This does leave my lips feeling soft though not hydrated. It acts more like a lip tint rather than a balm. I'm not sure if it's just the color I received but the color it is when applied, a pale pink color, turns hot pink after being on my lips for a minute or so which could be cool if it was advertised as such but being as I though I bought I pale pink balm you can see how I'd be disappointed to have my lips STAINED hot pink.