Tinted lip balms are, in many ways, the unsung heroes of the makeup bag. Sure, they provide pretty, buildable sheer-to-intense washes of color without caking, creasing, settling into lines or leaving tumbleweed-level dryness in their wake. But the best ones do so much more than just look good.
The cream of the crop are enhanced with protective sunscreen, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid to work overtime as lip-focused skin-care treatments while they deposit a slick of color. They’re spiked with a smattering of ultra-fine shimmer for a luminous — but still minimalist — finish. Or perhaps they upend old-school understandings of “lip balm” entirely, taking the form of non-sticky “oil” formulas that just might make you forget all about that lip gloss stashed at the bottom of your purse.
Ahead, we’ve chosen 21 high-performing, multi-benefit tinted lip balms we’re loving right now — in shades for every skin tone, with price points for every budget. Scroll through to see (and shop!) them all.
Jones Road The Lip Tint in Valencia Orange, $26, available here
L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Balm in Caramel Comfort, $11, available here.
Typology Tinted Lip Oil in 2 Powder Pink, $24, available here
Sunnies Face Lip Treat in Chill, $16, available here
Violette FR Bisou Balm in Sucette, $28, available here
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Vanilla Beige, $23, available here
Ami Colé Lip Treatment Oil in Excellence, $20, available here
Pat McGrath Labs Lip Fetish Sheer Colour Balm in Passion Flower, $38, available here
Elf Bite-Size Lip Balm in Watermelon, $4, available here
The Lip Bar Moisture Pop Tinted Shimmer Balm in Brownie Points, $5, available here
Tata Harper Be Adored Anti-Aging Lip Treatment, $34, available here
Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm in Strawberry, $21, available here
Iris & Romeo Power Peptide Lip Balm in Berry, $26, available here
Juvia’s Place Nubian Glow Balm in Papaya, $13, available here
Soleil Tojours Mineral Ally Hydra Lip Masque SPF 15 in Fontelina, $26, available here
Dior Addict Lip Glow in Mahogany, $38, available here
Benefit California Kissin’ ColorBalm Moisturizing Lip Balm in Peach-Pink, $21, available here
Honest Beauty Tinted Lip Balm in Blood Orange, $9, available here
Glossier Balm Dotcom in Lavender, $12, available here
Eleven by Venus Williams Perfect Form Lip Balm SPF 15 in Venus, $19, available here
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Lip Balm in Warm, $36, available here
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