Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the web’s best products. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission. Our editorial team is independent and only endorses products we believe in.
I first spotted Prada’s now-viral Banana Lip Balm in Sabrina Carpenter’s Manchild music video. It was just for a quick second, but the beauty Easter Egg was caught by fans, myself included, almost immediately – even amidst her 37 different outfit changes. (Shout out to her stylist, Jared Ellner, for smashing each and every look!)
While Sabrina is known for her blonde locks perfected by colorist Laurie Heaps and her iconic blowouts by hairstylist Scott King (you can read our interview with him here!), she’s quickly becoming synonymous with Prada Beauty, too. She teased the launch in a TikTok video eating Prada-branded Banana jellies before applying the juicy yellow lip balm on top of her lipstick.
From Guava Girl to Strawberry Girl Summer, it’s been a fruit-forward summer – and banana is next on the beauty world’s list. Prada’s leading the charge (they sent out the cutest mailers with the branded banana jellies to get everyone excited), and other brands are following suit: Glossier recently launched a Banana Pudding Balm Dotcom and teamed up with NYC’s iconic Magnolia Bakery for a PR mailer with the bakery’s iconic banana pudding.
If you’re already a fan of Prada’s refillable balms, you’ll be happy to hear that this iteration is also infused with hydrating ingredients. It includes Jojoba Oil, which soothes and hydrates, and Bifidus Extract, which helps strengthen the lip barrier. The formula also promises to deliver all-day lip care hydration. Ahead, I’m testing out the viral lip balm for myself. Keep reading for my honest review and to see if it is worth all the hype.
We like
- Smells delicious
- Long-lasting hydration 12+ hrs
- Non sticky formulation
- Whimsical gold finish
We don't like
- Pricey - $50 for one lip balm
The Story Behind The Lip Balm
Prada's latest shade of its Hydrating Lip Balm is an ode to the luxury fashion house’s most iconic prints. Most fashion aficionados will remember Prada’s iconic banana print from the brand’s spring/summer 2011 collection, and this yellow hue was inspired by it.
Carpenter was tapped to feature it in her Manchild music video after including Prada’s Astral Pink lip balm in the “Please Please Please” music video and selling it out of every single store in just 72 hours.
My Honest Review
The first thing I did when I received the product was see if it actually smelled like bananas. Honestly, I don't think it smells exactly like the fruit, but rather more like a fruity banana candy.
I can see why some people may be afraid that the lip balm will leave a bright yellow tint to your lips, given the bright yellow shade, but I’m here to wash those worries away. It’s *super* sheer and the shade provides your lips with a touch of warmth and light golden sheen. To even see the golden shimmer, I had to apply it over my lips a few times. It has a translucent look – almost like a clear balm – with just the slightest tinge of a warm gold hue making it great for every day use or as a finishing touch over lipstick.
In terms of the product having all-day hydration, I will agree that it did leave my lips feeling hydrated, and I reapplied once throughout the day just to add a little more shimmer.
The Final Results
My final thoughts? If you’re looking for an easy lip balm that’s great for the summer months and smells delicious, this is it. You don’t have to worry about the stickiness of a gloss, or it getting all in your hair if you get caught in the wind or wear it on a beach day. Plus, it adds a light sheen to your lips while keeping them nice and hydrated for hours. If you’re looking for a fuller-looking lip or need more color, simply apply your favorite lip liner underneath a la Carpenter.
Shop the lip balm online at Pradabeauty.com and Sephora
