Colour-changing lipsticks [1] are truly the mood rings of the beauty world. Though they may look wildly different — coming in shades that range from navy blue and grass green to sunflower yellow and flamingo pink — these balms are actually all working with variations on the same technology. Here's how I, not a scientist, would explain it: there are ingredients within the formulas that react to the pH level of the wearer's lips. So according to how acidic, neutral, or alkaline your lips are, the product will transform into the shade that is the most flattering for you. Pretty neat, huh?
I recently committed to testing out a large number of the most popular colour-changing lip products available, and I learned two things:
- These products are cool, but they're not going to give you an insane amount of colour. If you're looking for highly pigmented lipstick, go get a liquid lipstick [2].
- I am never taking another selfie ever again.
If you're looking for a hydrating tint, you've come to the right place. Read on to see how all these formulas adapted to my lip, and note that I'm only one editor with one skin tone. All these are going to react differently according to the lips on which they're applied.
Lipstick Queen in Frog Prince
Lipstick Queen is the crowned, well, queen, of colour-changing lipsticks, and Lipstick Queen in Frog Prince [3] ($25) is the brand's best-selling product. In tube-form, the shade is a startling dark green. After a minute on my lips, it became a flattering fuschia.
Essence Kiss the Frog Lipstick
If you're committed to going green but Lipstick Queen's price point is a little too high, Essence Kiss the Frog Lipstick [4] ($3) is a great option. The colour stained my lips (in a good way) long after the sheen wore off. Note that Essence's lipsticks are scented, and this one tastes like green apples.
Lipstick Queen in Hello Sailor
Apart from Frog Prince, Lipstick Queen in Hello Sailor [5] ($25) is the most jarring of the brand's colours. The deep blue went on sheer, and I didn't notice much of a colour-shift. On the plus side, the formula was ultra-hydrating . . . much like the ocean.
Essence Kiss the Mermaid Lipstick
Speaking of the ocean, Essence Kiss the Mermaid Lipstick [6] ($3) smells like what I imagine a mermaid would smell like: blue raspberry. The colour-change was subtle, but as with Kiss the Frog, the colour lingered for a couple hours.
Essence Kiss the Black Sheep Lipstick
Essence Kiss the Black Sheep Lipstick [7] ($3) may look intimidating, but don't worry — it won't look like Halloween [8] on your lips. Unlike actual black lipsticks, the colour is completely sheer and doesn't transform into much of any shade.
Kaja Mood Balm Colour Changing Lip Moisturiser in Blackout
Speaking of black lipstick, Kaja Mood Balm Colour Changing Lip Moisturiser in Blackout [9] ($14) glides on like a damn dream. I found Kaja's balms tended to be a much creamier formula than any of the other balms — a definite plus.
Bésame Ink and Paint Lipstick
Looking for the darkest of the dark shades? Try Bésame Ink and Paint Lipstick [10] ($24), a special edition tied to Disney's 90th anniversary. This one turned out to be a lot more purply than the other black shades, and even seemed to have the slightest glimmer.
Kaja Mood Balm Colour Changing Lip Moisturiser in Twilight
For the money, Kaja Mood Balm Colour Changing Lip Moisturiser in Twilight [11] ($14) is my absolute favourite out of the entire lineup. The colour shifted to a rosy pink and because the product is a balm, my lips stayed hydrated for a few hours.
Winky Lux Rainbow Tinted Balm
Winky Lux has a truly insane amount of colour-changing lip products [12]. The Winky Lux Rainbow Tinted Balm [13] ($18) intrigued me, as the only product in my lineup that featured multiple colours in the same stick. The flat top and colour scheme reminded me of a Flintstones Push Up popsicle, and honestly, the product kind of made me look like I'd just eaten one.
Winky Lux Flower Balm in Pink
You've probably seen Winky Lux Flower Balm in Pink [14] ($16) or other colours — it comes in Purple, Blue, Green, and Yellow. This one was more of a clear balm with no discernible colour-changing effect. But hey, it's adorable!
MAC Cosmetics Tendertalk Lip Balm in Pretty Me Up
MAC Cosmetics also has some shade-shifting options, though theirs will give you less of a shock when you open the tube. MAC Cosmetics Tendertalk Lip Balm in Pretty Me Up [15] ($21) is more of a typical balm than anything — but a very pretty one.
Lipstick Queen in Mornin' Sunshine
Lipstick Queen in Mornin' Sunshine [16] ($25) looks bright yellow, went on sheer, and turned the slightest tinge of coral. It won't give you a hugely impressive colour transformation, but with all the Vitamin E they packed in here, it'll keep your lips glossy for hours.
Kaja Mood Balm Colour Changing Lip Moisturiser in First Thing
Next up: Kaja Mood Balm Colour Changing Lip Moisturiser in First Thing [17] ($14). I loved the wash of orange over my lips, and I found this shade made me look actually put-together on a day in which I had no makeup whatsoever.
Lipstick Queen in Old Flame
If you want to spend a little more, opt for the Lipstick Queen in Old Flame [18] ($25). This one proved a more flattering shade than Mornin' Sunshine, as it provided just a touch more colour.
Beauty By POPSUGAR Lip Bloom
Though Beauty By POPSUGAR Lip Bloom [19] ($20) does react to match your pH, it's much more focussed on hydration than a dramatic colour-change. Jojoba and sunflower oil soothed my chapped lips instantly, and I found myself reaching for this tube repeatedly throughout my week.
MAC Cosmetics Tendertalk Lip Balm in Candy Wrapped
Colour-wise, MAC Cosmetics Tendertalk Lip Balm in Candy Wrapped [20] ($21) wasn't wildly transformative, but it was silky smooth and provided just a hint of vanilla scent.
Dior Addict Lip Glow Colour Reviving Lip Balm in Raspberry
I mean . . . it's Dior. Dior Addict Lip Glow Colour Reviving Lip Balm in Raspberry [21] ($34) didn't provide much of a colour-change, but it did elevate my natural colour and provided hydration.
Winky Lux Glimmer pH Balm in Unicorn
The next two options are similar, but with some small differences. Winky Lux Glimmer pH Balm in Unicorn [22] ($16) comes in a baby-pink tube and features edible glitter. On my lips, the colour shifted into a subtle pink.
Winky Lux Glimmer pH Balm in Rosé
Winky Lux Glimmer pH Balm in Rosé [23] ($16) comes in, what else, a rosé-coloured tube, and also contains edible glitter. This one actually provided a deeper colour, though it took a few extra minutes to set in.
MAC Cosmetics Tendertalk Lip Balm in Play With Me
Of the MAC options, MAC Cosmetics Tendertalk Lip Balm in Play With Me [24] ($21) gave me the most colour. This would definitely be my ~ going out ~ balm.