The internet is not wrong. Summer Fridays quietly swapped the formula on their Lip Butter Balm — and the ingredient list is about 20% shorter. The vanilla scent is slightly thinner now, more bakery than bean. Fans are calling it a betrayal. I’m calling it… complicated.
The real issue? The old formula had a thick, almost waxy cushion that stayed put through coffee. The new one sinks in faster — but disappears faster too.
🧴 **What It Actually Is**
A $24 squeezy tube of tinted lip treatment. Not a gloss, not a balm — something in between. The brand claims it hydrates for 12 hours. That was never true, but the old version gave you a solid 3-4.
1. **Vanilla Scent** — Now more synthetic. Less “cookie dough,” more “candle aisle.”
2. **Shea Butter Base** — Still here, but lower on the list. Texture shifted from thick to slick.
3. **Squeeze Tube** — Same packaging. You’ll still get that satisfying little pop of product.
Photo: Lidye / Unsplash
🔍 **Ingredient Check — What’s Missing?**
The old formula relied on a blend of esters and butters for that cushiony feel. The new one leans heavier on oils — lighter, but less protective. The hero is still shea, but the castor oil is now doing more of the heavy lifting.
– Castor Oil: Adds shine, not staying power
– Shea Butter: Still moisturizing, just less of it
– Jojoba Esters: Replaced by synthetic thickeners
– Coconut Alkanes: Gives that slip — feels nice, fades fast
Photo: Rosa Rafael / Unsplash
⚠️ **The Feel Test — Slick vs. Cushion**
First swipe: it glides on like a thin gloss. No drag, no tug. But the old version felt like a pillow for your lips. This feels like a quick drink of water — nice, but gone in 20 minutes.
Week 2 update: My lips aren’t drier, but I’m reapplying twice as often. The shade “Pink Sugar” looks the same in the tube but reads slightly sheerer on the mouth. That pissed me off.
💡 **One Thing** — Warm the tube in your pocket for 5 minutes before applying. The colder it is, the thinner it feels.
Photo: Mockup Free / Unsplash
📋 **Real Results — The Honest Version**
My lips stayed soft, but not “wrapped.” The old balm could survive a windy commute. This one needs a touch-up after a sip of water.
✅ **Buy if** — You prefer a glossy, lightweight feel and don’t mind reapplying every hour.
⏭️ **Skip if** — You loved the old formula’s thick cushion and want that barrier back.
💰 **Worth it?** — Not at full price. The new formula is a 7/10 balm for $24. Wait for a sale.
Photo: Nick Noel / Unsplash
🗣️ **Final Take**
It’s still a nice lip product — just not the same one. If you want a true replacement, look elsewhere. If you’re okay with a lighter version of a former favorite, grab a mini first.
**6.8/10** — Good balm, worse than before
🛍️ **Where to Buy** — Sephora or the brand site. Grab the mini duo if you’re unsure — it’s $16 and gives you two shades to test drive.