What's the Difference?

Marilyn Lip Tint - Tinted Lip Balm - Sexy Red

Today I thought it would be GRAPE to talk about Lip Color and explain the differences between a Tinted Lip Balm, a Lip Stain and a Lip Tint. We all know what a Lipstick is so we'll leave that out for now.


First let me say that these are my observations which I use to discern my lip products. And of course I've read other opinions on the internet as well. So let's get started...


What is a Tinted Lip Balm?
A Tinted Lip Balm is a lip balm base to which a tint/color has been added. This is usually done using a mica, pigment or dye in small quantities. This type of product may add a very slight tint to the lips depending on how much color is used when making it but it is mostly used to add aesthetic properties to a lip balm. You know, just to color the lip balm and not necessarily lips.


What is a Lip Stain?
Good question! What is it and why is it so different? A lip stain does stain your lips so you have to be super careful when applying it since it will also stain other areas on your face and hands. A good lip stain will usually lasts 7-8 hours. It gives a matte finish and since your lips are still exposed to the elements you may also want to use a lip gloss or balm as well. Stains are sometimes made using using everclear alcohol so this method can be drying to your lips. The colors for a stain can be obtained from many sources such as using Beets (fresh or powdered), Henna, Alkanet Root, Powdered Drink Mix, Regular Food Coloring or pigments and dyes.


What is a Lip Tint?
A Lip Tint is designed to add a tint to the lips. Lip Tints are not as "heavy" as a lipstick and feel more like a lip balm and much more forgiving than a lipstick. They add a nice wash of color to the lips but they also let your natural beauty show through. The tints (colors) are derived from micas, pigments and/or dyes and some also use beets or alkanet root or other natural root based plants. The base can vary from a lip balm type to a lipstick type or something in between which is what I prefer to use for my lip tints. Lip Tints need to be applied about as often as a lip balm but are much easier to apply than a lip stain or lipstick since you really don't need a mirror. And personally I think lip tints are more moisturizing than a lip stain or lipstick.


Now that you are armed with this knowledge you can now go forth out into the world and buy the right products to suit your particular needs.


Where to buy lip products...
               .....Etsy of course :) and search away. There are many great shops and lip products to choose from.


Some of my personal favorites are:
ForGoodnessGrape (of course)
Epically EpicSoap
Ophelia's Apothecary
LemonCitrus
Coco&Lola

and there are so many other great shops with lip tints, stains and sticks on Etsy as well.