Go Natural With The 13 Best Sheer Lipsticks Of 2023
Add a sheer tint to your lips with these lightweight, highly pigmented lipsticks.
Expertise: Beauty & Lifestyle
Experience: 5 years
Chaitra has a triple main bachelor’s degree in journalism, communicative English, and economics from St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication fro... more
Lipsticks are makeup products that we can’t just do without. But not all of us like full-coverage ones that scream for attention. Some of us would instead invest in the best sheer lipsticks, and for good reason. If you don’t know what sheer lipsticks are, let us explain. These are lipsticks that come with a subtle, lowkey tint. If you are a fan of the no-makeup, makeup look, or a natural aesthetic, these lipsticks will be your new favorite. They also hydrate and moisturize your lips, leaving them soft and plump. What more could you ask for?
It is the perfect blend of lipsticks, balms, and tints to summarize what we just said. They are also ideal for everyday use as they come with a hassle-free application that is subtle enough for any occasion. So now that you know what sheer lipsticks are, all you need to do is put your shopper glasses on and scan through our curation of the 13 best sheer lipsticks out there. We’ve also included a buying guide to help you narrow your search to the one!
In This Article
What Is A Sheer Lipstick?
Sheer lipstick is basically a lipstick with very little tint. Its visual effect is very different as compared to other lipsticks, even though they may look similar. An opaque lipstick will completely mask the natural color of your lips with their own color of red, brown, orange, or pink. A sheer lipstick, on the other hand, will simply give a colored tone and shine to the natural color of your lips.
Sheer lipsticks are good to create an understated look, especially during the day time. It helps you to go with the natural look without looking obviously made up. Sheer lipsticks can deliver a high gloss, a matte finish, and everything in between and are an ideal accompaniment to other cosmetics.
13 Best Sheer Lipsticks Of 2023 For An Au Naturale Look
1. Best Satin Finish:Clinique Almost Lipstick – Black Honey
Though not quite a lipstick, and not quite a lip gloss, it works a little like each. It is rich in color yet sheer and also works as a lipstick on days when you are rushed. It doesn’t creep into the wrinkles around your mouth, causing unpleasant feathering. It retains the natural look of your lips while giving them a dressed up look, with just enough sheer color to brighten up your face. In fact, the color is subtle enough that you can even apply it without a mirror or fear the color being out of the lip line. Ideal for that rushed day! Though it looks almost black in the tube, it is not a dark shade and is surprisingly light and exceptionally smooth. It has a very smooth, creamy texture and you can add coats to make it darker. Have a look at this video to learn more about the product.
Pros
- Satin finish
- Not sticky
- No flavor
- Suitable for both light and dark skin tones
Cons
- May not last too long
2. Best Shiny Finish:Almay Smart Shade Butter Kiss Lipstick – Red – Light/Medium
If you are looking for that pop of color without it being overbearing, this might be just the lip color for you. This hydrating sheer lipstick is enriched with shea butter and coconut oil that help your lips feel moisturized, smooth, and plump them up. It has a hybrid, soft gel formula that is as smooth as butter to give you medium to full coverage with a shiny finish. This ultra hydrating, buttery lip color is also available in a variety of pink, berry, nude, and red shades to complement every skin tone. Here is an informative video that tells you more about the product.
Pros
- Shiny finish
- Hydrating lipstick
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Might leave glitter behind on removing
3. Best Hydrating Formula:Mineral Fusion Sheer Moisture Lip Tint – Flicker
Pamper your lips with this long lasting sheer lipstick that combines the protection and hydration of lip balm with a pop of sheer color. It dresses up your lips with its formula of a hydrating mix of cocoa butter, castor seed oil, jojoba seed oil, aloe vera leaf juice, olive leaf extract, oregano leaf extract, thyme extract, coconut oil, and peptides for a firmer pout over time. It leaves your lips looking glossier and moisturized. It’s slightly sheer and shiny without being heavy and greasy on the lips. This sheer lipstick is good for daily use and goes with everything. It has no unpleasant fragrance with just a slightly sweet flavor. For more information about the product, click this video.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- EWG-verified
- No talc
- No artificial colors
- No synthetic fragrances
Cons
- May melt when exposed to high temperature
4. Best Sun Protection:Golden Rose Sheer Shine Style Lipstick – Pinky Nude
Craving soft and silky lips? This ultra-smooth sheer lipstick leaves your lips feeling silky and moisturized with a beautiful, brilliant sheer shade and a shiny finish. Infused with beneficial ingredients like argan oil, vitamin E, and SPF 25, it nourishes and hydrates your lips and protects them from the sun, while pampering them all day long. Its lightweight formula glides on smoothly and effortlessly and stays on for hours. This lipstick coats your lips with a natural color while complementing your own natural skin tone, creating a look that is totally you!
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Enriched with natural ingredients
- Dermatologically-tested
Cons
- Some may find it too translucent
5. Best Semi-Matte Finish:Iman Sheer Lipstick – Sheer Gold
Luscious lips are just a swipe away with this richly pigmented sheer lip color. It promises you smooth, lush, and rich intense color along with full coverage on all skin tones. It’s infused with rich emollients and vitamin C for glossy, healthy lips. Its creamy texture and semi-matte lip color gives a long-lasting, smooth finish. It can be worn alone or along with a lip gloss or lip shimmer. If you use it with gloss, do remember to blot it with tissue first, and then apply the gloss. This collection also features a range of fabulous brights, natural nudes, extravagant deeps, and sexy shimmers for all occasions.
Pros
- Semi-matte finish
- Richly pigmented
- Contains emollients
- Enriched with vitamin C
Cons
- Its smell may not be liked by all
6. Best Long-Lasting Formula:Urban Decay Vice Lipstick – Sheer Liar
This pink nude sheer lipstick is highly pigmented and has a hydrating formula that gives your lips a punch of color with a sheer, shiny finish. It has a nourishing butter blend that soothes and hydrates your lips, leaving them soft, supple, and conditioned. Aloe vera, jojoba, avocado, and babassu oils also nourish your lips while illipe butter adds long-lasting moisture. Vitamins C and E are a powerhouse of antioxidants that add to the health of your lips. The pigment infusion system of this product gives it a creamy texture, rich payout, and insane color dispersion with just one swipe that stays put all day, without drying or cracking.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Hydrating and softening
- Creamy texture
- Long lasting formula
Cons
- May not go well on olive skin
7. Best Non-Sticky Formula:NARS Sheer Lipstick – Gipsy
This sheer lipstick might make your dream of beautiful, flawless lips come true! This warm berry sheer lip color is enriched with vitamin E and is nourishing for your lips, keeping them soft and supple. It is exceedingly long wearing and doesn’t dry out your lips. It is not sticky or too pigmented, so it looks very natural and neutral on your lips. It is very lightweight and stays on well, so typically you only need to reapply it after a meal. The pink berry shade is sheer, buildable, and a perfect, daytime color— you get enough pigment so your face looks fresh, but there’s nothing dramatic or loud here. This product is also available in several fashionable colors in 3 textures.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Non-sticky
- Lightweight
- Enriched with vitamin E
Cons
- The color may be lighter than expected for some.
8. Best Sheer Matte Coverage:Stila Stay All Day Sheer Liquid Lipstick – Patina
If you crave the natural look without looking washed out, look no further! This iconic sheer matte lipstick offers you soft, sheer coverage and stays on your lips comfortably for upto 12 hours. It tints your lips with a light wash of color for a natural, softer appearance. The color is gorgeous, it does not dry out your lips at all, and it lasts even through oily and messy meals. Once dry, this lipstick stays on all day with a matte finish, and is extremely lightweight. It’s very soft and moisturizing and is perfect even for extremely dry lips!
Pros
- Lightweight
- Moisturizing
- Long lasting
- Sheer matte coverage
Cons
- Some may find the consistency too thin
9. Best Creamy Texture:L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Caresse Lipstick – Sheer Linen
This sheer lipstick is formulated with a revolutionary light feel system so that you get a finish as light as a feather without any stickiness or heaviness. And the end result is vibrant sheer color and conditioned lips. The sheerness of this lipstick’s color is what makes it so wearable, but it’s definitely bright enough to be your pop of color. The formula is moist and creamy and does not dry out your lips. The application is very smooth, the coverage is just right, and it offers a long-lasting wear.
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Moist and creamy texture
- Smooth application
- Long lasting wear
Cons
- Some may not find it pigmented enough.
10. Best Smudge-Free Formula:l.f. Sheer Matte Liquid Lipstick – Praline Petal
If you’ve been looking for a secret weapon for a flawless face, this sheer liquid lipstick creates a soft, blotted, and natural look for your lips. Its unique formula gives you a matte finish on drying, and is buildable so you can achieve varying levels of pigment. It’s creamy texture is infused with jojoba oil to help nourish and condition your lips. Its non-drying formula leaves your lips hydrated without running or bleeding. This sheer lipstick is transfer-proof, doesn’t smudge, and is long lasting, so is perfect for long days at work and late nights. This formula adds a kiss of color to your lips so that you’re set with a perfect pout!
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Phthalate-free
- Paraben-free
- No nonylphenol
- No ethoxylates
- No triclosan
- No triclocarban
- No hydroquinone
Cons
- Some may find it sticky
11. Best Non-Comedogenic Formula:Kiko Milano Glossy Dream Sheer Lipstick – Poppy Red
This semi sheer lipstick naturally reflects the light and gives your lips a radiant look. It contains both orchid extracts and hyaluronic filling spheres for soft, smooth lips. The creamy texture of this sheer lipstick softens the lips, leaving them feeling supple and looking radiant. This easy to apply lipstick glides on perfectly for glossy, glistening lips, while the delicate, transparent lip color highlights your smile. Its texture also allows for a precise and trouble-free application. This range of lipsticks comes in a variety of colors, including red, pink, rose, among others.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Creamy texture
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologically-tested
Cons
- Some may not find it hydrating enough
12. Best For Multi-Dimensional Effect:BYS Holographic Lipstick – Unicorn
Be the star of the party with this sheer pink lipstick with glitter! Its silky and intense formula creates a multi-dimensional look, leaving you with sparkling lips. This lightweight, holographic lipstick doesn’t fade or flake and stays on your lips for hours. Only the best quality ingredients go into this lipstick, and its soft and smooth consistency complements all skin types and skin tones. Packaged in a limited edition clear casing, you can do your touch-ups anytime, anywhere with this lipstick. This easy to apply lipstick ensures that your lips are covered with just the right amount of saturated color in a single swipe.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Long lasting
- Multi-dimensional look
- No fading or flaking
Cons
- Some may find the color too subtle
13. Best Stain-Free Finish:Winky Lux Purrfect Pout Lipstick – Purrincess
This lipstick has a unique kitty shaped duo color core with moisturizing semi-sheer pigment that creates a perfect wash of color. It’s infused with jojoba oil and vitamin E to nourish and double the moisture to hydrate your lips and give you a fuller, plumper pout. This sheer lipstick gives your lips a smudge-less gloss, wearable shine, and glitter, while also keeping your lips butter smooth. Available in 3 other shades from a clean and clear nude to a wild red, this lipstick gives full lip coverage and a pop of chic color, while being stain-free. Wear this lipstick with confidence!
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Not vegan
Now that you have been through our review of the 13 best sheer lipsticks, you will realize that there are literally hundreds of lipsticks with varying finishes and tones. So, here are a few tips on how to find the best sheer lipstick for your skin tone.
How To Choose The Best Sheer Lipstick For Your Skin Tone
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Warm tones
If you are a person with warm or yellow undertones or olive skin, look for a shade of lipstick in warm colors like orangey-red, brick-red, and terracotta as they will enhance your skin.
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Cool tones
If you have a cool skin tone with blue or pink undertones, look for lipstick in a cool color like bluish and purple shades. You can also try a bright cherry red that veers more towards blue than orange, berry shades like cranberry, or even a deep plum.
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Neutral tones
Neutral undertones work with a wide range of shades. If you have a neutral skin tone or aren’t sure what your undertones are, try mauve shades for medium-colored skin, pink tones for fair skin, and berry shades for darker skin.
Sheer lipsticks are thoroughly loved by makeup enthusiasts and experts alike! These lipsticks aren’t prone to much spillage and provide a flawless look to your lips. Moreover, if you want to dress up for a casual outing, a party, or want to look as formal as possible, these lipsticks can be your go-to! Sheer lipsticks come with a subtle, lowkey tint that doesn’t overpower your lips. If your lips are highly pigmented, the tint provides a better color to your lips and covers the pigmented areas. The sheer lipsticks in our list have moisturizing formulas that can leave your lips soft and plump. However, it is better to strictly avoid the ones that are too sticky on the lips and create a greasy layer.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Chaitra Krishnan is a die-hard makeup enthusiast. If you love subtle makeup looks, she recommends trying these amazing sheer lipsticks currently available online. She sorted through numerous popular sheer lipsticks and read hundreds of user reviews to curate this list. These products leave behind a soft tint, so your lips look natural and beautiful. These sheer lipsticks also hydrate and moisturize your lips, leaving them soft and plump.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between sheer and cream lipstick?
Sheer lipsticks are oil-based formulas that are slightly transparent and give only a minimal tint of color. On the other hand, cream lipsticks contain wax components, offer a creamy finish, and glide smoothly on the lips with great color payoff.
What is the difference between satin and sheer lipstick?
Sheer lipsticks are translucent and give only a little bit of shine and color. Satin finish lipsticks are neither creamy nor matte; they lie somewhere in between and offer more color payoff than sheer lipsticks. They are buildable and may be reapplied to get desired finish.
What is a sheer color?
Sheer has no specific color. It is a translucent finish that provides only a minimal amount of tint.
Why does my sheer lipstick not stay on my bottom lip?
Dry and flaky lips may not hold sheer lipsticks for a long time. So, gently exfoliate your lips to remove flaky patches and then moisturize them before applying the lipstick for a better hold.
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