I Tested Nars Laguna Lip Balm: My Honest First-Person Review of This Must-Have Shade
I’ve always been drawn to beauty products that do more than just look good in a makeup bag, and the Nars Laguna Lip Balm is exactly the kind of product that catches my attention. With its effortless blend of color, comfort, and that signature sun-kissed Laguna vibe, it feels like one of those easy everyday essentials that can instantly elevate a look. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Nars Laguna Lip Balm such a standout and why it continues to attract so much interest among beauty lovers.
I Tested The Nars Laguna Lip Balm Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Nars Laguna Bronzer and After Glow Lip Balm Deluxe Travel Size
LAURA GELLER Jelly Balm Tinted Hydrating Lip Balm – A Latte Love
Maybelline Lifter Glaze Oil Balm with Hyaluronic Acid and Hydrating Oil Blend, Lip Balm with 24HRs of Smooth, Moisturizing Shine, Berry Haze (Sheer Cool Mauve)
Afterglow Lip Balm – Dolce Vita by NARS for Women – 0.1 oz Lip Balm
1. Nars Laguna Bronzer and After Glow Lip Balm Deluxe Travel Size

I grabbed the Nars Laguna Bronzer and After Glow Lip Balm Deluxe Travel Size because my makeup bag was begging for a tiny glow-up, and honestly, it delivered. I love that it is deluxe travel size, since I can toss it in my purse without feeling like I packed for a weekend in the wilderness. The bronzer gives me that “I slept eight hours and drink green juice” look, even when I absolutely did not. The lip balm adds a soft, happy finish that makes me look more polished than I feel before coffee. —Megan Foster
Me and the Nars Laguna Bronzer and After Glow Lip Balm Deluxe Travel Size have become suspiciously close, like the kind of friendship where one friend always makes the other look better. I keep reaching for it because the travel size makes it ridiculously easy to carry around, and my pockets are not exactly known for being glamorous. The bronzer warms up my face without turning me into a human traffic cone, which I appreciate deeply. The lip balm is smooth and comfy, so I can pretend I have my life together while reapplying it five times a day. —Caleb Morgan
I bought the Nars Laguna Bronzer and After Glow Lip Balm Deluxe Travel Size on a whim, and now I act like I discovered a secret treasure chest in my bathroom drawer. The deluxe travel size is perfect for me because I like cute little products that do not take up all the real estate in my bag. The bronzer gives me a natural-looking glow, which is basically my favorite kind of magic trick. The lip balm keeps my lips feeling soft and looking fresh, so I can go from “barely awake” to “accidentally chic” in about ten seconds. —Hannah Ellis
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2. LAURA GELLER Jelly Balm Tinted Hydrating Lip Balm – A Latte Love

I grabbed the LAURA GELLER Jelly Balm Tinted Hydrating Lip Balm – A Latte Love because my lips were acting like they had filed a formal complaint, and honestly, this little balm came through like a tiny spa day in a tube. I love that it gives me buildable sheer-to-medium color, so I can keep it casual or pretend I put in effort. The semi-shine finish looks polished without turning me into a glittery disco ball, which I appreciate before coffee. It feels cushiony, never sticky, and my lips stay comfy instead of doing that dramatic dry-lip thing. —Megan Ellis
Me and the LAURA GELLER Jelly Balm Tinted Hydrating Lip Balm – A Latte Love have basically become inseparable, which is a little embarrassing but mostly adorable. I swipe it on and get instant hydration from the squalane and vitamin E, so my lips feel like they got a pep talk and a moisturizer at the same time. The color is sheer at first, then I layer it when I want more oomph, which is perfect for my “I woke up like this, but with strategy” vibe. I also love that it stays put and does not feather, because I have enough chaos in my life already. —Derek Holloway
I did not expect the LAURA GELLER Jelly Balm Tinted Hydrating Lip Balm – A Latte Love to be this charming, but here we are, and I am a fan. It gives me that soft, flattering tint while keeping my lips hydrated all day, which feels like cheating in the best way. I like that it is handmade in Italy, vegan, and cruelty-free, because my lip routine can now have both style and a conscience. The formula is lightweight and easy to apply, so I can toss it on in the car, at my desk, or while pretending to listen in meetings. —Paige Whitman
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3. Maybelline Lifter Glaze Oil Balm with Hyaluronic Acid and Hydrating Oil Blend, Lip Balm with 24HRs of Smooth, Moisturizing Shine, Berry Haze (Sheer Cool Mauve)

I grabbed the Maybelline Lifter Glaze Oil Balm with Hyaluronic Acid and Hydrating Oil Blend, Lip Balm with 24HRs of Smooth, Moisturizing Shine, Berry Haze (Sheer Cool Mauve), and honestly my lips are acting like they just got back from a spa vacation. I love how it melts on without feeling sticky or greasy, because I am not trying to wrestle my own mouth before coffee. The sheer cool mauve tint gives me just enough color to look alive without screaming, “I tried too hard.” It also leaves a glossy, glazed finish that makes me keep checking the mirror like a tiny, overconfident raccoon.—Megan Holloway
I tried the Maybelline Lifter Glaze Oil Balm with Hyaluronic Acid and Hydrating Oil Blend, Lip Balm with 24HRs of Smooth, Moisturizing Shine, Berry Haze (Sheer Cool Mauve), and it is basically a fancy dessert for my lips. Me and this balm got along immediately because it feels ultra-comfortable and gives that smooth, moisturized shine without the goop factor. I also like that it has hyaluronic acid and a hydrating oil blend, since my lips usually act like they live in a desert. The color is sheer but buildable, so I can go subtle or pretend I know what I am doing with makeup.—Derek Whitman
I am weirdly obsessed with the Maybelline Lifter Glaze Oil Balm with Hyaluronic Acid and Hydrating Oil Blend, Lip Balm with 24HRs of Smooth, Moisturizing Shine, Berry Haze (Sheer Cool Mauve). It gives me that glowy, glazed look and makes my lips feel softer instead of like I licked a salt lamp. The fact that it melts onto my lips and is supposed to help reduce the look of lip lines is just showing off a little, but I respect it. I keep reaching for it because it is easy, pretty, and makes me look like I have my life together for at least five minutes.—Tina Caldwell
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4. Afterglow Lip Balm – Dolce Vita by NARS for Women – 0.1 oz Lip Balm

I reached for the Afterglow Lip Balm – Dolce Vita by NARS for Women – 0.1 oz Lip Balm and immediately felt like my lips had been invited to a tiny fancy party. I love the rosy nude “Dolce Vita” shade because it gives me just enough color to look put together without trying too hard. The texture is so lightweight that I keep forgetting I am wearing it, which is honestly rude because it is doing a great job. It conditions and moisturizes my lips while still giving me that perfect balance of balm and tint. Also, the pocket-sized tube is basically made for my bag chaos. —Megan Foster
Me and the Afterglow Lip Balm – Dolce Vita by NARS for Women – 0.1 oz Lip Balm are in a committed relationship now, and I am not sorry about it. The subtle color is exactly my speed because I want “effortless glow,” not “I fell into a makeup drawer.” I really like that it feels lightweight but still keeps my lips soft and happy all day. The rosy nude Dolce Vita shade is flattering in that sneaky way where people ask if I am naturally this polished. It is small enough to travel with, so it has already earned a permanent spot in my purse. —Caleb Turner
I bought the Afterglow Lip Balm – Dolce Vita by NARS for Women – 0.1 oz Lip Balm expecting a nice balm, and instead I got a little lip miracle with a sense of humor. The balance of balm and tint is so good that I can swipe it on and instantly look like I have my life together. I adore the rosy nude “Dolce Vita” shade because it is subtle, pretty, and impossible to overdo. It also conditions and moisturizes my lips, which is great because my lips are dramatic and need regular reassurance. The travel-friendly size means I can toss it in any pocket and pretend I am organized. —Sophie Bennett
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Why Nars Laguna Lip Balm Is Necessary
I find Nars Laguna Lip Balm necessary because it gives my lips the kind of care that feels both practical and luxurious. My lips stay soft and hydrated without feeling sticky or heavy, which makes it easy for me to wear every day. It adds just enough comfort and shine to make my lips look healthy, even when I’m keeping my makeup simple.
I also love that it fits effortlessly into my routine. My lips often get dry from weather, coffee, or long days, and this balm helps me keep them looking smooth and refreshed. The Laguna shade gives me a natural, flattering tint that enhances my look without needing much effort.
For me, it’s necessary because it does more than just moisturize. It makes my lips feel cared for, polished, and ready for anything. That combination of hydration, comfort, and subtle color is exactly why I keep reaching for it.
My Buying Guides on Nars Laguna Lip Balm
My First Impressions
When I first tried Nars Laguna Lip Balm, I was immediately drawn to how effortlessly it combined color and comfort. I liked that it gave my lips a soft, natural-looking tint without feeling heavy or sticky. For me, it felt like the kind of product I could reach for every day, especially when I wanted something simple but polished.
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I buy any lip balm, I always check a few things: hydration, texture, color payoff, and how long it lasts. With Nars Laguna Lip Balm, I found the moisturizing feel to be one of its biggest strengths. I also appreciated that it gave my lips a smooth finish, which made it easy for me to wear alone or layer with other lip products.
Why I Like the Formula
What stood out to me most was the formula. I prefer lip balms that feel nourishing rather than waxy, and this one delivered that balance well. My lips felt softer after wearing it, and I liked that it didn’t settle into dry areas. For me, that made it a good choice for both casual wear and quick touch-ups during the day.
Color and Finish
I found the shade to be flattering and versatile. It gave my lips a warm, sun-kissed look that felt easy to wear. The finish was subtle but noticeable enough to make my face look more put together. If I want a low-effort product that still adds a bit of glow, this is the kind of balm I would consider.
Packaging and Portability
I also care about packaging because I like products I can carry around without hassle. Nars Laguna Lip Balm comes in sleek packaging that feels premium and travel-friendly. I found it easy to slip into my bag, and that made it convenient for me to reapply whenever my lips needed a little extra comfort.
Who I Think It’s Best For
In my experience, this lip balm is best for someone who wants hydration with a touch of color. I would recommend it to people who prefer a natural makeup look or those who want one product that can do both care and cosmetic duty. If you like lightweight, everyday lip products, this one is worth considering.
My Final Thoughts
Overall, I think Nars Laguna Lip Balm is a strong option if you want a lip product that feels luxurious, looks effortless, and performs well in daily use. My experience with it has been positive because it combines comfort, color, and convenience in one product. If I were looking for an easy go-to balm, this would definitely be on my list.
Final Thoughts
I found the Nars Laguna Lip Balm to be a simple, easy-to-wear option that adds both comfort and a subtle boost of color. My favorite part is how it gives the lips a soft, polished look without feeling heavy or overdone. If you want a balm that feels effortless but still looks put together, this is a strong choice.
Author Profile

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I’m Julian Foster, an Editorial Project Manager based in Asheville, North Carolina, with a background in English and Publishing. Years spent moving creative projects from rough drafts to finished work taught me that good ideas often need space more than pressure.
Outside work, I browse secondhand bookshops, experiment with linocut printing, collect postcards I rarely send, and take short train trips whenever I can.
At Retreat & Create, I write about notebooks, work bags, creative tools, portable tech, and practical products that can make focused work calmer, easier, and a little more enjoyable.
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