I Always Pack This $6 Lip Jam With Me to Get My Vacation Glow

As much as I consider myself a makeup novice, there's one category I've always considered myself a professional in: lip gloss. I've been obsessed for as long as I can remember and have always kept an extensive collection: Lip Smackers, Baby Lips, Expressions — you name it! — I had it. That obsession stuck with me into adulthood, so I carry at least four of them in my purse. I take serious pride in that, especially since I've become the friend everyone turns to when their pout needs a quick refresh. This unspoken tradition even extends to vacations with my best friends, when I especially love doing my makeup. One of the first products to go in my makeup travel bag? SheGlam Hydra Jelly Pocket Lip Jam ($6).

Because I don't often wear lipstick, it's especially gratifying when I find a new lip gloss that works well with my routine. After completing my go-to base, which consists of foundation, concealer, setting powder, bronzer, and a blush, I tried the Hydra Jelly Pocket Lip Jam and, no joke, I was immediately obsessed. My lips felt super hydrated and didn't feel sticky, unlike other lip glosses I've tried. I love a brown lip look, so I chose the shade "Choco Cream," which instantly gave my lips that bronzy, shiny finish — so much so that I didn't have to apply clear gloss after the jam. I was also pleasantly surprised by the jam's staying power, as I didn't have to reapply after eating and drinking. Plus, the process of swirling the application wand in the jelly makes applying it 10 times more fun.

Since I'm a person who always needs to keep options in my bag, I'd be remiss not to list my other holy-grail lip products. I've become a committed lip liner user (even if I'm just going to the pool) — the L.A. Girl Perfect Precision Lip Liner ($4) in "Chocolate" and NYX Slim Lip Pencil ($5) in "Espresso" being some of my favorites. While I use darker hues for my base, I like to use lighter shades for my gloss, including the Lawless Beauty Forget the Filler Lip-Plumping Line-Smoothing Gloss ($26) in "Strawberry Shortcake" and the Kylie Cosmetics Supple Kiss Lip Glaze ($11, originally $20) in "Rose Bloom." And when I want to achieve my desired pigment with just one product, I'll opt for these glosses that deliver just enough color and shine: Laneige Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serum ($22) in "Chocolate Frosting," Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer ($22), and The Lip Bar Gloss Up Sheer Finish Gloss ($15).

Naomi Parris is an assistant shopping editor at Popsugar, based in New York. With over eight years of experience and previous roles held on the brand's Beauty and Operations teams, she enjoys telling stories that merge fashion, beauty, and Black culture. Naomi has also lent her skillful pen to Essence Girls United, Elle, Bustle, and Elite Daily. When she's not crafting shopping roundups, high-profile features, beauty op-eds, or trend guides, you can find Naomi behind her blog "Eli-Nay," where she inspires readers through style guides, cultural pieces, and innovative content on her Instagram.