What is lip tint and why is it so popular?

A Global Favorite

Lip tints have recently emerged as a beloved product among makeup enthusiasts worldwide. But what exactly is a lip tint, and why has this particular lip color become so popular? In this text, we clarify what a lip tint is and how it differs from classic lip products like lipstick and lip gloss. Whether you're a curious beginner or an experienced Korean beauty enthusiast, you'll get a guide to lip tints and why they've become a real trend favorite. 

What is a Lip Tint?

A lip tint (sometimes called a lip stain) is a thin, non-sticky type of lip color that is absorbed by the skin on the lips, leaving a subtle tint. Unlike traditional lipstick, which sits as a covering layer on top of the lips, a lip tint penetrates and colors the actual lips for a more natural and long-lasting result. It can almost be described as a "temporary tattoo" for the lips; the color stays until you wash it off, and it neither smudges outside the lip contour nor disappears when you eat, drink, or kiss someone.

The formula of lip tints can vary; there are both water-based tints (which provide a light, transparent color) and gel-based variants with richer pigments. They usually come in liquid form with a soft sponge (similar to that of lip gloss) and can be applied in thin layers to build up the desired intensity. The color is generally more translucent than that of a lipstick, giving a more naturally flushed effect instead of full coverage color.

Even though lip tints have recently trended internationally, the concept is far from new; in fact, they have been widely used in Korean beauty for many years, where they have been refined over time. Previously, many tints were primarily matte in finish, but today there are also modern variants with gloss and moisturizing properties. In other words, a lip tint can give you anything from a discreet, matte "just-bitten" look to a glossy lip finish, both with significantly better durability than traditional products.

Lip Tint vs. Lipstick vs. Lip Gloss

To clarify what makes a lip tint special, it can help to compare it with regular lipsticks and lip glosses.

Lipstick

Often provides a rich, full-coverage color and can feel creamy on the lips. The downside is that lipstick sits as a film on the outside of the lip, so the slightest touch (e.g., eating, drinking, or wearing a mask) can cause it to smudge or disappear, requiring frequent touch-ups throughout the day. Lipstick also tends to transfer easily onto glasses, clothes, etc., which can cause stains.

Lip Gloss

Used for shine and sometimes a hint of color, but the durability is very short and often needs to be reapplied many times a day. Lip gloss indeed gives a lovely shine, but they can feel sticky on the lips, and many glosses have low pigmentation, so they don't cover as much as lipstick.

Lip Tint

Colors the lips instead of just sitting on top, which makes the color last significantly longer than both lipstick and gloss. Once a lip tint has dried, you rarely need to worry about smudging or color transferring; the lips remain colored through both meals and coffee breaks without much maintenance. Lip tints can have a matte or glossy finish depending on the product, but regardless, they are generally more durable than regular lip glosses. Modern tint formulas are also perceived as lightweight and less drying, with many Korean brands even adding nourishing gloss components to their tint products to keep lips soft all day.

Why are lip tints so popular?

Lip tints have become enormously popular for several reasons. Here are some of the main reasons.

• Long-lasting. One of the biggest advantages of lip tints is their exceptional durability. The color “stains” the lips and can last all day, often surviving both lunch and coffee breaks without issue. During the pandemic, many also discovered how practical lip tints were, as they did not smudge onto masks unlike regular lipsticks. The kiss-proof, long-lasting effect has made many appreciate the tint's reliability in all situations.
• Light and comfortable feel. Lip tints have a light, watery consistency that makes them barely noticeable on the lips. Unlike some heavier lipsticks or sticky glosses, a tint is comfortable to wear; the lips don't feel “painted” or dry, and can move naturally. For many, this almost weightless feel is a crucial factor.
• Natural result. Since the tint's color is more sheer, it gives a more natural appearance on the lips. You get a nice hint of color rather than a fully covered surface, which fits perfectly with the Korean beauty trend that often emphasizes a youthful, natural look. The lips look like an enhanced version of themselves, fresh and lightly rosy, which many appreciate in everyday makeup.
• Easy application. Lip tints are forgiving and easy to use, even for the inexperienced. Most come with a handy sponge, and the liquid formula makes it easy to achieve an even result. You can quickly swipe on the color directly with the sponge, and thanks to the nature of the tint, no perfect precision is needed. It's even popular to create gradient lips (where the color is stronger towards the mouth and fades out towards the edges) with a tint, which is much easier to achieve with a tint than with lipstick.
• Versatility. A lip tint is a true multitasker in the makeup bag. You can wear it alone for a casual look or use it as a base under your favorite lip gloss for extra shine and dimension. Some even use a little lip tint on the cheeks as a cream blush; the leftover color on the sponge can give a nice tone to the cheeks in an emergency. This allows one product to serve multiple functions, which of course contributes to its popularity.
• Trend & influencers. Finally, lip tints are riding the big K-Beauty wave internationally. Korean makeup artists, K-pop idols, and drama series have introduced the world to the unique aesthetics that lip tints provide, inspiring many to mimic the style. Viral makeup trends on social media, such as the Korean "blurred" lips with soft contours or TikTok's talked-about Cherry Cola Lips, have further spotlighted tinted lips. In short, lip tints have gone from being an Asian beauty secret to becoming a global favorite product.

Korean brands behind the lip tint trend

Several Korean brands have played a significant role in making lip tints trendy worldwide. Some examples of brands and products that have contributed to the tint boom are.

Etude House

Etude was an early adopter of lip tints. Their Dear Darling Tint, a water-based tint, quickly became a classic and is still an international favorite today. Dear Darling Tint was praised for providing a stylish, subtle color that lasts long, all at a very affordable price that made it accessible to many.

Peripera

Peripera is known for its creative and colorful lip products. In particular, they have been successful with the Ink the Velvet series, highly pigmented lip tints that provide a soft, velvety matte finish with impressive durability skincupid.us. Peripera's tints – with their playful packaging and intense colors – have achieved something of a cult status. Their famous Ink Velvet formula is creamy yet feels light on the lips and stays put without drying them out, making it a staple among tint lovers worldwide.

rom&nd

A newer brand in K-Beauty is rom&nd, which has quickly gained fans with its trendy lip tints. Their Juicy Lasting Tint is a bestseller praised for its unique gel-like consistency, providing a glossy "juicy" finish without being sticky, and the color lasts for hours. Rom&nd's modern shades and lightweight formula have quickly made the brand a favorite for those wanting the latest in lip trends.

These three brands are just a few examples; virtually every Korean beauty brand, from 3CE to TonyMoly, has its own variants of lip tints. The vast range of shades, finishes, and formulas from Korea has undoubtedly helped cement the lip tint's place in many people's daily makeup routines.