Category: STRETCHING

  • 9 Best Tinted Lip Balms for Sheer Color and Lasting Hydration

    9 Best Tinted Lip Balms for Sheer Color and Lasting Hydration

    Image contains a collage of Allure editors with the best tinted lip balmsCollage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    Some shine, some shimmer, and some even tingle, but one thing all the best tinted lip balms have in common is that they deliver equal parts moisture and color. They’re the Goldilocks of lip products: more exciting than clear balm, less fussy than lipstick, and infinitely easier to apply than anything that requires a liner, brush, or particularly steady hand. Most can be swiped on without so much as glancing in a mirror—a major selling point when you’re halfway out the door.

    And tinted balm has come a long way from the barely-there tubes you may remember tossing into your middle-school backpack. Today’s formulas run the gamut from juicy, glass-like finishes to softly blurred, almost-matte ones, with pigments that can stay whisper-sheer or build into surprisingly noticeable color. The skin-care side has leveled up, too: Hyaluronic acid, shea butter, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and other moisturizing ingredients help keep dry lips soft and comfortable while you wear them. Whether you’re after a subtle your-lips-but-better flush, gloss-level shine without the tackiness, or simply a little color you can apply on autopilot, there’s a balm for that.

    Our Top Tinted Lip Balms

    • Best Overall: Eadem Le Chouchou Exfoliating + Softening Peptide Lip Balm, $24
    • Best High-Shine: Glow Recipe Glass Balm, $22
    • Best Sheer: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, $24
    • Best Scented: Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Treatment, $16

    Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Which ingredients are commonly found in tinted lip balms?
    • What's the difference between tinted lip balms and lip tints?
    • Meet the experts
    • How we test and review products
    • Our staff and testers

    Best Overall: Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm

    Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm in silver packaging with Allure Best of Beauty stamp in the top right corner on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Eadem

    Le Chouchou Exfoliating + Softening Peptide Lip Balm

    $24

    Amazon

    $24

    Sephora

    Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm

    Sarah Han

    Why we love it: Is it a balm, a gentle exfoliator, or a glossy tint? A 2026 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner, Eadem’s Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm is all three. “Chouchou” is French for “favorite” or “darling,” and this multitasker has certainly earned that status among Allure editors. On the exfoliating front, hibiscus flower acid and lactic acid loosen and sweep away the dead skin that can leave lips looking flaky and uneven. Then comes the balm part: Shea butter, antioxidant-rich açaí oil, mongongo oil, and moringa-derived emollients soften and replenish dry lips while giving the formula its plush, cushiony feel. Peptides round out the treatment side, reducing the appearance of fine lines and plumping the lips, says Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Alabama.

    And lest we forget why you’re here, the formula delivers a sheer, buildable wash of color with the juicy shine of a gloss, in fun shades named for street foods and treats from around the world, like Butter Mochi and Boba Bounce.

    Han before applying the Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm

    Han before applying the Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm

    Sarah HanHan after applying the Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm

    Han after applying the Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm

    Sarah Han

    Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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    “To say I'm obsessed with Le Chouchou is an understatement. I haven't stopped using this stuff since I first tried it a year ago—seriously, I toss it into every purse, work bag, you name it. It's deliciously thick and cushiony, and feels miles more conditioning than my other lip balms, and the chemical exfoliants baked into the formula take it straight to S-tier lip balms. The metal tip is a nice soothing touch as well. My lips flake pretty easily, but now I can treat them during the daytime, instead of only relying on a lip mask at night. I also like using one of the more low-key shades (like Château Rose) as lip prep in the a.m. while I do my makeup, and then finish everything off with my lip color of choice.

    However, my most-used shade by miles is Bissap Glaze, a yummy berry shade that lends my lips an instant pop. I wear it alone all the time, but these days, I've been experimenting with a liner and gloss combo for added boldness.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: hibiscus flower acid, lactic acid,, açaí oil, mongongo oil, palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, palmitoyl tripeptide-1
    • Shades: 10

    Best High-Shine: Glow Recipe Glass Balm

    Glass Balm Lip Treatment in branded hot pink tube with cap on light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Glow Recipe

    Glass Balm

    $22

    Amazon

    $22

    Sephora

    Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Glow Recipe Glass Balm

    Sarah Kinonen

    Why we love it: Glow Recipe spent years helping your skin find its glass glow, so it was only a matter of time before the brand brought that same gleam to your lips. The 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning Glass Balm Lip Treatment slicks on a soft wash of color you can dial up with each pass, plus the kind of light-catching, glassy finish its name promises. That juicy effect takes inspiration from bingsoo, the glistening Korean shaved-ice dessert, with shades like Watermelon Bingsoo and Blackberry Bingsoo translating the idea into equally luscious washes of color. The formula centers on hyaluronic acid microspheres—tiny spheres of the water-binding ingredient that absorb moisture and expand, helping temporarily plump and smooth the look of lip lines—along with glycerin, a humectant that draws water into the lips. Antioxidant-rich fruit extracts, including kakadu plum, raspberry leaf, and plum, add further conditioning benefits.

    It can even handle chapped, flaky, or otherwise dry lips, since “it pairs humectants with emollient and occlusive ingredients,” says Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Reno, Nevada. “The balm base helps keep that moisture from evaporating,” she says, which is especially helpful when lips are already feeling parched.

    Kinonen before applying the Glow Recipe Glass Balm

    Kinonen before applying the Glow Recipe Glass Balm

    Sarah KinonenKinonen after applying the Glow Recipe Glass Balm

    Kinonen after applying the Glow Recipe Glass Balm

    Sarah Kinonen

    Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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    “My dream lip balm! It’s glossy, hydrating, and comes in seven shade options (pinks, reds, and berries), which all leave behind a high-shine subtle hint of color. I toggle between the transparent Ice Bingsoo, sheer petal Watermelon Bingsoo, and pretty pink Dragon Fruit Bingsoo, but you really can’t go wrong with any of them.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid microspheres, glycerin, kakadu plum extract, raspberry leaf extract, plum extract
    • Shades: 7

    Best Personalized Tint: Guerlain KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Balm

    Guerlain KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Balm in branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Guerlain

    KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Balm

    $43

    Guerlain

    Han applying the Guerlain KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Balm

    Sarah Han

    Why we love it: Why should the lip product you reach for the most be the most basic? Guerlain’s KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Balm gives the everyday staple a luxury treatment with a buttery formula that leans into Guerlain’s signature bee motif: Honey soothes and nourishes dry lips, beeswax gives the balm its smooth, cushiony glide, and propolis works alongside hyaluronic acid to leave lips looking softer, smoother, and subtly plumper. Shea butter tops off the moisturizing mix, helping keep lips comfortable and hydrated throughout the day. It comes in eight sheer tints, but there’s another layer of color at work: Eosin, a pH-responsive pigment, enhances your natural lip tone for a personalized flush that makes each shade look a little different on everyone.

    Han before applying the Guerlain KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Balm

    Han before applying the Guerlain KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Balm

    Sarah HanHan after applying the Guerlain KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Balm

    Han after applying the Guerlain KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Balm

    Sarah Han

    Tester feedback from Han

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    “As much as I love (and will always love!) my color-packed lip stains, sometimes it's clear that my lips need a hydration-focused formula. (Hey, lip lines and flaking!) The KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Balm helps my lips look as smooth, plump, and glossy as they possibly can be—without actually using a lip plumper or gloss (both of which I'm not a fan of and rarely use). While I wish the color range was more varied, I will settle for generous layers of Blossom Glow (a rosy peach), which add *just* enough pigment for my liking. Another bonus? The gorgeous gold packaging makes me want to keep the product always in sight so that I may actually remember to reapply throughout the day—and I do!” —Han, commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: honey, beeswax, propolis, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, eosin
    • Shades: 8

    Best Shade Range: Fwee Smoothie Tinted Lip Balm

    Fwee Smoothie Tinted Lip Balm in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Fwee

    Smoothie Tinted Lip Balm

    $17

    Amazon

    $16

    Ulta Beauty

    Allure commerce editorial assistant Hailey Roy applying the Fwee Smoothie Tinted Lip Balm

    Hailey Roy

    Why we love it: Are you a glossy-lip person or more of a soft-matte type? Fwee’s Smoothie Tinted Lip Balm comes in two finishes so that you can pick your lane: Glowy leaves lips with a juicy, light-catching sheen, while Velvety has a creamy, softly blurred finish—think matte’s much more comfortable cousin. And the menu of options only gets longer from there. Across the two finishes are 17 smoothie-inspired shades spanning mauves, pinks, reds, and MLBB (“my lips but better”) tones, with delicious-sounding names like Mango Peach Blend, Guava Crush, and Banana Strawberry. The formulas are more than eye candy, too: Panthenol soothes and conditions dry lips, while hyaluronic acid draws in moisture to keep them feeling soft and hydrated.

    There’s also rose PDRN, a plant-based spin on PDRN, an ingredient traditionally derived from salmon DNA. “Rose-derived PDRN is gaining popularity as a plant-based alternative that may offer additional antioxidant benefits,” Sherry Backman, a cosmetic chemist based in Brattleboro, Vermont, previously told Allure. (That said, while PDRN has become a buzzy skin-care ingredient, there’s still limited clinical evidence showing what it can actually do when applied topically.) Both finishes feel lightweight and non-sticky, so the hardest part is deciding what to order.

    Roy before applying the Fwee Smoothie Tinted Lip Balm

    Roy before applying the Fwee Smoothie Tinted Lip Balm

    Hailey RoyRoy after applying the Fwee Smoothie Tinted Lip Balm

    Roy after applying the Fwee Smoothie Tinted Lip Balm

    Hailey Roy

    Tester feedback from commerce editorial assistant Hailey Roy

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    “I take my lip gloss game very, very seriously. Lip gloss > lipstick. This gloss is the perfect balance between sticky and slippery. It’s sticky enough for the gloss to last on my lips, but slippery enough to feel hydrating. Beware: This lippie does need to be reapplied pretty frequently, but because I’m a fan of the outcome, I don’t mind. Each shade also comes with a fun scent, which is a plus for me. However, if you’re not the biggest fan of fruity gourmand scents, that could be a downside to the product.” —Hailey Roy, commerce editorial assistant

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: panthenol, hyaluronic acid, rose PDRN
    • Shades: 17

    Most Versatile: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

    Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in branded tube component on a light gray background with the 2024 best of beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Summer Fridays

    Lip Butter Balm

    $24

    Amazon

    $24

    Sephora

    Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

    Christa Joanna Lee

    Why we love it: There are tinted lip balms, and then there’s the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm—the 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner that’s one of those products editors buy in multiples. The formula cushions lips with shea and murumuru seed butters, two rich emollients that soften dry, flaky skin, while sodium hyaluronate attracts and holds onto moisture. The tinted lineup ranges from barely-there neutrals like Toasted Marshmallow to brighter picks like Poppy, but they all go on sheer, lending lips a translucent wash of color rather than full-on pigment. And if color isn’t on the agenda, the clear Vanilla—the flavor that started it all—can be slathered on generously before bed as an overnight lip mask.

    Lee before applying the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

    Lee before applying the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

    Christa Joanna LeeLee after applying the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

    Lee after applying the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

    Christa Joanna Lee

    Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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    “My perpetually dry—and, sadly, often chapped—lips mean I’m always looking for something that’ll make them look a little less worse for wear. The Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm doesn’t so much mask the dryness as it does deeply nourish my lips, leaving them feeling softer and more comfortable the longer I wear it. I was also surprised to find a subtle hint of shimmer (I don’t mind; I love a little shine in my makeup look!). I could personally do without the flavor, but that’s very much a me thing—I can see it being a fun little bonus for most people.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: shea butter, murumuru seed butter, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E.
    • Shades: 12

    Best Fragrance-Free: Clinique Almost Lipstick

    Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick silver tube of lipstick with red Allure Best of Beauty 2023 seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Clinique

    Almost Lipstick

    $25 $21 (16% off)

    Amazon

    $25

    Nordstrom

    $25

    Ulta Beauty

    Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Clinique Almost Lipstick

    Alessandra Foresto

    Not quite a lipstick, not quite a gloss, Clinique’s Almost Lipstick is the Goldilocks lip product for anyone who wants an effortless wash of color without the weight of traditional lipstick. The Allure Readers’ Choice Award winner comes in three layerable shades: iconic Black Honey, which—trust us—flatters just about everyone despite looking deceptively dark in the tube; Pink Honey, a soft rosy pink; and Nude Honey, a warm, barely-there neutral.

    Each melts into your natural lip color for a just-bitten tint with a softly shiny finish; swipe once for a translucent coat of color or layer on more when you want to dial it up. “Castor seed oil keeps lips feeling soft and moisturized, so you get the color without that dry lipstick feeling,” says Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Candelilla and carnauba waxes create a lightweight, balm-like glide and help lock in moisture, while vitamin E adds antioxidant benefits and extra conditioning.

    Foresto before applying the Clinique Almost Lipstick

    Foresto before applying the Clinique Almost Lipstick

    Alessandra ForestoForesto after applying the Clinique Almost Lipstick

    Foresto after applying the Clinique Almost Lipstick

    Alessandra Foresto

    Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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    “I'm fully part of the Clinique's Black Honey cult. Because the formula is super hydrating and glossy, I reach for it when my lips are feeling dry from a few too many days wearing lip stains or matte lipsticks. The color is truly flattering—the brand says it looks different on everyone; it looks like a true berry on me—and the pigment is sheer but buildable. It's definitely not super long-lasting. It will make it through a cup of coffee, but be ready to reapply often. I have gone through so many tubes, I wouldn't even be able to approximate the count! The one I have now is down to the very bottom.” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: castor seed oil, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, vitamin E
    • Shades: 3

    Best Conditioning: Nars Afterglow Lip Balm

    Nars Afterglow Lip Balm in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Nars

    Afterglow Lip Balm

    $30

    Nordstrom

    $30

    Ulta Beauty

    $30

    Sephora

    Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Nars Afterglow Lip Balm

    Deanna Pai

    Why we love it: Before the Nars Afterglow Lip Balm landed in our makeup bags, we caught our first glimpse of it where many good beauty trends begin: backstage at New York Fashion Week. When the balm officially debuted in 2018, Orgasm was the only shade, translating Nars’s famous peachy-pink blush into a sheer lip tint with a dusting of golden shimmer. The brand has since given Afterglow both a formula upgrade and a bigger shade wardrobe. Today, it pairs shea butter and mango seed oil with squalane and coconut oil to soften lips and prevent moisture from escaping, while antioxidant vitamin E helps condition and smooth. Hyaluronic acid pulls in moisture for a temporarily plumper, smoother look, and the formula also contains conditioning peptides.

    Pai before applying the Nars Afterglow Tinted Lip Balm

    Pai before applying the Nars Afterglow Tinted Lip Balm

    Deanna PaiPai after applying the Nars Afterglow Tinted Lip Balm

    Pai after applying the Nars Afterglow Tinted Lip Balm

    Deanna Pai

    Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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    “I have these in multiple shades, which is important because I keep them ev-er-y-where: in my purse, at my desk, in my bathroom. I’m not exaggerating when I say I swipe one on every single day. They offer just enough moisture to keep my lips comfortable, even in the dead of winter, and pigment that's sheer enough that I don't need a mirror. (If anything, they could use a touch more payoff—that’s my sole gripe, but clearly not a dealbreaker whatsoever.) But unlike my average lip balms, they add a super-subtle wash of color that makes me look a little more polished. They're my end-all, be-all." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: shea butter, mango seed oil, squalane, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, palmitoyl tripeptide-1
    • Shades: 9

    Best Buildable: Violette_FR Bisou Jelly

    Violette FR Bisou Jelly in branded twist up component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Violette_FR

    Bisou Jelly

    $30

    Sephora

    $30

    Violette_FR

    Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann applying Violette_FR Bisou Jelly in Aïssa

    Sarah Hoffmann

    Why we love it: Here’s a quick, unprompted French lesson: Bouche mordue means “just-bitten lips.” That’s the vision makeup artist and Violette_FR founder Violette Serrat had in mind when creating Bisou Jelly, a satiny, lipstick-balm hybrid that took five years to perfect. The two-tone bullet isn’t just pretty to look at: A translucent, emollient-rich jelly ring surrounds a deeper-hued core infused with vitamin E, so every swipe deposits a cushiony layer of moisture and shine along with sheer color. That translucency also makes it particularly easy to layer: Add a few more passes to dial up the pigment without it turning heavy or opaque, or swipe it over lip liner or lipstick to add a juicy veil of shine and soften the color underneath.

    No need to be precious about application, either—the more casually it goes on, the more convincingly “just-bitten” the result. Even the shade names lean into Serrat’s French references: Pomme d’Amour, a juicy red, takes its cue from the glossy candied apples of her childhood, while Bonbon à la Rose is a soft nude pink inspired by French rose candies. To get the look of fuller lips, position the jelly ring just above the lip line as you swipe; its translucent shine subtly extends the edges without looking deliberately overlined.

    Hoffman before applying VioletteFR Bisou Jelly

    Hoffmann before applying Violette_FR Bisou Jelly in Aïssa

    Sarah HoffmannHoffman after applying VioletteFR Bisou Jelly in Aïssa

    Hoffmann after applying Violette_FR Bisou Jelly in Aïssa

    Sarah Hoffmann

    Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann

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    "To some extent, I think this is the lip product I've been looking for for my entire life. It is far and away the easiest method of achieving the French blurred lip look I've ever found, and for that reason, it will simply never leave my purse again. I like to get really haphazard with the application—the messier you are, the prettier it looks, I swear—so the pigment in the center and the balm on the outside really get mixed together on my lips." —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: castor seed oil, sunflower seed oil, jojoba esters, vitamin E
    • Shades: 5

    Best Flavors: Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Treatment

    Tower28 Lipsoftie in Ube Vanilla on a grey backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Tower 28

    LipSoftie Lip Treatment

    $16

    Amazon

    $16

    Sephora

    $16

    Revolve

    Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying the Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Treatment in Ube Vanilla

    Jesa Marie Calaor

    Why we love it: Tower 28’s LipSoftie Lip Treatment reads a little like a dessert menu: Ube Vanilla, Dulce de Leche, Red Bean Mochi, Confetti Cake—choosing a flavor might be more difficult than choosing a shade. The tints smell and taste as delicious as their names suggest, but there’s an interesting technicality: The formulas are actually fragrance-free, relying on food-grade flavor (listed as “flavor/aroma”) rather than added fragrance/parfum to give each balm its namesake scent and taste—a distinction the sensitive skin-focused brand made intentionally.

    But it’s not all about the taste: Shea butter and a blend of jojoba, castor, soybean, coconut, and olive oils soften lips, while lysine, an amino acid, adds conditioning benefits. The cushiony formula goes on glossy and non-sticky, with a sheer wash of color that’s easy to swipe on throughout the day. In other words, LipSoftie gives you the sensory fun of a flavored lip balm without forgetting that dry lips are the reason you reached for one in the first place.

    P.S. The clear SOS Vanilla shade won a 2024 Best of Beauty Award in the Sensitive category.

    Calaor before applying the Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Treatment

    Calaor before applying the Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Treatment in Ube Vanilla

    Jesa Marie CalaorCalaor after applying the Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Treatment in Ube Vanilla

    Calaor after applying the Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Treatment in Ube Vanilla

    Jesa Marie Calaor

    Tester feedback from Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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    "Not only is the LipSoftie in Ube Vanilla deliciously sweet, but it also imparts the prettiest berry tint with a glassy shine that is perfect for fall. It dispenses to look like marmalade, but the rounded tip easily spreads it across lips for an even wash of color. I also love how balmy (and not sticky) it feels on my lips." —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: shea butter and a blend of jojoba, castor, soybean, coconut, and olive oils
    • Shades: 8

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which ingredients are commonly found in tinted lip balms?

    Whether tinted or clear, a balm's main job is to offset dryness and chapping, and to do this, it’s spiked with nourishing ingredients you're probably familiar with from your skin-care routine. Here are a few of the most common ones:

    Hyaluronic acid

    This humectant is arguably the most popular hydrator in skin care. Doris Day, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, previously told Allure that hyaluronic acid is "great at holding water and giving skin resilience and firmness." She also noted that while injecting hyaluronic acid into the deeper layers of the skin provides the most effective results and helps restore lost volume, this ingredient is still quite beneficial as a topical. "When used in creams, lotions, and serums, it can also do wonders for rejuvenation and hydration," she said.

    Shea butter

    While humectants like hyaluronic acid bind water to the skin's surface layer, emollients like shea butter act as a seal to prevent moisture loss while reducing roughness and flaking. "Shea butter is rich in essential fatty acids, making it an excellent emollient for the skin, helping to simultaneously moisturize and protect against water loss," Kim Nichols, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Greenwich, Connecticut, previously told Allure. Dr. Nichols added that shea butter is also a great source of vitamins A (also known as retinol) and E, two antioxidants that soothe and soften irritated, dry, and itchy skin. "This combination of powerhouse ingredients makes shea butter an ideal ingredient to help soothe symptoms of common skin-care conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis, to name a few," she says.

    Jojoba oil

    Despite having "oil" in its name, jojoba oil is relatively lightweight. "Jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax, which is why it feels less greasy on skin compared to oils," Ron Robinson, cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat, previously told Allure. Unlike most oils, jojoba oil is made up mainly of fatty acids, alcohol, and hydrocarbons. According to Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, jojoba oil's composition is what gives its moisturizing properties a light texture that won't clog pores as easily as other oils. "It acts as both a humectant to draw moisture in and an emollient that softens and smoothes the skin," she says.

    Peptides

    You've likely seen a boom in peptide lip treatments, and for good reason. If you're looking for a (much more subtle) alternative to fillers or Botox, "Peptide lip balms can be effective for improving lip texture and hydration," says Cindy Bae, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Though the concentration and type of peptides will determine how effective said peptides are, the star ingredient can firm, smooth, plump, and minimize the appearance of lip lines.

    What's the difference between tinted lip balms and lip tints?

    They may have similar names, but tinted lip balms focus on moisture replenishment while lip tints and stains provide more potent color. Though not every lip stain can be considered a moisturizing balm, Cincinnati, Ohio-based cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos previously told Allure that, depending on composition, just about any lip product can act as a tint. "The color additives are the primary determinant of whether a color actually stains the lips," she says. "It's really about the chemistry of the color additives that contribute to staining, so balms, glosses, and lipsticks can all be lip stains."

    Meet the experts

    • Sherry Backman, a cosmetic chemist based in Brattleboro, Vermont
    • Cindy Bae, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
    • Doris Day, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
    • Kelly Dobos, a Cincinnati, Ohio-based cosmetic chemist
    • Kim Nichols, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Greenwich, Connecticut
    • Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
    • Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Spooge based in Reno, Nevada
    • Ron Robinson, a cosmetic chemist and founder of skin-care brand BeautyStat
    • Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates based in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

    How we test and review products

    When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

    For our list of the best tinted lip balms, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance (or lack thereof), texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

    Our staff and testers

    A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

    After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

  • Selena Gomez Has Me Seriously Reconsidering the Middle Part—See the Photos

    Selena Gomez Has Me Seriously Reconsidering the Middle Part—See the Photos

    Selena Gomez appears at the Emmys in a red halter dress and slickedback hairstyle.Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    As a bona-fide millennial—I'm smack dab in the center of the generation—I've always been a side part gal. I don't feel too passionately about the whole generational debate re: parts, but when I try a middle part, it always feels weird and wrong, like I'm four again wearing my hair in Dorothy-style pigtails, and my hair itself prefers to lean over to one side or the other. Or does it? Selena Gomez has me reconsidering.

    Gomez, who is herself also a millennial born in 1992, stepped out in New York City on September 17 wearing her new long hair styled in a ‘60s-style blowout with curled-under ends that swooped perfectly over her shoulder. This wasn’t a big, bouncy, voluminous blowout, but rather a sleeker style that began with a very defined middle part. From there, her hair was smoothed out nearly flat on either side, with the front portions tucked behind each ear and the lengths blown out equally smooth with a curvy bend at the ends for a little motion and movement.

    Selena Gomez wears her hair in a sleek blowout with a middle part.Getty Images

    Sure, this style (by Renato Campora, who frequently works with Gomez) would work just a well on a side part, but doesn't it look so good with that precise parting right in the center of her forehead? It's so precise it feels nearly mathematical! The business-chic look was right on the money for her event; Gomez was in town for the Fast Company Innovation Festival, where she spoke on a panel about her brand Rare Beauty.

    Selena Gomez wears a black outfit and her hair is styled in long waves.Getty Images

    Gomez was also feeling the center part the day prior, when she was snapped in Tribeca with a full, wavy bombshell blowout, again descending from a center part. (I love her bobs, but this long hair looks soooo good.) OK, OK, I'm convinced—it's the start of a new season and time to try a new-to-me parting too.

  • Anne Hathaway’s Moody Mani-Pedi Is a Forever Fall Nail Trend—See the Photos

    Anne Hathaway’s Moody Mani-Pedi Is a Forever Fall Nail Trend—See the Photos

    Anne Hathaway wears red lipstick and nail polish with a strapless palelilac gown and necklace.Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    If there's one genre of nail color that immediately screams “fall” the moment it's applied to your fingertips, it's that almost-but-not-quite black shade that begins its slow domination at the end of August and takes over the next few months. You know the one: the OPI Lincoln Park After Dark-style polish with just a drop of purple, or the smoky, seductive black cherry vibes of an icon like Chanel Vamp. Anne Hathaway also knows exactly what we're talking about, because she's currently rocking the signature shade of the season—dark, moody, a little '90s—on both her tips and her toes.

    The movie star, who has been on a truly legendary run of movie promo while pregnant with her third child, is currently promoting the Colleen Hoover thriller adaptation Verity in New York City and while her bright poppy red dress felt much more summery than September, her manicure and pedicure were right on trend for fall. Her nails were short, just barely passing the tip of her fingers in length, and painted with that rich, dark, brownish-purplish-blackish color everyone tends to gravitate to come fall. (I am literally wearing it right now.)

    In fact, almost-black polishes are such a fall mainstay that we spotlighted them as one of the top color trends for fall, simply because they're the most popular way to shift into fall mode. Painting your nails and toes with one of these rich, lite-goth colors is the beauty equivalent of turning off the air conditioning and ordering a pumpkin spice latte.

    Anne Hathaway wears a red ruffled twopiece outfit and dark manicure and pedicure.Getty Images

    Hathaway previously went matchy matchy not with her mani and pedi, but with her mani and her lipstick, pairing her fave bright red lip with a very similar color on her nails. Want to copy the Oscar winner's timeless fall mani-pedi? The aptly named seasonal fave, Wicked by Essie, will get you in an autumn state of mind. Spooky season is just around the corner, after all!

    More nail news:

    • Hailey Bieber's Cashmere Taupe Nails Are the Mani Equivalent of Your Favorite Sweater
    • "Sunglass Nails" Are the Fashion Week-Approved Way to Go Sheer
    • Selena Gomez's Sunset Frost Nails Capture Golden Hour in a Manicure
  • 10 Best Concealers for Dry Skin That Don’t Cake, Crack, or Crease

    10 Best Concealers for Dry Skin That Don’t Cake, Crack, or Crease

    Image contains an Allure editor with the Tower 28 Beauty Swipe Serum Concealer surrounded by a collage of the best...Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    The best concealers for dry skin need to perform a delicate balancing act: Cover what you want hidden without putting flakes, fine lines, or rough texture under a spotlight. That’s easier said than done when your complexion is perpetually thirsty, and it starts with the formula itself. “For dry skin, I usually lean toward creamy, liquid, or serum concealers with some slip to them,” says Renée Loiz, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles. “You want something hydrating and flexible that moves with the skin, rather than a matte finish that can grab onto and emphasize texture.”

    For that all-important hydration, look for moisture magnets like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, along with emollients such as squalane, which help concealer glide over dry areas instead of clinging to them. Lightweight, buildable coverage is another plus: You can add as much pigment as you need, exactly where you want it.

    Our Top Concealers for Dry Skin

    • Best Overall: Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer, $32
    • Best for Uneven Texture: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer, $42
    • Best for Mature Skin: Kosas Revealer Concealer, $32
    • Best for Sensitive Skin: Tower 28 Beauty Swipe Serum Concealer, $24

    Ahead, our favorite creamy, skin care-infused concealers brighten dark circles, diffuse the look of redness, and blur blemishes while leaving dry skin looking like skin—only smoother, brighter, and decidedly less parched.

    Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • How do you apply concealer on dry skin?
    • Can people with dry skin wear full-coverage concealer?
    • How should you prep dry skin before applying concealer?
    • Meet the experts
    • How we test and review products
    • Our staff and testers

    Best Overall: Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer

    Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer in frosted branded component on a light gray background with the 2026 best of beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Ilia Beauty

    Skin Blur Serum Concealer

    $32

    Amazon

    $32

    Nordstrom

    $32

    Ulta Beauty

    Allure content director Sophia Panych applying the Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer

    Sophia Panych

    Why we love it: If you were as upset as we were when Ilia discontinued its beloved True Skin Serum Concealer earlier this year, don’t fret: Its replacement may be even better, especially if uneven texture is one of your biggest gripes. The noncomedogenic Skin Blur Serum Concealer provides buildable coverage that evens out discoloration and camouflages the occasional blemish without feeling heavy or mask-like, while powdered microspheres softly diffuse the look of pores, bumps, and other textural irregularities. True to Ilia’s skin-first approach, the formula does more than conceal: Glycerin delivers lightweight hydration, Matrixyl 3000 Glyx peptides support elasticity, caffeine depuffs, and sea fennel extract—a plant-based ingredient the brand touts as a retinol alternative—brightens and smooths. “I love the blurred, natural finish,” says Denise Del Russo, a makeup artist based in New Jersey, who also notes that the product sets itself—meaning it settles into a long-wearing layer on skin that nixes the need for setting powder.

    Panych before applying the Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer

    Panych before applying the Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer

    Sophia PanychPanych after applying the Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer

    Panych after applying the Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer

    Sophia Manych

    Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych

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    “These days, I prefer using a full-coverage concealer layered over a skin tint, versus foundation, as everything seems to make my 40-year-old skin look dry and flat. Ilia is perfect for this technique because of its serum-like texture.  The silky formula blends seamlessly over fine line and any texture, concealing them but not settling in them. What I think makes this a good option for dry skin is that it's self-setting, meaning it stays in place nicely without topping it off with powder, meaning you don't need that extra step and that extra layer of makeup on your face. That being said, sometimes it can be a little too good at it's job, and can look a little dry if you overdo it, or if you don't prep your skin properly. But I've got the right amount down to a science now and it's a formula I find myself reaching for again and again.” —Sophia Panych, content director

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: Matrixyl 3000 Glyx peptides, sea fennel extract, caffeine, glycerin
    • Shades: 34
    • Coverage: medium
    • Finish: natural

    Best for Undereyes: Sarah Creal Face Flex Concealer

    Sarah Creal Beauty Face Flex Concealer and Complexion Enhancer in branded clear tube with golden cap on light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Sarah Creal

    Face Flex Concealer

    $58

    Sephora

    Allure social director Kassidy Silva applying the Sarah Creal Face Flex Concealer

    Kassidy Silva

    Why we love it: The skin under your eyes shifts whenever you talk, squint, blink, or smile, giving concealer plenty of opportunities to crease, cake, and settle into fine lines. That’s where Sarah Creal’s Face Flex Concealer & Complexion Enhancer, a 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner, lives up to its very aptly chosen name. The creamy formula feels nourishing yet weightless, forming an ultra-thin, flexible film that moves with your expressions and then bounces back into place. The crease-resistant formula provides enough concentrated coverage to brighten dark circles without piling on product, then blends out seamlessly if you want to sweep it across your cheeks, chin, or nose. Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the delicate undereye area, caffeine visibly reduces puffiness, and soothing aloe leaf and antioxidant-rich green tea keep skin looking calm, smooth, and radiant.

    Silva before applying the Sarah Creal Face Flex Concealer

    Silva before applying the Sarah Creal Face Flex Concealer

    Kassidy SilvaSilva after applying the Sarah Creal Face Flex Concealer

    Silva after applying the Sarah Creal Face Flex Concealer

    Kassidy Silva

    Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva

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    "My quest to find a good concealer had been ongoing since I started to see fine lines around my eyes almost two years ago. Postpartum sleepless nights plus natural aging, you know the drill. Then I found Sarah Creal's Correct Instant Under Eye Brightener, which led me to the Face Flex Concealer & Complexion Enhancer with Caffeine, which has become my go-to. It's gentle around my lines and hides any blemish with a few swipes of a concealer brush. I'll apply four to five dots around my eyes, corners and tip of my nose, and little on the chin, then blend, blend, blend. If you have dry skin, don't worry, it doesn't settle into any of my rough patches and glides across any of my ‘problem’ areas where I'm prone to psoriasis." —Kassidy Silva, social director

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, caffeine, aloe leaf
    • Shades: 21
    • Coverage: radiant
    • Finish: radiant

    Best Waterproof: Kylie Cosmetics Power Plush Longwear Concealer

    Kylie Cosmetics Power Plush Longwear Concealer branded twist up component with pink cap and white accents on a light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Kylie Cosmetics

    Power Plush Longwear Concealer

    $28

    Nordstrom

    $28

    Ulta Beauty

    Why we love it: Waterproof concealers can sometimes make dry skin feel even drier, but Kylie Cosmetics’ Power Plush Longwear Concealer is a welcome exception. The cushiony formula balances long-lasting wear with glycerin that draws moisture into the skin and panthenol to soothe dryness and supports the moisture barrier. Rosa hybrid flower extract provides antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits, while dimethicone seals in hydration and smooth over flaky patches. Despite all that moisture, it doesn’t slide around, and the weightless pigment delivers medium, buildable coverage that conceals dark circles, redness, and blemishes without creasing or caking. You can wear it beyond the usual concealer zones: Choose a lighter shade to brighten the high points of your face or a deeper one to bronze and contour.

    Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying the Kylie Cosmetics Power Plush Longwear Concealer

    Courtesy of Jesa Marie CalaorCalaor after applying the Kylie Cosmetics Power Plush Longwear Concealer

    Calaor after applying the Kylie Cosmetics Power Plush Longwear Concealer

    Jesa Marie Calaor

    Tester feedback from senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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    “After applying my complexion makeup, I reach for this extra-creamy concealer to cover the redness I regularly get along the edge of my nostrils and chin. A little goes a long way, and the brightening formula never sits in my thirstiest patches.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: glycerin, panthenol, rosa hybrid flower extract
    • Shades: 40
    • Coverage: medium/buildable
    • Finish: natural

    Best for Dull Skin: Patrick Ta Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer

    Patrick Ta Beauty Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer in light pink branded component on a light gray background with the 2026 best of beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Patrick Ta

    Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer

    $34

    Sephora

    Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Patrick Ta Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer

    Sarah Han

    Why we love it: We love Patrick Ta’s Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer for temporarily erasing the look of dark circles: Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a stable, oil-soluble vitamin C derivative, brightens the discoloration that can contribute to undereye shadows over time. But Ta, whose signature technique involves selectively illuminating skin to give it believable dimension, doesn’t want you to stop there. The brand recommends applying the creamy, medium-coverage formula around the smile lines, along the sides of the lips, on the chin, and at the center of the forehead to strategically lift and subtly brighten the entire face. Sodium hyaluronate, betaine, and vitamin E hydrate, plump, and soothe, while silicones smooth over fine lines and create the softly blurred, never-cakey finish promised in the name. If you want your face to catch the light in all the right places, this formula gets you halfway there; the rest just takes a little practice with technique.

    Han before applying the Patrick Ta Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer

    Han before applying the Patrick Ta Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer

    Sarah HanHan after applying the Patrick Ta Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer

    Han after applying the Patrick Ta Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer

    Sarah Han

    Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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    “I love how dewy and moisturizing the Patrick Ta Major Skin Foundation (a Best of Beauty winner!) so I had a feeling I'd love the complementary concealer (I usually use Light Peachy Neutral 2). I usually don't apply eye cream in the morning but this concealer is loaded up with sodium hyaluronate and vitamin E, so it *kinda* (kinda!) doubles as one. Application is as smooth as can be and it provides medium coverage, which is more than enough to cover any (very slight) discoloration. I concentrate concealer on the middle of my face, so I dab some on my forehead, around and on my nose, and chin, in addition to my undereyes, and this one in particular blends out so smoothly and nicely, and illuminates my sleepy face in the best way possible!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: sodium hyaluronate, betaine, vitamin E, silicones
    • Shades: 25
    • Coverage: medium
    • Finish: radiant

    Best for Mature Skin: Kosas Revealer Concealer

    Tube of Kosas Revealer Concealer on white backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Kosas

    Revealer Concealer

    $32

    Amazon

    $32

    Nordstrom

    $32

    Sephora

    Allure tester applying the Kosas Revealer Concealer

    Allure

    Why we love it: For mature skin, the sweet spot is a concealer that delivers moisture and coverage without settling into fine lines—and Kosas’ Revealer Concealer does just that. Del Russo calls it her “absolute favorite for medium, buildable coverage, color correcting, and hydration.” Hyaluronic acid and glycerin draw in moisture, while squalane and panthenol help keep delicate undereyes supple while peptides smooth the look of fine lines. Caffeine provides a brightening, de-puffing boost for tired-looking eyes. Keep in mind that “a little goes a long way,” says Del Russo, who recommends tapping a touch onto the inner and outer corners to disguise darkness without applying excess product that can settle into creases. The formula comes in 38 shades, plus brightening and color-correcting versions.

    Allure tester before applying the Kosas Revealer Concealer

    Allure tester before applying the Kosas Revealer Concealer

    AllureAllure tester after applying the Kosas Revealer Concealer

    Allure tester after applying the Kosas Revealer Concealer

    Allure

    Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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    "This is like the Swiss Army Knife of concealers for me. I use the flat sponge to deposit just a few dabs of concealer beneath my eyes or the more precise tip to spot-cover redness around my nose. I've also found that it blends in seamlessly with my fingers—no brushes needed, which is always a plus." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: caffeine, pink algae, hyaluronic acid, arnica, peptides
    • Shades: 38
    • Coverage: medium
    • Finish: radiant

    Best for Sensitive Skin: Tower 28 Beauty Swipe Serum Concealer

    Tower 28 Swipe Serum Concealer vial of concealer with lilac cap and wand on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Tower 28

    Swipe Serum Concealer

    $24

    Amazon

    $24

    Sephora

    Allure commerce editor Madison San Miguel applying the Tower 28 Beauty Swipe Serum Concealer

    Madison San Miguel

    Why we love it: Concealer has a knack for finding dry patches you didn’t even know you had, but Tower 28’s Beauty Swipe Serum Concealer glides over them with a lightweight, supple texture. Glycerin, propanediol, and hyaluronic acid draw in moisture to keep dry skin looking smooth and bouncy, while emollients soften skin and prevent the formula from catching on flakes. Sensitive complexions get extra TLC from soothing Centella asiatica, antioxidant-rich green tea, and conditioning lysine.

    Despite feeling more like a hydrating serum, it builds to medium coverage for concealing dark circles, redness, and uneven tone without turning thick or mask-like. Loiz reaches for it beyond the undereye area: “It’s also great for blemishes because it gives coverage without looking thick on the skin.” With a solid shade range (28 hues—playfully named after Los Angeles locales like DTLA, K-Town, and WeHo as a nod to the brand’s SoCal roots), you’re bound to find a match.

    Allure commerce editor Madison San Miguel before applying the Tower 28 Beauty Swipe Serum Concealer

    San Miguel before applying the Tower 28 Beauty Swipe Serum Concealer

    Madison San MiguelAllure commerce editor Madison San Miguel applying the Tower 28 Beauty Swipe Serum Concealer

    San Miguel after applying the Tower 28 Beauty Swipe Serum Concealer

    Madison San Miguel

    Tester feedback from commerce editor Madison San Miguel

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    “This concealer is the epitome of ‘no makeup-makeup; it's a lightweight, skin-first formula, with hydrating hyaluronic acid and calming centella asiatica, that really helped the product glide on my dry skin. The finish leans on the satin-natural side, and has a buildable medium coverage that conceals dark circles and blemishes without settling. I reached for this on days where I wanted some coverage, not a full-face.” —Madison San Miguel, commerce editor

    Tester feedback from Han

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    “Tower 28's Swipe Serum is my absolute ride-or-die concealer. I've been using it since it launched in 2023, and it comes with me on every trip. (The highest honor!) I love a skin-care-infused makeup product, and this creamy formula blends in like a dream with a sponge and has never pilled on me even once! This isn't necessary by any means, but I sometimes use two shades: DTLA (my main shade and what I often use alone) under my eyes, forehead, and chin, and IE on my cheeks and nose. I tend to have more discoloration in the center of my face, so I like a deeper shade in those areas, whereas DTLA is great for brightening and adding subtler coverage to areas that don't need as much. I always blend out my undereyes and T-zone first, while I let the formula sit for a minute and really meld into especially redness-prone areas (around my nose) and stubborn dark spots (on my nose—one of my worst skin habits is that I'm a stress-picker!). The finish is just perfectly radiant and covers everything I want to, while still looking like skin. It's also reasonably priced at $24 and one of the best-valued concealers you'll find at Sephora—trust. (My second-fave concealer, also available there, is almost $60. Eek!)” —Han, commerce editor

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: glycerin, propanediol, hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica, green tea, lysine
    • Shades: 28
    • Coverage: medium
    • Finish: natural

    Best for Redness: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer

    Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer vial of concealer with black cap on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Armani Beauty

    Luminous Silk Concealer

    $42

    Nordstrom

    $42

    Sephora

    Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer

    Christa Joanna Lee

    Why it's worth it: We had to wait a full 20 years after Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Foundation launched for its first concealer counterpart—but those with dry skin in particular were rewarded for their patience. Luminous Silk Concealer debuted in 2020 and promptly won an Allure Best of Beauty Award (then nabbed another one in 2025). Glycerin draws moisture into thirsty skin and vitamin E keeps it soft and conditioned. There’s also caffeine, which brightens a tired-looking complexion and helps offset puffy undereyes.

    Just as important, the fluid, serum texture stays flexible as you build coverage, so it’s less likely to grab onto flaky patches or exaggerate uneven texture. “This concealer truly melts into the skin,” Ngozi Olandu Young, a makeup artist based in Baltimore, previously told Allure. “It layers beautifully without ever looking heavy or creating that crepey, mask-like effect.” It also has a satin finish for a radiant look, she says, rather than leaving dry skin looking flat or powdery. Dry complexions may get top billing here, but this lightweight overachiever plays just as nicely with combination, oily, acne-prone, and everything-in-between skin.

    Lee before applying the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer

    Lee before applying the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer

    Christa Joanna LeeLee after applying the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer

    Lee after applying the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer

    Christa Joanna Lee

    Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    “My thirsty skin also comes with melasma that I like to cover, so I use concealer a little differently: Instead of tapping it onto individual spots, I often buff it over larger areas with a wider foundation brush. That means I need a formula fluid enough to spread without catching on dry patches—and Armani Beauty's Luminous Silk Concealer is exactly that. It’s silky, super easy to blend, and gives me enough coverage to noticeably even out my melasma without feeling like I’m piling on makeup. Best of all, it leaves my dry skin looking dewy and fresh, and stays flexible rather than settling into the uneven texture across my cheeks.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: caffeine, vitamin E, glycerin
    • Shades: 25
    • Coverage: medium/buildable
    • Finish: dewy

    Best Medium-Coverage: Saie Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer

    Saie Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Saie

    Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer

    $29

    Amazon

    $29

    Sephora

    Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Saie Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer

    Deanna Pai

    Why we love it: Some concealers are best confined to a few strategic dots, but true to its name, Saie’s Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer was made to roam, delivering medium coverage wherever you need it. The lightweight cream disguises dark circles, redness, blemishes, and uneven tone, melting in seamlessly enough to blend across larger areas in place of foundation. Its noncomedogenic formula surrounds pigment with plenty of nourishing skin-care ingredients: Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and polyglutamic acid draw in hydration, while sunflower seed oil softens skin and prevents moisture loss. Niacinamide soothes and evens tone, while rice bran extract conditions skin and helps defend against free-radical damage. Plus, there’s antioxidant-rich amla extract to further support a brighter, more even-looking complexion. “It's also a great option for long days, leaving a naturally radiant finish that does not crease,” says Del Russo.

    Pai before applying the Saie Slip Tint Radiant AllOver Concealer

    Pai before applying the Saie Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer

    Deanna PaiPai after applying the Saie Slip Tint Radiant AllOver Concealer

    Pai after applying the Saie Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer

    Deanna Pai

    Tester feedback from Pai

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    “While I prefer a creamy concealer like the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage to conceal my breakouts, I don't love the texture on other areas of my face. I use this concealer to tackle dark circles, redness around my nose, hyperpigmentation, and the occasional zit as needed in a single sweep. It's a dream to blend and the coverage is forgiving—it's not enough to ever get cakey, but does a great job of concealing even purple-toned areas. I also love that I can dot, blend, and go—no brushes needed.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, polyglutamic acid, sunflower seed oil, niacinamide
    • Shades: 25
    • Coverage: medium
    • Finish: dewy

    More concealers for dry skin we love

    Best Full-Coverage Concealer: Tarte Shape Tape Creamy Concealer

    Tarte Shape Tape Ultra Creamy Concealer in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Tarte

    Shape Tape Ultra Creamy Concealer

    $32

    Amazon

    $32

    Ulta Beauty

    $32

    Sephora

    Why we love it: When Tarte’s original Shape Tape concealer launched in 2016, its full-coverage formula and oversized doe-foot applicator quickly won over the internet, prompting repeat sellouts—and even limits on how many tubes shoppers could order at once. A decade and an entire Shape Tape franchise later, Tarte has spun that blockbuster formula into the Creamy Concealer, a more hydrating offshoot for people with dry skin. It retains the full coverage and staying power of the multi-time Readers’ Choice Award winner, but adds hyaluronic acid, squalane, prickly pear, mango butter, and shea butter to help it glide over fine lines without looking dry or cakey. A few swipes are enough to brighten dark circles, blur blemishes, and sculpt the face with a smooth, satin-like finish.

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, squalane, prickly pear, mango butter, shea butter
    • Shades: 48
    • Coverage: full
    • Finish: natural

    Best for Blemishes: Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer

    Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer vial of concealer with black cap on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Dior

    Forever Skin Correct Concealer

    $42

    Nordstrom

    $42

    Ulta Beauty

    $42

    Sephora

    Why it’s worth it: Dior’s Forever Skin Correct Concealer is "the Rolls-Royce of concealers for hitting all the pain points: It corrects redness, hides darkness, delivers extra hydration, and blurs blemishes,” says Del Russo. And if blemishes are at the top of your concealing agenda, the noncomedogenic, full-coverage formula is particularly well equipped. It camouflages active breakouts, lingering post-acne marks, and surrounding redness in a single sweep, while silica softens the look of pores and uneven texture. Despite that coverage, its creamy consistency blends easily and sets to a transfer-resistant finish without looking thick or cakey over dry, healing spots. “You’ll never have to keep layering it,” says Loiz. Glycerin and propanediol draw in moisture, while emollients keep the surface smooth. It won’t treat acne, but it does make the evidence considerably harder to spot.

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: glycerin, propanediol, emollients
    • Shades: 30
    • Coverage: full
    • Finish: natural

    Best Drugstore: L'Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer

    L'Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    L'Oréal Paris

    True Match Radiant Serum Concealer

    $17 $14 (18% off)

    Amazon

    $17

    Ulta Beauty

    Why it’s worth it: When you have dry skin, you can rarely go wrong with a) a makeup-skin care hybrid, since added hydrators help keep pigment from clinging to flaky patches and emphasizing texture, and b) a serum-y consistency that slips effortlessly across the skin for easier, tug-free blending. L’Oréal Paris’ True Match Radiant Serum Concealer checks both boxes, delivering medium coverage that disguises dark circles, redness, blemishes, and discoloration without looking heavy. Glycerin and 1.5% hyaluronic acid draw in moisture to plump the appearance of fine lines and keep skin hydrated for up to 24 hours, while niacinamide supports the moisture barrier and even tone. Caffeine also temporarily reduces the look of undereye puffiness when you use it around the eyes.

    This drugstore darling is also incredibly easy to apply exactly where you need it: “Its iron-shaped applicator has a pointed tip that deposits a small, controlled amount of concealer precisely onto blemishes, dark spots, and the inner corners of the eyes,” says Del Russo. Meanwhile, the wider sides and flat center can sweep product over larger areas, such as beneath the eyes or around the nose. Although its 24-shade lineup includes fewer options at the deeper end than we’d like, the formula is sheer enough that each shade can blend across a broader range of skin tones.

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: glycerin, 1.5% hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, caffeine
    • Shades: 24
    • Coverage: light to medium
    • Finish: dewy

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do you apply concealer on dry skin?

    Start with well-moisturized skin, giving your moisturizer or eye cream a few minutes to absorb so the concealer has a smooth—not slippery—surface to grip. Apply foundation first, then use concealer only where you still need coverage; fewer layers mean less product available to cling to dry patches or settle into fine lines.

    Shade selection also matters. “Concealers are not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing,” says Leticia Meyers, a makeup artist based in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. “When it comes to choosing the right shade for your skin tone, knowing your undertones makes it a lot easier.” Choose an exact skin-tone match for blemishes and discoloration, or go one to two shades lighter than your foundation to brighten beneath the eyes.

    As far as technique, pressing is gentler on dry skin than rubbing or dragging. Erika La'Pearl, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles, recommends bouncing a damp sponge over the product, while Meyers uses her ring finger to gently tap it into place for a softer finish. Either method helps melt concealer into the skin without disturbing your base or lifting flaky patches. If you need powder, use the smallest amount possible and limit it to areas prone to creasing.

    Can people with dry skin wear full-coverage concealer?

    Absolutely. “High coverage isn’t the problem—it’s how much you use and the texture of the formula,” says Loiz. She recommends applying a tiny amount of a creamy, flexible full-coverage concealer exactly where you need it. In fact, that can look more natural on dry skin than repeatedly layering a sheerer formula: “You’re building on too much product, which will look cakey and heavy.”

    How should you prep dry skin before applying concealer?

    Start with moisturizer, paying extra attention to the delicate undereye area. “Let skin care absorb before applying concealer,” says Loiz. “You want the skin hydrated and plump, but not so slippery that the concealer can’t grip.” Give your products a few minutes to sink in, then gently press away any excess before applying a thin layer of concealer.

    Meet the experts

    • Denise Del Russo, a makeup artist based in New Jersey
    • Erika La'Pearl, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles
    • Renée Loiz, a makeup artist and founder of Color May Vary based in Los Angeles
    • Leticia Meyers, a makeup artist based in Las Vegas and Los Angeles

    How we test and review products

    Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

    For our review of the best concealers for dry skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

    Our staff and testers

    A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

    After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.