Chapped lips got you down? I’ve spent years as a makeup artist hunting for that perfect balance between moisture and color. Tinted lip balms are my secret weapon for clients who want hydration with a hint of hue. Let me walk you through my absolute favorites that’ll keep your pout both pretty and protected.
1. Hibiscus Shade Tinted Lip Balm
Honey, this classic never disappoints! Made with shea butter and botanical waxes, it glides on like a dream while delivering a subtle wash of color. The hibiscus shade has saved countless clients from the dreaded ‘corpse lips’ during winter photoshoots. Trust me, your pout will thank you.
2. Rose Tint Lip Treatment
Where luxury meets efficacy! Though pricier than drugstore options, this splurge-worthy gem contains real sugar (a natural humectant) and nourishing oils that lock in moisture for hours. My clients swoon over the Rose tint – subtle enough for men who need hydration during shoots without looking made-up.
3. Shimmer Balm Dotcom
If your makeup bag desperately needs a cool-girl upgrade, reach for this cult favorite. The Birthday Cake flavor not only smells divine but adds the perfect amount of shimmer without looking like you raided a teenager’s glitter collection. Whenever I pack for celebrity clients, this always makes the cut.
4. Rush Shade Lip Balm
While working on a desert photoshoot, this savior prevented my model’s lips from turning into the Sahara. The hyaluronic acid literally plumps as it protects! Rush shade gives that ‘just-bitten’ look that photographs beautifully. Moreover, the sleek packaging makes application a breeze even without a mirror.
5. Magic In A Tube
Though some might gasp at the price tag, this color-adapting wonder is worth every penny. The technology actually reacts with your lip’s pH level to create a customized tint unique to you. During award season, I keep this in my emergency kit because it flatters literally everyone. Magic in a tube!
6. Fire Lip Jelly
Sensitive-skinned beauties, rejoice! After a client’s allergic reaction nightmare, I discovered this clean formula that’s dermatologist-approved for even the most reactive lips. Unlike most tinted balms, this one delivers serious shine without stickiness. Fire is my go-to shade for adding warmth to any complexion.
7. Lipstick in Black Honey
If this iconic shade hasn’t graced your lips yet, where have you been hiding? Since its 90s heyday, I’ve applied this universally flattering berry tint on everyone from teenagers to grandmothers. The sheer formula builds beautifully, going from barely-there to statement-making with additional swipes. A true desert island essential!
8. Neutral Melting Blush
Though marketed as a blush, this creamy formula is my secret multi-tasker for busy shoot days. The Nearly Neutral shade doubles perfectly as a lip tint that stays put through coffee breaks. Selena Gomez created a winner here – the formula actually melts at body temperature for the most natural finish imaginable.
9. Hydrating Lip Balm
Having prepped countless celebs for red carpet events, I’ve learned that hydration is everything. This clean beauty gem packs serious moisture with organic castor seed oil while delivering buildable color. The Lullaby shade creates that ethereal ‘morning after’ tint that makeup artists obsess over. Simply gorgeous!
10. Juicy Lip Balm
Whoever said you can’t have it all hasn’t tried this miracle worker! The maracuja oil in this formula heals chapped lips overnight – I’ve witnessed the transformation on winter campaign shoots. However, what truly sets it apart is the pigment payoff. Rose delivers color that could almost pass for a lightweight lipstick.
11. Kush Lip Balm
Before you raise an eyebrow – no, it won’t get you high! The hemp-derived cannabis seed oil in this formula works wonders for severely dehydrated lips. During fashion week chaos, this saved many models whose lips were wrecked from multiple makeup changes. Cannatonic gives a subtle green-tinted effect that neutralizes redness beautifully.
12. Slick Tinted Lip Oil
Though technically an oil, this feels more like a luxurious balm that leaves lips looking juicy without a hint of greasiness. The minimalist packaging screams sophistication! When prepping clients for Zoom appearances, I reach for Cara – it enhances natural lip color without screaming ‘I’m wearing makeup!’ Perfect for those high-definition close-ups.
13. Lip Butter Balm
After countless overnight flights with dehydrated clients, I’ve found my holy grail overnight treatment. The vegan shea and murumuru seed butters repair while you sleep! The tinted version gives that ‘I woke up like this’ flush that looks incredible in morning-after scenes. Even my male clients request it between takes.
14. Glowy Balm
If their Sleeping Mask is the nighttime superhero, consider this its daytime sidekick. Unlike many Korean beauty products, this one doesn’t sacrifice color for care. The Grapefruit shade brightens every complexion I’ve tried it on. Furthermore, the formula contains murumuru butter and shea butter that keep lips hydrated for hours.
15. Butterstick Lip Treatment
When shooting in harsh weather conditions, this is my non-negotiable set essential. Infused with coconut oil and lemon butter, it repairs while adding the most natural-looking hint of color. Touch of Berry has saved countless outdoor shoots where models’ lips were battling the elements. The SPF protection is truly the cherry on top!
16. Fenty Beauty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick
Though marketed as a lipstick, this feels like the most luxurious balm you’ve ever tried. Leave it to Rihanna to create a formula that hydrates like crazy while delivering that perfect ‘just-been-kissed’ tint. Goji Gang is my secret weapon for clients who think they can’t pull off red lips. Trust me, you can!
17. Extra Lip Tint
Working with mature clients taught me that comfort is everything. This ultra-lightweight formula contains olive, avocado, and jojoba oils that don’t settle into fine lines. Bare Pink creates that elusive ‘your lips but better’ effect that photographs beautifully. I’ve used this on countless brides who want to look timeless in their photos.
18. Fruity Shine Lip Balm
Sometimes drugstore gems outperform their luxury counterparts! This affordable wonder delivers serious moisture with fruit oils while adding the prettiest hint of color. The Cherry variant gives that snow-white effect that fairy tales are made of. Whenever I need to create that ‘innocent ingenue’ look for younger clients, this is my secret weapon.