Winter weather wreaks havoc on my lips, and none of the lip masks or hydrating treatments I slather on have an effect. Ilia’s Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm is the one exception. This tinted lip balm delivers both hydration and a pop of color to my dry, flaky lips. Wondering how? Let’s get into it.
Ilia’s Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm has been around for over a decade, but the brand decided last summer to phase out the old formula and introduce a new and improved version that’s more moisturizing and with a greater color payoff. I never got around to trying the O.G. lip balm, but I recently got my hands on Memoir (a neutral mauve that’s perfect for every day) and was set on testing it immediately.
As a fan of other Ilia beauty products (shout out to the Super Serum Skin Tint), I was curious to see how this tinted lip balm would stack up against the products I’d already tried from the brand—and the current lineup of masks, ointments, and lipsticks clustered on my top shelf. Long story short: I was sold after a single swipe.
Creamy and incredibly hydrating from the moment you apply, Ilia’s Balmy Tint combines all the benefits of a daily lip treatment with the juicy pigment of a lipstick—in one easy-to-apply balm stick. The new formula is packed with nourishing skin-care ingredients like rose hip seed oil and shea butter, which is what are behind the smooth texture and creamy finish.
Equally impressive are the eight shades, which range from a pretty rose to a yummy cherry red. The pigment gives a gorgeous wash of color that makes your lips look like yours but better, and I love how versatile and wearable they are for daytime. I like a few soft dabs of Memoir for a natural, just-bitten look, but all the shades are buildable so you can layer for more intensity depending on your mood or look.
Courtesy of Talia Abbas
The staying power isn’t as long-lasting as a regular lipstick or salve (the product wears off after two hours), but the buttery, moisturizing formula keeps me coming back for more. Reapplying is a breeze—I keep the balm next to my laptop for touch-ups on my phone camera in between Zoom meetings—and my lips always emerge softer and more hydrated. Even better, I don’t feel precious about eating or wearing a mask when I have the product on, which is not something I can say for lipstick or sticky gloss.
With eight colors to choose from—and now a new clear lip balm formulated with hyaluronic acid and prickly pear oil—there’s a little something for everyone. The $28 price tag may sting at first for a balm, but trust, it’s about to become your new daily staple, especially since you can use this product year-round. Shop the full range here, or scroll down to add my go-to shade, Memoir, to cart.
Ilia’s Tinted Lip Balm Is a Game Changer for Dry, Flaky Lips
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