The Tinted Lip Balms, Glosses, And Lip Oils We’re Currently Obsessed With

Now that masks are off, in outdoor settings at least, we’ve been seeing people getting a lot more experimental with their lipstick choices — thank goodness. For beauty brands though, there’s been an uncanny phenomenon: a bias for sheer, shiny lips.

The lip gloss resurgence is back with a vengeance, and this time we’re not getting tacky, messy formulas that were such letdowns in the 90s. On top of that, new-generation lip oils and lip balms offer plenty of nourishing hydration, coupled with sheer flushes of colour with the prized look of healthy lips, which we’re definitely here for. Ahead, a roundup of our new favourite tinted and ultra-hydrating formulas.

LIP OILS & GLOSSES

Straight from the tube, these liquid formulas offer the most nourishing lip-care ingredients that deeply condition the lips, while also delivering on colour. Yes, you can have both. It’s ultimately a matter of preference though — is it MLBB sheer shine you want, a marble-like liquid lip balm, or one with a soft, creamy texture?

[click on the images below to expand, and for more info on each.]

CLARINS LIP COMFORT OIL, $40. In 8 shades, available at Clarins stores and counters.

The new version of Clarins' beloved Lip Comfort Oil contains even more natural ingredients and nourishing ingredients that care for your lips, including the use of plant-based oils — yes, we’ve tried them, and can vouch that they feel better than ever. New ingredient organic sweetbriar rose oil elevates the lip oils with a luscious but lightweight texture, so what you get is sheer, natural-looking colour and an ultra-glossy shine that never feels tacky. Lips stay well-hydrated and nourished for a long time after too! Go for shades Honey and Raspberry for barely-there glossy hues, or Plum, Chocolate and Strawberry for richer but still subtle colour.

GIVENCHY BEAUTY ROSE PERFECTO LIQUID LIP BALM, $54. In 6 shades, available at Sephora and Takashimaya, online at sephora.sg.

The marbled effect look stunning in the tube, while Givenchy Beauty promises a liquid lip balm that's infused with both rich colour and rich lip-caring ingredients. With 97% skincare ingredients, this is a comfortable formula infused with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, shea butter, and pink pepper that nourish, smooth and plump. As for the swirls of colour, these give light coverage and a sheer glossy finish.

HERMÊS HERMÊSISTIBLE INFUSED CARE OIL, $55. In 6 shades, available at Hermès boutiques and online at hermes.com/sg.

Hermèsistible indeed! Hermès’ collection of six lip oils are each infused with radiant colours and a unique scent of their own by Hermès perfumer Christine Nagel. They’re made with 97% natural ingredients, which form a nourishing formula that cares for the lips while still giving a light touch of colour and shine. Shades from the Hermèsistible series include Beige Sapotille, a soft orange-beige with scent notes of sandalwood, arnica and a caramelised note of the tropical fruit sapodilla; Rouge Amarelle, a bright red where you’ll get whiffs of the tangy Amarelle cherry; as well as Rose Kola, an elegant rosewood that has hints of the spicy kola nut.

FENTY BEAUTY GLOSS BOMB CREAM COLOR DRIP LIP CREAM, $34. In 5 shades, available at Sephora.

Fenty Beauty's OG Gloss Bomb may be the more popular product, but I've got a soft spot for the Gloss Bomb Cream. This gives the shiny lip gloss look that we all love, with creamy, flattering colours that are shimmer-free, while still giving you the effect of fuller lips. The full-intensity pigment is also highly-buildable, with a non-sticky feel and light peach vanilla-scent.

TINTED LIP BALMS & SHINY LIPSTICKS

These days, tinted lip balms are formidable stuff. The fresh colours are made to be especially flattering for the complexion, and while sheer, manage to stay on the lips with a glowy soft sheen. You can rest easy knowing that your lips are well taken care of as well.

[click on the images below to expand, and for more info on each.]

HOURGLASS PHANTOM VOLUMIZING GLOSSY BALM, $56. In 8 colours, available at Sephora stores and sephora.sg.

This one's a 3-in-1 hybrid from Hourglass that hydrates just like a lip balm, has a plumping effect for fuller-looking lips, while performing just like a lip gloss with its high-shine finish. Instead of a messy tube though, the Glossy Balm is dispensed from a chic metallic lipstick tube with a twist-up pen. Its formula is also enhanced with a Conditioning Complex for soft lips, and Menthyl lactate, a mild and safer menthol alternative, to give that plumping effect.

CHANEL ROUGE COCO BAUME, $53. In 7 shades, available at CHANEL Fragrance & Beauty boutiques and online at sg.eshop.chanel.com. .

The ROUGE COCO BAUME is CHANEL’s take on tinted lip balm, in a sleek white and gold tube that’s perfect for Spring and Summer. Here, moisturising shea butter is combined with a Hydra Boost Complex of three plant waxes, along with an Olive Oleoactive, for a hydrating and protective balm that offers a hint of fresh, semi-matte colour.

GUERLAIN KISS KISS BEE GLOW, $55. In 6 shades, available at Guerlain stores and counters.

The honey bee association is strong with Guerlain, so it's no surprise that their latest tinted lip balm comes infused with honey, and is made of 98% natural-origin ingredients to keep lips hydrated for 24 hours. The formula goes on creamy with a glowing shine, in sheer shades that effortless flatter the complexion. Rose Glow, for instance, is a "delicate pink that has a subtle glow, suitable for all complexions and styles".

DIOR ADDICT LIPSTICK, $58. In 35 shades, available at Dior Beauty boutiques and counters, and online at shop.dior.com.sg.

Though not really a lip balm, the Dior Addict boasts a new formula that delivers on that lacquered-effect shine and highly-pigmented look we love, along with 90% natural-origin ingredients and floral lip care. What’s equally impressive is that the refillable Dior lipsticks arrive alongside four couture-inspired cases — including Pink Cannage featuring the iconic cannage motif we usually see across Dior’s leather bags.

GUCCI BEAUTY BAUME NOURRISSANT UNIVERSEL NOURISHING LIP BALM, $105. Available at Gucci Beauty counters and Sephora.

A balm that does them all. Gucci Beauty's one-stop, multi-use balm is primarily a lip balm for nourished lips, but also a soothing balm for other dry areas of the skin, especially since its mix of botanical oils and flowers help soothe skin. Of course, the vintage-style, gold-rimmed compact is just as exquisite and as much a collector's item as other items in their makeup collection.

AVAILABLE AT THEIR RESPECTIVE BEAUTY BOUTIQUES AND COUNTERS.