Selecting the right product to enhance your lips often comes down to desire, occasion, and need. Whether you're looking for a subtle hint of colour or a sophisticated and intense effect, the choice often narrows down to two products: the tinted lip balm and the traditional lipstick. In this article, we will provide you with the necessary information to guide you in your choice.
More of a tinted lip balm or lipstick?
Published on January 17, 2025, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 5 min of reading
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Between tinted lip balm and lipstick: which option should you choose?
Tinted lip balms, much like traditional lipsticks, offer numerous benefits but may also have some limitations.
Tinted Lip Balm: The Pros and Cons.
The tinted lip balm is a hybrid product between skincare and makeup, but it remains primarily a lip balm, meaning it protects and hydrates the lips. The skin of the lips is a thin, delicate, sensitive area, prone to dryness and chapping, especially under harsh weather conditions. The tinted lip balm forms a protective barrier against external elements, such as wind, cold, and pollution. It thus helps to retain moisture and prevent dehydration, preserving their plump, soft, smooth, and silky appearance.
Powdered rose, woody rose, transparent and plum violet, our tinted lip balm comes in 5 different shades.
Tinted lip balms contain ingredients that provide additional nourishment and hydration. Ingredients such as shea butter, vitamin E, and natural oils work together to moisturise and soothe the lips, giving them a feeling of nourishment and care. Thus, not only does the tinted lip balm help to keep the lips hydrated and protected, it also enhances them. Besides its aesthetic and hydrating benefits, the tinted lip balm allows for a quick application, without a mirror, thanks to its creamy texture. It offers a certain versatility: it can be used as a blush or eyeshadow in addition to colouring the lips.
The tinted lip balm can be considered a practical and hydrating alternative to traditional lipstick.
However, a tinted lip balm may not always be suitable for those seeking long-lasting wear or intense pigmentation. Indeed, the tint is often lighter and the colour can fade quickly, requiring more frequent applications. Moreover, its shade options are often limited to soft and natural hues compared to traditional lipsticks.
The advantages and disadvantages of lipstick.
Primarily used for the lips, lipstick is an iconic makeup product with a formula heavily focused on pigmentation, thus offering a wider variety of colours, a more pronounced intensity, as well as various textures and finishes. It is also appreciated for its long-lasting nature, requiring fewer touch-ups throughout the day.
Although some formulas are beginning to include moisturising ingredients, lipsticks generally require prior lip hydration through the application of a moisturising balm. This step notably allows for a smoother and more uniform application of the lipstick, and prevents dryness, thus maintaining lip hydration. Indeed, some lipstick formulas, particularly matte textures, can reduce the lips' natural hydration.
Furthermore, the moisturising agents used in lipsticks, such as thehyaluronic acid, are generally not sufficient on their own to hydrate the lips. Additionally, lipsticks require a more precise application, especially for intense colours.
In addition to pigments, tinted lip balms are rich in nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, ceramides, and camellia oil.
| Characteristics | Tinted lip balm | Lipstick |
|---|---|---|
| Hydration | Highly moisturising, strengthens the lip's skin barrier | Less hydrating, may require the application of a lip balm beforehand |
| Intensity of Colour | Subtle and translucent | More intense and varied |
| Ease of Application | Easy to apply, without a mirror | Requires a more precise application |
| Endurance | Lightweight, requires frequent touch-ups | Long-lasting, fewer touch-ups required |
| Versatility | Can be used as a blush or eyeshadow | Limited to the lips |
| Effect | Natural and fresh | More sophisticated, more refined, moist |
| Lip Care | Formula focused on skincare | May contain moisturising ingredients, but less than the tinted lip balm |
| Finish | Generally satin or glossy | Variety of finishes (matte, satin, glossy, cream, metallic) |
Comparative analysis between tinted lip balm and lipstick.
The choice between a tinted lip balm and a lipstick will depend on your personal preferences and the desired effect. If you want to prioritise hydration, a natural finish on a daily basis and simplify your makeup routine, opt for a tinted lip balm. However, if you are looking for a more intense colour and better durability, lipstick will be the most suitable.
