There’s no denying that tinted lip balms are one of the most popular skincare–makeup hybrids right now. Beauty retailer Space NK reports that sales of lip treatments, largely driven by balms, is up 283% vs 2023 – proof perhaps that we’re shaking loose the reliance on lipstick for the feel-good factor.
For skincare enthusiasts, it’s all taking lips from chapped to pillow-soft. Packed with moisture-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and shea butter, they’re formulated to deliver long-lasting hydration.
Some can double as lip plumpers, while others can give you the equivalent of a high-shine finish of a lip gloss or a lip oil (non-sticky, of course).
Throw in a sheer pop of colour, and tinted lip balms tick all the boxes for makeup lovers to join the smooth lip party – whether they wear a tinted lip balm on its own or on top of their favourite lipstick to create a brand new shade.
Best tinted lip balms at a glance – our top picks:
Whether you’re after a natural rose pink, a punchier red, a chocolate brown or a fool-proof nude, there’s no shortage of shades available, whether you lean more towards a ‘no-makeup‘ makeup look or are keen to seek out more pigmented formulas.
To help you narrow down your pick, we’ve put together a comprehensive round up of the very best tinted lip balms around, from trending bestsellers to classics.
One of the below options just so happens to be a personal favourite of Sofia Richie‘s, while another forms the basis of Hailey Bieber‘s viral espresso makeup look.
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.