{"id":322,"date":"2025-05-14T07:40:39","date_gmt":"2025-05-14T07:40:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/?p=322"},"modified":"2025-05-15T14:57:37","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T14:57:37","slug":"we-tested-332-worth-of-tinted-lip-balms-heres-whats-worth-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/14\/we-tested-332-worth-of-tinted-lip-balms-heres-whats-worth-it\/","title":{"rendered":"We Tested \u00a3332 Worth Of Tinted Lip Balms & Here\u2019s What\u2019s Worth It"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Even with our makeup bags overflowing with lip oils and lip liners<\/a>, we\u2019ll always make room for another tinted lip balm. There\u2019s something enduringly appealing about a lip product that delivers a wash of colour and<\/em> nourishment in one quick swipe, all while helping us look instantly more awake, even on makeup-free days. As the weather continues to heat up, these lightweight tinted lip balms are having a much-deserved moment in the sun.<\/p>\n

But not all tinted lip balms are created equal. With new options appearing almost daily, it\u2019s not easy to land on the perfect shade that\u2019s worth promoting to the very top of your makeup rotation. That\u2019s where our editors come in. We\u2019ve tried 16 of the most buzzed-about tinted lip balms on the internet, across a variety of shades, textures and finishes \u2014 and at different price points, of course \u2014 to share our honest feedback. Read ahead to find out which ones are actually worth spending your money on.<\/p>\n

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.<\/em><\/p>\n

This story was originally published on Refinery29 US.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Rhode The Peptide Lip Tint (in Raspberry Jelly), \u00a318<\/h2>\n

\u201cWhenever I wear Rhode\u2019s Peptide Lip Tint<\/a>, I get compliments. There\u2019s something about the deep berry shade that makes my lips look full and juicy. One swipe lends a just-bitten effect with a hint of gloss \u2014 never heavy or sticky \u2014 and you can easily build it up for more intensity. Even better, it doubles as a nourishing lip balm, packed with ingredients that actually do something. First up: peptides<\/a>, which help strengthen and repair damaged lips. Then there\u2019s shea butter, the ultra-moisturising staple found in all the best balms. It keeps my lips hydrated (and they get seriously dry) without the colour pooling in my lip lines. I carry it everywhere with me.\u201d \u2014 Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director<\/em><\/p>\n

Rhode<\/strong> Peptide Lip Tint, $, available at Rhode<\/a>Photo: Courtesy of Jacqueline Kilikita.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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e.l.f. Cosmetics Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm (in Toffee), \u00a39<\/h2>\n

\u201cWhoever named this product<\/a> deserves a raise, because it truly lives up to what you would expect from something called \u2018glow reviving\u2019 and \u2018melting\u2019. It\u2019s decadent and glossy, but not sticky in the slightest. I think it\u2019s an extremely good dupe for the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm<\/a> (which I love, for the record), but at a fraction of the price. I tried the shade Toffee, which tasted like a caramel dessert and had a sheer, warm brown tint. Like all e.l.f. products, the accessible price point is truly impressive, and I\u2019d happily recommend it to anyone looking to try the glossy lip balm trend.\u201d \u2014 Karina Hoshikawa, senior writer<\/em><\/p>\n

e.l.f. Cosmetics<\/strong> Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm, $, available at e.l.f. Cosmetics<\/a>Photo: Courtesy of Karina Hoshikawa.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Laneige Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serum (in Blueberry Jelly), \u00a318.50<\/h2>\n

\u201cAlready a huge fan of Laneige\u2019s lip products, I knew there was a good chance I\u2019d like this tinted lip serum<\/a>. The formula is super hydrating and non-greasy, with the perfect amount of colour payoff. I love a berry-toned lip, so the shade Blueberry Jelly was right up my street. After seeing how good it looked on influencer Golloria<\/a>, I had a feeling it would complement my deep skin tone, and I was right.<\/p>\n

\u201cI find a lot of food-inspired beauty products too sweet and off-putting, but this one is pleasantly subtle; the unique doughnut-shaped applicator makes application even easier. The shine does fade after eating and drinking, but you\u2019re still left with a soft wash of colour that doesn\u2019t disappear completely. On days when I left it untouched, it lasted a couple of hours.\u201d \u2014 Vanese Maddix, beauty contributing writer<\/em><\/p>\n

Laneige<\/strong> Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serum, $, available at Sephora<\/a>Photo: Courtesy of Vanese Maddix.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Sofia Coppola x Augustinus Bader The Tinted Lip Balm (in Shade 1), \u00a336<\/h2>\n

\u201cMy lips are hypersensitive to seasonal changes and always get extra parched and flaky between spring and summer. This is the product I turn to whenever I\u2019m in this rough patch. Created in collaboration with Sofia Coppola, this tinted lip balm<\/a> is packed with TCF8<\/a>, Augustinus Bader\u2019s patented ingredient that promotes skin cell renewal.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can feel the nourishment penetrating my skin barrier as soon as I apply it, and my lips get gradually softer throughout the day. My favourite is Shade 1 Raspberry, a lovely reddish pink that looks good even when I go bare-faced. At \u00a336, the hefty price tag does give me pause. But this one is, bar none, the most conditioning lip balm you can find, especially if you struggle with dry, irritated lips.\u201d \u2014 Venus Wong, senior writer<\/em><\/p>\n

Augustinus Bader x Sofia Coppola<\/strong> The Tinted Lip Balm, $, available at Selfridges<\/a>Photo: Courtesy of Venus Wong.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Violette Bisou Balm (in Bonbon Myrtille), \u00a330<\/h2>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a sucker for easy, effortlessly chic French girl beauty, and love the idea of a lip balm designed to have a subtle blurring effect for a \u2018just-been-kissed\u2019 look (bisou means \u2018kisses\u2019 in French). You can swipe the Bisou Balm<\/a> for a subtle look, or build it up (as I have here) to make that colour payoff known. I\u2019m not typically a lipstick person, and I\u2019m always tapping it on or blotting it off to achieve this blurred, stained effect, so this is perfect. Plus, the colour is long-lasting.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs someone with dry lips, the matte, creamy formula feels uncomfortable, and so I layer it with another moisturising product, which kind of defeats the purpose of this balm. However, dry-lipped girlies like me might have better luck with Bisou Jelly<\/a>, which features the same pigmented, creamy, matte colour wrapped in a jelly layer packed with emollients (vitamin E, castor seed oil) for extra hydration.\u201d \u2014 Esther Newman, affiliate writer<\/em><\/p>\n

Violette_Fr<\/strong> Bisou Balm, $, available at Violette_Fr<\/a>Photo: Courtesy of Esther Newman.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm (in Iced Coffee), \u00a323
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\u201cThe other day on my commute, I saw two women bonding over using the same lip balm \u2014 Summer Fridays Butter Balm<\/a>. This is usually unheard of, as no one ever strikes up a conversation on the London Underground, but this balm is clearly worth breaking the silence for. I realised it myself as soon as I got my hands on it. It\u2019s probably the most intensely moisturising tinted balm I\u2019ve tried, packed with shea butter, oils and waxes. The flavours? Unreal. Here, I\u2019m wearing Hot Cocoa, which is a limited edition shade that I hope will become permanent \u2014 it\u2019s so moreish and I have to stop myself from eating it off! While the tint is subtle, you\u2019ll get more colour payoff from shades like Cherry or Brown Sugar. If you\u2019re sold on Hot Cocoa but you\u2019re struggling to get your hands on it, Iced Coffee is incredibly similar. I love wearing these balms over lip liner for a bit of extra polish.\u201d \u2014 Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director<\/em><\/p>\n

Summer Fridays<\/strong> Lip Butter Balm, $, available at Space NK<\/a>Photo: Courtesy of Jacqueline Kilikita.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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REFY Lip Blush (in Cinnamon), \u00a316<\/h2>\n

\u201cThis isn\u2019t like any lip balm I\u2019ve ever tried Refy\u2019s Lip Blush<\/a> has the lightest, softest texture and is still hydrating despite its blurred-matte finish (hydrating and matte is hard to get right!). The effect is so pretty, and the shade Cinnamon is a peachy terracotta that really wakes up my complexion. It glides on so smoothly, just like a buttery crayon. I even dotted it onto my cheeks and blended it out for a diffused flush of colour \u2014 and loved the result. It\u2019s very pigmented, so a little goes a long way. I\u2019m really impressed with the unique formula.\u201d \u2014 Karina Hoshikawa, senior writer<\/em><\/p>\n

REFY<\/strong> Lip Blush, $, available at Sephora UK<\/a>Photo: Courtesy of Karina Hoshikawa.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Fenty Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shimmer Gloss Stick (in Icy Amethyst), \u00a323
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\u201cOh, how I\u2019ve missed fun and innovative lip products. My younger self would be ecstatic to see high-quality shimmery sticks making a comeback, and the Fenty Gloss Bomb Stix,<\/a> with its new shade expansion, is a highly anticipated one. The formula is the ideal mix of glossy, hydrating and lightweight, with a standout dose of shimmer that really catches the light. I tried Icy Amethyst, a unique, shimmering lavender. I\u2019d describe it as more of a fun, Y2K-inspired shade for a fun night out, rather than an everyday go-to. For everyday, Fu$$y or Hot Chocolit would be more my style. Still, the wear time and comfort are seriously impressive. It feels like a gloss and wears like a balm. Dare I say this might be one of my favourite lip launches of 2025?\u201d \u2014 Vanese Maddix, beauty contributing writer<\/em><\/p>\n

Fenty<\/strong> Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shimmer Gloss Stick, $, available at Cult Beauty<\/a>Photo: Courtesy of Vanese Maddix.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Chanel Rouge Coco Baume Shine (in Raspberry Kiss), \u00a337<\/h2>\n

\u201cI love a good fuchsia lip \u2014 it really makes a summer outfit pop \u2014 but I always find it a touch too intense in a liquid lipstick. This new shade of Coco Baume Shine<\/a> is the perfect lip colour to experiment with. Raspberry Kiss adds a cool-toned pink sheen to my lips; the pigment is very buildable, so I can always amp up the colour without feeling intimidated at first swipe. Featuring shea butter and nourishing oil from olives. The formula is both conditioning and shine-enhancing without feeling greasy or sticky. I like going in with two coats to achieve that \u2018your lips, but better\u2019 effect with a hint of \u201880s-inspired nostalgia (but never too much).\u201d \u2014 Venus Wong, senior writer<\/em><\/p>\n

Chanel<\/strong> Rouge Coco Baume Shine, $, available at Chanel<\/a>Photo: Courtesy of Venus Wong.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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MAC Cosmetics Glow Play Tendertalk Lip Balm (in Banter), \u00a323<\/h2>\n

\u201cThis formula is ultra hydrating, leaving my lips feeling and looking soft and glossy for hours after application, like a true balm. The pigment does lean on the sheer side, but it\u2019s designed to be layered, meaning you can opt for a simple wash of pigment, or build it up like I have done here with the shade Banter<\/a>, a bright, reddish pink. As someone who usually hates the feeling of lipstick, this is the perfect alternative, especially on days I want to rock a red lip.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese balms are great for layering on top of other lip products. I\u2019ve found that my dream lip combo is another Glow Play shade (Introvert<\/a>, a light, nudish pink) paired with my favourite MAC lip pencil (Cool Spice<\/a>, a warm mauve brown). It creates the perfect nude, pinky-brown, \u2018my lips but better\u2019 look for everyday.\u201d \u2014 Esther Newman, affiliate writer<\/em><\/p>\n

MAC Cosmetics<\/strong> Glow Play Tendertalk Lip Balm, $, available at Boots<\/a>Photo: Courtesy of Esther Newman.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Dior Addict Lip Glow Balm (in Candy), \u00a333<\/h2>\n

\u201cCandy is Dior\u2019s newest take on the classic Lip Glow<\/a>, and it\u2019s better suited to those with warmer undertones. The original \u2014 designed to react with your skin\u2019s pH and create a \u2018custom\u2019 colour \u2014 leans a bit too pink for my light olive skin, but this one\u2019s just right. I especially love the bursts of shimmer that catch the light as you apply, boosting the gloss effect. It\u2019s not just a pretty face, either. The formula means serious business for dry lips, with nourishing cherry oil and shea butter. I feel like the chicest version of myself when I swipe it on the go.\u201d \u2014 Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director<\/em><\/p>\n

Dior<\/strong> Addict Lip Glow Balm, $, available at John Lewis<\/a>Photo: Courtesy of Jacqueline Kilikita.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm (in Red Dahlia), \u00a36.79<\/h2>\n

\u201cBurt\u2019s Bees\u2019 tinted balm<\/a>, specifically in the shade Red Dahlia, has been compared to Clinique\u2019s iconic Almost Lipstick<\/a> in Black Honey, and I can see why; both have a muted, moody cherry colour, which imparts a sort of bitten look on lips like you\u2019ve just housed a bowl of fresh berries. However, I was left wanting more from the Burt\u2019s Bees in terms of pigment; the shade is truly gorgeous, but I find myself laying it on to see it appear. That said, in terms of a lip balm, the formula is a tried and true winner in my book, and can\u2019t be beat in terms of price.\u201d \u2014 Karina Hoshikawa, senior writer<\/em><\/p>\n

Burt’s Bees<\/strong> Tinted Lip Balm, $, available at Sephora UK<\/a>Photo: Courtesy of Karina Hoshikawa.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Kosas Wet Stick Moisture Lip Shine (in Sunset Simmer), \u00a322<\/h2>\n

\u201cKosas knows how to make a good lip product, so I had high hopes for the Wet Stick<\/a>. The formula didn\u2019t disappoint: it\u2019s incredibly hydrating and moisturising, thanks to a slew of conditioning ingredients like squalane, ceramides and peptides. It feels comfortable on the lips, without any grittiness or dryness; just a smooth, nourishing finish. That said, I found shade Sunset Simmer quite different from the warm, rosy brown described on the site. On me, it leaned much more pink, which unfortunately didn\u2019t complement my skin tone. That said, the formula alone makes this product worth exploring. With a wide range of shades available, I\u2019m sure I\u2019ll find one that suits me.\u201d \u2014 Vanese Maddix, beauty contributing writer<\/em><\/p>\n

Kosas<\/strong> Wet Stick Moisture Lip Shine, $, available at Cult Beauty<\/a>Photo: Courtesy of Vanese Maddix.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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rom&nd Glasting Melting Balm (in Hippie Berry), \u00a315<\/s> \u00a311.75<\/h2>\n

\u201cIt\u2019d be remiss of me to write a whole roundup on tinted lip balms without including a K-beauty option, as they are often unparalleled in offering innovative formulas at an approachable price point. I picked up this rom&nd option<\/a> during my trip to Seoul last year; the brand is a household name in South Korea and coined the word \u2018glasting\u2019, in reference to the watery, long-lasting shine its tinted lip balms impart on the lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis claim is definitely valid. My lips look incredibly juicy and alluring whenever I wear this, with a light-reflecting shine that can be spotted from a distance. It wins me boatloads of compliments \u2014 even on Zoom calls. However, I don\u2019t reach for it as often as I\u2019d like for one reason: I find the formula too sticky and drying. I have to heavily prep my lips beforehand, which kind of defeats the core purpose of a lip balm. However, I\u2019m willing to be patient with this one, purely due to the sheer amount of praise it wins me.\u201d \u2014 Venus Wong, senior writer<\/em><\/p>\n

rom&nd<\/strong> Glasting Melting Balm, $, available at Amazon<\/a>Photo: Courtesy of Venus Wong.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Naturium Phyto Glow Lip Balm (in Latte), \u00a312<\/h2>\n

\u201cLatte<\/a> offers a barely-there tint that\u2019s pretty close to my natural lip colour, but on no-makeup days, it\u2019s my go-to. The texture is a bit stickier than others I\u2019ve tried, but that just means it lasts longer. It\u2019s packed with moisturising shea butter and squalane, which helps lock in hydration \u2014 exactly what my often-parched lips need. I also love the curved applicator, which makes light work of applying a generous amount of product without the need for a mirror.\u201d \u2014 Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director<\/em><\/p>\n

Naturium<\/strong> Phyto Glow Lip Balm, $, available at Space NK<\/a>Photo: Courtesy of Jacqueline Kilikita.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Lanolips Tinted Balm SPF 30 (in Rhubarb), \u00a38.99<\/h2>\n

\u201cThis lip balm<\/a> is the most moisturising of the three balms I\u2019ve tried, and it has seen my dry lips through the depths of winter. The formula contains vitamin E, shea butter and lanolin, an oil derived from sheep’s wool post-shearing (so it causes no harm to the animal), and it mimics skin oils to restore moisture; plus, the SPF 30 protection is great for summer. <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks to this hydrating power trio, my lips feel plumped, juicy and glossy for hours. I\u2019ll put this on when I sit down at my desk early in the morning, and still feel the benefit at lunchtime. After a while, this thick formula can become gloopy and get stuck in the tube, so you might have to apply it with your fingers instead of directly. I used the shade rhubarb, a warm, dusky pink, and the perfect everyday shade, with a strong colour payoff. However, I will warn anyone that hates scented products that this does have a sweet, cookie-like fragrance.\u201d \u2014 Esther Newman, affiliate writer<\/em><\/p>\n

Lanolips<\/strong> Tinted Balm SPF 30, $, available at Cult Beauty<\/a>Photo: Courtesy of Esther Newman.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Even with our makeup bags overflowing with lip oils and lip liners, we\u2019ll always make room for another tinted lip balm. There\u2019s something enduringly appealing about a lip product that delivers a wash of colour and nourishment in one quick swipe, all while helping us look instantly more awake, even on makeup-free days. As the…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":324,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[15],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/322"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=322"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/322\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":360,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/322\/revisions\/360"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/324"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=322"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=322"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=322"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}