Confession: I have a thing for lip products. My vanity is littered with dozens of balms, glosses, and sticks, each of which is organized into its own dedicated spaces. I group them into one of three categories—lip balms that are great for combatting dryness and chapping (but otherwise kind of boring), sticks and glosses in subtle shades for everyday wear, and highly pigmented products that give a “wow” pop of color and shine when the occasion calls for it—as relevant as any accessory for a night out.
But I’m having trouble figuring out where to stash my new favorite—a multi-tasking wonder product that delivers all of the above in one beautiful tube. Cosmedix Lumi Crystal ($39) is a heavy-duty hydrator combining deeply moisturizing ingredients and hero anti-agers with a prismatic wash of color that’s easily dialed up or down depending on how you apply it.
The product’s signature is its 90 percent liquid crystal base that works to up the hydration and keep lips looking soft and full. “For maximum moisturizing properties, a formulation needs to contain a combination of humectants to hydrate the skin, emollients to support the skin barrier, and occlusives to lock in moisture,” says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. “This formulation contains all three. The liquid crystals contain [ethically sourced] lanolin. which has both emollient and occlusive properties for very moisturizing results. In addition, it also contains humectants like glycerin and emollients like ceramides, fatty acids, moringa seed oil, and rice bran oil.”
The formula also contains a unique tripeptide complex that works to reduce visible signs of aging, says Dr. King. “Palmitoyl tripeptide-38 boosts the synthesis of components of the skin matrix including collagen, fibronectin, and hyaluronic acid for anti-aging benefits,” she says.
There’s also brassica alba sprout extract for moisturizing and plumping effects; portulaca pilosa, a botanical that helps soften, plump, and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles; and spin trap, an antioxidant that helps to protect the lips from free radical damage.
How do I love this product? Let me count the ways
I’ve been using the product since the beginning of fall, and it’s done wonders to combat dryness and keep my lips hydrated. It’s soft, smooth, and rich, but not at all sticky. A single swipe lasts for hours and my lips feel moisturized within minutes of application.
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While the hydrating effects are brilliant, it’s the prismatic color that really has me singing the praises of this particular lip product—I adore the versatility of its iridescent hue. Worn alone, the light wash of color perfectly complements a more natural look with just the right hint of glossiness. And when applied over lip liner and a base coat of lipstick, the product’s opalescent qualities take the glam factor to the next level, shining and catching the light in gorgeous fashion. I’ve taken to wearing it on top of medium-pink lipstick and red liner, but have no doubt it would look divine layered over just about any shade. 
This all-in-one product is so versatile, you can turn to it for everything from a shopping trip to going out for dinner to attending a swanky party, knowing all the while you’re also giving your lips some moisturizing love—something especially welcome in the cold-weather months.
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