About us

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

OUR STORY

A Love Story in Every Tube

Cortez Lip Balm was born from love.

In 2016, my fiancée, Kathleen Joy Cortez, and I were building our future together. We were both working, making plans, and looking forward to the life we would share. Then, in an instant, everything changed.


Kathleen suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm.

She spent nearly two years in a coma, followed by another year in recovery. Watching someone you love fight for their life changes your perspective forever. It teaches you to appreciate every smile, every conversation, and every day together.

Throughout the years I've known Kathy, one small thing always brought her joy: lip balm. She never went anywhere without it.

That simple everyday favorite became the inspiration for something much bigger.



I created Cortez Lip Balm in her honor—not only to celebrate her strength but also to build something that reflects the life we've shared together. Our collection is inspired by flavors that represent our cultures, our memories, and the joy that can be found in life's simple moments.

Our first collection features five signature flavors

Mango Papaya

Breathtaking colors of our planet
Button

Creamy Coconut

Portraits of people from around the globe
Button

Mint Vanilla Bean

Stark beauty of desolate dunes
Button

Sweet Strawberry

Visual odyssey across continents
Button
SHOP NOW

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

Each one is designed to bring a little happiness

Each one is designed to bring a little happiness to your day while caring for your lips.

Cortez Lip Balm is more than a business. It's a tribute to resilience, to hope, and to a love that endured life's greatest challenge.



Thank you for being part of our journey. Every purchase helps carry Kathleen's story forward, reminding us that even after life's hardest moments, there is still room for joy, kindness, and new beginnings.

From our family to yours,

Dave Valdez & Kathleen Joy Cortez