Latest news with #squalane
New York Times
08-07-2025
- Health
- New York Times
Some of Our Favorite Beauty Products Are on Sale for Prime Day
$18 $13 from Amazon What we like: A creamy, fragrant Korean lotion we like. Thick and hearty at first squeeze, then quickly disappears into skin. Contains chemical UV filters avobenzone, homosalate, and octisalate. Botanical ingredients 'make you look glowy,' says editorial director Leta Shy. Other things to know: Has a very subtle sunscreen smell — but to be honest, some of our testers noted that as a positive, since this product otherwise feels and behaves so much like a lotion. Read more: The Best Korean Skin Care Products $44 $31 from Amazon What we like: The best mild, smooth, and refillable moisturizer. Formulated with the preferred hydrators of our other picks — like glycerin, glycol, and squalane — plus dermatologist-recommended avocado and jojoba oil. Airtight pump is hygienic and easy to use. Other things to know: Refillable matte glass bottle feels high-end. The formula may strike some as not special enough to justify the expense. Not the lowest price we've seen, but within a couple bucks. Clip the on-page coupon to get the deal. Read more: The Best Moisturizers $18 $13 from Amazon (deal on original/translucent) What we like: The best dry shampoo for on-the-go touch-ups. Supremely silky and fine powder. A little goes a long way. Relatively easy to apply, even when you're on the go. Comes in a range of colors. Tinted powders don't stain, and the pigment brushes away readily. Other things to know: Be careful how you open it, or it'll spill everywhere. Pigment can transfer to the hairline and fingertips. Refillable, but only in the original translucent version. Precise applicator isn't great for covering large areas, at least not quickly. Deal price on original/translucent. Read more: The Best Dry Shampoo $45 $34 from Amazon What we like: The best rich, skin-smoothing vitamin C serum drops, in an updated formula with 2% more vitamin C. Pretty impressive for a drugstore brand. A hearty 12% ascorbic acid gel that seemingly melts into skin to leave a sheer, touchable finish. Ingredients include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and salicylic acid. Other things to know: Testers didn't love the baby powder–meets–medicinal scent. White dropper can get gummy, discolored, and dingy over time, and it doesn't always deliver a precise portion. At 1.01-ounces, it's pricey for a drugstore brand. We tested this at a 10% concentration, but the updated 12% formula otherwise remains largely the same. Read more: The Best Vitamin C Serums $10 $8 from Amazon What we like: The best lengthening drugstore mascara. Delivers long, perfectly delineated lashes (but not in a fake way). Nimble, bendy applicator brush is precise. Satin-slick formula evenly coats lashes. Affordable and available in multiple colors. Other things to know: Formula can be messy and isn't particularly thickening or volumizing. $8 is a buck more than the better deals we've seen of late. Read more: The Best Mascara What we like: A larger size of a mellow and moisturizing cleansing gel we like. Gentle, colorless, and effective. Formulated with ingredients like glycerin, humectant hyaluronic acid, and birch sap, so it soothes as it cleanses and leaves no tight-skin aftereffects. Good for dry complexions. Other things to know: Multiple testers also liked the matte-finish, illustrated packaging, which seemed more in line with that of luxury products, not a relatively inexpensive cleanser. Deal is for the larger 8.11-ounce size. Costco membership required. Read more: The Best Korean Skin Care Products What we like: The best fiercely waterproof mascara for buildable fullness and length. Curved brush provides exceptional coverage. Formulated with tiny, hair-like nylon fibers to give lashes a subtle boost. Doesn't dry too quickly, so you can easily dial up the intensity. You can swim, shower, and sob in it with nary a smudge. Other things to know: Waterproof mascaras come off only with oil-based removers, and even that takes rubbing (but we think the longevity is worth it). Contains a single PFAS, or forever chemical. Nylon fibers may be irritating for sensitive eyes. Add two tubes of mascara to your cart, price includes shipping. Read more: The Best Mascara $10 $7 from Amazon What we like: A nourishing hair oil we like in our drugstore beauty guide. A lightweight blend of 19 botanical oils. Smooths split ends and flyaways. Leaves your scalp more hydrated and hair shinier. Creates optimal environment for healthy hair growth. Other things to know: Based on our testers' experiences, regular evening application on a dry scalp makes hair feel thick and glossy. In one 2015 study, rosemary oil (the third ingredient in this hair oil) performed comparably to the hair growth agent minoxidil. Read more: The Best Drugstore Makeup, Skin Care, and Other Beauty Products What we like: A liquid eyeliner worth considering if you want the best black liner. Deeply pigmented with a satin finish. The longest-wearing liquid liner we tried. Flexible felt tip fosters continuous ink flow from all angles. Triangular tube holds fingers in place while applying. Easily creates thin and thick lines, plus sharp wings. Other things to know: Don't get it unless you're a liquid liner expert. A heavy pour, which can be potentially messy for beginners. Only comes in black and brown. Free Sephora Beauty Insider membership required for free shipping. At Kohl's, choose store pickup to avoid shipping fees. Read more: The Best Eyeliner $95 $72 from Amazon What we like: The best retinol for over-the-counter potency. At 1% concentration, this serum is among the strongest you can get without a prescription. Softened and smoothed lines without irritating testers' skin. Other things to know: Opaque glass bottle makes it virtually impossible to tell how much product is left. Soaks in quickly, but proper portioning may take practice. No added fragrance, but testers found the aroma somewhere between meh and medicinal. Read more: The Best Retinol Products $35 $28 from Amazon What we like: Our upgrade foaming facial cleanser pick for sensitive skin. Cloud-like formula feels light, luxurious, and mild on your hands and face. Sulfate-free soft foam fully removes dirt and grime and leaves your face feeling deeply clean — but not at all stripped. Just one pump emits a dollop that's just the right amount for face-washing. Other things to know: Pretty pricey. Five-ounce bottle. Contains 28 ingredients, making it harder to determine if one of them triggers a sensitivity or irritation. Mostly fragrance-free (with slight hints of coconut and medicine). Read more: The 8 Best Facial Cleansers $11 $9 from Amazon What we like: The best drugstore classic exfoliant. Has a maximum amount of the active ingredient. The formula is alcohol- and fragrance-free, and the pore-excavating salicylic acid is rounded out with protective and soothing ingredients like glycerin and chamomile. Plays well with makeup. Other things to know: The packaging isn't cute—or entirely user-friendly. A squeezeable bottle would be more efficient and less wasteful. Read more: The Best Exfoliants $67 $47 from Amazon What we like: Our upgrade gel facial cleanser pick for oily or acne-prone skin. Cleanses efficiently, rinses easily, and makes skin feel soft, refreshed, and squeaky-clean. Won points among testers for its luxe plastic bottle and 'lovely, clean, and natural' fragrance. Other things to know: Pretty expensive, even on sale. Pump requires effort, but a single push was enough for a thorough wash. Doesn't match the over-50% drop we saw last month, but still a good deal, especially if you need face wash now. Read more: The 8 Best Facial Cleansers What we like: A staff pick in our guide to Korean skincare. Alcohol- and fragrance-free. Contains ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol to restore the skin barrier. Mellow enough formula for sensitive complexions. Our testers loved the bottle's clean, convenient pump and the dewy results of the sheer formula. Other things to know: Might not be the right option for those who need heartier hydration. We saw it for a few dollars less over Black Friday, but don't expect to see better over Prime Day, and this is still a good value. 5.07 ounces. Free Sephora account required for free shipping. Read more: The Best Korean Skin Care Products What we like: A moisturizer pick in our guide to the best Korean skin care products. Hybrid cream-gel moisturizer. Hydrates and gives a subtle glow without clogging pores. A favorite among our testers with oily and acne-prone skin. Refreshing botanical fragrance. Other things to know: Expensive, but a little goes a long way. Those with dry skin may prefer something creamier. Deal is for the large 3.38-ounce size. Read more: The Best Korean Skin Care Products $16 $12 from Amazon What we like: A truly unscented shampoo bar worth considering. Performs exceptionally well. Testers with a range of hair textures and thicknesses loved this bar; half said they'd buy it. They were enthusiastic about the shine, bounce, and softness of their hair after drying. Other things to know: Rebranded during our tests, but this didn't affect the formula. Some found the previous rectangle shape to be particularly slimy while resting on a shower shelf; we'll report back on how the new crescent shape fares. Add three to cart to get deal. Read more: Our Favorite Solid Shampoo Bars $48 $34 from Amazon $48 $34 from Ulta What we like: A pump bottle of luxe sunscreen worth considering. Closely beat the Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 (one of our favorite face sunscreens) in our brand-concealed test; testers loved its superior absorption, dry down, skin feel, and tropical scent. Other things to know: Chemical formula includes avobenzone 2.8%, homosalate 9.8%, octisalate 4.9%, octocrylene 9.5%. This 20-ounce jug is cheaper per-ounce than Supergoop's 18-ounce jug, but pricier than our budget pick. At Ulta, select store pickup or add to a larger order to avoid shipping fees (or add two to cart and use code 747545 to get two for $61 and free shipping). Read more: The Best Sunscreen $44 $30 from Amazon What we like: An at-home teeth-whitening solution used and loved by the Wirecutter staff. Low-tech, effective, and very affordable. No dentist visits required. Comes with 20 Professional Effects treatments and two one-hour Express treatments. Other things to know: Slower than professional treatments; results take several sessions over the course of a few weeks. We will likely see better deals later this year, but not as low as we have seen in the past. Read more: Why We Love Crest 3D Whitestrips $68 $55 from Amazon What we like: Our top chemical sunscreen pick for your face that's nicely scented and available in bulk. Good for face and body. Rubs in easily and is nearly transparent once applied. Light, pleasant scent. User-friendly pump bottle. Other things to know: Some testers noted that it left them feeling greasy. The 18-ounce jug is the most affordable size on a per-ounce basis. We've seen it slightly cheaper during a recent sale, but drops below this price are pretty uncommon. Read more: The Best Sunscreens for Your Face $38 $31 from Amazon What we like: Our top chemical facial sunscreen pick with no white cast. Spreads easily. Great for darker skin tones. Goes on like a makeup primer; one tester said it "can be reapplied throughout the day on top of makeup without looking oily or sticky.' Water-resistant up to 40 minutes. Other things to know: Greasy texture (like a watery petroleum jelly) may be off-putting to some. Pricey for sunscreen. Deal is for the 1.7-ounce tube. Read more: The Best Sunscreens for Your Face What we like: Our top pick for the best combination sunscreen for your face. Very moisturizing. Smells only slightly sunscreen-like. Thicker consistency without being streaky or too heavy. Contains skin-calming niacinamide. Quickly absorbs into the skin. Other things to know: Takes a bit more effort to rub in, and may leave a white cast on dark skin. Some testers said this formula left an oily feeling that never quite went away throughout the day. Deal is for a pack of two 2.5 ounce bottles. Read more: The Best Sunscreens for Your Face $20 $14 from Amazon What we like: Our top pick for the best chemical sunscreen. Lightweight and easy to apply. Not greasy; rubs in with a dry, transparent finish and appears nearly colorless on skin. Oxybenzone-free. Other things to know: Tropical fragrance isn't overpowering, but may not be for everyone. Water-resistant up to 80 minutes. Not reef-safe. Deal is for a pack of two 6-ounce tubes. Read more: The Best Sunscreen $270 $200 from Shark What we like: Wirecutter's favorite multipurpose hairstyling tool. A powerful hair dryer, straightener, and curler. Essentially eliminates the need for a separate hair dryer. Uses Coanda airflow technology. Dries hair just as fast, and is an overall a better value than the Dyson Airwrap. Base can twist 90 degrees. Other things to know: The Dyson Airwrap is easier to use. Storage box not included. Two-year warranty. Eight accessory and attachment options available; select three. We've seen other drops to $200 for bundles with five attachments, but this is still a good value. Read more: Shark FlexStyle or Dyson Airwrap: Which Styling Tool Is for You? What we like: Our runner-up pick for the best electric toothbrush. A quieter option that vibrates instead of oscillates. Features include a pacing timer, audible pressure sensor, and a long-lasting rechargeable battery. Other things to know: Some may dislike the back-and-forth vibrating motion. Replacement brush heads are typically a bit more expensive than those of our top pick. On sale in black; clip the on-page coupon to get the deal price. Read more: The Best Electric Toothbrush $25 $18 from Amazon $50 $31 from Amazon What we like: Our retinol pick best for dry skin. Met our criteria for an excellent retinol product, but also has many of the ingredients we require of our favorite moisturizers. Even testers with sensitive skin were able to tolerate this—and were pleased with the results. No detectable scent. Other things to know: Deal for the 1.7-ounce tube (we tested it with a pump bottle, but the formula is the same). The two-pack of this cream (also on sale) is a better value, but this is still a good deal for a single tube. Read more: The Best Retinol Products $50 $35 from Amazon What we like: A standout oil facial cleanser worth considering for double cleansing. Dewy formula left our skin feeling plumped up and smooth. Quickly and thoroughly removed heavy eye makeup and lip liner. Has nice body (more of a drop than a drip). Other things to know: Not fragrance-free; has just enough aroma to register as a luxury — which is a baseline expectation considering it costs $50 for about 5 ounces. Read more: The 8 Best Facial Cleansers $14 $10 from Amazon What we like: The best body lotion for the vibes without the irritation. This fragrance-free lotion's creamy formula has skin-calming ingredients such as calendula and oat kernel extract, and its bright packaging encourages daily use. Lightweight formula absorbs easily. Accepted by the National Eczema Association. Other things to know: The pump top is difficult to open. The fragrance-free formula still carries a subtle scent from its ingredients. Read more: The Best Body Lotions Page 2
Daily Mail
23-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Beauty fans say this shampoo is the secret to glossy, expensive-looking hair - and it 'smells like perfume' (now 20% off)
For expensive-looking, glossy hair with mirror shine, there's one four-piece hair kit that shoppers are swearing by - and it's currently 20 per cent off. Shoppers are nourishing 'straw-like' hair in just 30 seconds for smoothness that lasts up to three days thanks to the Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth collection. Not only that, users say it smells so good, it's like 'perfume' for your hair. Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth Shampoo 250ml The user-loved Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth is currently on sale for 20 per cent off at LookFantastic - just use the discount code FLASH at checkout. With added squalane and omega-9, this shampoo hydrates tresses to leave them visibly soft and supple, minimising the look of split ends whilst leaving a glass-like shine. For best results, use alongside Ultimate Smooth Conditioner, Mask and Miracle Oil Serum, for nourished hair in as little as 30 seconds and smoothness that lasts up to three days. £18.28 (save £4.87) Shop Not all shampoos are made equal, and if you're after an envious shine with a distractingly good scent, then there's one haircare line that is impressing shoppers left right and centre. And it's currently on sale at LookFantastic. The Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth shampoo and conditioner, mask and oil have got scores of reviewers talking about the 'divine' scent that leaves 'hair smelling amazing all day'. Suitable for dry, dull and colour-treated hair in need of a moisture boost, the Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth Shampoo not only leaves hair noticeably smooth but with a lingering scent that's been likened to 'perfume'. 'This shampoo quite literally makes me feel so luxurious with its beautiful scent soft leather gliding in my hairs take all my burdens and tensions away,' raved one impressed shopper. Another LookFantastic shopper agreed, adding: 'First of all the smell of these products is incredible, it actually smells like a perfume! The shampoo has a great lather and really makes your hair feel like it has had a good clean. Conditioner is equally as good.' The Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth is a premium range designed to tame frizz and boost shine - perfect for getting that expensive post-salon locks from the comfort of your own home. This collection features nourishing shampoos, hydrating conditioners, repairing masks, and the brand's hero lightweight serum. And all four of the products can be bought for 20 per cent off from June 23 to June 29 at LookFantastic - perfect for keeping hair smooth and sleek all summer long. Boasting a long-lasting, sophisticated fragrance, that's oozing with sparkling citruses, accents of floral and warm amber, the hair products keep flyaways under control - perfect for the summers humidity. In fact, these products deliver up to 96 hours of frizz control and a glossy finish thanks to the patented technology that combines squalane and omega-9, which works from the inside out. 'Like the conditioner, this stuff is sent from the gods. Unbelievable scent, makes your hair incredibly soft, less frizz and repairs damaged her. I found this incredibly effective' wrote one wowed shopper. Another agreed, adding: 'I'm in love with multiple aspects of this product. The smell is divine and love the texture and a small amount reaches far and lathers amazing.' You can now get 20 per cent off the Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth at LookFantastic; just use the discount code FLASH at checkout.
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Could your skin use some TLC? Heal your complexion and keep makeup on all day with a $60 spray packed with calming magnesium
Healing skin is no small task. Whether due to illness, aging, or any of life's many transitional periods, you deserve care that's gentle, effective, and soothing. AVARA Face Replenish was formulated precisely for that reason. The beautifully crafted facial mist calms, hydrates, and meets your skin's needs when you need it the most, providing gentle and reliable support you can feel. AVARA Face Replenish This ultra-fine mist is the perfect soothing addition to your skin care routine. Heal and hydrate even the most sensitive skin with this medley of hypochlorous acid, magnesium minerals, and nourishing agents like tranexamic acid. The product is formulated to minimize inflammation while supporting the skin's delicate barrier. Perfect for use after cleansing or to set makeup, this glow-giving mist is just what your skin needs for a refreshing reset. Buy here Shop Developed by Dr. Dhivya R. Srinivasa, M.D., a double board-certified surgeon with deep experience in both general and plastic surgery, this formula's hero ingredient is hypochlorous acid. The healing agent became a social media darling when it quickly gained traction for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It also helps you rebalance and maintain a healthy skin microbiome, crucial to your skin's long-term health. AVARA's formula combines hypochlorous acid with magnesium minerals and nourishing elements like squalane and allantoin to create a stable and protective barrier for your skin. Magnesium is a key addition, as it can have a calming effect on irritated, needy skin. It can even support your skin at the cellular level, promoting healing while relieving inflammation. With tranexamic acid included to minimize discoloration, reduce dark spots, and brighten a dull, lackluster complexion, the spray works overtime to deliver real results that you can both see and feel. The sensation is light and refreshing from the first spritz! Just spray right after cleaning for an instant moisture boost, or use it to set your makeup. It not only keeps your beauty routine locked in but also lends your complexion a gorgeous glow. Unlike so many other products, Face Replenish won't clog your pores or dry it out. In fact, it does the opposite thanks to its clean formula. It's completely free of harsh chemicals, irritants, and animal products, making it especially suitable for sensitive or healing skin. With only six thoughtfully selected ingredients, the formula really shines. It's par for the course for Avara. Dr. Srinivasa understands better than anyone the needs of women who seek comforting, nurturing products. Everything is carefully formulated, and there is no risk of common concerns like allergies or hormone disruption. For anyone who seeks an effective approach to skin care that's grounded in science while respecting sensitive and healing skin, AVARA Face Replenish is a lovely option that feels good while making a difference.
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Could your skin use some TLC? Heal your complexion with the nourishing antimicrobial spray that contains calming magnesium
Healing skin is no small task. Whether due to illness, aging, or any of life's many transitional periods, you deserve care that's gentle, effective, and soothing. AVARA Face Replenish was formulated precisely for that reason. The beautifully crafted facial mist calms, hydrates, and meets your skin's needs when you need it the most, providing gentle and reliable support you can feel. AVARA Face Replenish This ultra-fine mist is the perfect soothing addition to your skin care routine. Heal and hydrate even the most sensitive skin with this medley of hypochlorous acid, magnesium minerals, and nourishing agents like tranexamic acid. The product is formulated to minimize inflammation while supporting the skin's delicate barrier. Perfect for use after cleansing or to set makeup, this glow-giving mist is just what your skin needs for a refreshing reset. Buy here Shop Developed by Dr. Dhivya R. Srinivasa, M.D., a double board-certified surgeon with deep experience in both general and plastic surgery, this formula's hero ingredient is hypochlorous acid. The healing agent became a social media darling when it quickly gained traction for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It also helps you rebalance and maintain a healthy skin microbiome, crucial to your skin's long-term health. AVARA's formula combines hypochlorous acid with magnesium minerals and nourishing elements like squalane and allantoin to create a stable and protective barrier for your skin. Magnesium is a key addition, as it can have a calming effect on irritated, needy skin. It can even support your skin at the cellular level, promoting healing while relieving inflammation. With tranexamic acid included to minimize discoloration, reduce dark spots, and brighten a dull, lackluster complexion, the spray works overtime to deliver real results that you can both see and feel. The sensation is light and refreshing from the first spritz! Just spray right after cleaning for an instant moisture boost, or use it to set your makeup. It not only keeps your beauty routine locked in but also lends your complexion a gorgeous glow. Unlike so many other products, Face Replenish won't clog your pores or dry it out. In fact, it does the opposite thanks to its clean formula. It's completely free of harsh chemicals, irritants, and animal products, making it especially suitable for sensitive or healing skin. With only six thoughtfully selected ingredients, the formula really shines. It's par for the course for Avara. Dr. Srinivasa understands better than anyone the needs of women who seek comforting, nurturing products. Everything is carefully formulated, and there is no risk of common concerns like allergies or hormone disruption. For anyone who seeks an effective approach to skin care that's grounded in science while respecting sensitive and healing skin, AVARA Face Replenish is a lovely option that feels good while making a difference.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
We Tested and Reviewed the Lancôme Lip Idôle Butterglow Hydrating Lip Balm That Shoppers Say Is Worth the Splurge
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission. After Lancôme launched its Lip Idôle Squalane-12 Butterglow Hydrating Lip Balm, the buildable, lipstick-balm hybrid promptly became the talk of many a TikTok girlie and Reddit reviewer, all of whom praise the product's pigment power that doesn't sacrifice the deep hydration our pouts so desperately need to look flawless. More from WWD EXCLUSIVE: Meet SunsolveMD by the SolveMD, the SPF Brand for a 'Younger More Tech-savvy Crowd' Church & Dwight Acquires Touchland for Up to $880 Million EXCLUSIVE: Josie Maran Launches Fragrance Mists The ingredient we can thank for this ideal balance is, first and foremost, squalane. It's a skin-identical emollient — commonly found in the best hydrating serums or hand creams — that mimics the lipids naturally found in your skin barrier. Squalane helps prevent skin's moisture loss, mitigates signs of aging, smooths the skin, and does all this without clogging pores. Lancôme's Lip Idôle Hydrating Lip Balm is also boosted with shea butter to soften skin, jojoba oil (providing antioxidant protection and, once again, moisture), as well as ceramides (which, like squalane, hold hydration inside the skin barrier while granting firming and plumping effects). The balm's superpowers don't end there: It contains plenty more oils, waxes, various flower extracts, and vitamin E. While all of this sounds good on paper, the proof is in the pudding… or, in this case, the numbers. The tinted lip balm from Lancôme has over 44,000 hearts on and an impressive 4.8-star average on plus more than 2,000 five-star reviews directly on the brand's site. Lancôme's bestsellers also seem to consistently find their way into the hands of celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo (who used the Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Lengthening Mascara at the 2025 Grammy Awards), Isabella Rossellini (whose bold red lip look at this year's Golden Globes was courtesy of the L'Absolu Rouge Drama Matte Lipstick), and Da'Vine Joy Randolph (the actress' makeup artist for the Oscars chose the Lip Idôle Hydrating Lip Balm in question, specifically in the Don't Be Chai hue). These starlets show how advantageous Lancôme makeup is when you're faced with the bright lights and camera flashes of the red carpet: paying dividends in volume, shine, definition, and other covetable attributes. But how do the brand's formulas — particularly a hot-right-now lip one — stand up to everyday wear, on the kinds of days when you want your makeup aesthetic to feel fresh but may not have time for hourly touchups? In the spirit of a beauty writer who doesn't immediately trust the word 'buzzworthy,' I set out to see if the 90-year-old Parisian brand's only lip balm offering was, well, actually worthy of all that buzz. I took the Lip Idôle Squalane-12 Butterglow Hydrating Lip Balm for a spin in the Mauve-tivation shade, using it for a full month at work during which I talked, ate, sat at my computer, and occasionally went out for walks in the area. Having trialed no shortage of lip products spanning balms, lipsticks, lip oils, plumpers, liners, and glosses, I'm one demanding journalist when it comes to the criteria a beauty buy has to fit in order for it to become a personal recommendation. I needed this balm to cling to my lips for over two hours without having to keep coming back to the tube; offer a range of intensity levels that could be controlled via the number of times I swiped my lips with it; have a texture that felt creamy without stickiness; and, once a day has passed by, leave my pout feeling more hydrated than what I started with. Read on for my honest review of how it lived up to (and surpassed) these expectations. Product tested: Lancôme Lip Idôle Squalane-12 Butterglow Hydrating Lip Balm Testing time period: One month Key ingredients: Squalane, shea butter, jojoba oil, and ceramides Sizes available: 1 available, 0.1 oz. Editor testing and review notes: 'Lancôme's Lip Idôle Squalane-12 Butterglow Hydrating Lip Balm provided the low-maintenance solution I needed to achieve 'French-girl lips' that added a pop of color to my work 'fits without being too bold and while keeping my lips constantly hydrated. Of particular note were the balm's buttery texture, indulgent scent, and the fact that it protected my lips even after a long day (running on a single application). It's just the thing to plop into your makeup bag for all of life's moments, from the commonplace to the high-glam.'$32 Buy Now at Lancôme Price upon publish date of this article: $32 The first thing I loved when swiping the Lip Idôle balm on my top and bottom lips was its scent. Usually, the best lip balms on the market have an almost-medicinal fragrance or else something that's overwhelmingly sweet and completely unserious. This pick, however, benefits from a multifaceted scent profile marked by a kind of mintiness (I later read the fine print and realized this was due to peppermint oil). And although its presence didn't translate to a cooling sensation on my lips — something the best lip plumpers are known to bestow — I still appreciated this sensory bonus. Beyond a more-than-pleasant smell, the tinted balm also had the most balanced texture I've experienced in a long time: something that was ultra-rich and creamy (it's called 'Butterglow,' after all!) but didn't have the stickiness that's part of some hydrating lip products' DNA. Indeed, the balm was lightweight, and I never felt like I was smacking my lips each time I opened my mouth. Color-wise, the lip balm's biggest accomplishment is that it's buildable to the highest degree, meaning I could swipe once before heading to work — which created a blurred subtlety that was perfect for an office setting — or thrice to complete a going-out ensemble that demanded something bolder. More layers did not in any way translate to heaviness or garish oversaturation, which is a win for springtime: when freeing yourself of stifling layers and thick coats presumes doing a bit of the same in the lip department. Even a single layer stuck to my skin for the duration of a day and into the evening, working overtime as I chewed on sandwiches, drank from my HydroFlask, bit my lips in frustration over writer's block, and engaged in similar pursuits at which comparable lip balms would balk. Another reason for the Lip Idôle Squalane-12 Butterglow Hydrating Lip Balm's viral success — and constant OOS notifications online — is that its range of shades honors and flatters every skin tone. Mine, light-to-medium but with some traces of olive in there, did well with Mauve-tivation: part of the balm's berry family but more multidimensional than your typical pink, being dark enough to brighten the complexion in a contrast play of sorts (though perhaps this was just an imagined placebo effect!). If you're interested in tapping into the nude lip trend that's been taking over awards shows and celebrity MUAs' makeup bags as of late, you better hurry: there's only one beige hue that hasn't sold out yet on Lancôme's site, and I guarantee it won't be around for much longer. Now, as far as hydration goes — a major element of this balm, even present in its very name — I truly felt like it fulfilled all original claims related to the matter. I'm not the kind of gal that walks around with chapped lips all the time (I drink my mandatory liters, thank you very much), so I wasn't looking for some miracle cure, but what I can say is that lipsticks and tints which make my pout parched, or else are mattifying, are big no-nos in my book. Because of its aforementioned ingredient list, this Lancôme star was skin-nourishing to the max, functioning almost like a kind of clear, unscented balm formula made with dry lips or hands in mind. The hydration my lips received did, in fact, last for entire days, though I didn't notice the product reducing fine lines in any significant way. Will I continue using Lancôme's Lip Idôle Hydrating Lip Balm this season and beyond, for a chic, one-and-done lip look that proves makeup doesn't have to come at the cost of skin care? You better believe it, and I hope you join my Lancôme fan club. $32 Buy Now at Lancôme 'It's rare to find a tinted lip balm that hydrates like an oil and gives the color payoff of a nude lipstick — but that's exactly the case with Lancome's Butterglow Balm. The Don't Be Chai tone is my favorite for a perfect pink-brown lip. I usually layer it over a rich chocolate-toned lip liner, then use my ring finger to meld the depth of the liner with the fair color payoff of the balm. The effect is contoured, plumper-looking lips that stay hydrated for hours.' — Contributing Beauty Shopping Editor Claire SullivanPrice upon publish date of this article: $32 $32 Buy Now at Lancôme Editor testing and review notes: 'Lancôme's Lip Idôle Squalane-12 Butterglow Hydrating Lip Balm in Keep It Glowy delivers what I think of as the 'no-lipstick lipstick' look. Its butteriness and hydration is immediately felt upon application, while the buildable hue really allows the wearer to decide how pink they want their pout to look. In my testing experience, a few swipes of this top product made my lips look naturally flushed, with a pinch of pink that revitalized and amplified their appearance. In my experience, that level of pigment control (while also bestowing long-lasting hydration!) is a rarity in lip color products.' — Commerce Director Adam MansurogluPrice upon publish date of this article: $32 $32 Buy Now at Lancôme Price upon publish date of this article: $32 $32 Buy Now at Lancôme Price upon publish date of this article: $32 Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as 'the fashion bible' — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women's and men's fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD's breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD's editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here. Stacia Datskovska is the Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor's degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on beauty's latest and greatest, including celebrity-used Lancôme gems. Claire Sullivan is a contributing beauty editor for WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion, and lifestyle stories. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She's tested hundreds of products during her time as an editor, including tinted and hydrating lip treatments plus the best Lancôme beauty products. is the Director of Commerce for Footwear News and WWD, overseeing strategy for shopping content on both brands, along with writing and editing shopping guides, product reviews, and shopping trend stories across fashion, beauty, home, and lifestyle product categories for men and women. Before his current role, Mansuroglu was a fashion editor and stylist at Cosmopolitan Magazine, a Style Editor at and a Senior Style and Gear Editor at Men's Health Magazine. Mansuroglu has been tapped as a shopping expert for editorial websites such as Wirecutter, and his writing has also appeared in Out Magazine, Esquire, and other publications. Mansuroglu has tested hundreds of hydrating lip balms over the past three years.
