I Tried the Eadem Lip Balm Everyone Raves About—Here’s Why It’s Worth the Hype

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.

The TL;DR? 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:

Why is Eadem Le Chouchou lip balm so popular?

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.

How do I use Eadem Le Chouchou?

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! My favorite everyday shade is Fig Sauce, a semi-opaque mauve, but I’ve also been experimenting with Boba Bounce, a deep brown perfect for achieving that ’90s soft grunge vibe.

Both tinted balms I tried give me an intense pigment that lasts a good two to three hours between touch-ups, even if I’ve been sipping coffee all morning. I also tried the only clear, unscented shade in the lineup, Butter Mochi, and I love using it as an overnight treatment. I put it on right before bed, and wake up with smooth, flake-free lips—no scrub required!

My final thoughts

Yes, I know that $24 feels like a lot to spend on lip balm, but hear me out! Eadem’s Le Chouchou lippie is so intensely pigmented and hydrating, it gives me the effect of a gloss and a lipstick and a lip mask at the same time. When you think about it, it’s actually saving you money. I plan on gifting them to my loved ones this holiday season, and in my opinion, it should be at the top of your wish list, too.

Shop Eadem lip balms

Why trust Cosmopolitan?

Lauren Gruber is a shopping editor at Cosmopolitan with over six years of experience researching and writing about all things beauty. She tested three different shades of Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm for this article and gave her honest opinions on each.