A lovely, super gentle lip balm from Bel Air - all about the texture, application, and moisturizing effect

I've been raving about Merit's products before, specifically their gorgeous cream eyeshadows. Today, I want to share my thoughts on their new lip oil, Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil. What initially caught my attention was the beautiful packaging - let's be real, who doesn't love good packaging? - but it's the actual performance that really impressed me - both in terms of how it looks and how it makes my lips feel. Let me tell you all about it.

Where to buy and how much?

You can find Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil at Sephora or on the Merit website. The price is the same everywhere - $24, plus tax.

Packaging.

The packaging starts with the signature box, which, by the way, has a similar design to the eyeshadow packaging I mentioned earlier. I love the soothing gray-blue color, the clean font, and the minimalist vibe - it all looks super stylish to me.

Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil packaging

On the box, you'll find all the necessary information about the product.

Inside, you'll find the actual oil itself, which comes in a super-pretty transparent plastic bottle. To be honest, the packaging format isn't exactly new - you've probably seen something similar before, whether it's a lip balm or a liquid lipstick. But the combination of this plastic with the texture of the oil and the gold cap makes it look really appealing. This bottle is even fun to examine up close - not so much the bottle itself, but what it contains. Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil inside looks like liquid gold, no exaggeration. On the actual bottle, there's not much information - just a small sticker on the bottom with the basic product details. Closed with cap, which screws on securely and prevents the oil from leaking out. This makes Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil not just convenient for storing at home, but also perfect for taking on the go - and trust me, you'll want to take it with you I love how compact the bottle is, and its weight – it might look bulky, but in reality, it's super lightweight. Applicator. As an applicator, the Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil comes with a cute little sponge of slightly angled shape. It's made of soft, pleasant material that gently touches your lips.

Applicator product I found the format and size of the applicator to be absolutely perfect – many manufacturers tend to make lip oils' applicators too wide, which always seemed impractical to me. But this more compact design actually ended up being even better in practice, as it allows you to be more precise and avoid going beyond the lip line.

About the product. Volume: 7 ml

Manufacturer: USA

Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil has a pretty extensive range of lip oils – it started with 8 shades that gave a more transparent finish and minimal color, and then the manufacturer expanded the line to include more saturated textures that are comparable in brightness to liquid lipsticks, but still have a similar formula.

I've got to say, this lip oil from MERIT does exactly what it promises. Not only does it leave my lips feeling hydrated, but it also gives them a gorgeous shine that's on par with a gloss. Plus, the Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil has a lightweight, non-sticky formula that makes it super comfortable to wear.

From the manufacturer:

Elevate your everyday lip routine with the MERIT Shade Slick Hydrating Tinted Lip Oil—a must-have beauty essential that combines the shine of a gloss, the comfort of a balm, and the nourishment of a treatment all in one sleek tube. This lightweight, non-sticky formula delivers a sheer, buildable tint that enhances your natural lip color while drenching your lips in lasting hydration.

Flavor.I'm happy to report that this lip oil is totally scent-free - I couldn't pick up on any fragrance at all, so it's a great option for those who aren't fans of scented cosmetics.

Ingredients.The ingredient list is actually printed on the packaging, and you can also find it online. I've included both versions for your convenience.

Ingredients for Shade Slick Tinted Lip OilIngredients:

Hydrogenated Polydecene, Polybutene, Octyldodecanol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Squalane, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Oil, Bis‐Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate‐2, Tocopheryl Acetate, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetra‐di‐t‐butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sorbitan Oleate, May Contain (+/-): Red 27, Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Red 33 Lake (CI 17200), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Yellow 6 Lake (CI 15985:1), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxide (CI 77492), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Red 6 Lake (CI 15850), Iron Oxides (Black, CI 77499), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090)

I didn't feel like diving into the ingredient list, to be honest - it's not really my area of expertise. But the manufacturer did highlight a few key components, which I did take note of. There are some pretty impressive moisturizing, softening, and even soothing ingredients in here.

From the manufacturer:

Infused with antioxidant-rich rosehip oil and omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, it helps strengthen your lip barrier and protect against environmental stressors. Shea butter and grapeseed oil deeply condition and soften, while jojoba oil and plant-based squalane lock in moisture for a healthy, supple pout that stays smooth all day.

Texture, consistency, and shade.As I mentioned earlier, the Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil line has a ton of different shades to choose from - I went with the Bel Air option, which I'd say is about as neutral as it gets.

The color name is Bel Air.Despite the golden hue showing through the bottle, the product should look transparent on the lips - at least, that's what I was promised by Bel Air, and it was what initially drew me in, since I already have plenty of rose-tinted oils, and I was looking for something transparent or at least similar.

Interestingly, the manufacturer's website claims that the updated shades of oil work in harmony with the natural pH and color of the lips, which can result in a slightly different hue on the lips. However, this isn't the case with my shade - I couldn't find any information about it on the packaging, and the website's details don't match.Some sources suggest that this only applies to the brand-new shades in the 'The Gelées' texture.

The texture of the product is incredibly light and pleasant - it's not a thick, rich oil, but rather a gentle, smooth one that promises a hassle-free and enjoyable application.

Applying and the effect on lips.I love how the Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil glides on like butter - literally one swipe and it's done. The texture is super lightweight, smooth, and gentle, so it stays put on my lips with just one touch of the applicator. I've got to give a shout-out to the applicator itself - it's got a super comfortable shape, a nice compact size, and a slight curve that makes it easy to apply on the go.

The applicatorAs there's no discernible shade to Bel Air, it goes on translucent, leaving a soft, subtle sheen on my lips. When I look at the texture through the bottle, I can see there are plenty of golden, shimmering particles, but they're so tiny that they don't show up on my lips at all. Still, I think they add a hint of sparkle and volume.

The Bel Air shade on my lipsI'm really happy with how Bel Air looks on my lips - it's exactly what I was looking for: a clear, rosy-free finish. As expected, the Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil doesn't mask any natural lip imperfections, so that's something to keep in mind.

Feeling on my lips right after applying the oil was super comfortable - the texture only becomes apparent when I press my lips together, but while I'm wearing it, I don't even notice it's there. It's extremely light, gentle, not a hint of stickiness or, weirdly, oiliness, in terms of density. From my perspective, this is one of the most comfortable formulas among similar products.

Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil on my lipsTalking about the effect:the oil works wonders for hydrating my lips, which I noticed from the very first or second application. Coincidentally, I started using the product when my lips were dry, and Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil literally improved the situation after just a couple of applications. And that's even without using any additional lip care products. The oil significantly reduced dryness and even got rid of fine flakiness. So, when it comes to moisturizing and hydration, this product definitely gets a plus;the product has a long-lasting effect - I'm not a fan of constantly reapplying balms and oils, so I apply Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil once (occasionally twice) a day, which, in my opinion, is often enough. However, even with such infrequent application, the effect from the product turned out to be really impressive and lasts a long time. My lips remain soft and hydrated even hours after the texture of the product has been fully absorbed.

It gives my lips a gorgeous, shiny finish that looks great for any occasion. I often apply a lip liner underneath for a more polished look, which is basically a full-on lip makeup

LongevityGiven its light texture and lack of pigment, this balm isn't particularly long-lasting.

But if I skip snacks and drinks, it'll last me around an hour to an hour and a half on my lips. If I do end up eating or drinking, of course, it's wiped off in no time.

UsageI find the product to be quite frugal, as I only apply it 1-2 times a day, not always daily. Of course, we all use lip balms differently: some people, like me, prefer a minimal approach and only reapply as needed, while others might constantly reapply throughout the day.

That being said, since it's so lightweight and doesn't cake on, this is actually a plus for its affordability. However, if you're the type who likes to reapply frequently throughout the day (due to its relatively short-lasting formula), that might not be as cost-effective. So, it really depends on your personal preferences.

I've been using the product for the past month, and so far, I haven't noticed a significant decrease in the balm's texture within the packaging.

First ImpressionsWhere do I start with the positives on the Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil? I've got to say:

The super-lightweight texture of the oil makes it a breeze to apply - it's fast, easy, and a total pleasure.The precision applicator is a game-changer. It distributes the oil evenly and lets you coat your lips without even looking in the mirror.No stickiness after application is a major win - my lips stay smooth and comfortable all day.The lightweight feel of the Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil is a huge plus - it doesn't feel like you're wearing anything, which is just what I want from a lip oil.The gorgeous, shiny finish it leaves on my lips is the perfect touch of glamour.The amazing nourishing and moisturizing effect is a total must-have. This oil softens my lips, making them feel silky smooth and utterly pampered.No artificial fragrances is a big plus for me - some people might find it's a deal-breaker, but I'm all for keeping things natural. I've got to say, I'm really struggling to find any downsides to this oil. It's a total winner in my book - no nasty reactions, no discomfort, just smooth, healthy-looking lips all day long.

Wrapping up my experience.I have to say, getting to know the Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil was a pleasant surprise - it's not only super effective, but also ridiculously attractive. And let's not forget the packaging - it's a feast for the eyes. But at the end of the day, it's all about the product's performance and how comfortable it is to wear.

I'd highly recommend this lip oil to anyone looking for a change of pace from those bulky applicators. The compact, angled sponge makes it so much easier to apply, and the texture is way more predictable.

This is a great alternative to a regular lip balm - it's got all the moisturizing and nourishing benefits, plus a gorgeous finish. I'm giving the Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil a well-deserved high score!