If you're thinking about replacing your lipstick right now, we highly recommend you get a lip balm. It's an item that's been gaining popularity recently.

What's in demand now is lipstick-like color combined with a texture that feels like lip care.

Looking back, the early to mid-2000s was the heyday of gloss. Back then, the younger generation would say, "Lipstick? I've never worn it!" But in the 2010s, stick lipsticks have made a gradual comeback. Gradually, colors have shifted from nude tones to more reddish shades.

Still, for eyes accustomed to gloss, a lipstick with a softer color tone, rather than a bold, bold color, is far more user-friendly. This led to the popularity of "glossy" colors, which combine translucence and airiness. Though applied with a stick, the color doesn't stick to a matte finish, but rather appears to be embedded in the shine and luster of a gloss. At the same time, it feels as moisturizing as a gloss. And starting this spring, balm lip products have become popular. While balm originally referred to an ointment, the modern term "balm" describes a texture that melts at body temperature, releasing its oil-based moisturizing properties, spreading smoothly like butter and adhering tightly to the skin. Balm lip products are the result of applying this same concept to lipstick. The secret to their popularity is their powerful moisturizing and moderate shine. The secret to their popularity is their powerful moisturizing and lip protection, which creates a stress-free, comfortable feeling. Today's women's lifestyles involve wearing lip makeup almost all day, from applying lipstick in the morning until late at night. Therefore, not only is the smooth application easy, but the comfort once it adheres to the lips is also crucial. Balm lip products have a texture that feels like a veil that protects the lips while also providing the color of lipstick. The protective layer helps prevent vertical wrinkles from becoming noticeable, and because it doesn't dry out easily, you don't have to reapply as frequently throughout the day. It also doubles as a lip balm, saving you time on makeup and keeping your purse light.

Next, it delivers a decent amount of color while also achieving a dewy, radiant finish. The key to both is moderation, not overdoing it. The key to fashion these days is "effortless," leaving room for a relaxed, uncluttered look, rather than going all-out. Makeup is following the same trend. That's why base makeup created with CC creams that "doesn't cover too much" is so popular, and lips created with a light, saturated lip balm are a perfect match for this era.


■Edit & text: Watanabe Yoshiko

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