Some people are coffee snobs. Others are oenophiles. I am a self-proclaimed lip-balm connoisseur. I find a strange amount of pleasure in trying the overwhelming number of lip balms, treatments, and masks on the market and have carefully critiqued their flavors, textures, and, of course, moisturizing capabilities.
That said, having tried what feels like hundreds of lip treatments has, unfortunately, left me a bit jaded. There are SO many lip products in existence. The family tree has expanded from lip balm, the original chapped-lip cure, to include cousins like the lip treatment, a longer-term hydration solution; the lip mask, a temporary or overnight lip plumper; and now the lip serum. A serum, in its most basic definition, is a product meant to be applied to the face beneath a moisturizer in order to deliver powerful, targeted ingredients directly to the skin. In that vein, Retrouvé’s lip serum promises the best of both worlds: the long-lasting hydration factor of a lip treatment, as well as the anti-aging effects of a traditional face serum.
When I was introduced to Retrouvé’s lip serum, I was immediately skeptical. Do we really need another lip product?, I thought to myself in a Chandler Bing–esque voice. I already have my Le Chouchou and Lip Peptide Treatment, so I’m not sure what else a girl could ask for. Well, ye of little faith — as you could probably guess — this lip serum cracked my proverbial third eye open.
First off, I have to take a moment for the airless pump dispenser, which prevents the oxidation and bacteria growth that come from sticking your hands into a pot over and over again. Because of the airless pump, Retrouvé is able to exclude preservatives from the formula without worrying about shelf-life issues (as in mold). Plus, the entire act of pumping a mysterious beauty formula out of a chic matte tube feels extra luxurious, which is reason enough to purchase something, if you ask me.
The serum itself is glorious. It’s lightweight, fragrance-free, and deeply nourishing. As with most lip products, a little goes a long way; you can feel even the tiniest pea-size squirt of serum penetrate your lips, instantly hydrating them. It has squalane, white tea, vitamins C and E, and other antioxidants, which, according to the brand, “help to support the lip’s natural moisture barrier, prevent water loss, offer prolonged moisturization and protect against dryness for soft, supple, smooth lips.” I can confirm all of the above are true — my lips are supple to the max. It’s actually almost shocking how moisturized they look and feel for hours after applying.
It’s important to note that this formula is not occlusive, which may be controversial to all my sluggers out there. The thing is, while locking in moisture can be a great component of a skin-care routine, it doesn’t cover the full picture. Because occlusives act as a shield, preventing the loss of moisture, they also block the absorption of any nutrients and active ingredients that do the heavy lifting of hydration (and brightening, barrier supporting, etc.) in the first place.
The beauty of this product is that it’s effective enough at hydrating to be used as a salve on its own, but it’s also light enough to layer another, thicker lip balm over it. During the day, I use it on its own when I start to feel that dryness creep in. At night — especially in winter — my new routine is a healthy layer of this stuff, and then I top it with a heavy-duty classic, like Balm Dotcom or Le Baume (sleeper hit).
Yes, this lip serum checks all of the technical boxes that a lip product should check. However, there are two huge reasons why it’s become one of my most-used products. The first is that, unlike some formulas, the more you use it, the less you require over time. To me, this is the true sign of an actually moisturizing lip formula, as opposed to one that’s attempting to keep you hooked on its short-lasting hydration in perpetuity.
The second reason I love the Retrouvé lip serum, and arguably my favorite thing about it, is that because it’s so sheer and fast-acting, I can continue sipping on my water bottle nearly seconds after application. Typically, I find I need to give a ten-minute grace period to my water consumption (which, clearly, is rabid), otherwise I’ll leave a sticky ring on the lid of my bottle or straw. Not the case with this stuff! Somehow, it sinks into my lips almost instantly, making them feel as if they naturally contained the optimal amount of moisture. Now I really mean it: What more could a girl ask for?
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