The 19 best tinted lip balms to wear in 2022

Here at the New York Post, we believe you should be as bold as your lipstick. But there’s one problem, lipstick can sometimes be drying, stiff and uncomfortable.

That’s why we dove into the world of lip tints, which often provide the lips with a natural flush of color and lip balm-like hydration.

To ensure we are all on the same page about lip tints, we reached out to four beauty professionals to get their expertise.

First up, we have Kate Synnott, ROEN’s beauty creative director, followed by Lori Taylor Davis, global lead pro artist for Smashbox Cosmetics, then Nick Lujan, global director of artistry and education for Kevyn Aucoin and finally Emma Willis from Mane Addicts.

Each expert shares their take on what lip tints are, how they are used, their favorite products and more.

If you rather skip ahead to our expert-recommended lip tints, simply click here. Want to check out our picks? Click here.

What are lip tints?

According to Lujan, lip tints “stand out from the entire lip category because they don’t quite feel like a lipstick or a gloss.”

This is because lip tints are typically made with lightweight formulas, shared Synnott. Due to the thin formula, it’s important to note that you will not receive the same color payoff as you would a lipstick or thick gloss. Though, Lujan loves the single layer approach, as he says it looks like your “lips were stained after eating cherries, berries or a
popsicle.”

How do I apply lip tints?

Lip tints stick best when the lips are free of any additional product, explained Davis.

To ensure you’re on the right track, Lujan suggests opting for a lip scrub first, such as the Sugar Lip Polish from fresh ($18). Then, you can reach for a small lip brush, per Synnott’s recommendation, or use your finger to dab on the product.

Lujan suggests applying the product in sheer layers and allowing it to fully dry in between each layer, as this will deliver the best color payoff.

What should I look for in a good lip tint?

Our experts outline exactly what you should look for.

“It’s important to have hydration and nourishment — lip tints can look dry if they don’t have skincare benefits for your lips,” shared Synnott, and Lujan echoes that same sentiment.

Willis and Davis also evaluate a good lip tint based on its color pigment and application, ensuring the formula applies evenly, is buildable and long-wearing.

Which shades of lip tints are best for my skin tone? 

The last thing to evaluate before shopping for your ideal lip tint is knowing which shades are best for you. With the help of our experts, we curated an easy-to-follow guide below:

• Light tone: Pinks and rose browns
• Medium tone: Oranges, corals and deep pinks
• Deep tone: Cranberry, deep reds and terracotta

While that is a streamlined list, you shouldn’t be afraid to play with color — go with whatever you like! Makeup is supposed to be fun. This is because “the color will always be slightly defused once absorbed into the skin and lips,” explained Willis.

Best Lip Tints

1. Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain, $30

It only makes sense for the original cheek and lip tint to be first on this expert recommended list. Simply draw three small strokes on the apples of your cheeks and blend quickly. For lips, apply evenly and build color if desired.

• Color option(s): Rose tint
• Use: Lips and cheeks
• Finish: Matte, sheer and buildable

2. Victoria Beckham Bitten Lip Tint, $35

Using the tip of the brush, outline your cupid’s bow. With a small amount of product, start at the center and blend out. All you need is one coat for a “just-bitten” look.

• Color option(s): Various
• Use: Lips
• Finish: Gel texture, non-sticky and nourishing

3. YSL Saint Laurent Water Stain Lip Stain, $39

Full of vibrant color and intense hydration, this lip stain is simply gorgeous. Best of all, you can look forward to high shine gloss.

• Color option(s): Various
• Use: Lips
• Finish: Lightweight, non-sticky and high-shine

4. Honest Tinted Lip Balm, $9

According to the website, this Honest Tinted Lip Balm is made with antioxidant-rich acai extracts and avocado oil. You can also snag your ideal color from seven various options.

• Color option(s): Various
• Use: Lips
• Finish: Nourishing and moisturizing

5. Bite Outburst Longwear Lip Stain, $14, original price: $27

Packed with intense color, this lip stain is long wearing and lightweight. For bold color payoff, apply the product directly to the lips. For a more diffused look, tap your finger onto the tip of the product and then dap it onto the lips.

• Color option(s): Various
• Use: Lips
• Finish: Bold, hydrating and long-wearing

6. Dior Addict Lip Tattoo, $30

Prepare for 12 hours of wear and zero chances of transfer. It’s perfect for those no-makeup makeup days.

• Color option(s): Various
• Use: Lips
• Finish: Long-wearing, comfortable and weightless

8. Laneige Lip Glowy Balm, $17

Who doesn’t want a lip balm that delivers moisture and sheer color? It’s great for on-the-go application and is free of sulfates, parabens and phthalates.

• Color option(s): Various
• Use: Lips
• Finish: Hydrating and high-shine

9. Roen Elixir Tinted Lip, $32

Available in three gorgeous shades, this twist-up lip tint is packed with nutrients. Trust us, you won’t be able to get enough of its soft color and amazing formula.

• Color option(s): Various
• Use: Lips
• Finish: Moisturizing and hydrating

10. Yves Saint Laurent Tatouage Couture Liquid Matte Lip Stain, $38

Yes, it’s long wearing. Yes, it’s matte. Yes, you’ll love it. But you know what it’s not? Drying. So enjoy eight hours of comfortable, smudge-proof wear.

• Color option(s): Various
• Use: Lips
• Finish: Matte, long-lasting and high-impact

Our Favorite Lip Tints

1. Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, $20

How could we have a roundup of the best lip tints without mentioning the cult-classic Clinique Almost Lipstick? We once thought it was overrated too, but it’s 100% worth the hype.

• Color option(s): Various
• Use: Lips
• Finish: Universal, balm-like, this transparent and sheer

2. Makeup By Mario MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum, $22

Give your lips a little lift with this plumping lip serum. With a slight tingle and a high-shine formula, you’ll be hooked.

• Color option(s): Various
• Use: Lips
• Finish: Plumping, hydrating and high-shine

3. bareMinerals Mineralist Lip Gloss-Balm, $20

If Hailey Bieber likes it, we must too, right? But in all seriousness, this bareMinerals lip gloss-balm deliver beautiful color and ultimate hydration.

• Color option(s): Various
• Use: Lips
• Finish: Sheer color, glossy shine and hydrating

4. Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm, $4, original price: $5

For just $4, you can’t say no. Not only is the formula 100% natural, but the minty smell and intense color payoff makes it well worth it.

• Color option(s): Various
• Use: Lips
• Finish: Luminescent, rich color and moisturizing

5. Buxom Power-full Plump Lip Balm, $15, original price: $18

Not sure which lip tint shade is right for you? Luckily, this Buxom lip balm creates the perfect shade of pink according to you very own lips. We know, it’s some crazy magic.

• Color option(s): Various
• Use: Lips
• Finish: Plumping, moisturizing and customizable

6. Lano Rose Gold 101 Ointment Balm & Tint, $17

Create a sultry pout with this rose gold ointment. Opt for a monochromatic look by applying it to the apples of your cheeks too. Because getting ready doesn’t have to be hard.

• Color option(s): Various
• Use: Lips and cheeks
• Finish: Dewy and hydrating

7. iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Glaze Lip Oil, $15

It smells good, tastes good and looks even better. Plus, you’ll be on your way to plump, soft lips in no time.

• Color option(s): Juicy red
• Use: Lips
• Finish: Soft, plumping and flavored

8. ITEM Beauty By Addison Rae Lip Quip Clean Moisturizing Lip Gloss, $14

Another one of our favorites is ITEM Beauty’s Lip Quip. While it’s technically a gloss, it feels more like an oil, as it instantly melts into your lips providing a comfortable, dewy finish.

• Color option(s): Various
• Use: Lips
• Finish: Hydrating, high-shine and sheer

9. Glossier Balm Dotcom, $12

Glossier never lets us down, and that goes for their Balm Dotcom product as well. Simply swipe it onto your lip using your finger, and you’re done.

• Color option(s): Cherry Balm
• Use: Lips
• Finish: Smooth and hydrating

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