It’s no surprise that lip balms are all the rage right now, and with brands releasing their take on the best conditioning formulas, I’ve never been more excited to put them to the test. Besides my phone, I can’t live without a quality lip balm – one that delivers hydration that sinks into the skin and makes my lips look and feel soft.
Tower 28 recently came out with its LipSoftie Lip Balm ($16), and if it’s anything like its other bestselling, sensitive-skin-friendly products, I knew it was going to be good. I’m already a huge fan of the brand’s ShineOn Lip Jelly Lip Gloss for its hydrating wear, so I had high hopes for its new lip balm as well.
Keep reading for my in-depth review of Tower 28’s LipSoftie Lip Balm.
About the Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Balm
- It’s a nonsticky lip balm containing hydrating ingredients like lysine and moisture-locking shea butter and jojoba oil.
- The lip balm comes in one untinted, unscented version called SOS and four tinted shades with corresponding flavors: a sheer pink called Watermelon Kiwi, a sheer nude called Dulce de Leche, a sheer burgundy called Ube Vanilla, and lastly, a sheer red-orange called Blood Orange Vanilla.
- The lip balms are made with 100 percent food-grade non-artificial flavor and are cruelty-free and vegan.
- It’s safe for all skin types and specifically formulated for sensitive, chapped lips.
What I Like About the Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Balm
As the lip balm universe expands, the Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Balm is a top contender that does not disappoint. It has a similar texture to Laneige’s Lip Glowy Balm, a thick balm that thins out into a smooth and conditioning treatment. The LipSofties leave my lips feeling hydrated, and the formula feels like it’s actually sinking into the skin, relieving dryness and flaking. It’s aptly named because my lips truly do look and feel so soft and supple immediately after application. It’s not a plumping formula, but my lips definitely look more revived and juicy whenever I wear this lip balm.
Although it only comes in four tinted shades, the range is universally appealing, so you’re sure to find your perfect match. Each shade is pigmented enough to deliver that fresh wash of color that brings life to your lips without needing to layer it on top of a lip liner or more pigmented product. My favorite shade is the sheer burgundy Ube Vanilla, as it gives me the ultimate “my lips but better” look. It now permanently lives in my purse. I also love the sheer nude Dulce De Leche as a true neutral.
You can toss the squeeze-tube packaging into your pocket or small handbag and get every last drop. And at $16 a pop, it’s a pretty affordable alternative to the more expensive options out there that tend to sell out often.
How to Use the Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Balm
Just like any other lip balm, you can apply this directly to your lips when you need a boost of hydration or a wash of color. However, the tinted options of the LipSoftie are pretty pigmented, so I’d suggest layering the formula carefully, getting the desired amount without going beyond the border of your lips. You can pair this with your favorite lip liner for a natural, everyday look or wear it on top of your favorite lipstick for a high-gloss finish and some extra conditioning hydration.
What to Consider Before Trying the Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Balm
The LipSoftie lip balm has a dome-shape plastic applicator that delivers a dose of nostalgia, but it can get a bit messy to use compared to other lip-hugging applicators. I recommend dispensing a little bit of the formula on the center of your lips and using the rounded shape to help spread the formula out.
If you already have the brand’s bestselling ShineOn Lip Jelly, this product feels similar in terms of hydration, but this one has a thinner texture, whereas the ShineOn Lip Jelly has a glossy, high-shine finish. The brand’s JuiceBalm Lip Balm is a stick formula with a buttery conditioning feel, whereas the LipSoftie feels more like a hydrating lip mask that has a lightweight slip and feel.
Where Is the Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Balm Available?
The Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Balm is available at Sephora and the brand’s site.
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