12 Best Lip and Cheek Tints for an Unmatched Monochromatic Flush

Key ingredients: aloe vera extract, green tea extract, castor seed oil | Shades: 9 | Who it's for: people who want a compact option

Best Texture: Chanel N°1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm

Why it's worth it: Chanel always gets it right, and the Chanel N°1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm is no exception. This buttery balm adds a chic and subtle touch to bare faces and soft-glams alike, partially thanks to its revitalizing red camellia oil. The oil helps deliver softness and skin barrier protection, all while boosting its creaminess. Expect plumper-looking lips, a convincing faux flush, and a bevy of compliments. For a more concentrated hue on your cheeks, Chanel recommends using a concealer brush, like the round end of the Les Pinceaux de Chanel Retractable Dual-Ended Concealer Brush N°105.

Tester Feedback: "I love a multipurpose product that can make my life easier and lip and cheek tints are definitely at the top of that list," says shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis. "No. 1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm has a buttery, red camellia oil-infused formula that easily transfers onto the pad of my (clean!) ring finger so I can dab away on my cheeks and lips. Even though it's a tint, shades like Berry Boost don't disappoint in the pigmentation category—I'm left with a pretty flush that I can apply and blend out with just my fingers as shown in the clip."

Key ingredients: red camellia oil, candelilla wax, vitamin E | Shades: 9 | Who it's for: everyone

Best for an All-Over Flush: Jones Road Miracle Balm

Why it's worth it: Gerstein loves Jones Road for its "great range of shades" and "user-friendly texture that works across a wide variety of skin tones." The Miracle Balm is the holy grail of no-makeup makeup, nicely reflecting light, yielding a perfectly sheer pop of color, and moisturizing all the while (needless to say, we awarded it a 2022 Best of Beauty Award). Just take it from brand founder and beauty icon Bobbi Brown herself: "[The Miracle Balm] comes in four different shades, so you can wear it alone or layer it on top of your foundation. It's made with jojoba seed oil, argan oil, and vitamin E, so it also nourishes your skin. Now that's a hero product." Some hues are shimmery while others aren't, so choose accordingly.

Tester feedback: "If your skin is dull, dry, and needs some waking up, you absolutely need this product," says shopping director Shanna Shipin. "Miracle Balm is truly a miracle in my kit—I can use it anywhere on my face for instant life. Yes, life. It's like video game mana for your face! It adds a natural wash to the skin and doesn't skin into fine lines or accentuate my pitted acne scars. My preferred color is this red-bronze Tawny, so I always look like I'm back from a beach getaway." Shipin notes the colors are buildable, comfortable, and so goof-proof that you really don't need a mirror to apply them.

Key ingredients: jojoba seed oil, grapefruit peel oil, castor oil, mica | Shades: 12 | Who it's for: people who want versatility

More lip and cheek tints we love:

The Sweat Withstander: Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain

Why it's worth it: Makeup artist Alexa Persico is a big fan of Benefit Cosmetics's Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain for its sheer, rose-tinted hue, which is "suitable for all skin types." She tells Allure: "It glides smoothly on the lips and blends on cheeks easily and lasts for hours." The result? A “vibrant flush of color that looks like you just got back from the beach.” The tint can also be applied as a lip liner, shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis previously shared. "Instead of applying this stain all over my lips, I use it as lip liner and it literally creates the most beautiful flush of color that lasts all day with zero transfer.” Seriously, it won't smudge.

Editor's tip: Contributing commerce writer Annie Blackman can always count on Benetint as a cheek stain. "This is basically the only blush product I use—especially in New York City summer heat. It looks natural and doesn't budge," she explains. "The only thing is, you need to blend it quickly so that the doe-foot applicator doesn't leave a stain in the spot you applied it to your skin." Blackman's favorite shade is the orangy Desert-Rose.

Key ingredients: squalane, citric acid, lecithin | Shades: 6 | Who it's for: people who live in humid climates

Most Convenient: Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Tint

Why it's worth it: The Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Tint warms up any complexion with a natural-looking, brightening soft flush. Infused with mango butter, avocado oil, and apricot oil, the formula nourishes as it tints, making it a lovely choice for a hydrating boost in your routine. And because it's a stick, the product is foolproof. You can apply it directly to your lips or cheeks, saturating your fingertip and blending.

Editor's tip: "I've stuck to the same tube of Milk Makeup's cream blush for nearly a year, and it's not even close to running out, so when I say this tiny tube lasts, I truly mean it," commerce writer Jennifer Hussein previously told Allure. "I never leave home without my essentials: phone, keys, and Muse, the deep burgundy shade in this creamy blush's 11-shade lineup. Its saturated pigments are enough to wax poetic, but its texture deserves some kudos, too." She loves how it's blendable and buildable and easy to DIY the drama.

Want more from Milk Makeup? Hussein also loves the viral Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint. "Each swipe feels cool to the touch and leaves behind a pigmented wash of buildable color that's guaranteed never to budge, fade, or smear," she says.

Key ingredients: mango butter, avocado oil, apricot oil | Shades: 11 | Who it's for: Everyone

Next-Level Blending: Ilia Multi-Stick

Why it's worth it: For a natural-looking glow sans any patchiness, Persico reaches for the fan-favorite Ilia Multi-Stick. "This formula gives a healthy flush of hydrating color that is buildable, blendable, and breathable," she tells Allure. Take your pick out of 9 shades, each of which is loaded with skin-nourishing ingredients like moisturizing shea butter and free-radical-fighting vitamin E. Plus, it won an Allure Readers' Choice Award, which we think is pretty cool.

Editor's tip: Commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann likes using a brush with the Multi-Stick. "Using a brush gives me a ton of control with placement and allows me to adjust how strong the color is, which I love—it's like having multiple shades in one," she says. "'A Fine Romance' is the perfect berry to me because I can use it as a soft, delicate pink or go full just-ate-a-popsicle by applying it directly to my cheeks or lips."

Key ingredients: shea butter, vitamin E, avocado oil, orange peel | Shades: 9 | Who it's for: people who want peak blendability

Bloom in a Bottle: Freck Beauty Cheekslime Blush + Lip Tint

Why it's worth it: You may know Freck Beauty for their fake freckle pen (a major TikTok trend for a while there), but the brand's Cheekslime Blush + Lip Tint also slays. Makeup artist Shadi Malek describes this tint as "hydrating" and "long-wearing." Plus, she says, the liquid formula is buildable and blendable, melting effortlessly into the skin to offer a subtle hint of beautiful color. Glycerin and plant collagen moisturize the skin, while carrot root extract is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Editor's tip: Blend the tint into the bridge of the nose and onto the temples for a fully rounded-out look.

Key ingredients: glycerin, plant collagen, carnauba wax, rice extract | Shades: 6 | Who it's for: people who like liquid formulas

Cheap and Cheerful: E.L.F. Monochromatic Multi Stick

Why it's worth it: Persico loves the E.L.F. Monochromatic Multi Stick for its versatility, as it can be used on the lips and cheeks, and as an eyeshadow. Plus, its cream-to-powder formula is lightweight and blendable, which, per the makeup artist, "makes it virtually mistake-proof." The compact stick format is also ideal for on-the-go touch-ups of all calibers.

Editor's tip: The tint is slightly shimmery, so skip this one if you're going for an über-natural look.

Key ingredients: shea butter, vitamin E, mica, Caesalpinia sappan bark extract | Shades: 7 | Who it's for: people who want a soft glam makeup look

Glow-To: Charlotte Tilbury Lip & Cheek Glow Cream Blush & Lip Tint

Why it's worth it: The two-in-one Charlotte Tilbury Lip & Cheek Glow Cream Blush & Lip Tint is creamy, buildable, and spiked antioxidant-rich raspberry leaf extract. It goes on smoothly and stays put, offering a transfer-proof radiant flush. Of course, it fits right into Charlotte Tilbury's iconic Pillow Talk collection, complimenting all its other pinky-nude products like a dream. Still, it's available in a range of brighter or bronzier colors.

Editor's tip: Want an entire Pillow Talk suite, including the Lip Cheat liner, Big Lip Plumpgasm gloss, and eyeliner? Pop the Pillow Talk Dreamy Date Night Look into your cart.

Key ingredients: vitamin E, raspberry leaf extract, mica, beeswax | Shades: 7 | Who it's for: people who want a super creamy texture

Just Dew It: YSL Nu Lip & Cheek Balmy Tint

Why it's worth it: For a breezy, "no-makeup makeup" look, swipe on this multipurpose Yves Saint Laurent Nu Lip & Cheek Balmy Tint. Not only is it spiked with skin-loving ingredients like plumping hyaluronic acid and conditioning shea butter, but it also boasts a seemingly weightless balm-like texture that melts into the skin. It also looks like a little tube of oil paint, which is pretty cute, in our humble opinion.

Editor's tip: A little goes a long way. All you need is a pea-sized squeeze of the product onto your finger.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, shea butter, orange blossom, | Shades: 3 | Who it's for: people who want a dewy finish

Must-Have Matte: Ami Colé Desert Date Cream Blush & Lip Multistick

Why it's worth it: Another staple stick option, the Ami Colé Desert Date Cream Blush & Lip Multistick has our hearts. The moisturizing formula imparts a sheer swipe of color wherever you need it, however pigmented. Its creamy matte finish is perfect for whenever, and the formula's hibiscus flower extract helps defend against free radicals. It scored an Allure Best of Beauty Award—which really just speaks for itself.

Editor's tip: Hoffmann loves Ami Cole's The Complexion Brush for all things blush-blending. Pick it up as a perfect match for the multistick.

Key ingredients: Desert date oil, hibiscus flower extract, baobab seed oil | Shades: 5 | Who it's for: people who want a natural lip and cheek finish

Moisture Maven: Kaja Dewy Bar Blush & Lip Balm

Why it's worth it: The creamy, blendy goodness behind the Kaja Dewy Bar Blush & Lip Balm employs nourishing, hydrating fruit oils to seal the deal. When you use it on your cheeks, it helps strengthen your skin's moisture barrier; when you use it on your lips, it moisturizes. The formula melts right into your skin for peak dewiness and ample layering opportunity.

Editor's tip: The blush effect lasts longer than the lip effect, so reapply throughout the day for the best results.

Key ingredients: apple extract, green tangerine extract, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid | Shades: 4 | Who it's for: people who want a bonafide balm

Frequently Asked Questions

Lip and cheek tints are set apart by their versatility, ease of use, and color output. "Tint is less pigmented than regular blush or lipstick, so it's meant for a natural look," says cosmetic chemist Ginger King. "Since they're typically in gel, cream, or liquid forms, [lip and cheek tints] bind to the skin easily without too much build up on the skin, whereas traditional blushes could leave a powdery finish on the skin, depending on the formula," explains New York City-based makeup artist Neil Scibelli. "They're also usually on the sheerer side than traditional lipsticks. Lip and cheek tints give that watercolor-like tint of color to the skin, which I personally love."

As you shop for the best lip and cheek tints, you'll come across various formulas, including balms, liquids, gels, and creams. While Persico says liquid formulas offer a "long-lasting flush" and a "more natural finish," she also notes that cream formulas are "easier to work with" because of how easily they blend. King adds that when choosing a hue, consider your skin's undertones. "If you have warm undertones, choose a color with yellow in it. If you have cool undertones, choose shades that have blue in them."

And if you don't know where you fall on the undertone spectrum? "If you're on the neutral side, colors that are universally flattering undertones are rose, peachy, and berry tones," says Scibelli. "If you're not sure, I'd suggest going for a color that isn't too pigmented on either undertone. I also decide on how to choose the tint by the amount of pigment in it." He suggests that people with light to fair skin tones opt for sheer, pink pigment, whereas people with darker complexions should opt for a more pigmented formula.

"Lip and cheek tints are really evolving and typically contain skin-savvy ingredients that also hydrate the skin," Scibelli explains. "If you're looking for that dewy, skin-like finish, especially if you have normal to dry skin—then hydrating ingredients in these tints are going to be your best bet. If you're on the oily side, then I'd think about going for more of a gel cheek tint or a stain." Regarding specific ingredients, Scibelli vouches for coconut oil, castor oil, hyaluronic acid, aloe, and watermelon extract.

• Suzy Gerstein, a makeup artist
• Alexa Persico, a makeup artist
• Ginger King, a cosmetic chemist
• Neil Scibelli, a makeup artist

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best lip and cheek tints, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, cosmetic chemists, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.