As a child in the early aughts, my first foray into cosmetics was collecting Lip Smackers. Every trip to Target included getting a new tube of waxy, flavored lip balm to add to my rotation. They offered every flavor under the sun, from watermelon to Cherry Coca-Cola.
My inventory of makeup has changed and expanded in adulthood. But one stipulation remains the same: lip products still need to taste good. While you aren't eating them with a knife and fork, any product applied to your lips will end up getting ingested one way or another, so they might as well have an enjoyable flavor.
Few things are worse than perfumey lipsticks that taste like the bottom of your grandma's purse. Thankfully, there are plenty of brands out there that offer grown-up equivalents of Lip Smackers—sweet, fun, and enjoyable to wear.
If you're like me and always consider the taste when buying lip products, then you'll love these nine brands. Are there any products I missed? Let me know in the comments.
Rhode
Hailey Bieber launched the skincare and cosmetics company Rhode in 2021. The hype is still going strong, especially when it comes to the Peptide Lip Treatment. You can get the glossy, moisturizing balm in an unscented version, but their other formulas are the products worth buying. I'm particularly partial to Watermelon Slice.
Laneige
Korean brand Laneige is known for their sleeping masks, but you shouldn't sleep on their Lip Glowy Balm. It's lightweight, hydrating, and comes in many delicious flavors, ranging from Gummy Bear to Grapefruit.
Glossier
Glossier's Balm Dotcom is a cult favorite for a reason. There's a formula for everyone, whether you prefer your lip balm to taste floral, fruity, or gourmand.
Tower 28
The LipSoftie Lip Treatment from Tower 28 comes in some especially unique flavors that feel very grown-up. The Ube Vanilla flavor in particular is one of my favorites, but you can't go wrong with any of their options.
Marée
There's something about strawberry that brings that Lip Smackers nostalgia, and the Lip Mask from Marée has the same sweet and fruity flavor without the waxy consistency.
Lanolips
Lanolips sets itself apart from the rest with the use of lanolin instead of petroleum, which provides much deeper moisture. Their classic 101 Ointment is great on its own, but they also offer seven different fun flavors (the green apple is especially enjoyable).
Summer Fridays
One of the most beloved lip balms on the market is the Lip Butter Balm from Summer Fridays. It's thick and rich enough to last on your lips for a while, but the flavor is what really takes it to the next level. The vanilla formula is by far the best-tasting vanilla I've tried—and that's saying something.
Fenty Skin
Leave it to Rihanna to make some of the best-tasting lip products on the market. Her Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb is one of my favorites, but the Fenty Skin Plush Puddin’ Intensive Recovery Lip Mask is on a whole other level. Try the Barbados Cherry and thank me later.
Fenty Skin Plush Puddin' Intensive Recovery Lip Mask
Ole Henriksen
If you want your lip balm to taste bright and refreshing, reach for Ole Henriksen's Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment. The original formula has a summery citrus flavor that doesn't veer too sweet, which makes it perfect for daily use.
OLEHENRIKSEN Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment
