The Lip Lab Edit

National Lipstick Day is almost here (29 July, if you need an excuse to wear your favourite shade), so the Alchemy and Elementis lab teams decided it was the perfect opportunity to join forces, share ideas and, of course, test plenty of lip products along the way.

As colour cosmetics experts, the Elementis team is always exploring the latest trends, textures and must-have finishes. Meanwhile, Alchemy's skincare specialists know a thing or two about keeping lips soft, smooth and ready for whatever colour comes next.

Put the two together, and you've got the perfect recipe for lip innovation.

Before a lipstick can really shine, lips need a little TLC.

Healthy, hydrated lips create the perfect canvas for colour, so our Alchemy team recommends a simple three-step routine that's easy to build into any lip care range.

A good lip scrub helps buff away dry skin, smooth texture, and leave lips feeling soft and refreshed.

Our Cherry Lip Buff prototype does exactly that, while adding a subtle hint of colour for an instant pick-me-up.

Unlike the rest of our skin, lips don't have oil glands, making them much more prone to dryness. That's why hydration is non-negotiable.

The team's go-to? Our Hyaluronic Acid Lip Elixir, designed to help keep lips feeling plump, smooth and comfortable.

While we're sleeping, our skin gets to work repairing itself – and lips are no exception. That's where overnight lip masks come in.

A customer favourite, our Rose Lip Mask is a rich, nourishing treatment to help lips feel softer by morning.

When it comes to colour cosmetics, trends move fast. Here are three that both labs agree are continuing to shape lip product development.

Why choose between skincare and colour when consumers want both?

Today's lip products are expected to work harder than ever, combining skincare benefits with cosmetic performance. Think glosses with moisturising benefits, lip colours with SPF protection, or tinted treatments that nourish while adding a pop of colour.

Our Hybrid Heroes:

• Citrus Lip Gloss Balm – hydrates, softens & shines
• Silkyshade Lip Tint - delivers a glossy finish while effectively shielding lips from UV damage with SPF 50+.

Just like we choose different outfits for different occasions, consumers are now building a wardrobe of lip products too.

A barely-there balm for working from home. A glossy tint for brunch. A bold statement lipstick for a night out.

Different moods call for different lip looks, creating plenty of opportunities for formulators to play with shades, textures and finishes.

A few favourites from our lab teams include:

• Energy Orange Lipstick – perfect for making a statement.
• Peachy Lip Gloss – ideal for an effortless everyday look.
• Berry Swirl Marbled Lipstick – because sometimes only a classic red will do.

Consumers still love bold colour, but increasingly they want it without compromising on comfort.

Soft-focus finishes, cushiony textures, nourishing oils, and treatment-style products are all helping blur the lines between makeup and skincare.

Lip oils, overnight treatments, serum-infused glosses and intensive masks continue to be popular choices, offering both performance and care in one product.

Be inspired by our lab team’s creations:

• Plumping Lip Balm – protects from dryness, relieves chapped lips.
• Pillowy Soft Lip Treatment - nourishes and restores the lips and provides a long-term moisturising effect.

Strawberry Latte Night Lip Mask (and a lot of fun!)

After plenty of brainstorming, testing, and product play, the teams combined their expertise to create something completely new: the Strawberry Latte Night Lip Mask.

This indulgent overnight treatment is designed to help nourish and restore lips while delivering a rich, luxurious sensorial experience.

It's also a great example of how ingredient technologies from Alchemy and Elementis can come together to create formulations that deliver on both performance and consumer appeal.

What's Inside?

The formulation combines ingredients from both businesses, including:

• BENTONE® ULTIMATE CCC - Helps maintain formulation stability and a consistent appearance.
• THIXCIN® R PC - Delivers a silky, smooth feel during application.
• MEADOWESTOLIDE® - Provides a natural boost of hydration to help support soft, healthy-looking lips.
• FANCOL® POLYISO® 300-CG - Contributes shine and a smooth, glossy finish.
• SUCRAGEL® XL - Creates a rich, cushiony texture that's perfect for indulgent overnight treatments.

National Lipstick Day is all about having fun with lips, whether that's experimenting with bold colours, exploring new textures, or developing the next must-have lip treatment.

For us, this collaboration has shown just how much inspiration can come from bringing different areas of expertise together. And judging by how much fun the teams had, we're pretty sure it won't be the last!

Explore our formulation library for even more lip care and colour cosmetic concepts.