Julep It’s Balm Lip Crayon Review – Color + Care in One

💄 The Effortless Beauty Staple That Changed My Lip Game

It’s not every day that a lip product surprises you—in a good way. I’ve always been torn between heavy lipsticks that crack and fade, or sheer balms that vanish before I even leave the house. But then I met Julep’s It’s Balm Full-Coverage Lip Crayon, and suddenly, my “quick makeup days” felt complete.

Think of it as a multitasking miracle: buttery balm meets rich color, wrapped in one sleek crayon that doesn’t require a mirror (or even much effort). The moment I tried it, I realized this wasn’t just another tinted balm—it was a daily essential I didn’t know I was missing.

✨ What Makes It So Special?

Julep has always had a clean, effortless vibe—and It’s Balm fits right into that philosophy. From the first swipe, you get a smooth, hydrating texture with surprisingly rich pigment. It’s soft, it's buildable, and it stays. And let’s not ignore that nourishing core at the center, packed with natural oils that feel more skincare than makeup.

Whether you're running errands, heading to a casual brunch, or hopping on a Zoom call, this crayon gives you that “done but not overdone” polish that just works with everything. And spoiler alert: it’s also really fun to apply.

🎨 The Shades + Swatching Experience

The first thing that stood out? The color payoff. For a balm-based formula, I wasn’t expecting such bold, true-to-bullet pigment. But each shade glides on with vibrant color and a soft satin finish that makes your lips look healthy—never dry or flat.

I swatched a few of the brand’s most popular hues, and here’s what impressed me:

• Canyon Rose – A warm rose-mauve that’s perfect for everyday wear (and wildly flattering on most skin tones)

• Vintage Mauve – Slightly cooler, with a hint of berry—great for when you want that “just-bitten” look

• Plush Peony – Light, fresh, and flirty. I loved this as a spring/summer daytime pop

Each swatch felt creamy, without dragging or skipping. And unlike some crayons, these didn’t crumble or settle into lines—just a smooth, balmy finish with real color payoff.

💋 On the Lips: Real-World Wear Test

It’s one thing to look great in swatches, but how does it hold up when you're actually living life—eating, talking, maybe accidentally biting your lip mid-commute?

I wore the Canyon Rose shade for a full day: morning coffee, work calls, a quick lunch, and a stroll in the sun. And honestly? I was impressed. The color didn’t slip or fade awkwardly, and the balm kept my lips feeling moisturized for hours.

The inner core, packed with sunflower seed oil, vitamin E, and natural butters, really pulls its weight here. Instead of drying out like most long-wear lipsticks, this one seemed to nourish as it wore down. Even after it faded slightly, it left behind a soft stain that still looked polished.

And best of all? No mirror required. I literally touched it up while walking—no liner, no fuss, no flakes.