What a beauty editor looks for in a tinted lip balm
We won’t accept anything less than the best
If beauty products were to enter a talent show competition, beauty editors would definitely come across as the ‘mean judges’. We just bring a more analytical eye to the table, y’know? It’s our job to decipher the average from the amazing, and because we’ve devoted our lives to trying everything (and finding the best of the best), we’re pretty tough to impress.
But because we can’t accompany you on every pharmacy haul trip, we figured we could let you in on a few secrets to keep in mind when it comes to shopping for the most essential product of all: the tinted lip balm. Part lip balm and part tint (did the name give that away?), these dual-purpose products are serious saviours when it comes to pulling together a chic, easy makeup look that you can top up without fuss throughout the day.
Of course, combining any categories comes with its challenges - and some do it better than others. We only ever want you to add the best balms to cart, and that’s precisely why we’ve put together this list of features every good beauty editor looks for in a tinted lip balm. Commit these to memory and you’ll never end up with a less-than-stellar tinted lip balm again…
#1: A non-sticky feel
The first thing a beauty editor looks for in a tinted lip balm? A non-sticky feel. Sorry, we just know that formulas have moved beyond feeling like glue, and we’re not settling for that type of texture anymore. If you trace back the reason we ever switched from balmy, glossy formulas to matte ones, it’s basically because we were sick of our hair getting stuck to our lips, and TBH our lips even getting stuck to each other. But with the latest generation of lip balm formulas, that’s no longer an issue, as long as you choose wisely. In fact, our very favourite type of tinted lip balm is one that existed as a clear balm previously (and so nailed that aspect of its formula first) before adding colour. That’s exactly how Dermal Therapy’s Tinted Lip Balm ($8.99 at Chemist Warehouse) came about - they’d already reached cult-favourite status with their Lip Balm Original (the #1 selling lip balm in Australia*, may we add). And so they (thankfully) decided it was time for a tinted take on it. It’s the same formulation - so you know it’ll last and feel lovely on lips - just with a pop of colour mixed in. In other words, it’s not sticky or drying on the lips like other colour products can be - it feels like a balm, you just happen to look like you’ve done your makeup as well.
#2: A multipurpose status
The era of beauty products getting away with only having one talent is over - we expect a lot from any formula worthy of a spot in our beauty bag. And nothing hits the ‘multipurpose’ goal quite like a tinted lip balm. The Dermal Therapy Tinted Lip Balm, for instance, does it all. It protects, moisturises and heals the lips, while also adding a hint of colour and a polished touch of gloss. And considering we’re not slowing down with the glossy blush trend anytime soon, we’re in full support of applying the balms to cheeks as well for a chic tonal tint across the whole face. That’s why it pays to have a hydrating formula on hand; it’s glossy, nourishing and pretty wherever you apply it.
#3: A long-lasting formula
A lip balm really can’t afford to falter in the longevity stakes. If you apply before grabbing your morning train, you would want that formula to still be intact by lunch-time, and only require a touch-up or two before dinner. And for a formula to be great, the ingredients have to be great - so pay attention to what’s in the balm’s blend before you buy. Again, the Dermal Therapy Tinted Lip Balm features the same formula as the Original Lip Balm, so you can look forward to the relief of a softening and hydrating combo of menthol, clove oil, and urea. Just with colour!
#4: Universally flattering shades
The shades of the tint are also (obviously) major players in the quality of any lip balm tint. The formula could be hydrating as all hell, but if the shade or finish is unflattering, we won’t be dipping back in for a restock. There are three colour bases we look for tinted balms to cover: a nude, a pink, and a red. As the three most-loved lip shades, finding balm versions of them is a game-changer for the comfort of your lip combo (or rather, your sole lip product, as an ideal tinted lip balm should be colour, care, and gloss in one hit). The Dermal Therapy Tinted Lip Balm formula comes in those three exact shades (that happen to be universally flattering): ‘Peach Nude’ ($8.99 at Chemist Warehouse), ‘Rose Pink’ ($8.99 at Chemist Warehouse), and ‘Cherry Red’ ($8.99 at Chemist Warehouse), so you’ve got an option for every aesthetic and occasion. But just in case you were sceptical about using a balm that smells/tastes like peach, rose or cherry, allow us to put your mind at ease. They’re shades, not flavours - so you won’t need to deal with an overpowering scent with every application.
#5: Affordable accessibility
Nobody can afford to have to save up for/struggle to find a lip balm. We need our beloved balm of choice to be easily grab-able at the local pharmacy. And because it’s a product we fly through (does anyone else apply like 20 times a day?), the price tag needs to be in the affordable arena for sure. Preferably under $20. And ideally, under $10. The Dermal Therapy Tinted Lip Balms are as accessible and affordable as products come - they’re just $9.99 RRP but $8.99 at your local Chemist Warehouse (amazing!), so you can even stock up on all three shades for less than 30 bucks.
Main Image Credit: @dibaamaty
Brought to you by Dermal Therapy
*Combined IQVIA and Circana Data, RMS/Sell-Out Service, "LIP CARE", Custom Total Market (Pharmacy, Woolworths, Coles) Total Value Sales, 52w.e 2024/09/21 (IQVIA) & 2024/10/08 (Circana)
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Delaney began her career in the Australian beauty media industry in 2015, landing amidst the glossy world of women’s lifestyle magazines (or more literally, in their beauty cupboards). Since then, she has gone on to write across a multitude of beloved Australian media brands, including OK!, NW, InStyle, and Harper’s BAZAAR. She’s covered every side of beauty content, from directing beauty editorial shoots to rounding up the best glossy serums for golden hour skin. Having spent nearly a decade immersed in the beauty realm, Delaney’s knowledge of beauty is as extensive as her collection of tinted lip oils (read: extremely extensive). Delaney is currently the Digital Managing Editor of BEAUTYcrew, and her beauty wisdom also appears across beautyheaven, ELLE and Marie Claire. She enjoys channelling her personal hobby (testing beauty products) into her professional work (talking about testing beauty products), and considers perfecting the art of a cat eye in a moving car her life’s greatest accomplishment.
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