So Summer Fridays tweaked their Lip Butter Balm. Fans are literally mourning the old texture. I get it—the original felt like melted butter on a hot sidewalk.
But here’s the thing nobody’s saying: the new one actually stays on your lips longer than 12 minutes. That’s a win for anyone who doesn’t reapply during Zoom calls.
🔍 **What They Changed**
It’s still $24. Same iconic squeeze tube. The claim is “more moisture, less slip.” I scoffed. Then I tested it.
1. **Thicker Hold** — It now sits *on* the lip instead of melting into a greasy puddle.
2. **Shine Not Slick** — You get a glossy veil, not a “just ate a doughnut” look.
3. **Less Reapplication** — I went from hourly to every 3-4 hours. That’s huge for me.
📦 **Inside the Tube**
They swapped out some heavy oils for a lighter ester blend. The hero is still **Shea Butter**, but now it’s paired with **Jojoba Esters** for a non-sticky film.
– Shea Butter: Deep conditioning, no greasy aftertaste
– Jojoba Esters: Creates that “plush” cushion feel
– Castor Oil: Gives the subtle, non-irritating shine
– Vitamin E: Antioxidant shield for dry winter air
⚖️ **Swipe vs. Wear Test**
First swipe feels *thicker* — almost like a balmy gloss hybrid. It doesn’t slide around. It grips. Weird for the first 10 seconds, then disappears into a soft, pillowy layer. No tackiness.
Week two: I noticed my lip lines looked less… etched. Unexpected win. But one shade, Vanilla Beige, now pulls slightly more opaque. If you loved the “clear with a tint” vibe, that one might disappoint.
💡 *One Thing*: Warm the tube between your palms for 5 seconds before squeezing. The new formula is denser—cold product comes out in globs. Warmth = perfect ribbon.
🧴 **The Results**
Lips felt softer by day three. Less peeling by day five. The hydration *stays* through a coffee run. The old formula vanished before my oat milk latte was finished.
✅ **Buy if** — You hate reapplying lip balm every 30 minutes and want actual staying power.
⏭️ **Skip if** — You’re obsessed with the original “barely there, slippery” texture. This is a different beast.
💰 **Worth it?** — Yes, but only because $24 buys you 3-4 months of daily use. One tube lasts forever.
💬 **Final Call**
It’s not better. It’s *different* — and honestly, more useful for real life. The original was a sensory treat. This one is a daily workhorse that doesn’t ghost you by lunch.
⭐ **7.8/10** — Better staying power, less soul
🛍️ *Where to Buy*: Sephora. But try the mini set first—you get three shades for $28. Commit later.