Are Kylie Lip Butters Worth It In A Saturated Market?

There’s something inherently tempting about a good lip balm—something that hydrates, looks shiny, and maybe even smells delicious. So when Kylie Cosmetics dropped their Lip Butters, I was curious. The promise? A luscious, hydrating lip balm with a glossy finish and a range of sweet, fruit-inspired flavors. This summer, they added a new peach variant, which I was eager to try, since anything peach-themed usually scores high on my personal radar.

But here’s the thing: in a market absolutely flooded with lip treatments, balms, glosses, and potions promising everything from intense hydration to plumping magic, Kylie Lip Butters come across as 'just another lip balm'. They do their job without drama, delivering smooth, glossy lips that feel hydrated for a while. But when you start to stack them up against everything else out there—the cult classics, the luxury splurges, and the innovative newcomers—they don’t exactly shake things up.

The formula itself doesn’t introduce anything groundbreaking; it’s a familiar blend of moisturizing agents and emollients that you’ve likely encountered before. The packaging? Sleek and functional, yes, but safe and predictable rather than exciting or clever.

The flavors lean heavily on the tried-and-true sweet fruit and dessert notes, tapping into that sensory marketing trend without daring to push beyond it. Even the marketing, while polished and appealing, plays it safe, focusing on sensory appeal and cute aesthetics rather than any unique story or innovation.

In other words, Kylie Lip Butters check every box you’d expect from a solid lip product, but they don’t challenge the status quo or offer a reason to overhaul your existing lip care routine. They’re enjoyable to use, sure, but not the kind of balm that inspires you to toss everything else aside and swear loyalty.

In this review, I’m digging into the ins and outs of Kylie Lip Butters—what I like, what could be better, and where they stand in a crowded beauty landscape.

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What Kylie Lip Butters Are Trying To Be

Kylie Lip Butters come across as a hybrid between lip balm and lip gloss, aiming for that sweet spot where lips are hydrated and glossy but without the stickiness that often kills a good balm experience. The packaging leans into the brand’s signature minimal aesthetic—sleek tubes with simple branding, but nothing that feels particularly luxe or innovative.

The flavor game is firmly in the “sensory fruit” marketing playbook. Think marshmallow, caramel, vanilla, and now peach. It’s a tried-and-true tactic in beauty: if it smells like your favorite dessert or summer fruit, you’re more likely to want to swipe it on all day. And yes, the peach variant is bright, summery, and sweet—the kind of scent you imagine while lounging poolside.

The formula itself is smooth, with a creamy texture that glides on easily. It’s neither heavy nor greasy, which is a plus for me. It leaves a nice glossy finish that catches the light but doesn’t feel like you’ve got glue on your lips. But here’s where the saturation of the market comes in: nothing about the formula feels uniquely Kylie. It’s the lip butter equivalent of “safe”—comforting but lacking an edge.

Packaging and Application: Functional But Forgettable

If you’ve been following Kylie Cosmetics, you’ll recognize the packaging style: simple, minimal, and clearly designed to fit in with the broader brand identity. The tubes feel sturdy enough to throw in a bag or pocket, but there’s no wow factor in the design.

The applicator is a standard doe-foot wand. It’s serviceable—soft enough not to irritate but firm enough to apply the balm evenly. Some may find the wand a little too basic compared to other balm applicators that offer a plush or uniquely shaped tip for precision, but it does the job.

Where I feel Kylie could’ve leaned into some innovation is with the packaging’s tactile feel or sustainability. In 2025, consumers are increasingly aware of environmental impact and packaging design that stands out on the shelf or in the purse. This line feels like it missed that memo and went with what’s safe and familiar.

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The Flavor Factor: Peach

The peach flavor is the latest addition, and it’s undeniably pleasant. It’s sweet but not cloying, with a juicy vibe that’s perfect for summer. It smells like biting into a ripe peach, soft and fresh.

That said, the flavor doesn’t linger long after application, which is typical of most lip balms but something to keep in mind if you’re after a lasting scent experience. The other flavors, like toasted marshmallow or vanilla caramel, follow the same formula—sweet and dessert-inspired but not particularly memorable.

From a flavor perspective, the Lip Butters feel fun and approachable. But it’s the kind of sensory marketing that many brands have been doing for years, so there’s little to distinguish Kylie’s take beyond solid execution.

My Experience and the Verdict

I’ve used Kylie Lip Butters over the past few weeks, including the new peach version. The hydration level is decent—it keeps lips feeling soft and prevents dryness, especially in air-conditioned or slightly chilly environments. The gloss finish adds a nice dimension without feeling sticky or heavy, which I appreciate.

Compared to my trusty balms Kylie’s lip butters do hold their own. They’re easy to apply, comfortable to wear, and don’t require constant reapplication.

But after a week of use, it was clear this wasn’t a balm that would replace my favorites. It’s a good addition to the rotation but doesn’t offer any must-have benefit or innovation to make me choose it over other well-established products.

If you’re looking for a reliable lip balm with a nice gloss finish and a sweet scent, this line fits the bill. But if you’re chasing something new or extraordinary, you might want to explore beyond these.

Kylie Lip Butters offer a comfortable, easy-to-wear balm that ticks the boxes but doesn’t push the envelope—and sometimes, that’s okay. Not every product needs to reinvent the wheel; sometimes, it’s just about enjoying the ride.

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If you want a lip balm that feels sweet, simple, and fuss-free, Kylie Lip Butters are worth a try—just temper expectations on the wow factor.

Love,

Rae