As well as sheet masks, essences, milky toners and the 7-skin layering method,

Korean beauty innovation extends into makeup too. In fact, the best lip tints for no-fuss, long-lasting colour are straight out of Seoul.

Lip tints are extremely popular in Korea for a very simple reason - Koreans value skincare overall and they love a natural-looking, nearly translucent complexion.

When paired with K-beauty’s requisite glass skin, a contrasting lip is stunning. Think a pop of watermelon pink for summer or a velvety cherry lip come autumn. It’s a look that has been copied across catwalks and red carpets for many a season!

Lip tints are so popular in South Korea because they offer stunning pigments, they’re super long-lasting and they’re a no brainer to apply.

While lip tints are similar to lip stains, as we know them here in the UK, a Korean lip tint offers richer pigments, provides even more longevity and comes with a lightweight finish that won’t dry out your lips.  

What’s become popular in K-beauty is using a lip tint to deliver a gradient effect on lips. It’s the perfect product to create this look and is an increasingly popular trend known as an ombre lip. To apply lip tint Korean style, it’s all about adjusting the concentration of coverage from the inner to outer part of the lip.

You can create this effect by layering the lip tint for a deeper, bolder colour on the inner part of the lip and fading colour out towards the outer edge of the lips. What you’ll get is the illusion of having fuller lips.

1. Apply tint on the inner part of the lips, using as many coats as you wish to get the colour intensity you prefer.
2. Press your lips together to diffuse the colour towards the edges of your lips.
3. For an even greater ombré effect, press concealer into the outer edges of the lips to soften colour even more.

We can’t get enough of the vegan and sustainable makeup brand AMUSE and their coveted collection of Korean lip tints.

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to finding your favourite shade and formula, here, we share which Korean lip tint is the best in each category…

Best For: Ombre lips

Why We Love it: A soft and creamy lip balm that hydrates, plumps and blurs and dries into a long-lasting, semi-matte velvety finish.

Shades To Try: Flower Power, a muted brick red, for warm skin tones and Vintage Rose, a classic pink hue, for pale skin or those with neutral undertones.

Best For: A sheer tint

Why We Love it: Softens and moisturises lips with nourishing Vitamin E and Mango and Apple extracts. This lip tint has a subtle glossy finish while still staying put for hours.

Shades To Try: Breeze, a soft peachy rose for everyday and Boksoonga, the perfect day-to-night nude.

Best For: All over colour

Why We Love it: This formula offers even colour that truly lasts but you won’t get any flaking or piling as the formula is super hydrating too.

Shades To Try: Hibiscus, a ruby pink that’s ideal paired with bare skin and eyes for a powerful summer makeup look.

While AMUSE lip tints are infused with ingredients that help to soften and moisturise lips we still swear by prepping our lips before using any long-lasting colour product.

We suggest exfoliating lips first by taking a sugar scrub over top when cleansing.

If you’re looking for a full coverage lip, the best way to apply your lip tint is to use the edge of the applicator wand to outline your lips in colour then fill it in using the whole applicator sponge.

If you want a water-stained effect, stick to one coat and let it dry before blotting lips. For a more intense power pout add 2-3 layers of colour, allowing each to dry and set in between.

While lip tints are renowned for their stay-put benefits you can always re-apply during the day if colour fades after a solid few hours and especially after eating.

Lip tints are as easy to remove as they are to apply. Simply take your usual facial cleanser down to your lips and massage it in gently before rinsing.

This should remove any leftover colour. If you use a cleanser that has active ingredients such as salicylic acid or microbeads we suggest removing your lip tint with a waterproof makeup remover instead.

Simply apply it to a cotton pad and gently sweep over lips to erase any trace of colour. Always apply a hydrating lip balm post-removal to ensure you replenish any moisture lost from the super delicate skin on your lips.

We love AMUSE’s Vegan Green Lip Balm. This is a nourishing and hydrating, certified vegan formula that’s rich in hyaluronic acid, Jeju rapeseed oil and a unique-to-the brand phytoncica complex. It really melts into lips and you can apply it as often as you need!