The Best Sheer Lipsticks and Lip Balms for Days When Lip Liner Is Hard
Who doesn't love putting on lip balm? Whether your pout is suffering the drying effects of weather or you just love the soothing texture, a couple of swipes instantly heal, smooth, and hydrate. But, as our editors have vouched, bold color is in. And while regular lipstick provides saturated pigment, it can also be drying and somewhat uncomfortable. Enter our new favorite formula: sheer lipstick that feels like a balm.
Luckily, there are a lot of sheer options on the market. It's not that less is more — really, any amount of effort you want to put into your look on any given day is more than OK. And given that some products are formulated to be sheer from the start, it's easy to build up a pretty flush of color without worrying about it fading as the day goes on... because that easygoing fade is kind of the point.
These bullets often look like the tubes of color we're used to, but there's one big difference: The sheer lipstick formulas are infused with yummy emollients (the ingredients that make balms super-moisturizing) like peach, peppermint, and Argan oils so they coat lips with a treatment-like solution. Experts like Suzy Gerstein and Laura Mercier global makeup artist Alexis Comforti Orlando have already introduced this new breed of color into their kits. (Lip salves, beware.)
Take Glossier's Generation G lipsticks, for example. The brand just relaunched the product on November 7, with a thicker, more opaque tube and a more satisfying click when you close it. (I can't tell you how many times my tube of "Crush" opened in my makeup bag, smearing pigment everywhere.) All six shades got the weighty new update, and they're available for $18 a pop.
Need a few more options for those lo-fi days? Scroll on to see 8 other picks:
1/15Glossier Generation G
Super-intern-tested, Instagram-approved. Whether you opt for "like," "jam," or "leo," you're left with a sheer, matte finish that's selfie-ready.
2/15Lip Smackers Lip Balm
Bonne Bell may be no more, but you can still throw it back with a tube of Lip Smackers — the holy-grail Dr. Pepper shade leaves a light berry wash on your lips. Buy the three-pack for when you inevitably lose one.
Shop now: Lip Smackers Lip Balm Dr. Pepper Trio, $3.32. Target.com.
3/15Origins Blooming Sheer Lip Balm
Origins knows its stuff when it comes to skincare, so it's no surprise that their new sheer lip color is just as soothing. Try it in Totally Tulip on days when you want a red lip, but you don't want a Red Lip, you feel?
Photo: courtesy of Ilia4/15Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner
The organic Ilia Lip Conditioners build up to electric shades of pink, purple, and orange, but go on subtle at first. "They're ideal for girls who are currently using tinted lip balm, but want something more," says Orlando.
Photo: courtesy of Tom Ford5/15Tom Ford Lip Color Sheer
"The fact that these colors are so clear and transparent makes them a lot more playful than old formulas—you can layer one on top of the other as you would with your jewelry and have fun experimenting with different effects," says Gerstein.
6/15RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek Lip & Cheek Color
Who doesn't love a multitasking product? These RMS Beauty pots work basically all over your face, which turns the cost per wear into a smart investment.
Shop Now: RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek Lip & Cheek Color, $36. Nordstrom.com.
Photo courtesy of YSL Beauty7/15Yves Saint Laurent Volupté Tint-in-Balm
"For added brightness, I often scribble on a light layer of pencil all over on top of the sheer lipstick, and then add one more layer of color," says Gerstein. "That way, you get the shine and dimension of the new lip formulas with the long-wear qualities of a matte."
Shop now: Yves Saint Laurent Volupté Tint-in-Balm, $34. Sephora.com.
Photo: courtesy of Mark.8/15Mark All Butter Now Lip Treat
"These new formulas help you ease into bolder, brighter shades like grape or tangerine, because they are less intense than a traditional matte and far easier to apply," adds Gerstein.
Shop Now: mark. by Avon All Butter Now Lip Treat, $11. Avon.com
Photo: courtesy of Chanel9/15Chanel Rouge Coco Shine
"For a brighter look, first clean up the area around your lips with a foundation or a concealer," explains Gerstein. "This trick evens the skin and makes the lip color you've applied more true."
Shop Now: Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Hydrating Sheer Lip Shine, $37. Nordstrom.com.
Photo: courtesy of Stila10/15Stila Color Balm Lipstick
Orlando notes that you should still prep lips with a protective SPF balm, but there's no longer the need to apply sticky, heavy gloss on top. The sheen in Stila's acts as both a base and a finish.
11/15Clinique Almost Lipstick
A lot has been written about the cult-favorite status of Black Honey lipstick, which washes on as a sheer berry. Sometimes joining cults can be a good thing.
12/15Dior Addict Lip Glow
A favorite of Bella Hadid's, this lip balm is deceptively fancy. Think of it as the big sister to that Chapstick you reach for all winter long.
Shop Now: Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Reviving Lip Balm, $34. Nordstrom.com.
13/15MAC Cremesheen Lipstick
MAC Cosmetics's Cremesheen formula comes in the same tubes as their other colors, and in just as many pigmented shades. (Who says sheer and color payout don't mix?) Try Creme in Your Coffee, an ultra-wearable mauve.
14/15Revlon Balm Stain
Like a crayon, but infinitely more fun — and you don't need to drag people over to your fridge to show off your handiwork.
15/15NYX Professional Lip Lingerie Gloss
... and then there are days when you don't want to add any color at all. Reach for NYX's gloss, which won't cling to your hair if you turn your head juuuust a little too quickly.
Shop Now: NYX Professional Lip Lingerie Gloss, $7.49. Ulta.com.
