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The best tinted lip balms deliver more than just long-wear color and hydration—they offer the kind of featherlight texture lipsticks rarely match. Perfect for summer, these balmy formulas marry skincare with subtle pigment, offering everything from glossy shine to delicious scent, all without the weight.
Vogue’s Favorite Tinted Lip Balms:
- Best Viral Pick: Rhode Peptide Lip Tint, $18
- Best for Vegan: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm for Hydration Shine, $24
- Best Multipurpose Balm: Chanel No. 1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm, $48
- Best Natural: Tower 28 Lipsoftie Tinted Lip Treatment, $16
- Best Nourishing: Augustinus Bader The Tinted Lip Balm, $43
- Best High-Shine Finish: Saint Laurent Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick, $42
- Best with SPF: Supergoop! Lipshade SPF 30, $24
At any given moment, there’s a borderline-excessive number of lip products rattling around in my bag—but tinted balms and liners always rise to the top. Why? They promise pouty, smooth color with zero risk of cakiness or creasing. “The best tinted lip balms contain nourishing and hydrating ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and natural oils such as jojoba or coconut oil,” says Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, a board-certified dermatologist in La Jolla, California. “These ingredients help create a barrier to lock in moisture and repair the lips’ protective layer.”
Not to mention, the balms offer a choose-your-own-adventure kind of color payoff. “Tinted lip balm is very buildable, so if you want a more natural, sheer look you can apply one to two layers,” says New Jersey-based makeup artist Brielle Pollara. “If you want something more dramatic, you can apply three to four layers.” Pollara adds that many tinted lip balms stay put for at least 12 hours, ensuring a comfortable, slightly tinted lip that doesn’t disappear after your first (or maybe, second) coffee of the day.
Below, discover Vogue’s curated edit of the best tinted lip balms for smooth, radiant lips. (And yes, several of these are currently stashed in my purse.)
In This Story
- How is a tinted lip balm different from a regular one?
- Can you use tinted lip balms overnight?
- Which ingredients are the most hydrating for lips?
- What’s the best way to apply a tinted lip balm?
- Is tinted lip balm good for dry lips?
- Meet the experts
Best Viral Pick: Rhode Peptide Lip Tint
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- Why we love it: Rhode’s cult-favorite balm doubles as a lip treatment thanks to the inclusion of peptides—a potent skin care ingredient that can stimulate collagen and elastin, leaving lips feeling softer, more hydrated, and visibly plumper. Many Vogue editors count this as their go-to, from social media manager Taylor Lashley to production and editorial coordinator Irene Kim. With five shades to choose from, and limited edition launches, it’s easy to adopt a “gotta catch ’em all” mindset.
- Key ingredients: Shea butter, peptides, cupuacu, babassu
- Size: .3 fl oz
- Shades: 5
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Hydrating, glossy finish | Some experience texture issues, with the formula becoming grainy |
| Subtle, buildable color | |
| non-sticky feel |
Best Nourishing: Augustinus Bader The Tinted Lip Balm
- Why we love it: When Bader collaborated with Sophia Coppola on a tinted lip balm in three coquette-ish shades, I was immediately intrigued—and knew it would make for a perfect addition to my Sofia Coppola collection; her archive book and a baby T-shirt that reads “written and directed by Sofia Coppola.” “This is a luxurious option for those with dry or damaged lips,” Dr. Shirazi says. Infused with the brand’s signature TFC-8—an age-defying mix of lipids, peptides, and vitamins—the balm also contains a lip-plumping complex, shea butter, and castor seed oil. Designed in partnership with Sofia Coppola, the balms come in fittingly camera-ready hues. Whether you choose Plum, Raspberry, or Strawberry, you’ll get a sheer wash of color that coats the lips in hydration.
- Key ingredients: TFC-8 (a proprietary blend of vitamins, lipids, peptides), lip-plumping complex, castor seed oil, shea butter, glycerin, peptides, antioxidants including vitamin E
- Size: 0.14 oz
- Shades: 3
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Luxurious, buttery formula | A pricier pick |
| Easy to use, twist up packaging | Some report color settles unevenly |
| Just enough color |
Best Vegan: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
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- Why we love it: Summer Friday’s intensely hydrating, vegan balm glazes lips with a silky coat of color—and it has a particularly sweet finish. Flavors range from cherry to sweet mint and brown sugar. Yum! This buzzed-about balm was the precursor to the brand’s latest launch—the Dream Lip Oil which debuted in January 2024. While I normally steer clear of any fragrance or flavor in my lip products, I find this pick from Summer Friday to be subtle enough for even my picky sensibilities. As an Italian-American with a strong penchant for beans over leaves, it’s little wonder then that my preferred shade is iced coffee—a sheer taupe brown.
- Key ingredients: Shea and murumuru seed butter, vegan waxes
- Size: .5 oz
- Shades: 8
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Hydrating, non-sticky texture | Fragrance may aggravate more sensitive skin types |
| Pleasant fragrances applicable to each shade | |
| Sheer flush of color |
Best High-Shine Finish: YSL Beauty Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick
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- Why we love it: While stickiness is oftentimes the price for a high-gloss finish, that isn’t the case here. YSL Beauty’s formulation pairs shine with a lightweight formula that melts into the lips, keeping them supple and moisturized. Not to mention, it’s a favorite of Vogue’s digital style director, Leah Faye Cooper. “I swear by this lip color in the summer. It’s glossy—but not sticky—and provides the perfect hint of color for a great no-makeup makeup look,” she previously said when naming this lip balm one of her vacation beauty essentials.
- Key ingredients: Synthetic wax, peppermint oil, vitamin E
- Size: .11 oz
- Shades: 14
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Chic packaging | Product can melt in heat |
| Non-sticky, glossy finish |
Best Multipurpose Balm: Chanel No. 1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm
- Why we love it: When Chanel unveiled its new clean-beauty collection No. 1 de Chanel, this balm quickly became a fan-favorite—likely for its multipurpose uses. The buttery lip and cheek balm melts into the skin, leaving a flush of color with restored plumpness and dewiness. Take your pick of vibrant, sun-kissed hues like Vibrant Coral or Wakeup Pink for an instant burst of summertime color.
- Key ingredients: Red camellia oil
- Size: 0.23 oz
- Shades: 9
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Multi-use flush of color | Pot application isn t mess free |
| Buildable pigment | A pricier pick |
| Up to 8 hours of wear time |
Best Natural: Tower 28 Lipsoftie Tinted Lip Treatment
- Why we love it: Available in glossy hues ranging from baby pink to sheer red-orange, Tower 28’s treatment wraps dry lips in a cocoon of moisture. Infused with natural ingredients such as coconut oil and shea butter, the cushiony balm is fragrance-free—but it does have a touch of flavor. The brand uses food-grade ingredients to add a lip-smacking taste of vanilla, watermelon, kiwi, or blood-orange to its tinted treatments. “This vegan formula contains lysine, which can help soothe and prevent chapping,” says Dr. Shirazi. “Its minimalist, non-irritating formulation is well-suited for sensitive lips, making it a great option for individuals prone to irritation.”
- Key ingredients: Shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil, lysine
- Size: 0.38 oz
- Shades: 5
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Clean formula is safe for sensitive skin | Some dislike the dome applicator |
| Hydrating and non-sticky | Not the most long-wearing option |
| An affordable pick |
Best Buttery Texture: Dior Lip Butter Glow
- Why we love it: With just a hint of color—and a tingly minty feeling for a subtle plumping effect, think of the Dior Addict Lip Butter Glow as the Gen Z little sister to its predecessor, the Lip Glow Balm. The buttery texture delivers high-shine that lasts, while peptides and ceramides work behind the scenes to fortify and soften. Its five shades range from muted mauve to bright berry.
- Key ingredients: Peptides, Ceramide NG, Cherry Oil, Shea Butter, Castor Seed Oil, Squalane,
- Size: 0.34 oz
- Shades: 5
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Cushiony texture | Some dislike the subtle fragrance |
| Subtle tint, and adjustable tone thanks to pH adapting | A pricier pick |
| Trendy packaging |
Best Buildable Color: Ilia Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm
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- Why we love it: Packed with clean, moisturizing ingredients, the buildable balm has a silky, weightless feel on the lips. It’s an editor-favorite—senior shopping editor Talia Abbas says she loves the deep rosy Memoir shade—with a subtle vanilla scent that makes it all the more appealing.
- Key ingredients: Salicornia (sea succulent), rosehip seed oil, shea butter
- Size: 0.15 oz
- Shades: 12
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Rich texture | Some report inconsistent color payoff per shade |
| Vibrant tint | Melts in warm weather |
| Vegan and cruelty free formula |
Best Plumping: La Mer The Lip Volumizer
- Why We Love It: Thanks to La Mer’s Miracle Broth, this volumizer delivers visibly softer, nourished, and plumper lips with each glide. Pro makeup artist Ash K. Holm previously told Vogue, “This is more of a treatment than a gloss or balm—it smooths, hydrates, and plumps over time, leaving a silky, balm-like finish. It’s definitely an investment, but it’s worth it.” With its subtle wash of color, the resulting iridescent shine is just the cherry on top. What’s more, the texture feels absolutely luxurious. Upon first trying this pick, I immediately noticed it’s notably lightweight feel—just enough slip for added hydration, without feeling like you’re wearing anything at all. Plus, the plump doesn’t hurt.
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, coconut oil
- Shades: 5
- Size: 7 mL
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Provides plump and hydration | A premium price point |
| High shine, non-sticky formula | |
| Subtle color |
Best Lightweight: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Lip Balm
- Why we love it: “This balm uses moringa butter to provide deep hydration and vitamin E to protect against environmental stressors,” says Dr. Shirazi. “Its formulation is lightweight yet nourishing, which is ideal for daily wear. It’s especially great for those looking for a touch of color combined with lip protection.” Also ideal as a moisturizing base for lipstick, the Vogue-approved balm comes in five sheer, creamy shades of pink.
- Key ingredients: Moringa butter, sunflower oil, vitamin C, vitamin E
- Size: 0.1 oz
- Shades: 5
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Lightweight, non-greasy balm | Not the glossiest option |
| Waxier texture ensures longer wear |
Best Packaging: Laneige Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serum
- Why we love it: Another top Gen Z pick, this lip butter balm comes with innovative packaging. The donut-shaped applicator isn’t just a whimsical design—its silicone ring creates a perfect frame to deposit the ideal amount of product, preventing over-application and ensuring an ultra-smooth, even glide across the lips. Unlike traditional doe-foot or brush applicators, its unique shape allows for effortless, precise coverage with minimal mess. The result? A high gloss finish and super pigmented color payoff.
- Key ingredients: Polypeptides, argan ceramides, pomegranate seed oil, jojoba seed oil, raspberry seed oil, ceramide NP, sodium hyaluronate
- Size: 0.4 fl oz.
- Shades: 6
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Innovative applicator | Glossy finish fades fast |
| Skincare-infused formula | Strong, though pleasant, fragrance |
| Maximum color payoff |
Best Cult Classic: Dior Addict Lip Glow Balm
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- Why we love it: A makeup bag staple for models and makeup artists alike, Dior’s beloved moisturizing lip balm adapts to the pH level of the lips to make their natural color pop—all while adding a touch of glow. This one is a favorite of Vogue s beauty shopping writer Kiana Murden, who can often be found with shade Mahogany somewhere on her person.
- Key ingredients: Polyglycerol-2 Triisostearate, sunflower seed oil, hydrogenated castor oil dimer dilinoleate
- Size: 0.11 oz
- Shades: 10
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Customizable color with pH-reactive technology | A pricier pick |
| Natural finish | |
| Hydrating formula, with subtle color |
Best Long-Wearing: Topicals Slick Salve Açaí
- Why we love it: Consider this intensive lip care in a tube—but way more chic. Topicals’s Slick Salve first launched in a minty, transparent shade, later giving us its berry-toned tinted counterpart. This offers the same composition of skin-barrier-loving ingredients, thanks to a blend of ceramides and peptides, so you don’t have to sacrifice a flush of color when lips are on the parched side. Plus, Topicals “cling technology,” (ie. a blend of fixing polymers) ensures the product stays put; and the longer wear time ensures maximum hydration and color.
- Key ingredients: Peptides, ceramide blend, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, castor seed oil, lysine, lanolin
- Size: 0.5 oz
- Shades: 1
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Deeply hydrating formula | Limited shade range |
| Long-lasting shine thanks to “cling technology”—meaning, less reapplication | Some find this a bit sticky |
| Vegan formula |
Best for Long-Lasting Hydration: Fresh Sugar Lip Balm Hydrating Treatment
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- Why we love it: Powered by sugar—a sweet source of hydration—the sheer balm moisturizes the lips for up to 24 hours. With a silky texture and buildable tint, it also softens the lips and enhances their natural color.
- Key ingredients: Sugar, cranberry seed oil, grapeseed oil
- Size: 0.15 oz
- Shades: 12
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Subtle, buildable tint | Some report the product easily break or smoosh due to soft texture |
| Hydrating, rich texture |
Best With SPF: Supergoop! Lipshade SPF 30
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- Why we love it: For a beachside lip look, Supergoop’s pick covers both color and and sunscreen in just one swipe. The hydrating balm protects the lips from UV rays with SPF 30; it comes in three bright and buildable hues that stay put for a whole sun-drenched day.
- Key ingredients: Mango, shea, and murumuru butters, plant-derived oils, natural peptides
- Size: 0.12 oz
- Shades: 3
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 Protection | Limited shade range |
| Bold color payoff | |
| Naturally derived scent and flavor from pepermint |
How is a tinted lip balm different from a regular one?
While lip balms are meant to provide nourishing TLC, tinted iterations bring something extra to the table: “In addition to helping restore hydration and making lips feel smooth, tinted lip balms elevate traditional formulas by offering a pop of color—and sometimes shimmer,” says New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp.
Can you use tinted lip balms overnight?
In general, “lip balms can be used overnight to address mild cases of chapped lips,” Camp says. “For more parched lips, consider a product that will offer more intense hydration, such as an ointment-based moisturizer or lip butter.” If you opt for a tinted formulation overnight, just beware of possible side effects such as stained pillowcases— you may want to blot your lips before you drift off to sleep.
Can you use tinted lip balms overnight?
In general, “lip balms can be used overnight to address mild cases of chapped lips,” Camp says. “For more parched lips, consider a product that will offer more intense hydration, such as an ointment-based moisturizer or lip butter.” If you opt for a tinted formulation overnight, just beware of possible side effects such as stained pillowcases— you may want to blot your lips before you drift off to sleep.
Which ingredients are the most hydrating for lips?
“Hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant that attracts and retains moisture,” Camp says. “Shea butter is an occlusive and emollient that seals water into the skin and smooths out rough texture.” He also recommends seeking out lip balms with ceramides, which “maintain the integrity of the skin barrier and help improve moisture retention,” he says. Finally, “Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects skin from the damage of free oxygen radicals.”
What’s the best way to apply a tinted lip balm?
“Lip tint is so easy to apply,” Pollara reiterates. After applying one to four coats, depending on the intensity of the color you’re after, you can dip back into your makeup bag to give the look more oomph by way of a final layer of gloss. “Once the tinted lip balm dries down, you can top it off with your favorite lipgloss or chapsticks for a hydrated look!” Pollara says.
Is tinted lip balm good for dry lips?
“Non-tinted lip balms are likely superior options for those with dry lips due to less potential irritating ingredients, such as artificial dyes,” says Dr. Teresa Song, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical. “However, tinted lip balms can be a good option for dry lips as well, depending on their specific ingredients and lip preparation prior to application.”
For those with dry lips and a craving for color, Dr. Song suggests using a tinted lip balm with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or beeswax, which can all form a protective barrier to lock moisture into the lips. “When possible, opt for one that contains SPF, which can offer protection from sun damage and oxidative stress,” Song says. “Avoid ones with fragrances and alcohol.”
In terms of application, Song suggests layering a tinted lip balm over a coat of non-colored lip balm. “This offers a barrier protection against potential irritants from tinted lip balms,” she says. For a final, hydrating touch, swipe a layer of non-tinted lip balm or lip oil on top of the tinted product.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is a New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist.
- Ash K. Holm is a celebrity makeup artist based in Los Angeles, California, best known for creating glamorous beauty looks on her star-studded clientele, which includes her long-time client- Ariana Grande, as well as Kim Kardashian, Megan Fox, and more.
- Brielle Pollara is a New Jersey-based makeup artist specializing in bridal, celebrity, and editorial makeup.
- Dr. Azadeh Shirazi is a boad-certfied dermatologist baded in La Jolla, California.
- Dr. Teresa Song is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City.
