If there’s one thing the internet seems to actually agree on, it’s the necessity of having a glossy, hydrating lip balm within arm’s reach at all times. While buzzy brands like Rhode and Summer Fridays have been a mainstay in seemingly every hot girl’s purse for years now, I’ve noticed a new addition to the internet’s list of cult-favorite lippies: Eadem’s Le Choucou Lip Softening Balm. I can hardly scroll TikTok without seeing one of these sleek silver tubes, and my editor friends keep raving about its vivid tint that looks incredible on every skin tone.
As a beauty expert who tests lip products for a living, it’s quite literally my job to see if this one is worth its viral status. This so-called miracle balm is a Holy Grail Beauty Award winner and our editors’ favorite tinted lip balm, so I already came in with high expectations. Not only does Le Chouchou smooth and nourish my dry, chapped lips, but it wears like a high-shine lip gloss and ultra-pigmented lipstick all in one product.
Here’s why it deserves a spot in your lip routine, too: Like any viral lippie, the appeal of Le Chouchou starts with the packaging. The silver tube is instantly recognizable, and it has a unique metal applicator that sets it apart from other lip balms on the market. I love how the cooling tip feels on my lips, and it makes for a seamless, mess-free application.
Of course, the true hallmark of a quality lip product is how it delivers color and moisture. I was blown away by how pigmented this balm is—just a tiny dot goes a long way on my complexion. In fact, I actually found myself having to wipe away some pigment if I accidentally squeezed too hard.
I suggest applying this one in the mirror to ensure an even tint across your lips. Texture-wise, Le Chouchou is on the thick side—almost like a lip mask—yet it doesn’t feel super sticky or gloopy. It’s made with peptides, açaí butter, and African mongongo butter that claims to help with hydration, as well as gentle exfoliants like lactic acid and hibiscus enzymes.
I found that it made my dry lips feel softer right away, and I could still feel the smoothing effects long after the gloss itself wore off. Normally, I pair my lip balm with a liner or lipstick to define my pout, but Le Chouchou is truly a one-and-done product for me. In fact, this balm is so pigmented and shiny, it looks like I’ve applied a lip gloss over a lipstick—we love a multitasker!
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