The $9.99 lip tint formula that’s earned a spot in our editor’s handbag

Honestly, I think I may have sustained a shoulder injury from the amount of makeup I used to carry around in my daily handbag. Like, I only have one set of lips, what did I think I needed 23 different formulas for?! And sure, I’m a beauty editor, and being a product hoarder is basically a part of my job, but damn, whatever happened to quality over quantity?

And so, I decided to clear out the contents in a bid to streamline my stash. But the OG problem still loomed: I needed something comfy (a balm), something with colour (a tint), and something with sheen (a gloss). And preferably, I needed a couple of different colours on hand - I’m partial to a nude for the office, a pink for the weekends, and a red for the evening.

So basically, I need three different shades, all of which serve three different purposes (colour, care, shine) in one. Impossible? You might’ve thought so. But if so, you clearly haven’t tried the new Dermal Therapy Tinted Lip Balms. And I advise that you change that…

The product

In true ‘lip balm super fan’ fashion, I added the balms to my trusty ‘to be tested’ pile immediately. Upon some initial research, I was thrilled to discover that not only do they hail from Dermal Therapy, the formulators of the cult-classic Lip Balm Original (I know you know it – a tube of the stuff sells every 12 seconds), but they even house the same formula, just with the added bonus of tint. In terms of the tint options, the Dermal Therapy Tinted Lip Balm ($9.99 RRP, but $8.99 each at Chemist Warehouse) comes in three chic shades: ‘Peach Nude’, ‘Rose Pink’ and ‘Cherry Red’. And you best believe I tried them all.

 Dermal Therapy Tinted Lip Balm review

I must admit, the Dermal Therapy Original Lip Balm was one of the many products I’d always packed in my purse prior to this latest arrival. Its ingredients (menthol, clove oil, urea) and its feel (comfy, hydrating, long-lasting) let you go into autopilot mode - as long as you keep it topped up, it does all the work for you in the hydrating, soothing stakes. The only downside was that I had to pack a lip colour combo (tint and gloss, usually in two individual tubes) separately. That’s one of the reasons you’re about to read a rave. This balm gave me everything I’m after per application (hydration, tint and a bit of sheen) in one tube. And as a side note, may I say, the tube itself is very cute - Dermal Therapy’s aesthetic has really entered a new era with this release. Don’t stress though; the look may be more luxe, but the price is still as affordable as ever!

Okay, back to the formula and its feel. ‘Velvety’ is how I’d describe it - it goes on smooth, it leaves lips silky-soft, and they look as hydrated as they feel thanks to the gloss factor in the mix. The tube’s slanted applicator also makes blending and building the colour to your desired intensity  super easy - you can opt for a subtle hint of tint, or keep layering until you’re showing off glossy, maximalist colour. But unlike other kinds of lip colour, you won’t be counting down the hours until you can take this one off, or worrying about a sticky feeling/getting your hair caught in it. In fact, it feels like you’re wearing your favourite lip balm - because, um, you are.

I tried shuffling the shades throughout the week (and honestly, through the day too, building from a nude in the morning, a pink after lunch, and a red for evening) and I found them all to be as flattering, longwearing and hydrating as I’d hoped. I didn’t have to touch up too frequently - the colour and moisture lasted for hours on end per use - but with the fresh feel and scent of the OG formula, I must admit I didn’t mind dipping back in for a refresh. And the best bit? My handbag weight (and my subsequent shoulder injury, thank you for asking) were both eased by the additions of these balms. Hallelujah.

The verdict

If you’re looking to cut your handbag lip product stash down significantly without sacrificing any of the stuff you look to multiple formulas for, this product is the one you need. It simply offers everything you’re after: protection, hydration, colour, and sheen in one hit. And you never have to feel guilty about constant and generous reapplications - at just $8.99 from Chemist Warehouse, you can restock all three shades for under 30 bucks.

Brought to you by Dermal Therapy