“Love Island USA” star Leah Kateb loved using this lip balm in the villa — and you will, too

Published January 6, 2025

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“Love Island USA” was the IT show of 2024, and I think it’s safe to say that we’re all patiently waiting to see the newest contestants and bombshells when season 7 premiers. As someone who was obsessed with season 6, I spent a lot of time watching the girls’ makeup routines and taking note of every single product they used.

Leah Kateb, who was the star of the show due to her witty one-liners and gorgeous dresses, also had some of the best beauty looks of the season. From her natural looks to her more extravagant full faces, the star used both high-end and drugstore makeup products to achieve her stand-out style. But one of her favorite products in the bunch? The Summer Friday’s Lip Butter Lip Balm. It was an absolute staple for her in the villa. I bought and tried it out to see if it’s worth the hype.

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, $24

Amazon

As a lip balm and lip gloss enthusiast, there are three qualities that I look for in a product: sheer, shine and hydration. Since purchasing the lip balm this past summer, I haven’t been able to put it down. I always keep it in my purse for instant hydration and shine when I need it, and I love the fresh, sweet minty smell. I love a good lip balm that adds just the right amount of gloss, and this one is perfect!

With nine shades to choose from, this lip balm is 100% vegan and hydrates and soothes your lips. Each shade provides a subtle tint and delicious smell, and it goes on smoothly. Made with a blend of shea, murumuru seed butter and a blend of vegan waxes, this lip balm works to heal, condition and soothe dry, cracked or irritated lips.

Not only does this lip balm work like a charm for me and Kateb, but Amazon reviewers have crowned this one of their favorite lip products. “The Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm has quickly become a staple in my beauty routine!” says one reviewer. “The texture is luxuriously smooth and buttery, gliding effortlessly onto the lips without feeling sticky or heavy. It provides instant moisture, making dry lips feel soft and hydrated within minutes. I also love the subtle shine it adds — it’s perfect for a natural, polished look.”

If you prefer a more natural lip look, or want to layer something over your lipstick or lip gloss, this is the staple beauty product that needs to be added to your daily routine. Get it now to recreate your favorite beauty looks from “Love Island USA.”

Lauryn Jiles is a Content Commerce Assistant at McClatchy. She is based in South Carolina and graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Lauryn has written for numerous brands and is well-versed in the fashion, beauty, health, and lifestyle verticals. She enjoys yoga, coffee, fashion museums, sushi, and traveling.