The squeeze tube lip revival: Best new products for a 90s-inspired pout

We may be well past the halfway mark of the year, but beauty is still taking cues from the past. The latest nostalgic trend to make a triumphant return? Glossy, high-shine lips reminiscent of the ‘90s and early noughties.

Alongside the return of lacquered lips comes another beauty icon: the humble squeeze tube. But today’s iterations are a far cry from the sticky glosses of decades past.

How skincare ingredients are transforming the squeeze tube lip product

Think thoughtfully designed applicators, skincare-first formulas and ingredients such as peptides, collagen and nourishing botanical oils that blur the line between makeup and lip care.

No conversation about the squeeze tube revival would be complete without Rhode’s Peptide Lip Treatment, which debuted in 2022 and reignited demand for the format. Its runaway success ushered in a new generation of elevated lip treatments while reminding beauty lovers exactly why they fell in love with squeeze tubes in the first place.

The nostalgia wave had, in fact, begun building even earlier. In 2020, Lancôme revived its cult-favourite Juicy Tubes after quietly discontinuing the iconic gloss in 2018—a move that disappointed beauty devotees everywhere. The relaunch featured 20 shades, including 10 original favourites and 10 new additions across shimmer, sparkle, jelly and cream finishes. Last year, the brand expanded the collection once again, tapping Gen Z superstar Olivia Rodrigo as the face of the beloved Y2K classic.

Whether you’re after a mirror-like gloss, a peptide-powered lip treatment or a sheer wash of colour, there’s a squeeze tube to suit every beauty mood. Ahead, our favourite formulas worth slipping into your makeup bag.

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm Acai Mango Smoothie, $28

Infused with nourishing shea butter and murumuru seed butter, this glossy balm delivers lasting hydration while leaving lips with a healthy, dewy sheen. Wear it on its own or layer it over your favourite lipstick for an extra juicy finish.

Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Mousse, $43

Not technically a gloss, but every bit as nostalgic thanks to its squeeze tube packaging. The plush, fuzzy doe-foot applicator glides effortlessly across the lips, depositing a soft-focus veil of colour while hyaluronic acid keeps lips smooth, conditioned and comfortably hydrated. Available in eight flattering nude shades.

Tatcha The Melting Lip Balm, $47

Inspired by the Japanese concept of torori—the moment a solid melts into silky softness—this balm-to-oil formula is packed with moisture-boosting lipids that cocoon lips in hydration while leaving behind a glossy, non-sticky finish. Available in four shades.

Sigi Skin Butter Glaze Lip Jelly, $32

As indulgent as its name suggests, this lip treatment is infused with peptides, squalane and antioxidant-rich strawberry or cocoa extracts to hydrate, nourish and visibly plump lips. Choose from a crystal-clear finish or tinted shades that leave behind a subtle wash of colour.

Kosas Lip Pulse, $37

This high-shine treatment delivers a gentle tingling sensation that creates the look of fuller lips without the discomfort often associated with traditional plumpers. Available in six wearable shades, it leaves lips looking smooth, voluminous and glassy—minus the stickiness.