What it is: This scented balm comes in three universally flattering shades: pink, red and coral. It has licorice root extract to soften and smooth out skin, as well as four botanical oils to hydrate and plump up your puckers. It can also be used under your lipstick to enliven its colour.   

Colour intensity: Good. It gives a gorgeous, radiant tint that looks natural and healthy.  

Nourishment: Great. This immediately left lips feeling moisturised and soft. It’s also great as a base because it smooths away all roughness and helps your lip colour glide on effortlessly. 

Duration: Fair. This lasts for fairly long as long as you don’t wipe your mouth. We would recommend you reapply it after a few hours or after a meal if you want the colour to start throughout the day.

What it is: If you like variety, this is for you. It comes in eight shades – everything from brown to peach, reds to plums – so you’ll be able to find a shade that matches your natural lip colour for a MLBB (my lips but better) look. It’s infused with antioxidants and a Monoi Hydrating Complex to protect leaves and leave it supple and comfortable.  

Colour intensity: Good. This leaves you with a shiny, wash of colour that’s obvious and really pretty. 

Nourishment: Good. This feels hydrating and gives a nice, dewy finish. 

Duration: Fair. This lasts as long as a regular lip balm, but is so lightweight that it makes it perfect for layering. 

What it is: This is made with Methylpropanediol, which helps to plump up lips and smoothen out wrinkles by promoting blood circulation without any temperature change. It’s available in six shades and has Snow Crystal Powder to give you vivid colour with a non-sticky shine.

Colour intensity: Great. This gives a strong wash of colour. If you like natural lipsticks, then this is definitely a great alternative. 

Nourishment: Good. Its creamy texture feels comfortable on lips. 

Duration: Fair. Because of its more intense colour, even when this fades you still get a wash of colour left behind.

What it is: Made with a high concentration of mango butter to treat and hydrate lips, this uses a Color Reviver Technology that enhances your natural lip colour for a made to measure radiant lip that brightens your entire face.  

Colour intensity: Good. What sets this apart from other balms is that it gives a custom rosy tint and shine that is extremely flattering and unique to you. Here’s a little tip: if you layer this a few times, the colour becomes stronger than a regular balm.  

Nourishment: Great. This provides hydration to your lips for up to 24 hours and leaves your puckers soft and healthy. 

Duration: Good. Because it mixes with the natural chemistry of your skin, your puckers are left with a rosy tint even after a few hours. 

What it is: This ultra chic balm is made in three tinted shades, this enhances the natural smoothness and texture of the lips and has a melting texture that leaves a feeling of hydration, moisture and comfort. Another plus: it has a soft, fruity-floral fragrance. 

Colour intensity: Great. About three layers of this lipstick will leave a wash of colour that’s really similar to a lightweight lipstick.

Nourishment: Good. This feels moisturising and gentle on lips.

Duration: Fair. While the colour is definitely strong, it does fade quite easily when you eat or drink.