Mattes and liquid lipsticks may get all the attention when it comes to lip makeup products, but on days when you're looking for a quick wash of smudge-proof colour, you’ll likely be searching for a lip tint. While this versatile buy is the perfect finish for a no-makeup makeup look, knowing all the insider-only lip tint hacks can take the result up a notch. Here's the scoop.
Prep is primary
Any lip tint is only as good as the prep that precedes its application. To ensure that you get optimal colour payoff, pay special attention to your prep routine. Start by exfoliating with a lip scrub that features natural exfoliants—think sugar or coconut powder. If you are partial to chemical exfoliants, it helps to opt for gentler alternatives like lactic acid.
Tira recommends: KIKO Milano Lip Scrub
Once all the dead skin cells and debris has been swept away, you’ll want to infuse some hydration for a smooth, supple canvas. This is where lip masks assume the spotlight as a more hydrating alternative to conventional lip balms. Leave yours in for a while to allow the moisture to penetrate at a deeper level before you continue with the next steps.
Tira recommends: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Berry
If you are looking to minimise touch-ups through the day, you’ll want to stash a lip primer in every makeup bag you own. Known for providing a smooth base for the pigments to latch onto, a quick hand of lip primer can dial back smudging and fading of the lip tint.
Tira recommends: PAC Lip Primer - Pink
Take cues from the undertones of your skin
Those with warmer undertones should ideally gravitate towards vibrant shades—think orange-y reds, corals and bright pinks. Cooler undertones meanwhile call for a wash of soothing hues like ruby reds, wine and berry hues.
Tira recommends: Benefit Cosmetics The Tint Crew Lip Tint Set - Peach (2 pcs)
How you apply it, matters
Once you've made the right pick for yourself, it's time to consider how to wear it. For a gentle wash of colour, lip tints can be worn as they are—applied from the centre of your lips and then moving outwards. For a lived-in finish, blot the colour lightly with a tissue for the lip stain effect.
If you're looking for more longevity from your lip tint, the good news is that they can be easily layered under a lip colour for an intense and long-lasting wash of colour through the day. Apply the lip tint as you normally would and allow it some time to dry. When done, you can reach into your makeup kit for a lip liner to prevent bleeding for a more defined pout. Once the lip tint has had time to settle in and sink into your lips, you can top it off with a coordinated lip colour for zero touch-ups through the day. Dust it lightly with translucent powder and you are ready for anything that the day may bring.
Tira recommends: Huda Beauty Lip Contour 2.0 Automatic Matte Lip Pencil - Bombshell Pinky Brown
Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder - White
ETUDE HOUSE Dear Darling Water Tint 02 - Cherry Ade
Rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint - 19 Almond Rose
Maybelline New York Superstay Teddy Tint Lip and Cheek Color - Latte To Go (5 ml)
Take it from lips to lids
Looking to make the most of your lip colour? Simply use the doe-foot applicator to draw some pigment on to your eyelids and blend it in with an eyeshadow brush. Next, draw a precise line under your cheekbones and blend it in with a face brush before it has the chance to dry. Finally, outline your lips with the tint and blend it in with your fingers or a brush for a gentle wash of colour. One makeup product, endless uses—what’s not to love?
Tira recommends: PAC Eyeshadow Blending Brush – 202
KIKO Milano Face 10 Blush Brush – Black
The Body Shop Sheer Lip & Check Tint - Brave
