Makeup lovers across the globe will be familiar with the Instagram-famous, millennial pink brand that is Glossier. Known for its ‘skin first’ ethos and no-makeup-makeup range that includes iconic products like Cloud Paint and their fan-favorite Glossier lip balms. So, if you're tempted by the dreamy balms—especially after the new addition of the Swiss Miss collab flavor—I've tried five of best-selling Glossier's Balm Dotcom flavors and ranked them.
Glossier is one of TikTok's favorite skincare brands and has the seal of approval from a number of notable names, including Olivia Rodrigo, who now has her own lilac-themed makeup collection with the brand. It's safe to say that Glossier has a lot of hype, especially around their OG products with the Balm Dotcom lip balms being one of the most popular and well-loved.
So far there are 12 flavors of Glossier Balm Dotcom available, including a brand new Swiss Miss collab—priced at $12 or £10. Some feature tints, others shimmer and of course, there are several clear and deliciously flavored balms to choose from also.
I tested: Cookie Butter, a warm brown shade; Berry, a purple; Birthday which features an iridescent shimmer; Coconut, which is clear; and one of the new releases—Lavender, a soft lilac shimmery shade.
What I look for in a lip balm
Now, I would consider myself a beauty enthusiast and a fan of Glossier’s products. I am a lover of minimal makeup and wear the Haloscope highlighter religiously. However, when it comes to lip balms—boy, am I particular. (Here is a picture of my lips before any balms).
Here’s a brief background about my lips—which you probably don’t want but should have anyway, for context.
I sadly suffer from frequently dry, chapped lips, I pick them when I’m nervous and because of this, I do tend to shy away from bold colors and matte formulas. So, I rely on lip balms a lot. What I look for is minimal stickiness, hydration, comfortable wear and a very tempting scent. So, as you can see, I'm not easy to please on the lip balm front.
So, now you know my credentials—let's dive into my review of Glossier's Balm Dotcoms and which is the best and most worth the hype and money…
The best Glossier Balm Dotcoms ranked
1. Birthday Balm Dotcom
Coming in hot is the Birthday balm—this one is my indisputable favorite as I have repurchased it twice. This balm really has my heart because, first of all, it smells incredible and second of all, I’m a sucker for a ‘frosted lip’ look. I was born in the late 90s, so Y2K beauty is my jam.
The balm features a subtle iridescent shimmer that gives your lips a glitter shine. Ideal if you have major 2000s nostalgia but also aren’t a fan of heavy makeup.
While this balm is glittery, it’s still soft and super wearable. I just add a gentle shimmer that I think injects a bit of fun into my morning makeup routine. But if you wanted a bolder look, you can definitely layer it with another one of your favorite lippies, or pack on more for extra shine.
Hydration-wise, I find it does hydrate my lips but when applied too generously it can feel a bit thick on the lips. I use it sparingly, which does mean it lasts a very long time—which is a bonus.
Did I already mention the smell? Oh my, it’s delicious. It truly smells like cake batter and if you happen to lick your lips—it doesn’t taste half bad either.
2. Cookie Butter Balm Dotcom
THE SMELL OF THIS ONE! Absolute heaven, it smells like a freshly baked Christmas cookie.
It’s a warm, caramel-brown shade that melts really nicely into the lips, giving instant warmth. Personally, I think it really complimented my natural lip color. It's very subtle but even so, it elevated their overall appearance and gave that 'my lips but better' look—which I love.
A little went a long way with this shade and it instantly made my lips look juicier and it felt very light compared to some of the other balms.
Despite it having a strong fragrance, I do think it’s a good everyday balm and is probably one of my most used in the collection.
3. Berry Balm Dotcom
This jam-like balm features a sheer purple tint and a heavenly fruiting scent—a must-have for summer. It’s definitely a good alternative to tinted lip oils and is now in my rotation for a subtle dinner or night-out lip look.
It’s definitely buildable but I did find (like with most of the balms) that the more you add, the heavier it feels, it never feels like it soaks into the lips. Saying that my lips did feel very moisturized after use and despite being tinted, it didn’t accentuate the chapped areas.
4. Coconut Balm Dotcom
The Coconut is a great staple. It has a very subtle coconut scent, for me, it could have been stronger, but I understand that heavy fragrance isn’t for everyone. So this is a great option if you prefer minimal scent in your products.
It’s a basic, clear balm that can be layered over your favorite lipsticks or just worn on its own. I also love applying it straight after a shower or before I go to sleep. It’s moisturizing and the pink packaging is so cute—but also compared to the Birthday balm it’s just a bit boring, hence why it’s at number four.
It does feel very soothing and reparative though, so I'll definitely be reaching for this one in the winter months!
5. Lavender Balm Dotcom
Now I want to preface this by saying that all the Balm Dotcoms have very similar consistencies and formulas—so really any one you get will do a similar job—the differences are mainly down to tint, shimmer and scent.
Sadly Lavender takes the last spot, I loved the idea of it and do adore the smell of lavender, but I don’t think it works for a lip product. Lavender is something I associate with sleep but because of its slight tint, it’s not a balm I would reach for before I go to bed. The smell also doesn't really last when compared to Cookie Butter and reminds me a bit of medicine.
The tint doesn't really pack the same punch as Berry, it's very subtle and it just didn't do much for me.
I think this would have been better as a clear ‘bedtime’ balm because I would love to have a designated sleepy lip product. In the middle of the day though, it just isn't really my vibe. However, if you love floral scents over sweet then it might be the perfect one for you!
Overall, I do love these balms. All the flavors and tints are in close competition, but some—like Birthday and Berry—do shine above the rest. If you're a fellow sufferer of dry lips or dislike lipsticks, these are definitely worth a try—and at $12/£10, they won't break the bank!
Something to note though...I have noticed that all of the balms are very impacted by temperature—if your balms get cold they are very hard to squeeze out, so take care not to burst your tubes by squeezing too hard. Try to warm them up in your hands a little first.
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