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

      To be honest, I have never been particularly fond of lipstick. Whether it has a matte or satin finish, most lipsticks tend to feel A) too fussy and "done" on my lips, and B) they require too much upkeep for touch-ups throughout the day. Instead, I have always preferred lip balms or glosses. They provide a much more effortless and low-maintenance feel. However, with the emergence of the blurred lips trend, led by makeup artists like Nina Park, I've rekindled my love for lip products. Alongside this trend, a new range of sheer matte-tinted lip balms has appeared, offering a soft-focus effect for the lips. Just one swipe gives a sheer wash of color (think a just-bitten look) with a matte finish that mimics the natural texture of the lips. Thanks to their blurred effect, they don't require the precision that standard lipsticks do. You can apply them without a mirror, and they diffuse naturally as they fade, giving a tint that looks effortless throughout the day—ideal for a "no makeup" makeup look.

      Makeup artists have historically achieved this effect by blotting lipstick with a tissue after application. However, these sheer matte-tinted lip balms provide the blurred look in just one application. They cater to my low-maintenance taste, creating a bridge between traditional matte lipsticks and lip balms for a splash of color that feels chic and modern. I've tested and swatched the best sheer matte lip balms available and I'm excited to share my top choices.

      **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**

       - **Pros:** Sheer matte finish, lightweight and hydrating feel, variety of neutral and colorful shades, chic packaging.

       - **Cons:** Higher price point.

      Merit Beauty's Signature Lip Blush may be the most comfortable lipstick-balm hybrid I've tried. It feels like a lip balm on the lips but offers a refined matte finish that provides a sheer tint. Consider it as lip blush in lipstick form. One application gives a softly blended tint, and it's simple to layer for more depth. My preferred shades are Bespoke (a neutral brown, which I’m wearing above) and Archival (a soft neutral pink), along with several vibrant shades that are much more practical than traditional lipsticks due to their lightweight, sheer feel.

      2. **Violette_Fr Bisou Balm**

       - **Pros:** Sheer, just-bitten finish, translucent matte texture, stylish range of wearable shades, balmy texture.

       - **Cons:** Pricey.

      You can always count on a French beauty brand like Violette_Fr to create top-notch sheer matte tinted lip balms. Founder Violette Serrat drew inspiration from the idea of "bouche mordue," or "just-bitten lips", when developing this balm. Since my first experience with it, it has remained a must-have in my makeup bag for numerous reasons. For starters, it feels like a cushiony balm upon application, and whether you apply it sheer or build up color, it maintains an effortless and light feel, never heavy like regular lipstick. Plus, it has a delightful fragrance reminiscent of French candies. My favorites include Mon Cheri for a chocolate-cherry tint, and Bonbon Myrtille for a blurred raspberry lip in summer, giving a lovely flush of color.

      3. **Glossier Generation G**

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

       - **Cons:** Some may dislike the scent, but it's not very pronounced.

      Looking for something matte that still provides hydration? Allow me to introduce Generation G. Its balmy texture glides onto the lips with a moisturizing feel, enhanced by skin-sensitive vitamin E, while still looking matte. The bullet offers a see-through shade of color and can be easily intensified from sheer to bold, all while achieving that desirable soft-focus blur. It comes in various shades, from vibrant jams (like the one I'm wearing above called “Like”) to everyday neutrals you'll find yourself reaching for daily.

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

       - **Pros:** Budget-friendly formula, great shade range, sheer soft-matte finish.

       - **Cons:** Packaging isn't as upscale as others.

      Max Factor's new Mellow Blur lipsticks have quickly become one of my favorite beauty releases. This formula has a more slippery texture on the lips, making it a great selection for those seeking extra hydration