I have a theory about using lip balm, that centers on it causing over-dependancy. But don’t take my word for it. It’s just my personal theory LOL In cool, dry weather, I welcome lip balm to prevent chapped lips. But not otherwise.
That said, I’ve found myself reaching for certain lip products in my stash in recent times. I blame the weather. It’s been hot and cloudy by turns (which is playing merry hell with my health!) and I just don’t really feel like putting on lipstick. So, I go for something light in colour, and balmy in texture. Just to give my lips that little bit of shine and a hint of colour.
For this purpose, tinted lip balm serves its purpose. It’s generally lighter in colour than most balm-lipstick hybrids, and gives lips a bit of shine. Here are 5 I’ve been using lately – what are your faves?
Kiehl’s Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF25 – Simply Rose – RM85 | US$19.50
Kiehl’s launched a new range of lip balms early in the year, that included 1 untinted version, and 4 tinted ones. I picked the tinted one in Simply Rose, which is tinted red. Of all the tinted lip balm I own, this one is the most pigmented, as you will see in the swatch below. So, I tend to regard this more as a lip colour than a lip balm. You can’t really apply it without looking in the mirror, or risk looking like Batman’s Joker 😛
I find the texture thick, but it is fairly comfortable and keeps lips moisturised, while giving a nice colour. The cap screws on just like the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment, and to be honest, for all intents and purposes, it could well be the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment! It probably comes from the same factory as they don’t share the same mother company (Fresh is, at time of writing owned by LVMH while Kiehl’s is owned by L’Oreal). It is however, not my favourite, but will do in a pinch.
Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF15 – RM105 | US$24
I bought the Fresh one a while ago, when it was RM65. Then, it went up to RM84 by the time I posted my review and I’m HORRIFIED to see that it’s now RM105 at Sephora. It’s a decent tinted lip balm, offering nice balmy texture, protecting your lips and giving lips a tint of colour. But at that price, for this brand, I say skip it. Just get the Kiehl’s one – same thing. Or close enough.
Clarins Joli Baume Eclat du Jour – RM79
This one I reviewed here, is limited edition, but still available. If you get past the peachy scent, it is lovely on lips, gives a very surprisingly pretty tint of colour, making lips look just that bit better, and feels comfortable. It has been a surprise favourite for me, finding residence in my daily makeup pouch, for when I want a quick touch up, without applying a new lip colour.
Dior Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm Berry – RM120 | US$33
Another surprise favourite that’s now a daily lip colour for me. I know the Dior Lip Glow in the original pink colour is very popular. But I never quite got into it, primarily because on my lips, it never really showed, and pink just isn’t my colour. But this year, Dior released a new Lip Glow shade in Berry, which I can’t tell if it’s limited edition, or if it’s permanent, because I’m getting conflicting information.
In tube, it looks like a deep berry lipstick, and seems quite intimidating. But it swatches a very sheer tint of berry which I love, because it adds a nice depth of colour to lips, without looking too obvious. Perfect for my current makeup look, which focuses on very light makeup. The texture is like the Clarins one – balmy without being sticky. Kiehl’s and Fresh tend to be more sticky. I love this one, and yes, it is expensive. But hot damn, it’s amazing.
Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint in Bare Melon – RM113 | US$34
Bought this one on a whim, and I love it! Adds just that tint of colour, feels very comfortable on lips, just like the Dior Lip Glow, without being sticky, and gives lips just that tint of peach, that brightens the complexion without screaming “Look! I’m wearing makeup!”
I believe Bare Melon may be a limited edition colour, and the Extra Lip Tint itself may be permanent. But don’t quote me. These things change so quickly! Just know that when I was last at the Bobbi Brown store recently, it was still on sale. Expensive, yes. Lovely? Absolutely!
I thought it might be helpful to show you some swatches on my arm. While I know most of us wear lip products on our lips (duh!) this was helpful to show the difference in colour (if any).
The Kiehl’s Butterstick is surprisingly pigmented, while the other 4 featured are very sheer. TINTED lip balm. That should tell you something LOL! 😀 I found Kiehl’s Butterstick and Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment the most sticky. Dior Lip Glow, Clarins Joli Baume and Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint felt more comfortable on my lips in our weather. I don’t have dry or chapped lips, nor flaky lips, so I cannot tell you how it treats that. I use this as a light lipstick.
My favourites are the Dior Lip Glow and Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint. Clarins Joli Baume comes a close third, with Fresh and Kiehl’s bringing up the rear. All in all, a nice option to lipstick, and perfect for just adding that tint of colour and shine, and a treat to your lips.
Have you tried any of these? Do you wear tinted lip balm and what is your favourite?
I actually dont’ quite like those that look clear then go on with some colour, or that say they will shift colours according to your skin PH or crap like that. I like knowing what colour I’ll get. I know there are more out there, so quick, tell me your faves! 😀
Paris B
Good day Paris. I have the Dior one in pink and bought the Fresh sugar rose while its was still priced below 100. However the Fresh sugar melted and became squishy. Not sure if it was a bad batch or due to the weather up north here. Dior one was a gift and while not a fan of pink, love the texture. My weekend staple to add some colour to my face.
Hello Santhi! You are right actually, the Fresh balm does melt a lot in our heat and it can turn oilier than I like. But I’m more pissed over the price hike so I’m not buying anymore from them. Too expensive to allow it to melt away just like that! If you like the Dior but not a fan of pink, get the Berry one when you’re done. I think it’s a far better colour!
Dior’s Lip Glow for the win! – i have the limited edition “Lilac” and love it, hint of purple.
Tried Shu Uemura’s “Sheer Color Balm” recently and liking it – i think u will too. give it a go.
Thanks for the Shu rec! And lilac lips sounds lovely – not sure about wearing purple on my lips but hey, don’t try, won’t know! 😀
I’m using Bobbi brown lip balm and givenchy Le rouge perfecto. I like the texture of Bobbi brown, my only issue is it’s in a tin so bit messy to use. The givenchy lip balm give a light pink tint and look very elegant.
Ah the BB in the tin – I refused to try it for that reason LOL But also because I don’t use lip balm generally. Givenchy eh? I might have to take a look. Is it strongly scented?
Hi PB! Your topic today is very suitable for my current situation. My office is getting colder and drier like never before, therefore my lips are really chapped. I tried putting on Lucas Papaw Ointment but it is just not powerful enough. So, I simply grabbed an Anna Sui lip gloss to put on my lips and the situation gets better. Was thinking to purchase the one from Dior as you mentioned above, but the price tag is kinda… Lipstick’s price for a lip balm?
I would probably purchase it when I feel like treating myself.
Hi Hui Min, wah it sounds like you work in a different climate from where you live! Is it starting to snow yet? haha 😀 Sorry to hear that’s messing up your lips. But here’s some other tips to try, aside from a lip balm – drink lots more water (it’ll make you go to the toilet more, but hey, more excuse to get up and walk!) and don’t lick your lips. Our saliva is actually bad for our lips and can make it chap/peel more than necessary. That said, I’m afraid I dont have a lot of suggestions for you, as my nightly routine remains slathering a thick layer of Lucas Papaw Ointment on my lips before bed. The Dior Lip Glow is nice, and for me, moisturising. But I don’t know if it’ll survive your tundra conditions, as some people say it’s not moisturising enough. No real substitue for a real balm I’m guessing. I hear Lanolips is very good (I’ve never tried) so maybe you can try that? They do a tinted version too.
Oh to add – I actually liked the La Mer Lip Balm – kept my lips protected in the cold, dry air of Tibet. But it will burn a hole in your pocket. I also like the Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour cream (not lip balm but cream) slathered on lips. It helps me in plane air, but doesn’t smell good. But they are some I’ve tried that work 🙂
Hiu Min I don’t know how easily is for you in Malaysia to buy Forever Living products but I swear they’re the gold standard for lip balms it seems to cost RM14, but at least for me was the only thing that helped me when I was taking Accutane. I know is untinted but I think it can help your leips to stay in shape.
I am appalled that everything in Sephora has gone up in price! I used to enjoy Fresh but with that price tag now…..no need lar. I cannot justify to my (usually frivolous) self that it is worth the hefty price tag. I just go with a cheap and cheerful drugstore version and reapply every few hours.
I hear you about Sephora prices. Every time I step in there, the prices seem to have gone up. It’s bordering ridiculous, and I can’t even tell if it’s the brands’ fault or if it’s Sephora’s fault! And no, the price for Fresh lip balms are not justifiable at all, if you use it regularly. I guess I should count myself lucky I don’t “need” lip balm. That’s one less thing to spend money on LOL! Is there a pharmacy tinted lip balm you like?
What Dior made it in Berry..? (I didnt know tht)..
Used the DIOR pink very frequent last time..
Berry… Wait for me..
Yes they did and it’s waaay better than Pink! I’m told it’s permanent so no hurry!! 😀
Yay! Happiness.. Wish list.. Checked..
Hi PB, I really like this topic as I’m recently in love with tinted lip balm. However I’m only using those from the drugstore. My favorite is the Canmake Stay-on Balm Rouge. They have no scent which is what I prefer and quite moisturizing. Does all the ones that you mentioned has scent to them?
Hi Paw, Dior doesn’t (or has a light minty scent) and Kiehl’s doesn’t, but the others do. I’m all for finding a pharmacy brand tinted lip balm! I’ll check out Canmake. I like the brand, but I do find it a little expensive here for a pharmacy brand.
The Dior Lip Glow is one I that always repurchase as its the only pink I would wear. I’ve been eyeing the ‘Berry’ colour too since I’m into plum/purple now so hopefully its not a limited edition. I liked Fresh lip balms, at first, until I find them slipping off my lips or emphasizing my lip lines/wrinkles. I had a shock when one melted in my bag due to our humid weather. My favourite would be a lip tint from The Natural Bar, a local brand in my country. The dark red color is perfect on me and its very moisturizing. Only drawbacks is due to it being ‘all natural’, the shelf life sucks (about 6 months and I can never finish it by then) and I gifted one to my sister that melted in her car that is parked under the hot sun. At the end of the day, I still fancied lipsticks.
I’m told the Berry isn’t, so that can be your next one to get! It isn’t very plummy at all, just gives lips a nice depth of colour. I love it! Sorry to hear about your experience with Fresh. While I didn’t have a similar experience, I did notice that it looks a little more gunky than I like. Oh and that’s always the problem with natural products – the longevity (or not). I’m all about lipsticks too haha! But sometimes, it’s nice to switch it up a little 😉
I bought the Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint and I love it. I thought it was limited edition. My go to tinted lip balm still has to be the Dior Lip Glow. It used to be under RM100… I’ve been curious about the Fresh ones too but looking at the price increase in such a short time put me off. I remember I used to like the But’s Bees ones but OMG Sephora jacks up the prices like there’s no tomorrow so no thanks. Seems like our local Sephora thinks our wallets are filled with gold. Ripping us off left right and centre!
That BB one was a surprise hit for me too. It is supposed to be limited edition, but it’s flying off the shelves very slowly it seems LOL! I remember when all the big names were selling lip products for under RM100! Sigh… those were the days. Still, I guess I can’t complain that they’re all about RM120 now for Dior and Chanel, which is still kind of “bearable”. But can’t say what’ll happen after the next price hike though! and dont’ get me started on Sephora! They seem to be quite inconsistent with the pricing of their in house brands. Sometimes, there’s different prices for online and in store items, and sometimes, they raise prises willy nilly!
A subject close to my heart. I can’t live without lip balms because my lips are perpetually on the dry side, same with my mum so unfortunately its in my genes. I’ve tried so many lip balms out there and these are what works for me. I almost always will pick one in a bullet with an exception which I will get to below. For those on a budget, Nivea lipbalm in the green bullet is a great drugstore buy. They also do pretty tinted ones, my fave being Cherry. I also love Nuxe (Currently on buy 1 free 1 in Sasa till end of July 2017), it has the most delicious citrus scent yet super nourishing. Those who prefer more nature or organic based, Trilogy does an amazing rosehip oil based one in a squeeze tube (comes out matte not glossy) which is great overnight and on the higher spectrum, Tata Harper, which also comes in tinted versions. But my fave is still Fresh because they have so many colours and irrregardless of colour, all work amazingly well on my lips. Plus theres added spf. If I’m travelling in cooler climates, I tend to use the tinted Lanolips (squeeze tube) more in the day as it has spf30 but gives a very thick glossy finish, so it looks like you’re wearing lip gloss. I’m off to check out Dior and Kiehls now.
Ah you are a lip balm connoisseur! 😀 Thanks for the suggestions and the recommendations. I haven’t tried the Trilogy one nor Lanolips although I’ve heard a lot of good things about the latter. I’m still using Lucas Papaw for my overnight treatment, but that’s primarily because I don’t really have a dry lip problem. I have seen the Tata Harper one, but that comes in a pot doesn’t it? I still haven’t dipped my toes in that brand yet! LOL!
Ahh I think you are thinking bout the Tata Harper volumising lip and cheek tint. Those do come in a pot. But there are like 2 or 3 shades that come in a stick/bullet, think they are called Be loved, be adored and be smitten, in shades of nude, red and pink. She also does a highlighter and bronzer which I’m keen to try. Feels very RMS to me.
Ah you are right, and I didn’t know they did lip colour. I actually tried RMS but wasn’t impressed with the brand or its products. But maybe it’s because I’m just not that into organic makeup. I don’t mind skincare, just not makeup.
I love a good tinted lip balm. 🙂 My favorites are the same as yours: Dior Berry (and Lilac, both are beautiful) and Bobbi Brown in Bare Melon and Bare Pink (it’s much lighter, tho). I used to like the Fresh ones, but they’re really too mushy and melty. You’ve made me curious about the Clarins one…
Hurray for Dior and Bobbi Brown! 🙂 You are actually right about Fresh being very mushy – I did notice that too. The texture gets a little too soft for my liking. The Clarins one is very pretty, but it is limited edition and there wasn’t a lot of hype about it. I hope you can find it in the US! 🙂
The Sulwhasoo essential lip serum is quite nice. You should try it!
I actually just tried it last weekend! They had some new shades so I had a go at one of them, a berry. You are right, it is absolutely lovely! Feels moisturising on lips and offers a nice lip colour. I’d peg it more as a moisturising lipstick than a tinted lip balm though, personally LOL 😀
What a coincidence, I went to Sulwhasoo and History of Whoo to have a look at their lip balm. ( The weather nowadays…) Whoo is Rm140, thicker in texture while Sulwhasoo Rm150 feels lighter, plus they have a colourless one. Personally I prefer Sulwhasoo, but have not decide, am still looking. Might just get a basic Rm15+ lip balm at the pharmacy.
I don’t like packaging of Fresh, the need to turn the casing then turn the bullet again to apply a lip balm is very mafan, to me.
Don’t buy Fresh. Not fresh after a while LOL! I haven’t yet tried the Sulwhasoo one but you know, I love how History of Whoo looks. So pretty! but everything is so eye wateringly expensive and I don’t even know how good they are! 😛
As always I’m late in comments (I may start to comment some “old” posts sorry!) but the first I wanted to say is that my dad has the idea that skincare in general creates dependency, so for him only soap and sunscreen on the beach *cringes*. So I understand but at the same time I’m a little skeptical about your theory I think everything has to do with people needs: for example, after Accutane my lips can’t stay without balm or even lipstick when the temperature isn’t completely warm; right now I’m living in the south with a weather I think really similar to Malaysia and I can skip it without problems but before sleeping I should start using some.
Now about the ones I use:
-Revlon makes the most pigmented one: Kiss balm, I have it in Fresh strawberry and at least on my lips packs a lot of pigment; I know Karen from MBB says it doesn’t but mine, (or on me?) actually looks like a sheer lipstick and is moderately hydrating, if I’ve been using a lot of matte lipsticks or my lips are in bad shape, I don’t find moisturising enough but on normal days it works.
-Maybelline Baby lips, actually I think they’re just ok but I have four different colours so I like them enough to have more than one, my favourites colours are Cherry me, a sheer red that brightens up your complexion and a purple one that was limited edition. I think they’re a touch more hydrating that Revlon Kiss balm but they’re sheerer except for Pink punch that is a baby pink that is semi opaque.
-Sierra Bees, yes the ones you get in iHerb, they’re really moisturizing and the pack gets you four colours: red (it’s semi opaque and the shade is more like a copper red), pink (your lips but better colour, it doesn’t give you a lot of colour), lilac (my favourite it’s sheer but the lilac tone works great on my lips) and nude (which on me was only shimmer, but my sister uses it because her lips are less pigmented than mine).
So now I’m tempted about using more expensive options specially Dior lip glow in berry and lilac, which I think would look amazing on me.
Hola Efrain, no worries – better late than never I say! 😀 Haha I get what you’re trying to say about my comment on over dependancy 😀 I don’t deny that some people may need lip balm due to genetics or medicine, or the climate. But I do also think that often, people “think” they need lip balm, when they actually need to drink more water! LOL Thanks for sharing your pharmacy picks. I didn’t even know that Revlon has something called a Kiss Balm! Revlon has been quite quiet locally, so I honestly have no idea what is being launched from them. I’ll have to take a look because from experience, they make some nice lip products. I wasn’t too thrilled with the Maybelline Baby Lips from memory, maybe because the packaging was a bit too childish for me. I felt weird taking it out in public – like it should belong to my daughter LOL! And you know, I always see promotions on iherb for Sierra Bees! Perhaps I’ll have a go – it’s always nice to know of affordable options. If you’re looking for something high end, yes the Dior one is absolutely lovely. It costs as much as a lipstick, which is crazy, but if you treat it as a lipstick, and not a lip balm, then I guess it works out 🙂
I understand about Revlon being quite quiet, it was the same some years ago, even looking for them on the internet was frustrating; I think Kiss balm is a better product than the Baby lips, but the packaging is almost as childish as the Baby lips, so maybe try one and see if the product convinces you. And yes Sierra bees was a great surprise, I would have never bought if it wasn’t because they were on sale.
Jesus, I’ve just checked Dior Lip glow price in Mexico and I’m scared, even if I treat it as a lipstick is too steep; also I’ve realised that there aren’t many mid-end good lip balms, or at least I can’t recall a famous one, also I won’t pay 2/3 of the price of the Dior for one from MAC; so I’ll stick with the cheap ones or maybe start using some of the “Bio” ones.
I think for lip balm, it’s either low end or high end. The middle ground seems to either ignore this product, or not make very good ones LOL I just stick to my Lucas Papaw Ointment for a non-tinted lip treatment 😀
A topic close to my heart! I have very dry lips (such that I am particular about lipsticks and I hardly use matte ones) and have tried so many different ones till I almost gave up on finding the HG. For hydrating tinted lip balms, I like the Dior glow pink tube, Clinique chubby sticks and laneige two-tone bars (the hydrating versions). They all work well for me and the last 2 are slightly more affordable to be used on a daily basis 🙂
Oh you know what? I find the Laneige ones a little more drying than the others. They settle into my lips after a while, which is a pity! I couldn’t wear Clinique’s Chubby Sticks (except for the Intense version) coz they were drying LOL! Funny eh how we react to products? 😀 But like you, I don’t do matte lipstick either. It makes me look old and really, I don’t need that 😛
Hi, I’m a big fan of tinted lip balms and I’ve used/ using at least 4 from your selection. I’m currently using the Kiehl’s Butterstick SPF 25 Simply Rose. I also have the Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint, Fresh Tinted Lip Treatment and Dior Lip Glow. As you can see I’m addicted to tinted lip balms. But my most indulgent recent purchase was Tom Ford Clutch-size Lip Balm in Neotropic. It is eye wateringly expensive for the size of the product. But I couldn’t resist buying it after trying it at the counter because of it’s amazing texture and moisturising power. So obviously you’re paying for high quality. It kept my lips moisturised for 4 hours and a little more. I have to warn you – don’t expect a high colour pay off. But worth it if you want to treat yourself! Packaging is really glamorous too.
Aww the Tom Ford sounds amazing already! 😀 We don’t have Tom Ford here yet, but I’ll take a look if I’m ever near a counter. I find that sometimes, if it makes us happy to use a product, that makes it worth the while and the money! Price tag aside 🙂