One Editor Tried the Lipstick-to-Lip Tint TikTok Hack and Here’s What Happened

September 09, 2021

By: Mary Honkus | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

I’ve been skeptical about TikTok beauty hacks in the past, but am usually pleasantly surprised at how well they turn out. In the latest makeup video I found, makeup artist Mirta Miler (@mimiermakeup) turns a bold red lipstick into a soft lip tint by applying concealer over her lipstick. “It feels wrong,” Miler jokes in the clip. Once the outline is complete, she blends it out with a makeup sponge to reveal a just-kissed look.

I could barely believe my eyes so I searched for another video from Kaitlin Kistler (@kkmichellebeauty) who also had amazing results. After seeing these successful tests, I couldn’t wait to try this lipstick-to-lip-tint trick for myself.

Spoiler alert: it was not cute. I attempted to recreate the look using both a matte and a satin lipstick with the same result — I ended up with a completely smudged red clown mouth. It was frustrating not to achieve the same gorgeous result, but I think my lips are a bit too thin for this hack to work. Luckily, it’s possible to get a similar look without the mess by using one of the lip tints, below.

1 / 6

Maybelline New York SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick

The precise pencil design of this lipstick allows you to concentrate the color on the center of your lips so you can create a perfectly blended, softly pigmented look.

2 / 6

NYX Professional Makeup Powder Puff Lippie Lip Cream

This lightweight lip cream is designed to naturally blur out your lips resulting in a just-kissed appearance thanks to the soft, puffy applicator and the formula’s powdery matte finish.

3 / 6

IT Cosmetics Pillow Lips Solid Serum Lip Gloss

Keep lips moisturized with this serum-lip gloss hybrid. It provides four hours of intense hydration and also gives your lips a light flush of color with a hint of shine.

4 / 6

Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Drama Ink Liquid Lipstick

For a more high pigment tint, this liquid lipstick from Lancôme is our go-to. The patented curved applicator makes it easier to place the shade exactly where you want it and the semi-matte formula dries instantly so you don’t have to worry about any bleeding.

5 / 6

YSL Beauty Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick Balm

Get a gorgeous hint of color in a single swipe with this lipstick. Infused with nourishing oil and hyaluronic acid, it keeps lips conditioned and moisturized while delivering a high-shine finish.

6 / 6

Peripera Ink the Velvet Lip Tint

Instantly achieve a soft, just-bitten look with this lip tint. The weightless, longwear formula looks just as natural at the end of the day as it does when you first apply it.

Photo: @kkmichellebeauty; Design: Hannah Packer