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The "no-makeup makeup" trend isn't a secret we’re trying to decode anymore. It's all just about having a really good tint!
From full-coverage, elaborate makeup routines to lightweight, short & simple no-makeup makeup looks – you and every other makeup enthusiast have definitely noticed the shift, and it’s all thanks to makeup tints!
But if this is the first time you’re hearing about it, you might be thinking: what is a tint in makeup, and how are they different from your traditional makeup products?
If we had to, very simply, explain what a makeup tint does, it is a product that is used to subtly enhance your natural features with a barely there wash of colour.
Unlike traditional makeup products that sit heavily on the skin, a tint delivers a weightless, natural stain that lasts all day long.
Whether you're curious about what is a lip tint or wondering what is cheek tint, all you need to know is that these versatile formulas make everyday makeup application feel like the easiest thing ever!
But you know what’s better than both of these formulas? One that combines the goodness of both in one: a lip and cheek tint. It allows you to simplify your makeup routine and reduce the clutter in your makeup bag.
In this beginner’s guide to makeup tints, we’ll walk you through how to use makeup tint to get a fresh, radiant look, compare tint vs lipstick to see which suits your style best, and help you master the art of making the most of this versatile, new-age makeup product.
To understand the core makeup tint meaning, think of it as a watercolour for your face. While most foundations and pigments sit on your skin like an extra layer, a makeup tint uses a pigment-infused formula that is designed to absorb slightly into the top layer of the skin.
This makes it look like a flush of colour that’s coming from within your skin rather than looking like a topically applied product.
Tints consist of high water or gel content, which makes them easier to blend into bare skin without leaving behind striking lines, a cakey finish, or a sticky feeling.
There are several types of makeup tints in beauty stores out there, but there are 3 of the most common ones you’ll find everywhere.
1. Lip Tint - A lightweight liquid or gel-based formula that offers a natural flush to your lips. Between tint vs lipstick, a lipstick leaves behind a thick layer of product, while a lip tint sinks in to deliver long-lasting colour without weighing down your lips.
What’s more? A lip tint like the Simply Nam Soft Bloom Lip Tint won't transfer onto surfaces throughout the day, unlike a lipstick that can smudge, transfer, and bleed out of your natural lip line, creating a messy look.
2. Cheek Tint - An alternative to powder or cream blush formulas, cheek tints offer a dewy or soft-matte finish with a hint of colour that blends into your skin seamlessly without settling into lines and texture.
Cheek tints like the Simply Nam Satin Soft Blush Tint give you that naturally flushed “I just met my crush” glow!
3. Lip and Cheek Tint - A true blue multitasker, a lip and cheek tint combines both formulas into one compact product. It delivers enough pigment for both areas, plus enough hydration for the lips, and blends seamlessly on the cheeks.
A lip and cheek tint helps you achieve a monochromatic, put-together look in less than 2 minutes.
Tint vs Lipstick: What’s the difference?
This is one of the most common comparisons when choosing between tint vs lipstick. Here are the key differences between the two.
1. Texture & Feel
Lip Tint: A water or gel-based formula that absorbs slightly into the skin, delivering a weightless feel. It looks like you’re not wearing any product at all.
Lipstick: Formulated with a mix of waxes, butter, and oils, lipsticks sit on top of the lips instead of absorbing into them. They offer a creamy, velvety, luxurious feel that can feel heavier on the lips.
2. Pigment & Finish
Lip Tint: Designed to deliver sheer, buildable coverage, a lip tint enhances your natural lip colour with a soft, dewy wash of colour that looks effortlessly natural.
Lipstick: Delivers high-impact pigment in just one swipe. Lipsticks come in a variety of finishes like glossy, satin, velvet, matte and more.
3. Application
Lip Tint: Extremely easy to apply on the go. Lip tints help you create that diffused, soft-focus edge, gradient lip look without needing a lip liner or any additional products.
Lipstick: This, on the other hand, requires a steadier hand to achieve clean borders. A darker lipstick shade requires a lip liner to prevent the pigment from feathering or bleeding outside the lip line.
4. Longevity
Lip Tint: This makeup product absorbs into the top layer of your lips instead of just sitting as a layer. This makes them transfer-proof, which means you don’t have to worry about the pigment rubbing off on cups & clothes. And even after the shine wears off, it still leaves behind a subtle flush of colour that lasts all day.
Lipstick: Because this lip product sits on top of the lips as a layer, it makes them prone to transferring and smudging.
While long-wear matte lipsticks exist, they still require reapplication a couple of times during the day to keep the coverage intact.
How to use Makeup Tint for beginners?
The key to learning how to use makeup tint lies in blending. Because this product absorbs into the skin, blending with a swift hand will get you the best results.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to using it.
Step 1: Prep your base
It is essential that you start with a smooth, moisturised base for seamless pigment absorption.
Cleanse your face well, and follow up with a suitable skincare routine to achieve the same.
You can even use a tinted moisturiser or sunscreen if you’re looking for some coverage on the base. For the lips, exfoliate them gently to slough away dead skin cells and dry patches.
Step 2: Start with the cheeks
Apply 2-3 dots of the Simply Nam Satin Soft Blush Tint on the apples of your cheeks and across your cheekbones.
Blend it swiftly but steadily upto your temples to add a flush of colour while also achieving a slightly lifted look. Use your fingertips or a blending brush for the same.
Step 3: Move to the lips
For the lips, start by applying a light swipe of the Simply Nam Soft Bloom Lip Tint to the centre of your lips.
Press your lips to spread the colour and then use your finger to gently blend the pigment outward for a soft, diffused lip look.
Step 4: Build pigment & set
If you’re looking for more than just a subtle flush of colour, then add more pigment and blend after the first layer has dried. To achieve additional shine for the lips, apply a light layer of the Simply Nam Sweet Kisses Hydrating Lip Balm - Sugar over it.
This will lock in the hydration while also giving your lips the shine you desire.
