Higher temperatures cause traditional lipsticks to become softer and more prone to melting off our lips. When temperatures soar and humidity levels make everything feel sticky, our usual beauty routines need some serious adjustments. While we’re swapping heavy foundations for lightweight tinted moisturizers the question remains: should we be ditching our beloved lipsticks for lip tints when summer rolls around?
Summer means more outdoor activities, more drinks with ice, more swimming, and definitely more sweating. All of these activities can cause even the most long-wearing lipsticks to fade, feather, or completely vanish when you need them most.
This is where the appeal of lip tints becomes obvious. These lightweight alternatives promise to give you color that lasts through all your summer adventures without the heaviness or maintenance of traditional lipsticks.
The Case for Lip Tints in Summer
Lip tints are essentially liquid colors that soak into your lips rather than sitting on top of them like traditional lipsticks. This means they’re incredibly lightweight and won’t feel sticky or heavy, even on the most humid days.
The staying power is where lip tints really shine. Because the color actually stains your lips, it doesn’t transfer onto cups, straws, or that cute guy you’re kissing at the beach bonfire.
Another huge advantage is how foolproof they are to apply. Unlike lipsticks that require precision and sometimes lip liner, you can literally slap on a lip tint in seconds, even without a mirror. This makes them perfect for those busy summer mornings when you’re rushing out the door to catch the early train to the beach.
The variety of finishes available in lip tints now is incredible too. You can find everything from matte liquid lipsticks that dry down completely to glossy tints that give you color and shine. Korean beauty brands especially have mastered the art of lip tints, offering everything from water-based formulas to oil-based options.
The Case For Lipsticks
But let’s not write off lipsticks completely just because it’s summer. There are definitely situations where a good old-fashioned lipstick is still your best bet, even in hot weather.
For special occasions or evening events, lipsticks still offer more dramatic color payoff and a more polished finish than most lip tints can provide. If you’re attending a summer wedding or have an important work presentation, a long-wearing liquid lipstick might be worth the extra maintenance.
Modern lipstick formulations have also gotten so much better at dealing with heat and humidity. Transfer-resistant formulas and long-wearing liquid lipsticks can definitely hold their own during summer, especially if you’re willing to do occasional touch-ups.
Some people also find that lip tints can be drying, especially the matte formulas that really lock in place. If you have naturally dry lips or live in a very dry climate, a moisturizing lipstick might actually be more comfortable for all-day wear.
Tips for Making Any Lip Product Summer-Proof
Regardless of whether you choose tints or lipsticks, there are some tricks that will help any lip product perform better in hot weather. Always start with exfoliated, moisturized lips – this helps both tints and lipsticks apply more evenly and last longer.
If you’re using a lipstick, try applying a thin layer, blotting with tissue, and then applying a second layer. This helps the color really adhere to your lips instead of just sitting on the surface.
For extra staying power with any product, you can set your lip color with a light dusting of translucent powder applied over tissue. It sounds weird, but it really works to lock everything in place.
The Verdict
So, lip tints or lipsticks for summer? Honestly, it depends entirely on your lifestyle and personal preferences. If you’re someone who loves low-maintenance beauty routines and spends a lot of time outdoors or being active, lip tints are probably going to be your summer best bet.
But if you love the ritual of applying lipstick and don’t mind doing occasional touch-ups, there’s no reason you can’t rock your favorite lipsticks all summer long. The key is choosing the right formulas and being realistic about maintenance.
