10 Tinted Balms for Easy Summer Lips

Add a little colour and hydration to your lips with one easy swipe

Summer makeup’s best friend, tinted lip balms are easy to apply even (especially) on occasions when all else you can manage is to put on your sunglasses

Burberry, Lip Glow Balm, $30

This luxurious tinted balm comes in a satisfyingly weighty case that features a nice magnetic closure. The signature tartan pattern is discreetly overlaid on the case and embossed on the lip balm itself – a must for the true Burberry fan-girl.

Looks aside, this is a wonderful lip balm that’s moisturising, not too soft, and – like most of the other products in the Burberry makeup line – provides a sheer wash of colour. You’ll get a natural look here with a slightly glossy finish. Available in three shades: Orange Poppy, Pinky Peony, Pink Azalea.

Available at The Bay Burberry counters or online

Burt’s Bees, $7.99

Considered a classic by now, this 100% natural tinted lip balm is the grown-up version of the Lip Smackers we grew up with. Infused with shea butter, botanical floral waxes and, of course, beeswax, these balms are very moisturising and leave a comfortable, protective blanket on lips. The shades are all very sheer (comes in nine colours) and amp up your own natural lip colour a smidge – perfect for beach days.

Available at Walmart and other select natural, grocery, drug and mass retailers

Tata Harper, Volumizing Lip and Cheek Tint, $41

Tata Harper is a charming niche beauty and skincare brand from Vermont. Like everything else in this line, the lip and cheek tint is free from synthetics, toxins, fillers, artificial fragrance, artificial colours and animal cruelty. The fact that this is a multi-purpose product makes it even better. It smells fantastic, glides on smoothly, and leaves a natural pop of colour on lips (and cheeks).

Available at BeautyMark, 1268 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver

Fresh, Sugar Lip Treatment SPF15, $26

Fresh’s tinted Sugar Lip Treatments are so amazing they’re award-winning. These lip balms are buttery soft, smell heavenly and leave lips glossed over with cushiony, nourishing moisture… and colour. Made with real sugar (hence the name), which is a natural moisturizer, these balms also have vitamins, antioxidants, plumping essential fatty acids and even SPF 15.

Available at Sephora and online

Scentuals, 100% Natural Tinted Lip Moisturizer, $10

Made in B.C. with organic, natural ingredients, this niche brand is worth seeking out. Scentuals’ tinted lip moisturizers are packed with organic sunflower oils (rich in Vitamins A, C, D and E), organic beeswax (provides a protective layer), organic coconut oil (protects against free radicals) and organic shea butter (for superior moisturisation). Even better is what they don’t contain: lead, petroleum, or synthetic fragrance.

Available at Whole Foods, Choices Markets, other natural food stores and online

Almay, Smart Shade Butter Kiss Lipstick, $9.49

If colour is your goal, Almay’s Butter Kiss Lipsticks are more of a hybrid lipstick/balm. You’ll get great pigmentation here while staying firmly outside of lipstick territory (i.e. you can still apply these without a mirror) and they’re hypo-allergenic to boot. These lip balms are even categorized in three skin-tone groups (light, light/med and medium) to help you pick the right shade of each colour (pink, berry, red or nude). How much easier can it get?

Available at London Drugs, other drug retailers nationwide and online

Clinique, Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm, $19

This tinted balm is a perfect balance of moisture, colour and convenience. The chubby stick is satisfying to hold and apply, like you’re taking a marker to your face… but prettily. If you’re a fan of the original formula, carry on. But if you ever wished for more pigmentation, check out the intense version. It contains shea and mango butters, oils and antioxidants to help protect and hydrate lips.

Available at Clinique counters nationwide, at Sephora, and online

Revlon, ColorBurst Lip Butter, $9.99

A fan favourite, Revlon’s Lip Butters are often sold out in certain shades (seriously, has anyone seen Peach Parfait in person?). These lip balms are more of a gel formula, infused with shea, coconut and mango butters. With 20 colours to choose from, you’ll have every occasion covered.

Available at London Drugs and other drug retailers nationwide

Clarins, Instant Light Lip Balm Perfector, $26

For an elegant option, Clarins’ tinted lip balms are more of a hybrid between balm and gloss. Available in six flattering chic tints, the hydrating formula immediately melts onto lips for a second-skin effect, imparting a translucent, glossy shine.

Available at Clarins counters and online

Lush, It Started With a Kiss, $9.25

Contained in a slim, round tin, Lush’s tinted lip balm is perfect for slipping into your pocket for the ultimate in portability. It’s Lush, so you know it’s going to be packed with yummy, luscious ingredients like coconut oil and organic evening primrose oil. This pigmented balm is just a smidge on the warm side of a true red – a classic goes-with-everything colour. It also works as a great cheek stain in a pinch.

Available at Lush