Your Lips Will Thank You After You Try Tarte's New Hydrating Lipstick

I've been wearing matte lipsticks almost exclusively for the past year or so, and while my pout has looked very trendy, it has felt completely terrible. No matter how nourishing the formula, mattes tend to suck every last drop of moisture out of my lips, leaving them scaly and cracked. And, because I'm incredibly stubborn, I haven't stopped wearing matte textures because I refuse to sacrifice that intense color in favor of something more hydrating (and sheer).

Though it's been months since I've willingly switched over to a cream formula, Tarte's new Color Splash Lipstick ($21) has me hooked. Just a mere glance at the tube was enough, to be honest: the bullets are housed in a blue marbleized tube reminiscent of a Caribbean shoreline.

This launch is part of the brand's "Rainforest of the Sea" range, so it contains a smoothing blend of algae and marine flower extracts for an extra burst in hydration. Every single lipstick is intensely creamy and seriously pigmented, and glides on as easily as a balm. Even better, it's pretty durable, meaning you can get through several cups of coffee without needing to reapply.

It's available in 24 shades, consisting primarily of neutrals (in a wide range of tones for varying complexions) with a few punchy pops of color thrown in. I'm particularly fond of Beach Babe, a light pinky beige that reads as the perfect nude for my porcelain skin, as well as Popsicle, a vibrant pink. I'll definitely be tucking a tube into my purse for my next tropical vacation, as it'll look gorgeous surrounded by sand on Instagram.

The collection is available now on TarteCosmetics.com, so read on to see which hues you need in your stash, then shop your favorites.