A slick of luxurious tinted balm on the lips seems to be my makeup “thing” at the moment. Perhaps because I look a bit tired and washed out au naturel, but also – and this is probably more to the point – because it makes me feel as though I’ve made a bit of an effort when I have made absolutely no effort whatsoever.

I like the juicy, plumping effect of a tinted balm; not quite the optical illusion of lip fullness that a good gloss can give, but definitely more pillowy than a velvet finish lipstick. Or – God forbid, if you’re after a cheeky bit of faked volume – a pigment-fuelled matte.

Laura Mercier’s Lip Parfait in Rive Gauche is a beautiful nude, just slightly warmer than my natural lip colour. I have done a before and after comparison because it is so natural – sort of a “my lips but a bit nicer” shade  – and you might just think what the hell, she’s not wearing any lipstick! if I don’t show you my bloodless, three-hours-a-night-sleep “before” lips. Here you go:

Just a hint of sheen, an evenness to the tone and a juicy, moisturising texture. This kind of product is never going to be the kingpin in a makeup look – it’s more of a background player – but it is sophisticated and foolproof. If you’re looking for a bit more colour but the same kind of hydrating, plumptious texture then take a look at the By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Balm I wrote about recently. I’ve been alternating between the two. If you have dry lips and want to wear colour or need to create the illusion of slightly fuller lips without resorting to a gloss (most glosses drive me mad) then tinted balms are a great option.

Laura Mercier’s Lip Parfait in Rive Gauche is £19.50 at John Lewis.