Dr. Barbara Sturm's limited-edition art collab

It’s been four years in the making, but finally Dr. Barbara Sturm’s new lip balm has been released, and the launch is one to take note of.

To mark the occasion, Sturm is releasing a limited-edition collaboration with Niclas Castello, an artist who grew up in the same region as her that was once part of East Germany. Sturm commissioned 20 of his signature sculptures, shaped as voluptuous, natural-looking lips, to house a single lip balm.

“I love beautiful things and combining the lip with the balm was a cool idea,” Sturm said.

“When the batch is sold, we’ll do another limited-edition in a different color. People love it.”

Sturm describes skincare formulations as where art meets science, finding lip balms especially tricky for their need to hydrate and last when applied.

Omitting fragrances, mineral oils and silicones, Sturm blends purslane, her go-to ingredient, and plant-based oils including coconut, avocado and sunflower seed with shea butter, beeswax and vitamin E.

“I use it as my lip gloss now, but it’s fundamentally a healing balm. It’s even amazing to protect cheeks and under eyes against harsh winter weather,” she said.

Image source: @drbarbarasturm