If you’re tired of reapplying your lipstick after every meal, you might be looking to ditch your usual lip wear and opt for something a little more permanent — like lip tints. Lip tints are quickly becoming a girl’s best friend due to their practicality and affordability. With the right lip tint, you can go from work to supper and supper to home without ever having to touch up your lips.
With this in mind, it’s easy to jump on board the lip tint train. However, some key factors should be considered to find the best lip tint for your lips, which we’ll cover in this guide.
- What Is a Lip Tint?
- Factors to Consider in a Good Lip Tint
- Top 10 Best Lip Tints 2023
- 1. Best Overall Pick: Color Quench Lip Tint by Pacifica Beauty
- 2. Best Premium Pick: Han Cheek & Lip Tint
- 3. Best Lip Tint for Korean Gradient Lips: Colorable Draw Tint by It’s Skin
- 4. Most Versatile Lip Tint: Ink Airy Velvet Lip Tint by Peripera
- 5. Best Budget Pick: Dear Darling Water Tint by Etude House
- 6. Best Lip Tint for Natural Look: Dear Darling Ice Cream Tint by Etude House
- 7. Best Lip Tint Value Pack: Wine Lip Tint by Manzimiao
- 8. Best Peel-off Lip Tint: Oops My Lip Tint by Berrisom
- 9. Best Pigmented Lip Tints: Delight Tony Tint Set by TonyMoly
- 10. Best Lip Tint for Dark Skin Tones: Jelly Plumping Water Tint by MQNY
- Guide to Buying the Best Lip Tint
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Last Thoughts
What Is a Lip Tint?
It’s no secret that South Korea is a cosmetic goldmine. Lip tints are another product that comes from that style-obsessed nation. But what exactly is a lip tint?
Lip tints are applied to the lips and offer a light, dark, or gradient colored effect — often comparable to the one of a lip stain (although slightly less pigmented and permanent). Lip tints are usually made with a liquid or gel base. Inside of these bases are light hints of pigmentation, which color the lips but in a soft, natural way.
Factors to Consider in a Good Lip Tint
Lip tints give your lips color and moisture and last a lot longer than your average lip gloss or lip balm. However, the term lip tint can be used to describe numerous lip products, and so a handful of cosmetics fall under the umbrella of “lip tints.” You’ll find four types of lip tints on our list: Liquid lip tints, gel lip tints, peel-off lip tints, and tint sticks.
There’s a lot to factor in when shopping around for a good lip tint. But the main goal is to find one that simplifies your makeup routine while making your lips come alive with color. As we go through our favorite lip tints of 2024, we’ll discuss the following factors in detail.
Permanence
No two lip tints are created equal, as some offer a long-lasting effect while others do not. As we cover our favorite lip tints of the cosmetic world, we’ll let you know how long they last.
Ease of Application
Some lip tint applicators fall short of perfection and can be a bit of a hassle to apply. We paid extra attention to this factor while making our picks. Because, in the end, a faulty applicator brush can make or break a lip tint.
Ingredients & Practices
When selecting the best lip tints of the year, we analyzed everything from ingredients to testing methods to ensure that the lip tint you choose goes hand in hand with your values. As we review the products on our list, we’ll let you know if they contain dubious ingredients and whether or not they are tested on animals.
Shade
Another important factor to consider is which shade of lip tint will compliment you the most. If you’re new to the lip color scene, this article can help you pinpoint the right color for you.
Type
Since the term “lip tint” can be used to describe a handful of different cosmetics, to find out more about the different types of lip tints and what they can do for you, check out our full buyer’s guide, where we explain their strengths and weaknesses. We’ll explain in the reviews what type each one is.
Using Tints With Lip Balm and Lip Primer
A downside of lip tints is that they can cause your lips to get dry. It’s often good to accompany a lip tint with a lip balm, which we have a full article about. If you’re really pushing the boat out for a big night out, or just have a regular and essential makeup routine, you may want to consider reading our article about lip primers too.
With the preliminaries out of the way, let’s get your lips standing out from the crowd with our top picks.
Top 10 Best Lip Tints 2023
1. Best Overall Pick: Color Quench Lip Tint by Pacifica Beauty
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Permanence: Up to 12 hours
- Type: Tint stick
Review
If you’re looking for a sweet but subtle lip color that can last for up to 12 hours, look no further than Pacifica Beauty’s Color Quench Lip Tint. This lip tint stick comes in 5 different colors, all of which offer a sheer and shimmery finish. They’re perfect for those of you who don’t like to wear a lot of makeup and would rather have a more natural look. Keep in mind that the lighter shades do not have much of an effect on darker skin tones. So, if this is you, select a darker shade if you want your lips to pop.
Unlike some lip tints, which can dry out your lips within a few days, Color Quench Lip Tints keep your lips feeling buttery smooth, thanks to the coconut oil it uses. These lip tints are 100% vegan and cruelty-free which is surprising at this low price point. One thing to keep in mind is that the Color Quench Lip Tints have a very light and pleasant scent. However, it may still be too strong for those of you with sensitive noses.
While some lip tints can be difficult to apply due to their applicator, Color Quench Lip Tints come in a stick format and can be applied like lip balm. If you stray from your lip line your skin won’t get tinted due to their sheerness. And, once your day is over, you can easily wipe off the tint using a wet cotton ball or rag.
If you work in a hectic environment, like a hospital or service job, you can rest easy knowing that your lip tint can last for your entire shift. However, this lip tint isn’t the longest-lasting option on our list. If you’re looking for a long-lasting lip tint, check out the Dear Darling Water Tint by Etude House.
Pros
- Moisturizes and tints
- Sheer color with lots of shimmer
- Light and pleasant scent
- Easy to apply and remove
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Lighter colors don’t pop on darker skin tones
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Permanence: 3-6 hours
- Type: Tint stick
Review
Han’s Cheek & Lip Tint offers a luxurious feel that gives both your cheeks and lips a healthy glow. It is often compared to Cindy Joseph’s Boom Stick, although it costs less and offers a more pigmented look.
This tint stick is ideal for anyone who wants to simplify their makeup bag, as it can be used to tint your cheeks, lips, and eyelids. However, the color will last a lot longer on your skin than it will on your lips. Overall, it’ll offer you coverage for up to 6 hours. But you may need to touch up your lips after every meal.
The Han’s Cheek & Lip Tint is vegan and cruelty-free, and it’s made with natural ingredients that will moisturize your skin (like argan oil and vitamins). If you have mature or sun-damaged skin, this tint can restore your skin’s healthy and youthful glow. It’s highly pigmented and rich. However, if you apply the stick directly to your skin, you may have a hard time spreading it. So, it’s best to use your fingers to warm it up before applying it.
The Han’s Cheek & Lip Tint is a high-quality product that smells like brown sugar. It is naturally scented and smells divine. However, the smell can be quite overpowering which may be a deal-breaker for anyone with a sensitive nose.
If you have oily skin, you might want to opt for another lip tint, like the Dear Darling Water Tint by Etude House. This is because Han’s Cheek & Lip Tint is very buttery and rich, and can be greasy on oily skin types. Skin types aside, this lip tint is very lustrous and impactful, making it perfect for all skin tones.
Pros
- Silky smooth color that blends with ease
- Highly-pigmented tint that offers an all-natural look
- Great scent and quality
- Perfect for all skin tones
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Can come off as greasy on oily skin types
- Light permanence
3. Best Lip Tint for Korean Gradient Lips: Colorable Draw Tint by It’s Skin
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Permanence: 3-6 hours
- Type: Gel lip tint
Review
If you’re looking for a lip tint that can create a Korean gradient lip, this is the lip tint for you. Not sure how to achieve this look? Take a look at our full guide for more instructions. The Colorable Draw Tint is easy to apply thanks to its lip gloss applicator. There are tons of colors to choose from, too. But keep in mind that the colors are quite sheer. If you want to create a matte look, apply two coats.
One of the best things about It’s Skin’s Colorable Draw Tint is the way it feels. Although it is a gel tint, it feels more like a rich mousse and has a velvety and lightweight texture. It comes in an adorable pencil format. Students can easily drop it into their pencil case for easy application throughout the day.
When you apply the Colorable Draw Tint, you’ll notice that it smells like candy. It’s a strong smell that may be too overbearing for some. However, the smell completely fades once the product dries. The tint may also transfer onto your clothes while wet, which is why it’s important to give it time to dry.
This lip tint would be perfect if it weren’t for the fact it doesn’t last very long when compared to other products like the Ink Airy Velvet Lip Tint by Peripera. For this reason, it’s best suited for people who don’t mind reapplying their makeup after every meal. Or, for those of you who plan to wear it for a night out as opposed to a full day of work.
Pros
- Velvety and lightweight texture
- Hydrates the lips
- Easy application
- Creates a gradient effect
- Gorgeous matte color with a sheer finish
Cons
- Color fades quickly
- May transfer until it dries completely
4. Most Versatile Lip Tint: Ink Airy Velvet Lip Tint by Peripera
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Permanence: 12+ hours
- Type: Liquid lip tint
Review
The Ink Airy Velvet Lip Tint by Peripera is a must-have if you enjoy rocking a matte lip look. It goes on easily thanks to its precision applicator tip, which can also be used to achieve a Korean gradient lip. It goes on smooth and has a similar consistency to mousse, making it feel like a luxury product. It has a light strawberry smell that isn’t too overpowering.
If you’re pressed for time and want a lip tint you can bank on all day long, the Ink Airy Velvet Lip Tint will see you through. It offers over 12 hours of coverage — perfect for busybodies who have minimal downtime, and you can eat and drink without having to reapply it. This comes in handy if you plan on going out for supper after work.
The shades are a lot lighter than advertised, however, so knowing this can prevent you from being disappointed with the color. One coat of Ink Airy Velvet Lip Tint will give you a sheer and natural look. But two coats of it will give you a gorgeous matte finish.
But there’s one little problem: the more coats you put, the more emphasis is placed on your lip creases. This is especially troublesome for people with dry lips, as it may make them look flaky. To prevent this from happening, exfoliate your lips before applying the lip tint and follow it up with some lip balm.
If you’re looking for a matte lip tint that won’t highlight your lip creases, take a look at the Colorable-Draw-Tint-by-It’s-Skin. This lip tint won’t dry out your lips, even though it doesn’t last as long.
Pros
- Can create a dark or light lip tint
- Creates a gradient effect
- Velvety and lightweight texture
- Long-lasting color
Cons
- Colors are lighter than they appear in pictures
- Matte finish draws emphasis on lip creases or dry lips
5. Best Budget Pick: Dear Darling Water Tint by Etude House
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Permanence: 12+ hours
- Type: Liquid lip tint
Review
The Dear Darling Water Tint by Etude House is a lightweight and water-based product that leaves your lips smelling like berries. It’s one of the few lip tints on our list that offers 12 or more hours of coverage — perfect for busy moms who have minimal time to reapply makeup throughout the day. But keep in mind that the more you drink and eat, the faster it will fade.
Applying a coat of Dear Darling Water Tint is made easy thanks to its applicator, which is comparable to a nail polish brush. You’ll get better results if you exfoliate your lips beforehand though, as it allows the product to seep in evenly. It can also be used as a blush tint although it might take some extra practice to perfect a rosy-cheeked look. It provides the lips with a bright pop of color, too.
That said, this lip tint does have a tendency to dry out lips, which is why we recommend following it up with lip balm or a lip gloss (like this one from Maybelline). And, although it smells amazing it doesn’t taste the best. So, make sure you let it dry fully before licking your lips.
If you have dry lips, to begin with, it can be difficult to find a long-lasting and colorful lip tint that serves to hydrate the lips. To prevent your lips from getting chapped, we recommend using a hydrating lip tint like the Color Quench Lip Tint by Pacifica Beauty instead. It can last up to 12 hours, is vegan and cruelty-free, and super easy to apply.
Pros
- Lightweight and water-based product
- Bright and pretty lip color
- Long-lasting color
- Easy application
Cons
- May dry out your lips
- Doesn’t taste good
6. Best Lip Tint for Natural Look: Dear Darling Ice Cream Tint by Etude House
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Permanence: Up to 4 hours
- Type: Gel lip tint
Review
It’s easy to achieve a natural look when using Etude House’s Dear Darling Ice Cream Tint. A conservative coat lightly tints the lips while giving them a sheer finish. For a darker look, you can apply 2-3 coats but be sure to set aside some drying time because its consistency can be quite sticky until it fully sets.
This product’s packaging is amazing, making it the perfect present for a teen girl who is just getting into makeup. Lipstick can be too overbearing for teenagers but the Dear Darling Ice Cream Tint is subtle, natural, and sweet. Its applicator brush has a foam tip which makes it very easy to apply, too.
If you have a minimal amount of time to dedicate to your makeup routine, this lip tint isn’t for you. Even if you apply a few coats, it’ll only last for up to 4 hours – so you’ll need to find the time to reapply your makeup. So while it’s perfect for a student, it isn’t ideal for busybodies.
If you enjoy rocking a natural look but need a lip tint that’ll withstand the hands of time, check out the Ink Airy Velvet Lip Tint by Peripera. One coat of Ink Airy Velvet Lip Tint gives you a natural look that can last for over 12 hours.
Pros
- Creates a natural look
- Has a sheer finish
- Foam tip for easy application
Cons
- Can be a little sticky if too much product is applied
- Color doesn’t last long
7. Best Lip Tint Value Pack: Wine Lip Tint by Manzimiao
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Permanence: 4-8 hours
- Type: Gel lip tints
Review
Manzimiao’s Wine Lip Tints come in a pack of 6 and each bottle is designed to resemble a wine bottle. They’re the perfect present for people who work long hours and enjoy wearing a bold lip. And, better yet, these lip tints won’t lose their color after a glass of wine or two. However, they will begin to fade once you eat a meal. In general, Wine Lip Tints will remain on your lips for up to 8 hours.
Manzimiao’s Wine Lip Tints are easy to apply thanks to their applicator, which resembles the one of a lip gloss bottle. They come in a gel form and dry very quickly. In fact, they’re one of the fastest drying lip tints on our list. This is perfect for anyone who has to get up and go in the morning, as they can be certain that their lip tints dry fast and don’t transfer onto their clothes.
The Wine Lip Tints dry so quickly, however, that you’ll have to act fast if you pass over your lip line. To prevent staining, have a makeup wipe by your side and remove the excess lip tint as soon as it appears. Once dry, Manzimiao’s Wine Lip Tints will take on a matte finish.
They’re vegan and cruelty-free, which is a plus, but keep in mind that they are even brighter in person than they are in pictures. They also tend to dry out the lips so you’ll want to apply some lip balm throughout the day to keep them moist.
If drinking wine while wearing makeup isn’t a major concern for you or who you’re shopping for, we recommend checking out the Dear Darling Ice Cream Tint by Etude House instead. It comes in a fun ice cream container and let’s face it, who doesn’t love ice cream?
Pros
- Dries quickly
- Bright colors with a matte finish
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- May dry out your lips
- Colors are much brighter than pictured
8. Best Peel-off Lip Tint: Oops My Lip Tint by Berrisom
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Permanence: 6-12 hours
- Type: Peel-off lip tint
Review
No matter your skin tone, Berrisom’s Oops My Lip Tint can bring a colorful and playful hue to your lips. It can be a little tricky to apply at first but once you master it, you’ll tint your lips with ease every single morning. We love how despite its bright color, it still manages to give lips a natural look.
This lip tint comes in a gel form and is best applied using a Q-tip or lip brush, as these allow you to carefully line your lips. For extra precision, apply Oops My Lip Tint while using a magnifying mirror. And, keep in mind that this lip tint takes just under 15 minutes to dry. So, be sure to set aside plenty of time in the morning — especially if you lay it on thick.
Once the lip tint is completely dry, peel it off and add some lip gloss to make the color pop even more. But one word of advice: try your best not to lick your lips before wiping them with water because it tastes awful.
You can test the waters by ordering a single tube or, for a few extra dollars, you can order a 6-pack of Oops My Lip Tints by Berrisom. However, keep in mind that these lip tints may burn your lips if they are severely chapped.
If you have chapped lips, we recommend siding with an all-natural lip tint that can moisturize and color your lips at the same time. Our favorite is the Color Quench Lip Tint by Pacifica Beauty.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Creates a natural look
- Long-lasting color
Cons
- Doesn’t taste good
- May burns severely chapped lips
- Takes 10-15 minutes to dry
9. Best Pigmented Lip Tints: Delight Tony Tint Set by TonyMoly
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Permanence: Up to 4 hours
- Type: Gel lip tint
Review
TonyMoly’s Delight Tony Tint Set smells and tastes like berries. Each tube is packaged in an adorable heart-shaped tube, making them the perfect gift set. They’re also very easy to apply thanks to their applicator brush. They provide a gorgeous pop of color and are deeply pigmented.
We especially love the red tube. It’s very vibrant and we highly recommend it to anyone who loves rocking a bold red lip. However, keep in mind that the more product you apply, the stickier it will become. So, apply a very thin layer and allow it to dry completely before following it up with another coat.
All in all, these lip tints aren’t the longest-lasting option on our list. If you keep your drinking and eating to a minimum, they can last for up to 4 hours. And, since these tubes aren’t made with natural ingredients, they may burn your lips if they are cracked or chapped. They also do not provide any moisture to your lips. So, if they’re dry, to begin with, these tints aren’t for you.
If you’re looking for a great lip tint value pack, check out the Wine Lip Tints by Manzimiao instead. They provide your lips with a gorgeous pop of color but won’t dry them out as long as you follow them up with a lip balm.
Pros
- Very light and pleasant smell
- Easy to apply
- Gorgeous colors
Cons
- Gel is quite sticky
- May burn damaged lips
- May dry out your lips
10. Best Lip Tint for Dark Skin Tones: Jelly Plumping Water Tint by MQNY
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Permanence: Up to 4 hours
- Type: Liquid lip tint
Review
If there’s one thing you need to know about the Jelly Plumping Water Tint by MQNY it’s that a little goes a long way. This lip tint has a very small application wand which makes it easy to line your lips and correct mistakes. However, the pigment is so strong that it may take you a while to get used to your vibrant lips.
These lip tints may be too strong for those of you with light skin tones, which is why we would recommend them to darker-skinned women instead (unless you enjoy a very dark lip).
These lip tints do not transfer once dry. So, they won’t fade onto your partner’s lips if you kiss them. Overall, it offers your lips a very soft and lightweight feel.
The more you drink and eat, the faster these lip tints will fade though. In general, you can expect them to last up to 4 hours max. But, keep in mind that this lip tint won’t fade evenly, which may cause you to look like you’re wearing lip liner at the end of the day.
Unfortunately, the MQNY company does not wrap their tubes in a seal, and so your lip tint may leak in the packaging. If you’re looking for a lightweight lip tint that creates a soft and subtle look on all skin tones, check out the Han Cheek & Lip Tint instead. It’s super versatile and creamy.
Pros
- Lightweight lip tint
- Easy to apply
- Color doesn’t transfer once dry
Cons
- Doesn’t fade evenly
- The packaging is prone to leaking
- Colors are darker than pictured
Guide to Buying the Best Lip Tint
With so many lip products on the market, finding the right one for you can be a challenge in itself. In our guide, you’ll find tips and tricks on how to apply a Korean gradient lip like a professional, amongst many other things.
Different Types of Lip Tints
Although all lip tints give off a similar effect, they’re composed of different ingredients that alter their consistencies. We mentioned the different types of lip tints at the beginning of this guide, but now we’re going to cover them in depth.
Liquid Lip Tints
Liquid lip tints are generally water-based, which is why they don’t have a reputation for drying out lips. They are quite runny and can be a little tricky to apply at first. But their applicator wands can easily be mastered with practice and patience. It’s also worth noting that liquid lip tints offer a very natural lip look.
They’re the most common type of lip tints and provide the longest coverage. If you’re looking for a water-based lip tint that can offer you 12+ hours of coverage, check out the Dear Darling Water Tint by Etude House.
Gel Lip Tints
Gel lip tints often have a mousse consistency, which can make your lips feel like they’re getting a full-on luxury treatment. However, they tend to fade the fastest which can cause them to make your lips dry. They also have a very low permanence when compared to other options.
Even then, gel lip tints are sought after because once they dry they create a gorgeous matte finish. If you’re looking for a gel lip tint that can create a beautiful gradient lip, we highly recommended the Colorable Draw Tint by It’s Skin.
Peel-off Lip Tints
A peel-off lip tint consists of a lip product that has a gel consistency. However, once it dries, you can peel off the jelly-like substance to reveal a pair of lightly tinted lips.
Peel-off lip tints have been known to dry out the lips, which is why it’s important to apply some lip balm before applying the product. If you have chapped lips, to begin with, we once again recommend carrying a tube of lip balm with you to keep your lips moisturized.
Peel-off lip tints can make lips pop with color without making them look too artificial. Our favorite peel-off lip tints are the Oops My Lip Tint by Berrisom.
Tint Sticks
Tint sticks are by far the easiest type of lip tints to apply. This is because you can apply them like you would a lipstick or a lip balm. They have a creamy texture and are known for their hydrating qualities.
Tint sticks give off a natural look while plumping and moisturizing your lips. They’re also very long-lasting, which makes them one of the most beloved types of lip tints. If you’re interested in buying a tint stick, check out the Color Quench Lip Tint by Pacifica Beauty.
How to Create a Korean Gradient Lip
Korean gradient lips are quickly becoming one of the hottest lip trends of 2021. This trend first made waves in South Korea before making its way to the Western world. Korean gradient lips (or ombre lips) offer a faded lip look that looks natural and unique. This trend is categorized by a bold pop of color at the center of the lips that fades the closer you get to the lip line.
Complete this look by doing the following:
- Exfoliate your lips to remove dead skin cells.
- Apply a lip tint to the center of your lips.
- Using your finger, a lip brush, or a Q-tip, blend the colors in an outward motion.
- For an ombre effect, apply a lighter lip tint to the center of your lips and repeat step 3.
- Cover your lips with lip gloss to create a glossy look.
If you’re interested in creating a Korean gradient lip, we highly recommended the following lip tints: Ink Airy Velvet Lip Tint by Peripera and Colorable Draw Tint by It’s Skin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Lip Tints Good for You?
Generally speaking, lip tints aren’t bad for you as long as they are made with healthy ingredients. Some lip tints may contain harsh products that can dry out your lips. If you’re looking for a good and all-natural lip tint, we highly recommend the Color Quench Lip Tint by Pacifica Beauty.
How Long Do Lip Tints Last?
Lip tints can last anywhere from 3-12 hours. However, this all depends on whether or not you are eating or drinking, as this can cause them to fade quickly. There are two lip tints on our list that offer a permanence of 12 hours or more: Ink Airy Velvet Lip Tint by Peripera and Dear Darling Water Tint by Etude House.
What’s the Difference Between a Lip Tint and a Lip Stain?
A lip tint and a lip stain are very similar. However, there are a few key differences that can help you pinpoint which one is better for you. Lip tints are often gel-based or water-based and offer a sheer or matte finish that can stain lips for around 12 hours.
Lip stains, however, are usually alcohol-based. They’re much darker than lip tints and dry quickly while offering a much more noticeable pop of color. Their color can last for over 24 hours — depending on the brand, of course. All in all, lip tints are much less permanent and much more natural-looking. They will not stain your lips over time, which can be a concern when using lip stains.
Last Thoughts
There’s nothing more fierce than a gorgeous lip. However, lipstick isn’t for everyone due to how precisely it needs to be applied and how quickly it needs to be reapplied.
Lip tints are quickly becoming a must-have in the world of busybodies and makeup enthusiasts. They lightly tint your lips, giving you a natural look that won’t disappear the second you eat or drink. We hope our guide helped you find the perfect lip tint for your lips and lifestyle. We know you’ll rock your lip tint every step of the way.