I Hate Wearing Lipstick—5 Alternative Formulas I Swear By for a More Comfortable, Softer Finish

The blurred French lip never ceases to impress, and this tinted lip balm is the quickest shortcut to nailing the look. Don't let its appearance fool you, it's far from a traditional lipstick. First of all, the pigment is much less saturated, which is exactly what helps create that coveted romcom look—almost as though you've been busy sipping a glass of red.

Now, if you're after that high-shine finish, you can't go wrong with Rhode Peptide Lip Tints. Whether you're looking for a pop of pink, a wash of mauve or a swipe of a berry red, this peptide-rich formula helps ensure lasting hydration, leaving your lips pillowy soft. A favourite shade of mine is PBJ, which is a stunning brown-red that's bound to complement virtually any lip combo.

Featuring a unique silicone applicator in the shape of a doughnut (yes, you read that right), this tinted lip serum packs the nourishing benefits of a traditional lip balm and the ultra-glossy finish of a lip gloss. More importantly, it also packs some serious pigment, and you can easily get an impressive level of coverage out of it with just one swipe.

Let's be real, it wouldn't really be an edit of lipstick alternatives without Clinique's iconic Black Honey lip balm. Offering a sheer slip of transparent berry-ish pigment, this formula has been designed to complement your exact skin tone and undertones. As far as the formula goes, the balm-like texture glides on like butter, revealing an effortlessly chic and natural-looking glossy finish.

One way or another, all roads lead to the Merit Flush Balm. Compact enough to chuck in your purse for impromptu top-ups, this iconic formula has already cemented its status as the best natural-looking cream blusher, and deservedly so. Formulated to leave your cheeks looking naturally flushed and radiant, this product goes on the lips just as smoothly as it does on the face.

I'll be honest: I was puzzled over which category this Refy product would fit best: lip balms or blushers, since technically speaking, it's both. This hybrid formula is truly unlike anything else I've ever put on my lips. Equal parts blurring and moisturising, it adds a soft wash of pigment that naturally enhances your natural lips. Ideal for the days when you're always rushing and you need a little something to bring your lips to life.

After a glass-like finish and a juicy hint of colour? Say less. This newly launched glow-boosting formula from Summer Fridays has already earned my stamp of approval for what it can do on the cheeks. However, having now tried it on the lips, I can confirm that it passed all tests with flying colours. Delivering buildable pigment and a glossy finish, it's the best formula for replicating the kind of look you'd get from biting into a juicy strawberry. I rest my case.

One of the brand's most recent launches, the Vieve Poutder is a true hybrid formula that blurs the line between a traditional lipstick, a lip balm and a liquid lipstick. Not only does it feel incredibly weightless on the lips, but it also helps create that blurring and diffused effect while still feeling nice and nourishing in the process. It's available in four stunning shades, from peachy pinks to mauve-y nudes and deeper berry-ish hues.

If there's a viral product that doesn't need an introduction, it's the famed Sacheu lip stain. Although it's intended to be used as a lip liner, I often apply it all over the lips for a long-lasting finish. Sometimes, I'd opt for a darker shade as an outline, and I'd use a lighter, more pink-ish shade in the centre of my lips for a soft ombre look. The best part is that it doesn't feel too drying either. Simply leave it on for roughly 10 minutes and watch the magic happen as you gently peel it off.

Often regarded as the original lip stain, the Benefit Benetint is a formula that will never leave my makeup bag. It now comes in two new shades: Dark Cherry and Raspberry, both of which have been formulated to complement deeper skin tones. I'm not exaggerating when I say I have at least four of these bad boys scattered throughout the house for spontaneous top-ups.

To be frank, I rarely get excited over yet another lip gloss launch, but the Rare Beauty shimmery formulas have genuinely impressed me. Featuring pearlescent shimmery pigments, it comes in six shades in total, including the cool-toned pinks, browns, warm-toned nude shades and everything in-between. The pigment is pretty subtle, however, it's still noticeable enough to instantly zhuzh up your look.

As far as lip oils go, I'm yet to find a formula that's just as lightweight, glossy and slippery as Kosas. I love that it features such an extensive shade range that covers just about every preference—whether you're into your muted nude shades or if you're after something a bit punchier.

Cards on the table: I hate lip plumpers with a passion. As someone who has sensitive skin, I don't rate the irritation and the stinging feel that follows every application. That said, this plumping lip gloss from Charlotte Tilbury is the only one that managed to get me hooked. Instead of an overwhelming burn, it's a slightly refreshing and ever-so-gentle tingle that you don't even notice after a minute or two. The result? The glossiest finish, impressive pigment, and an instant boost of hydration that reveals a plump and juicy pout.

Loved by the likes of Sofia Richie, the Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm is a clever balm/gloss hybrid formula that packs punchy pigment that you'd normally get from a lipstick and a high-shine finish that will rival that of a lip oil. Sure, it's far less affordable compared to other entries in this edit, however, it's one of those rare cases where the quality speaks for itself.

I can't tell you how many times I've praised the Rhode Peptide Lip Shape. Although I was skeptical at first, I was pleasantly surprised by its unique formula. The contouring shades are perfect to add a bit more definition to your pout, without it looking too drawn-on and unnatural. Sure, it's not the most long-lasting product per se, but it sure makes a great everyday lip product.

I don't know about you, but I haven't heard of a glossy lip liner. That is, until I discovered this intriguing new formula from MAC. Featuring a slightly rounder tip, this lip pencil can be easily worn as a lipstick, courtesy of its hydrating feel. Since it also has a nice slip to it, it glides on like butter and effortlessly blends within seconds.