Spring Beauty Trend: Color-Adjusting Lip Products
Self-adjusting lip products
These lipsticks, lip glosses, and lip balms activate on contact to give you a flattering custom color. (Photo: Jon Paterson)
Dior Addict Lip Glow in Lilac
Dior Addict Lip Glow has been one of my go-to beauty secrets, so I was thrilled to test out the new lilac shade available now. With a minty scent, this product looks like a lipstick but feels ultra hydrating like a balm on your lips, thanks to added wild mango. Dior Addict Lip Glow in Lilac ($33)
Make The Universal Stick in Cedar
Apply this thick stick to your lips or your cheeks for a sheer wash of color that’s easily blendable and buildable. Make The Universal Stick in Cedar ($24)
Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint
Don’t let this sheer stick fool you — it both looks and applies like a creamy, hydrating lip balm, but leaves behind a pretty pink stain and ultra smooth lips.
Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint ($33). Disclaimer: Bobbi Brown is the editor in chief of Yahoo Beauty.
MoodMatcher Luxe Twist Stick
This chubby pencil applies with a light texture, but you’ll have gorgeous hot pink lips in seconds. Within two minutes, the color will reach its “peak” for a shade you never guessed you’d be able to pull off. MoodMatcher Luxe Twist Stick ($10)
Givenchy Mister Gentlebalm Lipcolor Enhancing Balm
This little pot packs serious punch. Creamy, soft, and not at all goopy, this plumping balm apparently it uses your own pH to create a custom pink shade that’s a more radiant version your own natural hue. I’ve also noticed that applying a drop to the apples of your cheeks fakes a beautiful healthy post exercise flush. And the fruity rose scent is irresistible. Givenchy Mister Gentlebalm Lipcolor Enhancing Balm ($31)
Milk Makeup Oil Lip Stain
My favorite product from the new Milk makeup line, this ultra-glossy formula squeezes out of a rollerball to amp up lips with an almost neon hue that lasts for hours. Thanks to added oils and vitamin E, your pucker will be incredibly smooth, too. Milk Makeup Oil Lip Stain ($18)
Dior Addict Lip Glow Liner
This limited edition lip liner has the same minty scent and feel of the corresponding lipstick, but applying to the perimeter of your lips gives them a plumped-up look. Apply under your favorite lip color or wear solo. Dior Addict Lip Glow Liner ($32)
Givenchy Rouge Interdit Vinyl in Noir Revelateur
I was immediately intrigued by this black glossy lipstick. I’m not as daring with lip color as Rihanna, so how would the inky shade appear? Turns out it gave my lips a warm berry stain and healed any hint of chapped winter skin. Givenchy Rouge Interdit Vinyl in Noir Revelateur ($33)
Sephora Collection Color Reveal Lip Balm
This best-selling tube has a honey flavor and a more affordable price tag than designer takes on the trend, but still provides the same type of color-adjusting pink hue to lips. Sephora Collection Color Reveal Lip Balm ($13)
MoodMatcher MoodGloss in Personalized Pink
Sit back and be wowed as this shea butter-enhanced gloss instantly takes your natural lip color to new extremes for a bold pink shade that lasts up to five hours. MoodMatcher MoodGloss in Personalized Pink ($10)
Lipstick Queen Hello Sailor
This sheer blue lipstick actually creates a berry tint to the lips. Bonus: it makes your teeth appear whiter. Lipstick Queen Hello Sailor ($25)
Tarte LipSurgence Skintuitive Lp Tint
With a twist-up plastic pencil applicator, this is the most subtle product of the bunch. I’ve had one stashed in my desk drawer for the past year because one quick swipe is the ideal quick pick-me-up before a meeting. Tarte LipSurgence Skintuitive Lp Tint ($24)
Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip & Cheek Stain
Choose from three shades that self-adjust to enhance your lips and cheeks with a natural glow. Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip & Cheek Stain ($25)
Makeup artists often say “there’s a red lipstick for everyone.” Well, as someone who has tried and failed with dozens of tubes over the years, I personally don’t agree. In fact, I believe that finding a vibrant lip color that’s truly flattering isn’t always as easy as it sounds. That’s why I love color-adjusting lipsticks and glosses. Almost like a mood ring, these products contain colorants or encapsulated pigments that activate as soon as they hit your lips. By removing the guesswork, they brighten up your natural lip color to an ultra-flattering custom hue that magically works for everyone. I’ve been obsessed with under-the-radar lip enhancers for years, and finally beauty brands have caught on with tubes, sticks, and pencils at a variety of price points. Here are 13 color-adjusting lip products worth trying.