All I desire to wear right now are blurred lips, and these 7 balms provide just that.

      To be honest, I’ve never been a big fan of lipstick. Whether it's matte or satin, most of them feel A) too elaborate and "done" on my lips, and B) they require too much upkeep throughout the day. I’ve always preferred lip balm or lip gloss since they feel much more effortless and low-maintenance. However, with the emergence of the blurred lips trend brought to life by makeup artists like Nina Park, I, like many others, have rekindled my love for lip products. This trend has also introduced a new variety of sheer matte-tinted lip balms that create a soft-focus effect on the lips. A single swipe provides a sheer wash of color (think a natural, just-bitten look) with a matte finish that resembles the natural texture of your lips. Because of their blurred appearance, precise application isn’t necessary, allowing you to apply them without a mirror, and they gradually diffuse as they wear off for a natural tint throughout the day. They’re ideal for the "no makeup" makeup look.

      Makeup artists have traditionally achieved this effect by applying lipstick and then blotting it off with a tissue. However, these sheer, matte-tinted lip balms can create the blurred look in just a single swipe. They cater to my low-maintenance preference, merging the essence of a standard matte lipstick with that of a lip balm, providing a veil of color that feels very French-chic and offers a more modern way to wear lip color. I’ve tried and reviewed all the best sheer matte lip balms available, and I’m sharing my absolute favorites below.

      **Best Sheer Matte Lip Balms**

      - **Best Overall:** Merit Signature Lip Blush (£25)

      - **Best Luxury Balm:** Violette_Fr Bisou Balm (£31)

      - **Best Hydrating Balm:** Glossier Generation G Lipstick (£20)

      - **Best Affordable Balm:** Max Factor 2000 Calories Mellow Blur (£10)

      - **Best Multi-Purpose Balm:** Refy Lip Blush (£16)

      1. **Merit Beauty Signature Lip Blush**

       **Best Overall**

       **Pros:** Sheer matte finish, lightweight and hydrating on lips, variety of neutral and colorful shades, chic packaging

       **Cons:** On the pricier side

       The Signature Lip Blush from Merit Beauty is possibly the coziest lipstick-balm hybrid I’ve encountered. It feels just like a lip balm but provides a chic matte finish with a sheer tint. It’s like lip blush in a lipstick form. One swipe gives a softly blurred tint, and you can layer it for more intensity. My top shades are Bespoke (a neutral brown, which I'm wearing above) and Archival (a soft neutral pink), along with brighter shades that are much more versatile than typical lipsticks due to their wonderfully lightweight and sheer texture.

      2. **Violette_Fr Bisou Balm**

       **Best Luxury Balm**

       **Pros:** Sheer, just-bitten finish, translucent matte texture, stylish range of wearable shades, balm-like consistency

       **Cons:** On the expensive side

       You can count on a French beauty brand like Violette_Fr to produce one of the finest sheer matte tinted lip balms. Founder and makeup artist Violette Serrat drew inspiration from the idea of "bouche mordue" or "just-bitten lips" for this balm. Since I first tried it, it has been a staple in my makeup bag for several reasons. Firstly, it feels like a cushiony balm upon application, and whether applied in one sheer swipe or built up, it remains effortless and never feels heavy like a lipstick. Plus, it has a delightful fragrance reminiscent of French confections. Mon Cheri is one of my go-tos for a chocolate-cherry shade, while I often gravitate towards Bonbon Myrtille for a blurred raspberry hue in the summer, giving my lips a beautiful flush.

      3. **Glossier Generation G**

       **Best Hydrating Matte Lip Balm**

       **Pros:** Sheer matte tint, buildable finish, hydrating balm-like texture

       **Cons:** Some may not favor the scent, although it’s subtle

       For those who prefer a matte finish but want more hydration, Generation G is the way to go. The balmy texture glides on with a hydrating, luxe feel typical of lip balms and is infused with vitamin E for softening. It appears matte and delivers a translucent color, easily building from sheer to bold intensity, while maintaining that desirable soft-focus effect. There are numerous shades available, from vibrant jams (like Like, which I'm wearing) to everyday neutrals you’ll want to use regularly.

      4. **Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mellow Blur**

       **Best Affordable Balm**

       **Pros:** Affordable price, great shade selection, sheer soft-matte finish