10 Tinted Lip Balms For When Lipsticks Aren’t Your BFF

We demand a lot from lipsticks: Not only do they need to withstand our chapped lips, multiple touch-ups, and food, a good tube should give you a flawless-looking pout. But when you just can’t deal with lipsticks and their empty promises about staying kissably smooth all day (Who is liquid lipstick? I don’t know her.), we turned to the highly underrated: Tinted lip balm.

If you’re nodding your head along with us, unconsciously touching that cracked lip of yours, brands like Dior, Anna Sui and Origins speak our language by promising to cure flakiness and add a touch of colour in the process!

So queue up “Please me” à la Bruno and Cardi and start swiping.

DEEP BERRY

tinted lip balms
Left to right: Dior Addict Lip Glow To The Max in 206 Berry, Origins Blooming Sheer Lip Blam in Sweet Iris, Nivea Blackberry Shine Lip Balm.

These creamy tinted lip balms combine major TLC — thanks to ingredients like mango butter, essential oils, and flower honeys — promising to hydrate and condition your lips for hours. In addition to the pearlescent sheen, these brands promote the comfort of a balm with a deep flush of the berry hue. We’ll bite.

1. Dior Addict Lip Glow To The Max in 206 Berry, $48
2. Origins Blooming Sheer Lip Blam in Sweet Iris, USD$20
3. Nivea Blackberry Shine Lip Balm, $4.50

SHADES OF RED

tinted lip balms
Left to right: The Body Shop Lip Juicer in Strawberry, Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint in Bare Rasberry.

Tinted lip balms never looked (or felt) so good. What you get is a soft, sheer and ultra-moisturising tint, plenty of vitamin-packed moisture, and the satisfaction of swiping this effortless rosy-red shade that rehabs your chapped lips at the same time.

1. The Body Shop Lip Juicer in Strawberry, $14
2. Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint in Bare Rasberry, $49

THE DARK SIDE

tinted lip balms
Left to right: Anna Sui Lip Balm E in 002, Soleil Toujours Hydra Volume Lip Masque SPF 15 in Indochine.

While obtaining such a dark pigment solely from a lip balm may earn a concerning nod or two, these shades ensure a long-lasting colour-stay finish. If you’re searching for the perfect middle ground between dark colour potential and a hit of moisture, congratulations — you’ve found it.

1. Anna Sui Lip Balm E in 002, $21 (Available from 20 March 2019)
2. Soleil Toujours Hydra Volume Lip Masque SPF 15 in Indochine, $28

PINKS AND CORALS

tinted lip balms
Left to right: The Face Shop Lip Tint Stick, Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15 in Tulip, Innisfree Glow Tint Lip Balm.

What looks like a bright pop of colour in the tube actually translates to a sheer coral shade, all with a hydrating finish thanks to a blend of grape seed oil, mango seed butter, and almond oil that provides moisture and nourishment while holding the colour. Love.

1. The Face Shop Lip Tint Stick, $18.90
2. Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15 in Tulip, $36
3. Innisfree Glow Tint Lip Balm, $11