You know that feeling when a product is so viral on TikTok that you almost want it to be bad? It's that cynical part of the brain that's tired of seeing the same beige aesthetic in every "get ready with me" video. I felt that way about the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm Mint. Honestly, I expected it to be another over-hyped, overpriced tube of grease.
I was wrong.
It’s good. Like, genuinely, "keep-three-in-different-handbags" good. But if you’re looking for a heavy-duty clinical treatment like Aquaphor or something that tingles so hard your lips go numb, this isn't it. This balm occupies a very specific niche in the beauty world. It’s a hybrid. Part gloss, part mask, part daily hydrator.
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The Texture Science Behind the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm Mint
Most people assume all lip balms are just wax and oil. They aren't. Summer Fridays uses a vegan blend that leans heavily on shea and murumuru seed butters. If you’ve ever used a balm that feels like it’s just sitting on top of your skin without actually sinking in, it’s probably because the formula has too much petrolatum or beeswax.
This one is different.
The murumuru seed butter is the secret sauce here. It's packed with fatty acids that help lock in moisture, but the consistency is what really stands out. It's silky. It has this specific "slip" that feels expensive. You won't find that sticky, tacky feeling that makes your hair get stuck to your face when the wind blows. It's smooth.
The mint version specifically adds a layer of sensory experience that the Vanilla or Cherry versions lack. It’s not a "spicy" mint. It doesn't have that intense pepperiness that some plumping balms use to irritate your lips into looking bigger. Instead, it’s a cooling, peppermint-oil-infused sensation. It’s subtle. Refreshing. It feels like 2:00 PM on a Tuesday when you need a literal wake-up call for your face.
What’s Actually Inside the Tube?
Let's look at the ingredients because branding is just fluff if the chemistry is weak.
- Shea Butter: This is the heavy lifter for conditioning.
- Murumuru Seed Butter: This provides the shine and the barrier protection.
- Vegan Waxes: Since it's a 100% vegan formula, they skip the beeswax and use synthetic waxes that give it a unique, melt-on-contact texture.
- Peppermint Oil: This provides the flavor and the cooling effect.
One thing to keep in mind is that peppermint oil can be a sensitizer for some people. If you have extremely cracked, bleeding lips or a history of perioral dermatitis, the mint might be a bit much for you. In those cases, the "Untinted" version is usually the safer bet. But for the average user? The mint is the clear winner for that "clean girl" aesthetic.
Why the Packaging Matters More Than You Think
We need to talk about the applicator. The old Summer Fridays tubes were metal. They looked cool, but they were a nightmare. They cracked, leaked, and you couldn't get the last 15% of the product out without a specialized key or a lot of frustration.
The current Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm Mint comes in a flexible plastic tube with a contoured silicone tip. This was a game-changer. Why? Because you can apply it without using your fingers. It’s hygienic. It’s fast. The silicone tip mimics the shape of a fingertip, so you get an even spread without the mess.
It sounds like a small detail. It isn't. When you're paying $24 for a lip balm, you don't want to waste half of it because the tube split open in your pocket.
Is It Actually a Mask?
The brand calls it a "Lip Butter Balm," but many people use it as an overnight mask. Personally, I think it’s a bit light for a true "slugging" style overnight treatment. If your lips are peeling, you might need something thicker, like the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask.
However, for daily wear? It’s superior.
It gives a high-shine finish that looks like a gloss but feels like a treatment. You can layer it over a lip liner (like MAC Whirl or something from Charlotte Tilbury) and it won't break down the pigment underneath. It’s versatile.
The Reality of the Price Tag
Let’s be real. Twenty-four dollars is a lot for 0.5 ounces of product. You can buy a pack of three Chapsticks for five dollars. You can get a tin of Vaseline for two.
So, why do people keep buying this?
It’s about the "low-stakes luxury" trend. In an economy where buying a house feels impossible, a $24 lip balm is a small, attainable luxury that you use ten times a day. It’s an experience. The scent, the cooling sensation, the way the tube looks on your desk—it all contributes to a sense of "treating yourself" that doesn't break the bank.
But from a purely functional standpoint, you’re paying for the formulation. Creating a vegan balm that isn't grainy is actually quite difficult. Many vegan balms use candelilla wax, which can sometimes feel "bumpy" or dry. Summer Fridays nailed the chemistry. It stays buttery until the very last drop.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Mint Balm
If you want your lips to actually improve over time, don't just slather this on once a day.
First, exfoliate. You don't need a fancy scrub. Just take a damp washcloth and gently rub your lips in a circular motion after you get out of the shower. This removes the dead skin cells that prevent the balm from actually penetrating.
Second, apply the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm Mint to slightly damp lips. Hyaluronic acid isn't a main ingredient here, but the butters work best when they can trap existing moisture.
Third, use it as a "gloss topper." If you find your matte lipsticks too drying, dab a tiny bit of the mint balm in the center of your bottom lip. It adds dimension and keeps your lips from feeling like paper by noon.
Common Misconceptions and Troubleshooting
I see a lot of people complaining that the balm "doesn't last."
Here’s the thing: it’s a butter balm. It’s designed to be absorbed. If you want a product that stays on your lips for six hours, you’re looking for a long-wear gloss or a thick petroleum jelly. The Summer Fridays formula is meant to sink in and condition the skin. You will have to reapply it after eating or drinking. That’s just the nature of the beast.
Another thing? The "Mint" isn't a tint. While the "Cherry" or "Pink Sugar" versions give a wash of color, the Mint is clear. It’s the one you want if you just want healthy, shiny-looking lips without worrying about your lip line looking messy.
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Actionable Steps for the Best Lip Health
If you're ready to dive into the world of high-end lip care, don't just buy the first thing you see.
- Check your sensitivity: If you have reactive skin, do a patch test with the mint. Peppermint oil is refreshing but can be a trigger for some.
- Evaluate your needs: If you want color, go for "Poppy" or "Cherry." If you want the most "classic" experience that goes with everything, stick with the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm Mint.
- Store it correctly: Don't leave this in a hot car. Because it’s a butter-based formula, it can melt. If it does, the oils might separate. Keep it in your bag or at room temperature to maintain that perfect, silky consistency.
- Maximize the tube: When you think it’s empty, cut the end off with scissors. There’s usually at least 3-4 more days of product hiding near the applicator.
Ultimately, this balm is a staple for a reason. It bridges the gap between skincare and makeup perfectly. It isn't a medical-grade cure for chronically chapped lips, but as a daily luxury that actually hydrates, it’s hard to beat. Just keep it away from direct sunlight, and your lips will thank you.