If you keep tabs on the beauty industry at all then you for sure witnessed lip products EVERYWHERE. Every Tom, Dick and Harry of the beauty industry has released a lip treatment, lip oil, lip tint or lip balm in 2024. It leads me to question whether lip products were the ultimate beauty trend this year. Let’s break this down with some numbers.
What if I told you that the reason brands constantly release new products is that, statistically, you're likely to buy them? You might be aware that the global economy is edging toward a potential recession, but how does that relate to lipstick? There’s a phenomenon known as the "lipstick effect" that explains this. Research consistently shows that lipstick sales actually increase during economic downturns. Economists attribute this trend to the fact that lipsticks are seen as an affordable luxury. While people may hold off on big expenses like vacations, cars, or even foundation, they’re still willing to splurge on a lip product. It’s a way to treat themselves without overspending, making lip products a popular choice during tough economic times.
Guillaume Motte, CEO of Sephora, explained that the "lipstick effect"—a term introduced by Leonard Lauder of Estée Lauder in 2001 to describe the trend of increased lipstick sales during economic recessions as people indulge in small luxuries—plays a significant role in driving Sephora’s sales growth. The same can be applied for brands that also produce lip products, with an increase in sales much like Sephora.
According to Cathrine Jansson-Boyd, an associate professor of consumer psychology at Anglia Ruskin University, people find financial stress psychologically challenging. To boost their mood, even if just slightly, they often turn to buying something they believe will lift their spirits, she explained to the BBC in 2022.
Although, the theory of lipstick sales and economic health being inversely proportional can be hard to break down in the broader beauty category, it may be considered as a high possibility. And while the lipstick effect, now, may not be limited only to lipsticks and may have branched out smaller luxuries like wellness, the makeup industry definitely does benefit from this effect.
Starting away from theories and statistics, lip products this year have truly made an impact and here to stay. From Indian skincare-beauty brands to international brands, lip products may not be the only makeup trend this year, but they sure are my favourite.
Here are some brands you may be considering while shopping for the right lip product.
Lip Treatments and Lip Balms
Inde Wild
The DLT by Inde Wild is like no other lip treatment. It’s hydration packed in a tube and you can simply never go wrong with it. The Inde Wild team has checked of all the boxes for the ‘best lip treatment’ category for me. Without breaking the bank, your lips will thank you, your Instagram feed will be filled with the DLT, and it acts as not just one product, but can be layered on lip tints and lip sticks to simply add a glowy look.
LANEIGE
Korean skincare is unmatched, but when you add gloss, hydration, cute packaging, and delicious flavours to the mix, you’re left with an IT-Girl lip balm. My personal favourite is the gummy bear flavour, trust me I feel like candy ever single time I apply it. I use it as a lip gloss because of how dewy and glossy it makes my lips look, without compromising on the benefits.
Rhode Lip Treatment
Ms. Hailey Beiber’s baby rhode, has taken over Instagram. I’m not complaining, the product looks great and while I haven used it yet, the reviews are RAVING about the product. PS- it’s already added to my cart for the next person who visits from the US to bring it for me.
Summer Fridays
It’s hard to hate on a product that looks pretty, but I also know it’s extremely hard to hate on the Summer Fridays lip butter balm, because it’s simply worth every penny. 100 points from the makeup girlies and a big YES from me, if you’re looking to get this.
While Hyphen, Dot&Key and Fae Beauty have also launched their lip treatments and balms in India, I shall get back to you on the performance once I try them.
Lip Oils and Lip Tints
Rare Beauty
Miss Selena had girls all over the world drooling in awe of Rare Beauty. Let’s be honest Sephora was out of stock for weeks post the launch and I’d say it’s for good reason. The lip oil is pigmented, light weight and a must have in your makeup routine if you love a glossy look and avoid lipsticks at all costs, like me.
Dior Lip Oil
The internet’s beloved Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil, comes in 10 stunning shades and finishes ranging from ultra-glittery to subtly shiny, this oil has it all. The Cherry Glow shade is especially adored online for its effortlessly flattering, just-bitten effect. Raved about for it’s glow and the size of the applicator, if you have a few extra bucks to splurge, don’t miss this one.
Tint Cosmetics
A homegrown brand, Tint has only grown to be one of the finest makeup brands in India. The lip oil come in multiple shades and mostly in brown-skin friendly shades which inevitably make Tint a no brainer. The applicator is thick and as someone who keeps an eye on trends, a thick applicator is a green flag all the way.
Diam Beauty
Diam Beauty, another homegrown brand has only recently entered the makeup scene in India, but there’s no reason to doubt the performance. Their products are luscious, gorgeous, feel amazing, and could even be dupes for Rare Beauty, but still so unique.
Benefit
The iconic Benetint has been around for years. But what truly still makes this a staple in your makeup bag is the versatility, the range of shades, and let’s not forget the packaging, which remains a 10/10. A lazy girl day for me involves me doing my skincare and slapping on some benetint on my cheeks and lips and calling it a day.
Rom&nd
Korean brand Rom&nd has made its way onto our list for the clear, syrupy finish and rich juicy colours available in their tints. Looking for a candy-like gloss coating that only intensifies over time for a full, plump look? Then look no further. Korean beauty truly never disappoints. Their colours are inspired by ripened fruits, with a variety of reds, oranges, pinks, and browns that you can build up as desired. You can use them as sheer everyday colours, or layer them for high intensity glam looks.
Etude House
Another Korean Beauty brand, Etude House is a perfect dupe for the Benetint if you’re on a budget. Much like the Benetint, the tint is versatile and can also be used on your cheeks!
Gisou
When I say, I have never wanted PR from a brand this bad, I mean it. Gisou has aced it’s product, marketing and packaging game. Their lip oils are a must have in your everyday tote bag and I wilI VOUCH for it.
Kiko Milano
It would be wrong of me to leave out Kiko from a list of the best lip products. If you ask me what is one lipgloss you NEED to purchase, Kiko’s name would be the first. Similarly, don’t shy away from getting their lip tints and other lip products, they’re made to never disappoint.
NYX
The NYX Fat Lip Oil has a shine like no other, is comfortable and non-sticky. Need me to give you more reasons to pick this one? It’s packed with cloudberry oil, raspberry oil and squalane, keeping your lips 100% hydrated.
Kommentare