E.l.f’s new hydrating £8 lip plumping pens rival designer lipsticks say shoppers

From dewy skin to mirror-like lids, our makeup kit has been getting a seriously hydrated makeover lately, and no one knows that more than our lips. Our fave matte lippys have been put on pause, and in their place are all kinds of glosses, oils and balms that promise to hydrate our lips and give a sleek, wet-look finish.

The latest product to make its way into our makeup bags is e.l.f Cosmetics’ Pout Clout Lip Plumping Pen, £8 here , which combines a lipstick and a balm in one. With sheer coverage, a hydrating formula and the added bonus of lip-plumping properties, it’s truly a multi-product wonder.

e.l.f just launched a new hydrating plumping lip pen
(Image: e.l.f Cosmetics)

As well as saving us space in our beauty bags, the multi-use lip pen is saving us money too. A great affordable alternative to some similar designer makeup products like Hourglass’ Phantom Volumising Glossy Balm, £36 here , the £8 balm has a very similar payoff to the luxury version, leaving lips feeling soft, hydrated, and – of course – fuller.

Essentially a tinted moisturiser for your lips, the lip plumping gloss has a cooling sensation when you apply it and includes ingredients like blueberry, watermelon and pomegranate fruit extracts, as well as a 1% maracuja oil. This all adds up to a seriously hydrating effect that’s quite literally the antithesis of matte lipsticks which usually leave your lips feeling dry and chalky.

The lip pen comes in eight different shades including a clear version
(Image: e.l.f Cosmetics)

Unlike a typical gloss which leaves your lips sticky and afraid of a strong breeze (we’ve all experienced the pain of unsticking our hair from our lips), e.l.f’s new lip pen has more of a balm-like consistency and comes in a non-retractable click pen that gives a more precise application.

It also has a great colour payoff, leaving a sheer slick of coloour on your lips with seven different pink, nude and red shades to choose from, as well as a clear version. You can wear it on its own, or if you can’t bare to part with your favourite matte lippy, you can layer the clear version over the top to give your pout a boost of hydration.

Shop the e.l.f Cosmetics’ Pout Clout Lip Plumping Pen, £8 here , or check out some of our other favourite hydrating tinted lip balms below.