I absolutely love Lancome lipsticks! As the previous reviewer mentioned, these products aren't exactly cheap by any means...in fact I find the price to be quite high for just a lipstick. However, these lipsticks apply smoothly and aren't at all drying, and have quite good lasting power. I had my lipstick last all morning until I ate my lunch! I didn't apply a balm, and didn't have problems with flaky or dry lips after the lipstick wore off.