In Rihanna We Trust—Meet the Fenty Gloss-Balm Hybrid Editors Can’t Stop Grabbing

Welcome to Internet Famous, a monthly series in which we ask our Instagram followers to vote on a viral beauty product that’s taken social media by storm. Then the beauty team will take the winning pick for a spin and share their reviews—pictures included.

It’s hard to believe that Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty seven years ago. Her level of influence within the beauty community started long before we ever touched a Fenty Beauty product, and we can attribute that to the stellar looks she sports on and off stage. I mean, I wanted to re-create her signature bold red lip just as much as I wanted to wear her iconic heart-shaped coat. Thankfully, when she launched Fenty Beauty in 2017, she finally gave us the opportunity to replicate her stunning beauty looks. Fenty’s lip launches are among the best in the industry, and just when I think they couldn’t get any better, the brand releases a new formula to rave about. I’m still stuck on the OG Gloss Bomb in the shade Fenty Glow, but the internet is currently praising the Gloss Bomb Stix ($25), and our editors want to see what the hype is all about.

I like to think of this formula as a mix between a nourishing lip balm and a satin lipstick that ultimately creates a juicy gloss finish. It’s nonsticky with incredible color payoff and leaves your lips feeling ultra-moisturized even after the color has worn off. Housed in a sleek, aesthetically pleasing tube, this product not only comes in 11 gorgeous shades that look amazing on every skin tone, but it’s also packed with nutrient-rich ingredients such as squalane, vitamin E, shea butter, and kiwi oil. Our editors tested a total of six shades and gave their honest reviews below.

“As someone who prefers using tinted lip balm over lip gloss or lipstick in my everyday makeup routine, I love that this has the hydration of a lip balm with the pigment of a lipstick and the shine of a lip gloss—it feels like I’m getting three products in one. Honestly, it’s so versatile that it may just take the top spot in my purse (sorry, tinted lip balm). I do wish it lasted longer between touch-ups, but it still leaves a pretty tint on my lips after it fades.” — Sahara Clement, copy editor

“I love glossy, hydrating lip products, and this is no exception. I like that this one has an impressive color payoff, a high-shine finish, and a comfortable formula that feels soothing on my thin, dry lips. The shade I wore, The MVP, is the perfect blue-red, and I’ll keep it close at hand for holiday parties. The only downside is that it doesn’t stay put while eating and drinking, so touch-ups are necessary. I think next time I wear it, I’ll apply a matching lip liner underneath to keep it from smudging and/or feathering.” — Kaitlyn McLintock, associate beauty editor

“I promised myself I wouldn’t add any more lip products to my collection, but I had to make an exception for this one. I love how moisturizing this felt immediately after applying. I started with completely dry lips and no lip liner which is pretty atypical for me, but this product really does the work of three different products. It gave my lips the moisture of a lip balm, the look of a gloss, and the pigment of a lipstick. I instantly threw this into my work bag and it’s been readily available for touch-ups ever since.” — Aniyah Morinia, fashion and beauty editor

“As the holiday season approaches, I’m always on the lookout for unfussy lip products to bring to holiday parties. I need hydration, pigment, and shine, all without the constant need for touch-ups. Not that I ever doubted Rihanna, but this Fenty Beauty lipstick/gloss hybrid comes pretty close to what I’ve been searching for. It smells delicious, feels nourishing on the lips, and offers the perfect flush of color. That being said, I would first line my lips with a similar shade to create some definition, then throw this lipstick in my bag to take with me throughout the night.” — Emma Hughes, social media editor

“My house was built in the early 1900s and the insulation is… tough. Every morning I lather on lotions and balms to try to keep my skin hydrated. My lips have by far been my biggest challenge. I love the trio of vitamin E, shea butter, and squalane in this product because even though I’m wearing it as makeup, it gives my lips some much-needed moisture. It’s a joy to reapply.” — Anneliese Henderson, senior fashion editor

“In terms of color payoff and overall feel of the product, I love it. It still has that signature Gloss Bomb scent, but with a much thinner texture. My only qualm is that it doesn’t last long. I find myself having to reapply after 30 minutes of wear. But if you like a warm-toned glossy lip, Sorta Selfi$h is the perfect shade.” — Natalie Gray Herder, editor