9 of the Best Lip Tints For Summer 2024

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Lips have been front and centre over the last few years when it comes to beauty trends. From plumping lip oils to the reemergence of lip pencils, there's no doubt we've been giving our pouts plenty of attention. As we enter the summer and the hope of warmer weather, you may be considering putting away your lipstick for a few months — sweat and smeared lipstick is not an ideal situation — but do not fear I have the ideal alternative for you. Enter the lip tint, this new hybrid lipstick, lip stain and lip balm is the ultimate summer must-have. It has the appearance of a sheer lipstick but with the added benefit of skincare ingredients to ensure your lips stay hydrating and the sheer finish means you won't end up with a stained chin if things get a bit too hot. I have made the switch to a lip tint from my trusted nude lipstick and I don't think I will ever go back. Not only does a lip tint add a hint of colour the textures are *chef's kiss*. Most of the products contain hardworking ingredients that make you want to apply all day long.

I spoke to the two leading makeup artists, Bobbi Brown and Aimee Connolly to talk us through what a lip tint is, how to apply one and why this could be the multi-tasking product you need right now.

Read on to find out my favourite high pigment colour, my ultimate holiday must-have (as it kept my lips protected in the sun) and why I'm obsessed with this hydrating formula.


Experts Featured in This Article

Bobbi Brown Makeup Artists and Founder of Jones Road


Aimee Connolly Makeup Artist and founder of Sculpted by Aimee


What is the Difference Between a Lip Tint and a Lipstick?

You may roll your eyes, but there is a difference! "A lip tint is a modern, moisturising product that effortlessly glides on — no prep work or mirror required," says Brown. "It is more moisturising so it feels good on the lips and adds a more natural bit of colour. Traditional lipstick can sometimes be dry and cakey," she tells PS UK.

One of the biggest advantage of a lip tint over a lipstick is how it can be built up, without peeling or becoming too dry. "Lip tints are really versatile," Brown tells PS UK. "If you like it sheer, it can be sheer, but if you like a bold colour, you can build it up for a brighter shade."

For Connolly it is the hydrating properties that set them apart from a lipstick. "More and more of us are searching for multi-tasking formulas that not only enhance the look of our lips, but nourish and care for them too," she tells PS UK. "Tinted balms are my go-to, offering a moisturised lip with a gorgeous sweep of colour."

How Should You Apply a Lip Tint?

"You can apply a lip tint directly from the stick for a touch of colour or layer for a bolder statement," says Brown. "My tip is if you're trying to get a more sophisticated look, use a small detail brush for super precise application."

Connolly also gives this tip, "When it comes to lip tints or balms they can also work wonderfully as cream blush!" she tells PS UK. "Simply apply your favourite creamy lip product to the apples of your cheeks and the mid-point of your nose using your fingertips to add a rosy sheen that matches your lip shade."

Best Lip Tints

Best Plumping Lip Tint
uk.theinkeylist.com

Best Plumping Lip Tint

Inkey List Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm Mocha Tint (£11)

If you like your products to work hard then this is one for you. Not only does it give you a sheer wash of colour, it contains the brand's viral lip plumping ingredient tripeptide, which has been found to boost lip volume if used continually for four weeks. I really liked the texture of the original clear product so as far as I'm concered this tinted version is an immediate winner for me.

Best Natural Finish Lip Tint
libertylondon.com

Best Natural Finish Lip Tint

Jones Road Lippie Stick in Flushed (£22)

Imagine your lips but better and that's the finish of this tinted product. It has the familiar feeling of a balm and contains all the nourishing ingredients you would expect from a moisturising product, like jojoba oil and shea butter with the added bonus of a really natural, universally flattering colour.

Best Glazed Finish Lip Tint
yslbeauty.co.uk

Best Glazed Finish Lip Tint

YSL Love Shine Double Balm Candy Glaze (£36)

This finish looks like a gloss and feels like a balm. It has a really good colour payoff and is ideal for summer nights. It contains hyaluronic acid so will add moisture too. Also, there is nothing better than a shiny YSL lipstick in your handbag as far as I'm concerned.

Best Super-Size Lip Tint
lookfantastic.com

Best Super-Size Lip Tint

Pixi Beauty Hydra Lip Treat Balm (£8)

The picture of this balm doesn't do it justice, it is roughly the size of a ten pence piece which means you can coat both lips in one swipe if you want. It also means it's ideal for adding a tint of colour to your cheeks for a summery mono shade makeup look.

Best Matte Lip Tint
lookfantastic.com

Best Matte Lip Tint

Benefit Plush Tint Moisturising Matte Lip Tint (£21.50)

If you've been waiting for a matte finish then this is for you. Using hyaluronic acid and glycerin it still keeps lips nourished, but the matte texture gives almost a soft blurred finish. It is available in six shades all offering a subtle hint of colour.

Best Soothing Lip Tint
hollandandbarrett.com

Best Soothing Lip Tint

Dr Paw Paw Ultimate Red Balm (£4)

If you love Dr Paw Paw's soothing ingredients, but want a bit more then this is for you. It offers the same non sticky, glossy finish of the original balms, but with a hint of red that really makes your lips pop.

Best Premium Lip Tint
selfridges.com

Best Premium Lip Tint

Tatcha The Kissu Lip Tint (£35)

This is not just expensive for the sake of it, it has the receipts to back it up too. Using botanical lanolin and silk protein to add moisture, as well as a mineral and chemical sunscreen to protect you from UVA and UVB rays. The colour payoff is beautiful and buildable if you want more of an intense finish.

Best Longlasting Lip Tint
sephora.co.uk

Best Longlasting Lip Tint

Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain (£21)

This goes on like a gloss, looks like a tint and leaves a long-lasting hint of colour, which you can build up throughout the day. It still lets your natural texture shine through but with the added bonus of a hint of colour.

Best Hydrating Formula Lip Tint
lisaeldridge.com

Best Hydrating Formula Lip Tint

Lisa Eldridge Melting Lip Colour (£26)

This hydrating formula feels amazing on your lips. It looks like a lipstick, but is comfortable and long-wearing, making it my go-to this summer. The packaging is also oh-so-chic.


Lauren Ezekiel is an associate editor at PS UK, where she writes about all things beauty and wellness. With a degree in journalism and 12 years' experience as a beauty editor at a leading Sunday supplement, she is obsessed with skincare, hair and makeup, and is often found offering advice to innocent bystanders. Her work has been published in Grazia, OK, Health and Beauty, The Sun, ASDA, Dare and Metro.