Table of Contents
A lip balm is mainly about comfort and moisture, while a lip tint is mainly about colour. Korean tints often come in water, velvet or glossy finishes and are known for a soft, stained look. Many people wear both: balm first for comfort, then tint on top.
The difference between lip tint and lip balm is a frequent question at Daebak, a Seoul-based Korean culture and product company. Here is the short version.
Lip tint vs lip balm
| Lip balm | Lip tint | |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Comfort and moisture | Colour |
| Finish | Glossy or natural | Water, velvet, glossy or blurry |
| Wear | Reapply as needed | Often marketed as long-wearing |
| Example at Daebak | innisfree Canola Honey Lip Balm, ILLIYOON Ceramide Lip Balm | TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL Pleur Tint, Plop Water Tint |
TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL Pleur Tint. See details.
innisfree Canola Honey Lip Balm. See details.
Types of Korean lip tint
- Water tint: thin and sheer, a stained look.
- Velvet or blurry tint: soft, matte-leaning finish.
- Glossy tint: colour with shine.
Shade names vary by brand, so check swatches on the product page. rom&nd makes all three finishes, from the glossy Juicy Lasting Tint to the matte Blur Fudge; we sort them in the rom&nd Lip Tint Guide, and peripera's Mood Glowy, Ink Velvet and Over Blur tints in the CLIO and peripera guide.
Wearing them together
- Apply a balm and let it settle for a minute.
- Blot extra balm with a tissue.
- Dab the tint from the centre of the lips outward for a gradient look.
- Reapply balm over the top if you want extra comfort or shine.
Building a Korean makeup bag
The Daebak K-Beauty Box is a seasonal box of Korean skincare and makeup curated in Seoul. Contents change by season, so specific products are not guaranteed.
FAQ
Can I use lip tint on dry lips?
Tints can emphasize dryness, so many people use a balm first.
Is a lip tint the same as lipstick?
Not exactly. Tints are usually thinner and stain-like, while lipsticks are typically more opaque.
Do lip tints transfer?
Some are marketed as transfer-resistant, but results vary.
How do I remove a tint?
Many people use a lip and eye makeup remover or a cleansing oil, then apply balm.
