Augustinus Bader released a collection of three tinted balms (in collaboration with Sofia Coppola) and I knew that I had to try them. I had been a fan of the original lip balm. It’s a velvety smooth lip balm that does a great job hydrating and plumping the lips. Ever the fan of no-makeup makeup, I also really liked the idea of a tint! I became more and more curious about the collaboration as a) I am a big Bader fan and b) I was curious about the collaboration between Professor Bader and Coppola. Apparently, the idea for collaboration was her idea. She was already a fan of the original lip balm and when her favorite lipstick was discontinued, she wrote Professor Bader asking if they would make her favorite tint with their balm. And: it’s a big move for Bader: their first foray into color cosmetics.
Of course, at $43 a pop, these lip balms are not inexpensive. You absolutely do not need them. But I was curious and wanted to share my experience as I’ve had a lot of messages asking me what I think about them.
Augustinus Bader Tinted Lip Balm Review
I ordered two colors, which I will show you on below. I opted to skip out on shade 3, “a burnt, earthy plum” as I tend to prefer lighter colors (corals and pinks) and anything earthy generally doesn’t look great with my complexion. As with the original, the balms are made from a hydrating blend of plant-based butters and oils, including Shea butter, Vitamin E and Candelilla wax. I like that the formula is very hydrating, but it isn’t shiny or glossy. Just a wash of color + loads of moisture.
Coppola wanted these to be something you could apply without a mirror and that is just what I did when I tested these. I would say they did a pretty good job!
My net takeaway/the TLDR:
I realy love these. They are the perfect tinted lip balm. I like that they are pigmented but still very sheer. They remind me of an old favorite, Dior Lip Glow… but I like these more. I love that the formula is really really hydrating, but they aren’t glossy, shiny, or (the worst!) sticky. And the colors I tried are really beautiful. That being said, $43 for a lip balm is a lot of money. For those who are horrified by the price, here is a very affordable option and a mid-range option for tinted balms.
This is Shade 1.
It’s just a hint of deep pink. I like that the pink isn’t bubble-gummy, it’s just a pretty wash of rose. It’s worth noting that this is the shade that inspired the collection. The discontinued Monoprix lip balm that Coppola loved so much was the prototype.
And this is Shade 2!
This one has warmer undertones. The perfect sheer coral/red. I love both but personally prefer this one!
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I bought #3 ! Thanks for naming the one Sofia used. I’ll look it up. I’ll let you know how I like it. The goop ones are really nice and moisturizing. I purchased the earrings. They look beautiful on you!
Please do!!!!
I liked shade #3. Nothing earthy about the tone. Similar to black honey. It’s very moisturizing and doesn’t drag across my lips. I wore it to bed and my lips were still moisturized in the morning. I’d say it’s worth the $43 if you don’t spend a lot of money elsewhere. I bring lunch to work everyday. That’s how i justify purchasing this lip balm.
I’m so glad it works for you! The way that it glides across my lips is one of my favorite things about it.
I’m such an addict and keep buying new lip products! You are tempting me. As I’ve gotten older my skin and especially lips are dryer so I tend to reach for a tinted lip balm most days. A no makeup day with a little tint , perfect. Have you tried the ndrom & ndrom glasting melting balm? I think it’s a Korean company, mid- price. I bought mauve whip and figgy notion. I heard about them from the founder of Peaches & Lilly ( great affordable skincare). Oh Grace, what have you done to me? I feel a shopping accident coming on! Lol
I haven’t tried those but now I’m intrigued!
I haven’t tried these Bader ones (And probably won’t unless I get an amazing new job. Sorry! but that is just a too high price point for me and tinted lip balms.) But I did want o say I LOVE those RMS ones! Also, I ordered some Mara ones during the Sephora sale and adore those, too!
The RMS ones are so great!!
Have you tried the new Jones Road lippie sticks? Its like an elevated chapstick style balm with color. I like them, but find the application a little bit messy with the flat topped tube of color. I bought Ruby and Tulip – both nice colors. Would love to try the Bader/Coppola…but $43 is a silly price.
I have not but overall am a big fan of Jones Road! I did find their lip tints messy which is why I avoided these. There’s never any pressure to buy something I feature here, just sharing my experience. I linked to the RMS and Covergirl as less expensive alts! xx
The Nordstrom site (one of the only places I can find them in stock) has them listed as Strawberry and Raspberry rather than by number. I’m guessing the Strawberry is Shade 2 but I can’t be sure. Any thoughts?
I can’t tell!