The best tinted lip balms deliver more than just long-wear color and hydration—they offer the kind of featherlight texture lipsticks rarely match. Perfect for summer, these balmy formulas marry skincare with subtle pigment, offering everything from glossy shine to delicious scent, all without the weight.

Vogue’s Favorite Tinted Lip Balms:

At any given moment, there’s a borderline-excessive number of lip products rattling around in my bag—but tinted balms and liners always rise to the top. Why? They promise pouty, smooth color with zero risk of cakiness or creasing. “The best tinted lip balms contain nourishing and hydrating ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and natural oils such as jojoba or coconut oil,” says Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, a board-certified dermatologist in La Jolla, California. “These ingredients help create a barrier to lock in moisture and repair the lips’ protective layer.”

Not to mention, the balms offer a choose-your-own-adventure kind of color payoff. “Tinted lip balm is very buildable, so if you want a more natural, sheer look you can apply one to two layers,” says New Jersey-based makeup artist Brielle Pollara. “If you want something more dramatic, you can apply three to four layers.” Pollara adds that many tinted lip balms stay put for at least 12 hours, ensuring a comfortable, slightly tinted lip that doesn’t disappear after your first (or maybe, second) coffee of the day.

Below, discover Vogue’s curated edit of the best tinted lip balms for smooth, radiant lips. (And yes, several of these are currently stashed in my purse.)

In This Story

Best Viral Pick: Rhode Peptide Lip Tint

• Why we love it: Rhode’s cult-favorite balm doubles as a lip treatment thanks to the inclusion of peptides—a potent skin care ingredient that can stimulate collagen and elastin, leaving lips feeling softer, more hydrated, and visibly plumper. Many Vogue editors count this as their go-to, from social media manager Taylor Lashley to production and editorial coordinator Irene Kim. With five shades to choose from, and limited edition launches, it’s easy to adopt a “gotta catch ’em all” mindset.
• Key ingredients: Shea butter, peptides, cupuacu, babassu
• Size: .3 fl oz
• Shades: 5