The 8 Best Tinted Lip Balms, per an Editor Who’s Always Testing Them

Original Article

The best tinted lip balm is the Knemo Liplock Jelly Serum. It has a smooth, lightweight texture that keeps the lips nourished for hours while adding a glowy wash of color. 

Tinted lip balms are definitely the lip product of the moment. They provide a boost of hydration alongside a coat of glossy color, and they’re easy to throw in your bag or keep on your desk. According to aesthetician Rachael Gallo, they’re the ultimate multitaskers in your skin and makeup routine. “Applying lipstick over a balm can be tricky, so having a hydrating, antioxidant-rich tinted balm makes it easy to protect your lips while still enjoying a shade that matches your look,” she says. 

I’ve used tinted lip balms for years, but to write this story, I tested more than a dozen over a monthlong period to determine which were the best. I judged picks based on their shade range, texture, packaging, and, of course, how well they hydrated the lips. After consulting experts on what makes a high-quality formula, I selected these eight favorites. 

What We Like

• Lightweight serum texture
• Provides long-lasting hydration
• Has skin-beneficial ingredients to treat signs of aging
• Great scents

Shades: 4 | Key Ingredients: Peptides, rose PDRN, carrot collagen, shea butter | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

As someone who takes lip balm (and having hydrated lips) very seriously, it’s rare for a formula to impress me like this one from Knemo did. What sets it apart is its texture—it’s lightweight and somewhat thin, but it packs in more moisture than other picks I tested. It feels immediately comfortable on the lips, and it never leaves that slippery feeling that other balms create upon initial application. The tube dispenses the perfect amount of product, and the formula grips the lips well—instantly hydrating without feeling sticky or tacky.

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How We Tested Tinted Lip Balms

We believe in testing the products we recommend, so we prioritize using them in our everyday lives and routines. I tested tinted lip balms over several months, using formulas three to five times a day. 

• Lip Balms Tested: 15+
• Testing Period: 1 month to 1 year 
• Factors Considered: Hydrating ability, consistency, feel on the lips, finish, shade range, lasting power, and overall results.
  

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