The 9 Best Tinted Lip Balms For A Subtle Colour Refresh
What was once a niche, under-the-radar category, lost in a sea of matte lipsticks and high-shine glosses, tinted lip balms have reclaimed their place in the world of 'no make-up make-up' and, thanks to TikTok's seal of approval, are becoming the most coveted of lip care formulas for the season ahead.
As for why, they're brimming with benefits. 'You get all the comfort and care that you expect from a lip balm, plus a boost of colour,' shares Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director of Christian Dior Make-up. The latest fascination with tints also taps into renewed fascination with natural, no make-up make-up – we're entering an era where ease, comfort and foolproof application reign supreme. 'Lip balms work in harmony with natural finished make-up looks; they are easy and flattering,' adds Philips.
Whether it's a buzzy gloss going viral, or the latest formulas that react with your pH to deliver a bespoke, subtle glow, these buildable balms all offer something different...
The best tinted lip balms, according to a beauty editor
Dior Addict Lip Glow
Dior has ameliorated its cult lip balm (a personal favourite) with a series of aesthetically-pleasing hues, from icy blues to butter yellow. What makes these tinted lip balms more than just a viral product drop? 'The Dior Addict Lip Glow is unique in that the formula reacts to the pH of your natural lip shade,' shares Philips, meaning every balm looks different on everyone. 'The novelty of this new formula is that the finish comes in both warm and cold undertones. The actual colour range is diverse and playful, and the combination of cherry oil and shea butter guarantees 48 hour hydration secured by a new moisture lock technology,' he adds.
Glossier Ultralip
A far cry away from the sticky lip tints and glosses of old, Glossier's viral lip balm has 'no make-up make-up' obsessives hooked on the impressive trifecta of buildable colour, subtle sheen, and hydrating finish. If you like a subtle swipe of gloss, and a soft boost of colour, this one's for you.
Posh Balm
Harnessing the power of murumuru seed butter, Victoria Beckham's Posh Balm isn't your ordinary tint. Firstly, the texture is somewhat novel compared to its counterparts, with a slightly less glossy finish and more solid texture. It glides on easily and one swipe will impart a very soft glow, but you can build this up with layers for a bolder lip look.
$32.00 at victoriabeckhambeauty.com
Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm
ILIA has made a name for itself thanks to its dewy skin serums, soft-focus cream eyeshadows and lip conditioners, all of which tap into the growing trend for minimalist, barely-there make-up. What appears as a lipstick is yet another clever take on make-up-meets-skincare and a tinted balm that adds just a hint of colour – perfect if you find traditional lipsticks too drying.
Phyto-Glow Lip Balm
Enriched with barrier-boosting squalane and cupuacu butter, this affordable balm has been making waves online thanks to its high-shine finish – but it's not going to attach to your hair or feel sticky throughout the day. It's glossy but soft, and is a powerhouse when it comes to hydration.
The Tinted Balm
With the seal of approval of actor Sofia Coppola, we had high expectations from this Augustinus Bader tint, and it certainly delivered on its promises. Now a favourite among the ELLE beauty team, if you're yet to find a long-lasting, nourishing lipstick that hasn't faded after your morning coffee, here lies your solution: the balm-like texture adds just enough shine and the colour stays put for hours.
Lip Butter Balm
Available in every shade under the sun, from peachy pinks to nostalgic browns, Summer Fridays' tinted balm has earned cult status, with very good reason. Shinier and glossier than your average tinted balm, we'd call it the perfect summer finish for far-flung holidays, helping to hydrate dry lips in seconds.
Violette FR Bisou Balm Bêtise
One of the most innovative formulas out there, this Bisou Balm - created by make-up artist, Violette Serrat - was inspired by a popular french lip look called 'bouche mordue' (just-bitten lips), which involves applying lip balm and lipstick. Here, the lipstick is encased in a lip balm formula, mimicking the flush of colour of a bold red lip without any of the drying side effects.
Chanel Coco Rouge Balm
Aside from the obvious aesthetic allure of this covetable balm, Chanel's bestselling tint-lip hybrid is also packed with skincare benefits. Enriched with Oleoactive, an omega-rich oil, I often wear this soft brown hue on my office days and it feels as nourishing as my go-to lip balm.
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