Lip tints are one of the easiest ways to start with K-beauty. They’re light, they last, and they give you the soft, “just-ate-a-popsicle” flush Korean makeup is known for. But velvet, water, glass, balm… there are a lot of formulas. This guide covers how each type works, which one suits you, and how to apply it so it lasts all day.
What is a lip tint?
A lip tint is a lightweight lip product that stains your lips instead of just sitting on top of them the way a lipstick does. When the shine or texture wears off, a layer of color stays behind, so tints fade evenly instead of leaving a ring around your mouth. That’s why they’re a favorite for all-day wear, masks, and eating out.
The 5 main types of Korean lip tint
Type 1
Velvet tint: soft-matte and blurry
Velvet tints dry down to a soft, powdery finish that blurs lip lines. They’re great if you like a matte look without the dryness of a matte lipstick.
Try: Peripera Ink the Velvet ($10). It’s a K-beauty staple with a silky, weightless finish and a long-lasting tint. Shade picks: #17 Rosy Nude or #24 Milky Nude for every day, and #20 Classy Plum Rose or #02 Celeb Deep Rose for fall.
Type 2
Water gloss tint: glassy and hydrating
Water tints feel almost like nothing on the lips and leave a clear, glassy shine plus a sheer stain. They’re best for a fresh, “no-makeup” look.
Try: CLIO Crystal Glam Tint ($16). It moisturizes, isn’t sticky, and gives a translucent glow like honey. Shade picks: #03 Blushed Peach for a natural flush and #01 Vintage Apple for a juicy red.
Type 3
Glass tint: plump and high-shine
Glass tints have more shine than water tints and give a fuller, “plumped” look.
Try: Colorgram Fruity Glass Tint ($9). The silicone tip helps create a 3D, plumping effect, and it leaves a fresh tint with a long-lasting glow. Shade picks: #02 Dewy Grapefruit, #05 Sweet Persimmon, or #00 Pearl Gloss layered over any other tint.
Type 4
Mid-weight tint: the in-between
Can’t decide between a thick tint and a watery one? Mid-weight formulas sit in the middle. They’re pigmented enough to build up but still comfortable.
Try: Black Rouge Drip Hot Water Lip Tint ($13). It’s inspired by coffee, comes with a latte scent, and lasts all day without drying your lips. #LV07 Caramel Roasting is a warm, cozy shade for fall.
Type 5
Balm-stick tint: moisturizing and easy
If your lips get dry, start here. Balm tints feel like lip balm and leave a jelly-like color.
Try: Judydoll Hearty Lip Tint ($10). It has vitamin E and shea butter and glides on like a gloss in stick form. Shade picks: #01 Pure Water for a sheer tint and #02 Fig for a deeper berry.
Find your match
Which lip tint is right for you?
- Dry lips: a balm tint (Judydoll Hearty) or a water tint (CLIO Crystal Glam).
- Longest wear: a velvet tint (Peripera Ink the Velvet).
- Want fuller-looking lips: a glass tint (Colorgram Fruity Glass).
- New to tints: a mid-weight tint (Black Rouge Drip) is the most forgiving.
- Warm undertones: look for coral, peach and apricot (Blushed Peach, Dewy Grapefruit, Sweet Persimmon, Caramel Roasting).
- Cool undertones: look for rose, plum and berry (Rosy Nude, Classy Plum Rose, Fig).
How to do a Korean gradient lip
- Prep. Lightly exfoliate and apply a thin layer of lip balm. Blot off the extra so the tint can grab.
- Blur your lip line. Pat a little concealer or foundation over the outer edges of your lips.
- Apply to the center. Put a small amount of tint on the inner part of your lips only.
- Blend outward. Press your lips together, then tap the edges with your fingertip so the color fades out softly.
- Add shine (optional). Top the center with a gloss or a clear glass tint like Colorgram #00 Pearl Gloss.
Pro tips
How to make your lip tint last longer
- Apply one thin layer, wait 30 seconds, blot, and apply a second layer.
- Let velvet tints dry fully before pressing your lips together.
- After eating, just re-tap a little in the center. The stain underneath will still be there.
Lip tint FAQ
Are lip tints drying?
Some matte formulas can be. If your lips run dry, choose a balm or water tint, or use lip balm before applying and let it absorb first.
Can I use lip tint as blush?
Yes! Dab a little on your cheeks and blend it with your fingertips for a matching lip-and-cheek look. Softer formulas like water and balm tints blend the easiest.
How do I remove lip tint?
Use a lip and eye makeup remover or cleansing oil. Hold it on your lips for a few seconds, then wipe gently. A faint stain may stay behind; it will fade on its own.