I’m not one to hype up products without reason, but let me tell you—Tower 28’s LipSoftie is a game-changer. This tinted lip treatment blends hydration, subtle color, and a feel-good vibe that makes it a must-have for anyone who wants soft, kissable lips without the fuss.

Whether you’re battling dry, chapped lips or just craving a low-maintenance pop of color, this product delivers. I’ve been using it for months, and it’s become my go-to.

Trust me, you’ll want to grab one (or three) of these for your bag, desk, and bedside table.

My Journey With Tower 28 Lipsoftie

Let’s talk about my first encounter with Tower 28’s LipSoftie. I was skeptical, I’ll admit. Tinted lip balms often promise the world—hydration, color, comfort—but end up feeling sticky, fading fast, or worse, drying out my lips. I’d been burned before by products that claimed to be “skincare-makeup hybrids” but left me with a greasy mess or no pigment at all. So, when I picked up the LipSoftie in Blood Orange Vanilla, I wasn’t expecting much. Boy, was I wrong.

The moment I swiped it on, I felt like I’d unlocked a secret. The dome-shaped applicator, a nostalgic nod to old-school lip balms, glided effortlessly, delivering a lightweight, non-sticky formula that felt like a hug for my lips. The texture? Silky, cushiony, and just the right amount of glossy without looking like I’d dunked my face in a vat of oil. The Blood Orange Vanilla shade gave my lips a sheer, coral-tinted glow that looked natural yet polished, perfect for my no-makeup-makeup days. And the scent—oh, that subtle creamsicle vibe! It’s not overpowering, just a gentle whiff that makes applying it a tiny treat.

What really hooked me was the hydration. My lips, which tend to crack in the winter, stayed soft for hours. I’m talking no-reapply-needed-for-at-least-three-hours soft. I used it during a chilly New York day, and even after sipping coffee and braving windy streets, my lips didn’t feel parched. By day five, I noticed my chapped inner lips—my eternal struggle—were smoothing out.

I’d tried countless balms before, but this was different. It wasn’t just sitting on my lips; it was working. I started using it as an overnight mask, and waking up to plump, hydrated lips became my new normal. Now, I keep Ube Vanilla in my purse and Dulce de Leche by my bed, and I’m obsessed.

The Pros Of Tower 28 Lipsoftie

Unmatched Hydration That Lasts: You know that feeling when a lip balm feels great for 10 minutes, then you’re reapplying like it’s your job? Not with LipSoftie. This stuff is packed with shea butter, jojoba oil, and lysine—an amino acid that smooths and prevents dryness. I’ve worn it through long workdays, and my lips stay moisturized for hours. It’s like a lip mask you can wear all day, and for someone like me with chronically dry lips, that’s a big deal. Users on Tower 28’s site rave about this too, with one saying their chapped lips were “saved” after just a few days.

Sheer, Buildable Color for Every Vibe: The LipSoftie’s color payoff is a total win. It’s sheer enough to look natural but buildable for a bolder pop. Shades like Blood Orange Vanilla (a punchy coral) and Ube Vanilla (a Clinique Black Honey-esque plum) suit a range of skin tones. I love how Dulce de Leche evens out my lip tone with a soft caramel hue—perfect for Zoom calls when I want to look alive without trying. The pigment isn’t lipstick-level intense, but it’s not supposed to be. It’s that “your lips but better” look, and I’m here for it.

Sensitive Skin? No Problem: If your lips are picky like mine, you’ll appreciate that LipSoftie is designed for sensitive skin. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and follows the National Eczema Association’s guidelines, which is rare for makeup. I’ve never felt irritation, even when I slather it on multiple times a day. The food-grade, non-artificial flavors (think vanilla cupcake or watermelon kiwi) mean no harsh chemicals drying out your lips. A Reddit user with shea butter allergies did report a burning sensation, but that’s rare—I’ve had zero issues.

Nostalgic Yet Modern Packaging: The dome applicator is a throwback to the lip balms of my teen years, but it’s practical too. It spreads the product evenly, though I sometimes need a mirror for precision. The cute, colorful tubes are sturdy enough for my chaotic purse, and at $18, they feel like a steal for the quality. Plus, the packaging is so Instagrammable, you’ll want to show it off.

The Cons Of Tower 28 Lipsoftie

Applicator Could Be Sharper: Let’s be real—the dome applicator is adorable, but it’s not perfect. I love the nostalgia, but a slanted or pointed tip, like Summer Fridays’ Lip Butter Balm, would make precise application easier. I’ve had moments where I over-applied and had to wipe off excess, especially with brighter shades like Blood Orange Vanilla. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re applying on the go without a mirror, you might need to be extra careful.

Pigment Varies by Shade: While I adore the sheer tint, some shades don’t pop as much as I’d like. Watermelon Kiwi, for example, looks vibrant in the tube but applies super subtle on my lips. A Reddit user echoed this, saying they expected more pigment from Ube Vanilla. If you’re after bold color, you might need to layer it or pair it with a lip liner. For me, the hydration makes up for it, but it’s worth noting if you’re pigment-obsessed.

Hair Magnet Moments: Here’s a small gripe: the glossy finish can attract stray hairs. On windy days, I’ve had strands stick to my lips, which is mildly annoying. It’s not as bad as some glosses I’ve tried, but it’s something to watch for if you wear your hair down. Compared to Summer Fridays, which I find less sticky, LipSoftie can feel a tad clingy in certain conditions.

Tips For Your Tower 28 Lipsoftie

Store It Right: To keep your LipSoftie in top shape, store it in a cool, dry place. I learned the hard way that leaving it in a hot car can make the formula separate slightly—not a total ruin, but it’s less smooth. Keep it in your bag or on a shelf away from direct sunlight. If you’re traveling, pop it in a small makeup pouch to avoid dents or leaks. Tower 28’s products don’t use heavy preservatives, so using them within a year is best to avoid any off smells.

Clean the Applicator: The dome applicator can pick up lip gunk over time, especially if you’re eating or drinking. I wipe mine with a clean tissue every couple of weeks to keep it hygienic. If you’re sharing it (though I don’t recommend it), a quick swipe with an alcohol wipe works wonders. This keeps the product fresh and ensures you’re not reapplying old coffee residue to your lips.

Layer for Longevity: Want the color to last longer? I’ve found that applying a lip liner underneath boosts staying power. I use a neutral shade, then swipe on LipSoftie for a polished look that survives lunch. For extra hydration, apply a thin layer of clear LipSoftie before your tinted one—it’s like a primer for your lips. At night, I slather on a thick layer as a mask, and my lips are baby-soft by morning.

Exfoliate First: Dry, flaky lips can make any balm look patchy. I gently exfoliate with a damp washcloth or a sugar scrub once a week before applying LipSoftie. This ensures the color goes on evenly and the hydration sinks in. If your lips are super chapped, use the clear SOS Vanilla version for a few days to heal them before diving into tinted shades.

Comparing Tower 28 Lipsoftie To Other Brands

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm: Summer Fridays’ Lip Butter Balm is a fan favorite, and I get why. Its thick, buttery texture feels luxurious, and the slanted applicator makes precise application a breeze. I own the Vanilla Beige shade, and it’s slightly more pigmented than LipSoftie’s sheerer tints. However, I find Summer Fridays a bit heavier—great for intense hydration but less ideal for layering over lipstick. LipSoftie’s lighter formula wins for daytime wear, and its food-grade flavors feel gentler on my sensitive lips. If you love a glossy, lightweight vibe, LipSoftie edges out slightly, but Summer Fridays is better for overnight treatments.
Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment: Rhode’s Peptide Lip Treatment, Hailey Bieber’s brainchild, is another heavy hitter. Its glossy finish and peptide-packed formula aim to plump and hydrate. I tried the Salted Caramel shade, and while it’s super shiny, it feels stickier than LipSoftie and fades faster. Rhode’s scents are divine, but some users report grittiness in certain flavors, which I’ve never experienced with Tower 28. LipSoftie’s dome applicator is less precise than Rhode’s doe-foot, but its hydration lasts longer on my lips. For sensitive skin, Tower 28 feels safer, but Rhode’s aesthetic might win for trendsetters.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask: Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask is a cult classic for overnight hydration, and I’ve used the Berry shade for years. It’s thicker and stickier than LipSoftie, with a more intense moisture boost that’s perfect for cracked lips. However, Laneige’s glossy finish and strong scent can feel overwhelming for daytime wear. LipSoftie’s sheer tint and lighter texture make it more versatile for all-day use, while Laneige is my go-to for heavy-duty repair. If you want a product that doubles as makeup, LipSoftie is the better pick.

Naturium Phyto-Glow Lip Balms: Naturium’s Phyto-Glow Lip Balms are a solid budget option, and I’ve tried their Rose shade. They’re nourishing and offer decent pigment, but the formula feels less cushiony than LipSoftie and can wear off quickly. Naturium’s shade range is vibrant, but some users report irritation with certain flavors, which I haven’t seen with Tower 28. LipSoftie’s sensitive-skin-friendly formula and longer-lasting hydration give it an edge, though Naturium’s lower price point is tempting if you’re experimenting.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Tower 28 LipSoftie Worth It?

Absolutely, yes. For $18, you’re getting a lip treatment that hydrates like a mask, adds a flattering tint, and feels luxurious without stickiness. It’s a steal for the quality, especially if you have sensitive or dry lips. I’ve repurchased three shades because it’s that good, and user reviews on Sephora and Tower 28’s site back me up—people love the hydration and versatility. If you want a low-maintenance product that does it all, LipSoftie is worth every penny.

What Lip Balm Does Meghan Markle Use?

Meghan Markle has famously praised Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment, particularly the Advanced Therapy version, for its hydrating and smoothing properties. She’s mentioned it in interviews as a staple for keeping her lips soft, especially during busy schedules. While Fresh’s balm is fantastic for intense moisture, it’s pricier ($26) and lacks the tinted options of LipSoftie. If you’re after Meghan’s minimalist vibe with a hint of color, LipSoftie’s a great alternative.

Is Tower 28 Worth It?

Tower 28 is a standout brand, especially for sensitive skin. Their LipSoftie, ShineOn Lip Jelly, and SOS Spray have won me over with their gentle, high-performance formulas. The brand’s commitment to clean, vegan ingredients and National Eczema Association approval makes it a safe bet for anyone with irritation-prone skin. While some products, like their blushes, may not suit everyone, LipSoftie’s universal appeal and affordability make Tower 28 a brand I’d recommend. Reddit users agree, with many calling it a “holy grail” for sensitive types

What Is the Best Lip Balm That Actually Works?

The “best” lip balm depends on your needs, but Tower 28’s LipSoftie is my top pick for its balance of hydration, color, and sensitive-skin safety. It outperforms Laneige for daytime wear, Summer Fridays for lightweight feel, and Naturium for longevity. If you need heavy-duty repair, Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask is unbeatable overnight. For budget-friendly hydration, Aquaphor’s Lip Repair is a classic. But LipSoftie’s ability to heal chapped lips while looking cute makes it a winner in my book.

Final Thoughts

I can’t stop singing the praises of Tower 28’s LipSoftie, and neither will you once you try it. It’s the perfect blend of hydration, subtle color, and feel-good vibes, making it a staple for any lip lover. From its sensitive-skin-friendly formula to its nostalgic applicator, it’s a product that delivers on every front. Whether you’re a balm newbie or a seasoned collector, LipSoftie will steal your heart. Grab one today, and thank me later when your lips are soft, plump, and ready to shine.

Tower 28 Lipsoftie Reviews: Is It Worth It?