Infuse your lips with a flattering, hydrating flush. (Amazon)(Amazon)
When it comes to lip color, it doesn't all have to be about using thick lipsticks. In fact, there are more and more options out there now for lightweight, buildable balms that add a subtle hint of color to your kisser without having to shellack on the product. Some picks out there are super popular, but also rather expensive — so for an affordable shade that still provides pretty color payoff, necessary hydration and ease of use, we suggest the CoverGirl Clean Fresh Tinted Lip Balm, which is just $6 now (down from $8) at Amazon.
Not interested in the berry shade? No problem — there are five other colors to choose from, including Made for Peach, Clear as Crystal and Life is Pink.
In comparison with Clinique Black Honey, which can be pricey even on sale at $21 a pop, this CoverGirl lip balm is much, much more affordable at just $6 right now, down from $8. For that price, you can get nearly three different shades for the same cost as just one of the Clinique tinted lip balms.
If you're looking for a subtle lip color that's buildable and hydrating without unnecessary ingredients like parabens, talc and mineral oil, CoverGirl Clean Fresh Tinted Lip Balm is the option for you. It's formulated with hyaluronic complex for moisturization and pomegranate oil to help nourish and smooth out lips with its anti-aging properties.
Popular beauty Youtuber Laura Rae Beauty said of the CoverGirl balm that it's "a great, more affordable alternative" to Clinique: "I love how this glides across the lips ... this keeps my lips so hydrated."
More than 5,700 Amazon reviewers have given the CoverGirl Clean Fresh Tinted Lip Balm a five-star rating, with many praising its hydration factor and color payoff — and comparing it favorably to that other popular lip color when reviewing the shade Bliss You Berry.
"The color is STRONG on Bliss You Berry. It is similar to Black Honey, but stronger. You can layer it and make it very dark, or go over your lips just once and have a lighter color," advised one happy customer, who added that the balm "does not dry out your lips or clump."
Another user agreed, "I was tired of paying the price of Clinique’s Black Honey, so I gave this a shot. I actually prefer this balm! It doesn’t gave a weird aftertaste like Clinique, and the staying power is better — it’s slightly more waxy and less greasy."
And it's not just about its resemblance to another shade: "The color payoff is fantastic," raved a shopper.
"This looks like it’s going to be dark on — it’s not," assured a final fan. "It looks so natural and gorgeous on everyone. So affordable and beautiful."
"Is a balm, so need to reapply," noted one reviewer.
"Only negative is it doesn't last long and needs to be re-applied," agreed another writer.
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
