Tinted Lip Balm

Tinted Vegan Lip Balm

There are times when I want some colour on my lips without wearing a full lipstick. That's where the Tinted Lip Balm fits.

But I also wanted to offer that choice to people who prefer not to use animal-derived ingredients.

So I developed a vegan version of the Tinted Lip Balm, using plant-based oils and waxes while keeping the same idea behind the original: a genuine tint, not a barely coloured balm where the colour disappears as soon as it reaches your lips.

The base combines coconut oil, candelilla wax and castor oil, with mineral pigment to provide the colour. I wanted something that would condition the lips, glide comfortably and give a little more gloss than my original tallow formulation.

Getting the balance right wasn't quite as straightforward as I'd hoped. Finding the right combination of colour, texture and firmness took some experimenting.

The result is a plant-based balm with a noticeable tint and a soft, glossy finish — something you can wear on its own when you want colour without reaching for a full lipstick.

Handmade with plant-based waxes and mineral pigments, this balm may feel lightly textured when first applied. As it warms on your lips, it softens into a comfortable, conditioning finish.

What’s in it — and why

Coconut Oil — provides a soft, emollient base that helps the balm glide over the lips. I chose it for its conditioning qualities and the comfortable feel it contributes to the finished product.

Candelilla Wax — the plant-based alternative to beeswax in this formulation. It gives the balm firmness and structure, allowing it to hold its shape in the push-up tube. Because candelilla wax is naturally quite firm, getting the balance right with the oils was particularly important.

Castor Oil — contributes richness, glide and gloss, while helping distribute the mineral pigment throughout the balm. I also use castor oil in my original tallow Tinted Lip Balm because I value the comfortable feel it gives the lips.

Red Iron Oxide (CI 77491) — provides the visible colour. I wanted a genuine tint rather than something so subtle that it disappears on application. The red mineral pigment gives this balm its stronger colour while allowing it to retain the softer finish of a lip balm.

E-Asta Sel — a combination of vitamin E, astaxanthin and selenium, included as part of the antioxidant ingredients in the formulation.

Little Flannel Flower Australian Bush Flower Essence — traditionally associated with awakening joy and playful spontaneity, reconnecting with the inner child and softening excessive seriousness. I chose this essence because I wanted the experience of wearing lip colour to have a little of that light-heartedness about it.

Frankincense Essential Oil — included for its traditional use in skin conditioning, as well as its subtle characteristic aroma. I wanted the botanical ingredients surrounding the colour to contribute to the care of the lips, rather than simply provide fragrance.

The result is a balm in which the plant-based oils and waxes have a useful job to do beyond simply carrying the colour. I wanted conditioning, noticeable colour and a comfortable finish — without using animal-derived ingredients.

Vegan formulation — contains no tallow or beeswax.

How to use

Push a small amount of balm above the rim of the tube and glide gently over the lips. Apply one layer for a softer wash of colour, or build with additional layers when you want a more noticeable tint.

Reapply throughout the day whenever your lips need additional conditioning or colour.

For extra shine, the Botanical Lip Oil can be applied over the top. Gently pat or dab the oil onto the lips rather than rolling it back and forth, as rubbing over the balm can lift or redistribute some of the colour.

Handmade with plant-based waxes and mineral pigments, this balm may feel lightly textured when first applied. As it warms on your lips, it softens into a comfortable, conditioning finish.

Avoid leaving the balm somewhere very hot, such as in a car or direct sunlight, where it may soften.

For external use. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Available Sizes

Full-size 9 g Tinted Vegan Lip Balm — Push-up Tube

Not sure whether it's right for you? A mini size is available as one of the choices in our Discovery Collection, allowing you to try the formulation and colour before committing to the full-size balm.

Unlike the original tallow Tinted Lip Balm mini, which comes in a small lip-colour capsule, the vegan version is presented in a little glass pot. The vegan formulation is softer, making it easier to apply gently with a clean fingertip, cotton bud or lip brush, directly from the pot

Explore the Discovery Collection