Today, I met a friend who hasn’t bought lipstick in 6 years. 6 years! As someone who probably buys six lipsticks a WEEK, this was almost impossible for me to comprehend. In fact, lipstick is my desert island product… the one thing I cannot live without beauty-wise!
Feeling low and looking drab? Swipe on a luscious red lipstick.
Want to channel instant sophistication? Pencil in lips with a nude hue.
Need to look pulled together in a hurry? A quick dab of pink will do the trick.
How does one manage without this essential makeup accessory?
But what about the lipsticks that dry out your pout, asks one friend.
Or when it has a tendency to get on your teeth, asks another.
And what if there is no mirror in sight for re-application?
Or you don’t have a steady hand to paint within the lines neatly?
Or they make your upper lip sweat?
Or come off on everything?
Or… or… or… ugh! I had no idea so many people had so many problems with lipstick.
And that’s when the penny dropped: this is why so many beauty brands are launching innovative formulations that leave a wash of color without being overwhelming, are so easy to apply that you don’t even need a mirror, provide hydration, and have a lightweight finish.
I heard someone refer to them as the “training wheels for lipstick,” and it seems pretty spot-on. Except that these formulas are so cool that they might just fill in the space for lipstick in your beauty wardrobe, whether you actually like lipstick or not!
Clinique Chubby Stick
#CliniqueDidItFirst. The brand launched its first Chubby Stick in the ’90s (who remembers the originals?). However, it’s the 2011 version that set the market ablaze, launching a slew of me-too products by other brands.
My favorite, though, is the Clinique Chubby Stick Intense, which combines the good-for-you benefits of a lip balm with the ease and convenience of a pencil.
Dior Addict Lip Tint
Luxury meets effortless beauty with the Dior Addict Lip Tint. This lightweight formula enhances your natural lip color while offering long-lasting wear. Infused with 95% natural-origin ingredients, including cherry oil, it keeps your lips hydrated and comfortable throughout the day.
The semi-matte finish provides a sophisticated, natural look that feels like a second skin. At the same time, its transfer-proof formula ensures it stays in place, even through coffee breaks and kisses.
Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Crayon
Crafted with 100% natural ingredients, this lip crayon is a dream for eco-conscious beauty enthusiasts. Enriched with responsibly sourced beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter, it provides a soft wash of color while deeply conditioning your lips.
It’s the perfect choice for those seeking clean beauty with a touch of personality.
Revlon Balm Stain
A budget-friendly powerhouse, this crayon offers a vibrant, long-lasting color that stains your lips beautifully. Its lightweight, hydrating formula ensures your lips stay soft and smooth throughout the day.
With a wide range of shades and an unbeatable price point, it’s a go-to for anyone looking to make their lips pop without breaking the bank.
Etude House Dear Darling Water Tint
Packed with vibrant, fruity shades like cherry red and apricot orange, this budget-friendly tint is perfect for adding a juicy pop of color.
Its lightweight, water-based formula feels refreshing on the lips and provides a sheer, buildable finish. Ideal for those seeking playful hues without breaking the bank, this tint is a K-beauty gem.
Peripera Ink Airy Velvet Tint
Achieve the soft, blurred lips of your dreams with this K-beauty favorite. Its lightweight, mousse-like texture glides on smoothly, creating a velvety finish that looks effortlessly chic.
Perfect for gradient lip looks or a diffused effect, this tint combines comfort and style in one sleek product.
Glossier Generation G
A sheer matte tint that feels like a balm but looks like a lipstick. This product is ideal for achieving that effortless, blotted look without any dryness or flaking.
Designed to enhance your natural lip tone, it’s perfect for anyone who prefers a minimalist makeup routine. Bonus: The chic, simple packaging fits seamlessly into any purse or pocket, making it ideal for on-the-go touch-ups.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil
This innovative tint-oil hybrid gives you the best of both worlds. Upon application, it feels like a silky, hydrating oil, but as it sets, it transforms into a long-lasting stain with a soft-matte finish.
Packed with nourishing jojoba and sunflower seed oils, it keeps your lips moisturized all day, making it ideal for those who hate the drying feel of traditional stains. Plus, its feather-light formula ensures you’ll barely feel it on your lips.
YSL The Inks Vinyl Cream High Shine Lip Stain
Experience the perfect blend of high-impact color and dazzling shine with YSL The Inks Vinyl Cream High Shine Lip Stain. This luxurious formula combines the intense pigmentation of a stain with the mirror-like brilliance of a gloss, creating a bold, luminous finish that lasts for hours.
Enriched with nourishing oils, it keeps your lips feeling soft and moisturized. At the same time, the precise applicator allows for flawless application in just one swipe.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Bitten Lip Tint
This clean beauty favorite stands out for its satin-matte finish and skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid. It delivers a subtle tint that looks effortlessly chic, making it perfect for everyday wear.
The sleek, minimalist packaging feels luxurious and eco-friendly, aligning with Victoria Beckham’s commitment to sustainable beauty. If you’re looking for a lip tint that embodies sophistication and care, this is it.
Maybelline Super Stay Ink Crayon
This long-lasting crayon delivers up to 8 hours of vibrant color that feels weightless on the lips. Unlike many matte products, it doesn’t dry out your lips, thanks to its creamy texture.
It has a built-in sharpener for precise application, ensuring a neat, professional look every time.
What about you? Love lipstick? Loathe lipstick? Scared of lipstick? Have you tried any of these formulas? Tempted?
Anubha Charan is a powerhouse in the luxury beauty industry, with over 15 years of expertise shaping the global beauty narrative. As the former Beauty Director at Marie Claire, she worked with the magazine's French headquarters to craft cutting-edge beauty content for international audiences.
Anubha's bylines have appeared in some of the world’s most prestigious publications, including Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Travel + Leisure, WebMD, and Architectural Digest. She is also the co-author of Paris Bath & Beauty, a Simon & Schuster book on French beauty rituals.
Mel says
Burt’s Bees is my favorite!!
Aditi says
Your post’s headline is meant for me! Six years? The last time and only time I wore lipstick was at my wedding eight years ago! I think it’s a bit of the fear factor – I think it looks ridiculously fake on me – as in it doesn’t ‘gel’ with my personality, the way a kajal would, for example. God knows I’ve longed over knowing which colour to apply and how to, too: and as I get older (I’m 32), I’m afraid this is one beauty barrier I’m just never going to get over. Who knew? Ogre at work, but wimp at the lipstick counter!
BlushRush says
Thank you! This is perfect – I am in desperate need of new lippy 🙂
arxsyn says
My favourite is Maybelline BABY Lips. Really moisturizing and emollient with Shea butter, plus it has SPF. Comes in a variety of flattering, sheer lip colours and fun scents. Can be applied without a mirror. Super affordable. 100x better than Chap stick. Told my friend about it. She loves it too.