Your lips are one of your most noticeable features, and enhancing them can elevate your entire makeup look — and your smile. Dry, cracked lips are never ideal, but the right lipstick can feel both moisturizing and confidence-boosting. That’s why knowing which ingredients to look for is key.
So how do you strike the right balance between rich pigment and lasting hydration? We asked makeup artists to share their must-have formulas — the ones that keep lips smooth from day to night. From hydrating options for parched lips to formulas packed with nourishing ingredients that help prevent cracking, these are the innovative lipsticks worth adding to your routine.
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Ingredients to look for in a hydrating lipstick
Makeup artists agree: if your lipstick isn’t doing your lips a favor, it’s not worth wearing. Makeup artist Carol Park says to stick with ingredients that “actually hydrate, not just tingle,” like hyaluronic acid, squalane and rich butters that keep lips cushy and smooth. Celebrity makeup artist Valeria Nichols adds, “If it doesn’t nourish the lips, it doesn’t belong on them,” avoiding alcohol-heavy or ultra‑matte formulas that highlight every crack. Celebrity makeup artist Mariela Bagnato echoes the sentiment, swearing by hydrating heroes like shea butter, vitamin E and squalane to keep lips soft and comfy all day long.
For makeup artists Neil Scibelli and Cara Lovello, you should look for other natural ingredients like shea butter and moisturizing oils such as coconut, jojoba seed, almond and other fruit- and flower-based oils. “A lot of essential oils have been infused into lipsticks and lip products these days to sheer them out and to give them that beautiful, creamy texture. It’s a win-win because you have these great ingredients and then they look and feel great on your lips at the same time,” Scibelli says.
Next, Scibelli and Lovello say your lipstick should glide on smoothly when applied. “You should instantly feel moisture when you rub your lips together [after applying],” Lovello shares. Even if your lips are already dry when you apply the lipstick, Lovello says you should still feel a little sheen if it’s truly hydrating.
Scibelli adds that the ultimate test is if your lips still feel moisturized even after your lipstick color has faded. “[Your lips] should feel smooth...nourishing and hydrating. You should feel like the lip product is almost offering you a lip treatment in your lipstick,” he says. In short? Go for lipsticks that love your lips back.
Best hydrating lipsticks, recommended by makeup artists
Park recommends this lipstick for its combination of nourishing ingredients such as grape seed, rosehip and jojoba oils. "It's a brilliant hybrid that gives the shine of a gloss but the hug of a balm without compromising the color payoff," she says. Also, it offers a plump appearance that helps "reflect light to minimize the look of vertical lines."
Lovello is a fan of these Huda Beauty lipsticks made with trademarked “maxi-lip” technology designed to produce collagen in the lips when used regularly. They also contain hydraberry to hydrate and moisturize the lips, along with vitamins A, C and E to improve texture.
Scibelli is particularly a fan of the shine and cream finishes for these Kevyn Aucoin lipsticks. He adds that they are great for daily wear and more formal events like weddings. Aside from the hydrating factor, he describes their shiny finish as a “highly-pigmented gloss-meets-lipstick.”
Park gives this lipstick her seal of approval for how pigmented it is — naturally. "This is one of the few formulas that uses fruit pigments instead of synthetic dyes, which can sometimes be drying. It's high concentration of pomegranate oil and cocoa butter provides a classic satin finish that won't settle into lines," she says.
Nichols approves this lipstick for its "creamy and nourishing mix with light-diffusing pigments, so it’s flattering on many skin types, even mature lips." Many report feeling a creamy texture while delivering enough pigment.
New and improved, this hydrating lipstick from Bobbi Brown now carries 84% of skin-caring ingredients like jojoba oil, cocoa seed butter and more. Plus, it is designed to adjust to your lips’ pH. Makeup artist Jeannia Robinette calls this moisturizing lip balm from Bobbi Brown a “lipstick [and] chapstick all in one.” Coming in eight different colors that she describes as “all the colors you want to have on your lips,” these tints are made with a formula that includes olive, avocado and jojoba oil to smooth and nourish your lips while providing a sheer layer of color.
The reformulated Dior Addict Shine Lipstick is now refillable and is cased in an ultra-luxurious packaging that feels elegant and eco-forward. Scibelli likes these Dior lipsticks for several reasons: They focus on hydration and lip care, they have high shine and pigment and there’s a wide range of colors available. They are also infused with aloe vera and oils like plum to provide long-lasting moisture.
Made with key ingredients like rose and jojoba oils and hyaluronic acid, Scibelli likes this Gucci line of lipsticks for its hydrating properties and fun range of colors. “It’s a buildable, hydrating formula that is also long-wearing and super creamy and it has a very high-shine finish,” he says.
Editor-approved hydrating lipsticks
This is a favorite from associate editor Madison San Miguel — and also a recent Shop TODAY Mature Beauty Awards winner for best lipstick. "I usually don't wear lipstick because it can sometimes make my lips feel dry. I fortunately didn't have that issue when I tried the Merit Signature Lip. It's very lightweight, has buildable pigment and doesn't make my lips feel or look dry. You really don't feel like you are wearing it! I just ran out, so it's one lipstick I'll actually repurchase," says San Miguel.
Editor Vivien Moon also often reaches for this lipstick, which she often puts in her purse before a night out so she can reapply and feel great about how it looks throughout the night.
I’ve [Espinal] been using this lipstick for months, and I’m obsessed with how smooth it leaves my lips. The glide-on application feels effortless, and you can instantly notice the nourishing effects of its Conditioning Complex. Infused with shea butter and hydrating oils, it leaves lips soft, moisturized and finished with a natural glossy sheen. It’s become a staple in my purse and one I’ll never go without.
Frequently asked questions
Park recommends preparing the lips to ensure a smooth and hydrated finish. "Use a gentle sugar scrub or a damp washcloth as this removes dry flakes and provides a smooth surface," she says.
Additionally, Nichols and Park suggest using the "Lip Sandwich" technique by applying a high-quality lip balm ten minutes before applying lipstick. "Right before applying your lipstick, blot the excess balm so the formula adheres without sliding," says Park.
And for nighttime recovery, she recommends treating your lips like your skin. "Apply a thick overnight lip mask to reset the moisture levels while you sleep," says Park.
Park breaks it down simply: matte and liquid lipsticks may last all day, but they can “shrink‑wrap the lips” after hours of wear and reapplying only leads to that dreaded crusty buildup. Her pro tip? Wipe it off and start fresh instead of layering. For a more comfortable option, she recommends satin and cream formulas, which stay flexible, feel nourishing and only need a quick touch-up after meals. The payoff: softer, happier lips by the end of the day.
Bagnato says not necessarily. "A creamy, well-formulated liner shouldn’t dry out your lips. However, very matte or older formulas can sometimes feel tight. I always recommend using a liner that glides on smoothly and feels comfortable."
Park shares a pro tip: "Instead of just lining the edges, fill in the entire lip with the liner. It acts as a primer, preventing the lipstick from bleeding into the fine lines and providing a consistent base that prevents the “inner-lip” fading that can look patchy and dry."
How we chose
We selected lipsticks formulated with ingredients recommended by experts, prioritizing those highlighted by the makeup artists we spoke with. We also asked our experts to share their top picks based on their initial insights. Additionally, we considered price point, availability and each product's rating.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on hydrating lipsticsk. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Cara Lovello is a New York-based celebrity and bridal makeup artist who has worked with clients on red carpets, engagements, bridal showers and more.
- Neil Scibelli is a New York-based celebrity makeup artist and on-air beauty contributor.
- Jeannia Robinette is a celebrity makeup artist whose work has been featured in different publications.
- Valerie Nichols is a bridal and celebrity makeup artist.
- Carol Park is a pro makeup artists and men's groomer working in Seoul, Vancouver and Los Angeles.
- Mariela Bagnato is a celebrity makeup artist and on-camera beauty expert based in Miami, Florida.
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