8 of the Best Hydrating Lipsticks to Give Dry Lips a Plump, Glossy Shine

It’s not easy to find a lipstick that hydrates dry lips. Uncomfortable, undesired texture is the biggest enemy for makeup wearers, and your lips are no exception, regardless of whether you’re naturally prone to flakiness or your skin is responding to a rapid change in the seasons.

It might be difficult to select a lipstick that provides pigment, smoothness, and sheen while also nurturing your lips. Fortunately, contemporary formulas and balm-lipstick hybrids that fight dehydration without making your lips appear flaky or lifeless are now widely available in the market.

The most hydrating lipstick formulas from the cosmetic industry—from sheer washes of romantic, moisturizing color to bold pigments in a wide spectrum of shades—were the best on display.

Continue reading to learn how to apply them for long-lasting color and the necessary preparation measures to guaranty a smooth, attractive finish.

What to look for in a hydrating lipstick

As you might expect, when it comes to moisturizing formulas, matte lipsticks are best avoided. The majority provide a powder-like finish that denies your lips the moisturizing properties and comfortable slide they require for smooth lips.

There are a few exceptions to this rule, mainly in the form of matte balms that provide delicate pigment in a cocooning, smooth-yet-shine-free finish (such as Glossier’s revised Balm Dotcom Lip Balm or Violette_FR’s Bisou Balm). But the smooth, glossy sheen of a classic moisturizing lipstick texture will always be our favorite.

According to Carly Utting, global senior artist for M.A.C Cosmetics U.K., “wearing a lipstick during a dry lip moment requires some careful consideration.” “Using a matte can make your lips feel drier than the Sahara, but using a gloss just hides the issue without fixing it.”

Positively, Utting reminds us that there are now several products made to cure lips like a balm would, in addition to making them appear juicy and attractive.

“Look for a lipstick that is marketed as a balm or a conditioning lipstick,” she advises. “MAC has some excellent choices for a dryer lip. During the colder months, Tender Talk Lip Balm is an essential part of my arsenal since it helps rebuild the lip barrier and nourishes the lips for a whole day. Because of its smart stain chemistry, it provides a translucent layer of color that is triggered by your own pH.

M.A.C.’s Macximal Sleek Satin lip colors are richly pigmented, creamy, and cover the lips with nourishing oils for a more luxurious look.

How to prep and apply lipstick for dry lips

There are a few crucial procedures to follow when applying lipstick on dry lips in order to adequately prepare them for color. The initial one? Before you begin, make sure they are absolutely flake-free.

According to Utting, “you need to slather off any dry skin on the surface of the lips to allow the conditioning formula to absorb better.” Your closest buddy will be a little sugar scrub, which will leave your lips smooth and prepared for lipstick.

In addition to softening texture and minimizing fine wrinkles, priming your lips with a hydrating balm will provide a cozy layer of moisture for the lipstick to stick to.

For me, MAC’s Lip Conditioner is a true hero. Utting, who uses it while doing the skin prep, says, “It’s been a backstage staple in my kit for 20 years and I haven’t found a product with instant relief for my clients.” Before applying lip color, let it sit for ten minutes.

For added longevity, you might also try a lip primer like M.A.C.’s Lip Prep and Prime. It forms a barrier between the lips and lipstick by covering the lip with a waxy base. Utting tells ELLE, “Lips appear smoother and more nourished, and lipstick lasts longer.”

MAC Lustreglass Lipstick

Lustreglass Lipstick is our first choice if you want a classic lipstick instead of a sheer balm formula. It has a complimentary glossy sheen, strong pigment, and an amazing shade variety. Thank you. Our particular favorites for the approaching fall season are MAC and $ellout.

Les Filles En Rouje Charme Palette

A one-and-done palette for the lips, eyes, and cheeks is the ultimate cosmetic need for busy beauty enthusiasts, regardless of whether they are frequent travelers or makeup artists on the go. Choose this Les Filles en Rouje Charme Palette, which has a multipurpose, effortlessly stylish recipe enhanced by the moisturizing properties of castor oil and shea butter.

Lisa Eldridge Beauty Baume Embrace Melting Lip Color

Every shade is carefully chosen for all skin tones according to Lisa Eldridge’s painterly approach to makeup, which also includes a variety of attractive, vintage-inspired allusions. This melting lipstick-meets-balm solution is no different; it combines the hydrating plant butters and restorative seed oils with all the prettifying advantages of Lisa’s traditional lipstick method.

Estée Lauder Pure Color Melt-On Glosstick

Try this clickable gloss stick from Estée Lauder if you want full-saturation pigment and mirror-like shine. It is finished with a flawless, glassy sheen and comes in a variety of attractive hues, including rich reds and nude hues. Ideal for hydrates lipsticks that require a thick coating of nourishment.

Yves Saint Laurent Loveshine Lipstick

This multipurpose lip color may be applied in a variety of ways, from a subtle, sheer glaze to a striking, statement shade, and it promises 24 hours of hydration thanks to six conditioning lip oils. For comfortable, long-lasting color, just increase to your preferred intensity.

Nars Afterglow Lip Balm

This cocooning lip color combines the best of both worlds, and tinted lip balms are the new lipsticks of 2025. All of your favorite cheekily named Nars shades are available in its shimmering, high-shine consistency, enabling you to create a cohesive beauty moment that won’t leave your lips appearing dry or lifeless.