The Case for Choosing Lip Color by How It Feels, Not Just How It Looks

Elle has narrowed the field to eight lipsticks selected specifically for hydration, the kind built to leave a plump, glossy finish rather than the dry, flat color that comes from applying pigment straight onto parched lips. The edit treats moisture as the starting point and shine as the result, not the other way around. Alongside the shortlist comes guidance on application, aimed at keeping the finish glossy and flake-free rather than letting it settle into cracks as the day wears on.

With reporting from Elle.