I am a huge fan of these colour adjusting lip balms. I love the soft, lip-hugging colour that always looks more natural than any lipstick ever can. Plus, the hydrated, supple feel on my lips.
So I did some research and it turns out, it is attributed to an FDA-approved dye that can be used in cosmetics, called Red #27t. And it isn’t your skin’s pH or body chemistry that causes the colour change (like a lot of the brands advertise them to be). The dye is colourless until it comes into contact with moisture, turning it bright pink.
So in these lip balms, the ingredient is formulated to be ‘encased’ in wax or similar non-water based substances.
Only when you swipe the lip balm on your lips, the wax breaks up and ta-da! Your lips start to change colour. The amount of Red #27 in different products determine the intensity of the pink tone that appears on your puckers.
Not exactly magic, but still pretty cool all the same. So now you know… and here are some of the best colour-changing lip balms to shop for.
A hydrating balm that can be applied on bare lips for a personalised tint or under lipstick as a moisturising layer. It is said to respond to your lips “to reveal a shade that’s perfectly you”.
Currently available via Estee Lauder’s Home Concierge Service: WhatsApp +65 9641 3792 to speak to an online expert and purchase online https://bit.ly/
The glittery navy blue shade looks daunting, no doubt – but your lips will turn out anything but blue. Instead, it’ll give your lips a bit of shimmer and tons of moisture, making it the perfect lip balm to pop over any red or pink lipstick.
Available at Sephora.
The balm that changes the colour of other balms.
Apply No. 1 Blue Topaz over your coloured lip balm for a cooler toned colour. On its own, it leaves a clean glowy sheen.
Read more about this product and other Her World Beauty Awards Lip winners here.
A sheer lip balm that enhances your natural lip color while moisturising and protecting the delicate skin.
Available at all Dior Beauty stores and counters.
Veils lips in a soft glaze of moisture with a natural flushed rosy colour tinge.
Available at all History of WHOO counters.
A smart lip conditioner that reportedly creates your own personalised tint based on your body chemistry.
Available at all M.A.C stores and counters.
A lippie that gives your pout a naturally pretty flush, with smoothing, hydrating and conditioning feel of a balm, plus a long-wear stain that doesn’t dry out lips.
Available at Sephora.
Promises to give you supple, soft lips with a unique pink shade.
Available at Sephora.
A lip conditioning balm that intensifies the natural colour of your lips and tints it with a subtle touch of pink.
Available at Guardian stores.
An intuitive lip balm that smooths and hydrates, and leaves a soft, healthy hint of pink.
Available on iHerb.com