lips.