There’s no denying that tinted lip balms are one of the most popular skincare-makeup hybrid products around. They can take your lips from chapped to pillow-soft in an instant, all the while giving you that sheer hint of colour, versatile enough to be worn either on its own or on top of your go-to lip combo.
Packed with moisture-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and shea butter, they’re formulated to deliver long-lasting hydration, which is exactly what our skin craves during the colder months. Take it from me: as someone who has dry and sensitive skin, I find myself applying a quality tinted lip balm way more often than a regular lipstick, especially when my lips need that extra boost of TLC.
Best tinted lip balms at a glance – our top picks:
The best part? Today’s lip balms are nothing like the old-school chapstick formulas of the past. Some can double as lip plumpers, others can give you the equivalent of a high-shine finish of a lip gloss or a lip oil (non-sticky, of course), and some can soothe your lips and lock in moisture just as effectively as your typical lip mask. Throw in a chic-yet-subtle tinted layer and you’ve got yourself a lip product that seemingly ticks all the boxes.
Whether you’re after a natural rose pink, a punchier red, a chocolate brown or a fool-proof nude, there’s no shortage of colours. The sheer number of options make a case for the perfect ‘no-makeup’ makeup look, while the more pigmented formulas are great for both an everyday look or a full-glam moment.
To help you narrow down your pick, we’ve put together a comprehensive roundup of the very best tinted lip balms around, hailing from brands such as Dior, Hourglass, e.l.f., Charlotte Tilbury, Maybelline and more. For every budget; from trending bestsellers to classics. Oh, and a little hint? One of the below options also happens to be a personal favourite of Sofia Richie’s.
Looking for more beauty products to bulk out your collection? Check out our guides on the best mascaras, best face SPF and the best eyeshadow palettes. And if you’re on the market for more lip products, take a look at our edits for the best lip scrubs, best lip stains and lip tints and the best lip liners around.
For more makeup, skincare, haircare and wellness content from Glamour UK Beauty Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Instagram @deniseprimbet.