Winter weather can cause havoc on my lips. I have tried every lip balm and hydrating treatment that I could find, but none of them worked. Ilia’s Balmy Tant Hydrating Lip Balm stands out. This tinted lipstick balm offers both hydration as well as a tinted gloss. A pop of color to my dry, flaky skin. Wondering how? Let’s see how it works.
Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm by Ilia has been around for more than a decade. But, the brand decided last year to discontinue the old formula and create a new version that is more moisturizing and offers a higher color payoff. I have yet to try the O.G. I have yet to try the O.G. lip balm. However, I recently purchased Memoir (a neutral mauve that is perfect for every day use) and was eager to test it.
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. I was sold in one 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 contains skin-care ingredients like rosehip seed oil and shea butter that are responsible for the creamy texture and smooth finish.
The eight shades are equally impressive, ranging from a pretty pink to a delicious cherry red. The pigment creates a beautiful wash of color that makes your lips appear like your own. I also love how versatile they are and how easy they can be worn for daytime. For a natural, almost-bitten look, I use a few drops of Memoir. However, all shades can be layered to increase intensity depending on your mood.
Courtesy Talia Abbas
Although the product’s staying power isn’t as long as a regular lipstick, salve or balm (it wears off after 2 hours), the buttery, moisturizing formulation 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. I don’t have to worry about what I eat or how I look when I have the product on. This is something I can’t say for sticky gloss or lipstick.
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. It may seem a little steep for a balm at $28, but this product can be used all year. The full range is available here. Scroll down to add Memoir to your cart.
Source: Glamour
