When hunting for a does-it-all lip companion that will sit pride of place in our handbag, there are a plethora of non-negotiables. To begin with, it must be comfortable, hydrating, deliver a high-shine finish and possess the ability to survive a 10 am meeting. Bonus points for a plumping effect - sans the painful tingle.
Hourglass' viral lip innovation, Phantom Volumising Glossy Balm, £36 promises to do all of the above and more. So much so, that Sofia Richie uses it on repeat and her go-to shade, Sense (a peachy beige) regularly flies out of stock. Sharing her beauty routine, Richie previously said 'I think this is a must-have, must-have product. It's hydrating. It's moisturising, but it's great lip coverage and it leaves just a really pretty gloss sheen on your lips. Stunning, no lip liner.'
As its name suggests, the balm is glossy, gently plumping and adds a soft-yet-buildable colour to the lips. Striking the balance between the simplicity of a lip balm and the luxury of a high-end lipstick, it's no wonder it has the A-list hooked.
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The balmy lipstick is loved for being both hydrating and giving a glass-like finish.
And, it's not just celebrities that are flocking to the product. The lip balm immediately went viral on TikTok, with Sofia's favourite shade Sense (naturally) being the hardest to get hold of. As well as the warm nude which exudes quiet luxury, the balm comes in other flattering shades to suit all skin tones, including a subtle pink, a coral and a deep brown.
Love Island veteran turned ITV presenter, Olivia Attwood also recently hailed it as 'the only lipgloss that matters' on an Instagram story, telling fans 'When I tell you 12/10 obsessed. Shade: Sense 110.' Meanwhile, beauty TikToker, @rachel_stahlke applauded it as 'the one lip that gets me stopped at every wedding I attend.'
In a video with over 1.3 million views, she shared, 'If you had to buy one product in 2024, let it be this one. It's magic. This shade specifically gets me so many compliments, anytime I'm at a social function and event, I get stopped by about this. This is the one in Slip, it's the most perfect neutral, slightly rosy [shade].'
Housed in a luxe gold tube, the Phantom Volumising Glossy Balm, £36 delivers the perfect amount of colour and a glassy sheen without sacrificing hydration. The only problem you'll have is deciding on a colour.
Aimee Jakes is Grazia’s trending content editor. As well as writing about skincare launches, high-street fashion and gym bag essentials, she’s forever chatting to celebs about their fancy beauty routines. Follow her on Instagram here.