I’m always on the lookout for pretty, comfortable, easy-to-wear lipsticks that I can apply on-the-go and recently, with a diary full of 5am wake-up calls, I’ve been reaching for Clinique’s Chubby Stick Baby Tint (2 and 4). Like a modern tinted lip balm, it’s got enough pigment to keep me happy on days I don’t want a completely bare lip but need natural-looking, low-maintenance colour. Each of the four shades cleverly adapt to your skin’s pH to boost your natural lip colour, so they suit all skin tones (I’ve been using the rosy pink Budding Blossom). Plus they’re full of skin-loving ingredients like vitamin C, shea butter and jojoba seed oil to give lips a hit of hydration alongside a pop of pick-me-up colour.

Whether you’re a lipstick novice or bright pout aficionado, balmy brights like these suit just about everyone. They’re the lip equivalent of cream blushers - lightweight and low-maintenance, adding subtle colour and a healthy sheen. But the real beauty is that they’re quick, easy and effortless to apply - you can even swipe them on without a mirror.

If you like bright lip colours, Bare Minerals Pop of Passion Lip Oil-Balms (1, available in eight shades) have a soft, buttery texture that glides onto lips. The pigments are long-lasting but non-drying thanks to added vitamin E and passion fruit seed oil. Lancome Shine Lover lipsticks (6) have a similar balmy texture - they feel really moisturising and the bright shades instantly light up tired complexions (French Sourire is my go-to after a late night). I also like Burberry Lip Glow Balms (3, available in three summery shades) which go on sheer but can be layered for a stronger hit of colour. If you have thin lips, dab a little extra at the centre for the illusion of a fuller pout.

For a subtler finish, Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balms (7) are kit favourites - the sheer, flattering colours are as effortless as you can get plus they offer really good hydration, with 100% natural ingredients. Benefit Benebalm (8) has just the right amount of pigment to leave lips looking naturally flushed while added mango butter keeps them soft. And for a purse-friendly option, I like Maybelline Baby Lips balms (5) - they come in tons of different shades and leave low-maintenance colour in a single speedy swipe.

Let me know if you’ve tried any of the above, or if you have any balmy lip favourites of your own!

Top image
Anja Rubik shot by Cuneyt Akeroglu for Vogue Turkey. Makeup by me.

Product shades
1 Bare Minerals Pop of Passion Lip-Oil Balm in Youthful Pink
2 Clinique Chubby Stick Baby Tint in Budding Blossom
3 Burberry Lip Glow Balm in Orange Poppy
4 Clinique Chubby Stick Baby Tint in Coming Up Rosy
5 Maybelline Baby Lips in Cherry Me
6 Lancôme Shine Lover in 314 Spontanee
7 Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Pink Blossom
8 Benefit Benebalm