There was a time when a bold matte lipstick signalled power, polish, and performance. But in 2025, the beauty narrative is shifting. As our lifestyles embrace comfort, self-care, and conscious formulations, so too does our makeup. Enter the tinted lip balm, a quiet revolution in a stick. Equal parts skincare and colour, this new generation of balms doesn’t just sit pretty. They actively nourish, protect, and enhance the lips you already have.
And it’s not just about convenience. These balms are loaded with bioactive ingredients like hyaluronic acid, murumuru butter, and antioxidant-rich seed oils that plump, hydrate, and shield the delicate lip area from environmental stressors. Unlike traditional lipsticks, which often contain waxes and pigments that can dry or settle, the latest formulations melt seamlessly into the skin, offering a custom tint and a luminous, barely-there finish. It’s makeup, yes, but it’s also treatment.
Culturally, the shift toward a more undone, natural lip aligns with a broader trend in beauty that is embracing what’s real. From Sofia Coppola’s capsule collaboration with Augustinus Bader to Hermès’ poetic Rosy Lip Enhancer, these formulas don’t overwrite your features. They softly frame them.
With wellness at the forefront and multitasking formulas now the gold standard, these are the new lip essentials worth the space in your handbag. From nourishing actives to refillable couture packaging, these five tinted balms are leading the takeover, one swipe at a time.
Hermès
A whisper of pink, a wash of light, this weightless lip enhancer from Hermès delivers effortless elegance with every swipe. The ultra-fine, milky texture glides on like second skin, smoothing and softening lips while leaving a luminous, barely-there flush. Inspired by the softness of Milo leather and designed as a refillable object of beauty, its luxury that lingers.
The Formula
Lightweight, nourishing, and delicately scented with floral notes.
Key Ingredients
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