If you have ever felt overwhelmed by bright, opaque lipsticks that seem to take over your entire face, you are in the right place. I have spent years searching for that “your lips but better” look—the kind of color that makes you look healthy and awake without looking like you tried too hard. That is exactly where the Lakerain Almost Lipstick in Pink Honey comes in. It is a bit of a mystery in the tube because it looks quite dark, almost like a deep raisin or a bruised plum, but don’t let that scare you off. Once it touches your skin, it transforms into a sheer, beautiful wash of color that works with your natural tones.
In this guide, I am going to show you exactly how to use this moisturizing balm to get the best results. Whether you are heading to the office, the gym, or a casual coffee date, I will help you master the application so your lips stay hydrated and glowing all day long.
What You’ll Need
- Lakerain Almost Lipstick Pink Honey: The primary product for moisture and tint.
- A gentle lip scrub: Or even just a soft, damp washcloth.
- A mirror: Helpful for the first few times, though you’ll soon find you can apply this “blind.”
- Tissues: For light blotting if you prefer a more matte finish.
The product I used: available here.
Step 1: Prep your canvas
Before we even touch the lipstick tube, we need to make sure your lips are ready. Because this is a sheer formula, it has a tendency to settle into any dry patches or flakes on your lips. I learned this the hard way during a particularly cold winter morning. I was in a rush, swiped on my Pink Honey balm over dry, chapped lips, and instead of a smooth glow, I ended up with dark spots of pigment clinging to the dry skin. It wasn’t my best look!
To avoid this, take a damp washcloth and gently rub it over your lips in circular motions. This clears away dead skin cells and brings blood flow to the surface, which naturally plumps your lips. If you have a sugar scrub handy, that works even better. Just make sure your lips are clean and dry before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Understand the “Almost” effect
Take a look at the Lakerain tube. It looks dark, right? This is the most common concern people have when they first see it. Don’t worry if it looks like a deep berry color; the “Almost” in the name means it is almost a lipstick but functions more like a high-end tinted balm. It is packed with Candelilla Wax and Vitamin E, which give it that transparent quality. I like to think of it as a watercolor painting for your face rather than a heavy oil painting. It is meant to let your natural lip color peek through.
Step 3: The first swipe
Open the sleek metal tube and twist up just a small amount of the product—about a quarter of an inch is plenty. Start at the center of your bottom lip and swipe toward the corners. Repeat this on the top lip, following the natural curve of your cupid’s bow. You will notice immediately that the color isn’t nearly as dark as it appeared in the tube. It should look like a soft, healthy flush. This single layer is perfect for “no-makeup” days when you just want to look refreshed.
Step 4: Layering for depth
One of the best things about the Lakerain formula is how buildable it is. If you want a more “done” look for an evening event, you don’t need a different product. Simply wait about thirty seconds for the first layer to settle, then apply a second or third layer. Each pass adds a little more depth to the tint. I find that three swipes give me a beautiful “jammy” lip look that still looks incredibly natural. Because it’s so moisturizing, it won’t feel heavy or cakey no matter how much you add.
Step 5: Perfecting the edges
Since this is a transparent tint, you don’t usually need a lip liner. However, if you want your lips to look a bit more defined, you can use your finger to lightly tap the edges of the color into your skin. This creates a soft, blurred effect that is very popular right now. If you have naturally pale lip lines, you might like to use a nude liner first, then apply the Pink Honey balm right over the top. This gives the balm something to “grip” onto and helps the shape stay put for hours.
- Multitasker: In a pinch, you can dab a tiny bit of this balm onto the apples of your cheeks and blend it out with your fingers. It creates a dewy, coordinated blush look that perfectly matches your lips.
- Temperature Matters: If it’s very cold outside, the waxes in the balm might feel a bit stiff. I usually hold the tube in my palm for a minute to warm it up before applying; it makes the glide much smoother.
- The Overnight Hack: I sometimes apply a thick layer before bed. The Vitamin E works as a mask while I sleep, and I wake up with the softest lips and a tiny hint of color.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying over heavy matte products: This balm is designed to be sheer. If you try to put it over a thick, dry matte liquid lipstick, it will likely break down the color underneath and look messy. Use it on bare lips or over a light lip stain instead.
- Twisting the tube too high: The formula is very creamy and soft. If you twist the product up too far, you risk the stick snapping or hitting the side of the cap. Just a little bit at a time is the way to go.
- Forgetting to reapply after eating: While the moisture lasts a long time, the sheer tint will fade after a meal. Since the packaging is so portable and elegant, I keep mine in my pocket for quick touch-ups without even needing a mirror.
Expected Results & Timeline
The beauty of this product is the instant gratification it provides. The moment you apply it, your lips will feel significantly more hydrated and look noticeably brighter.
Immediately: You will see a soft, transparent pink-honey glow. Your lips will feel slippery (in a good way) and protected, thanks to the mineral oil and wax base. Any tight or dry feeling should vanish instantly.
After 2-4 Hours: The “glossy” finish may settle into a more satin sheen, but the hydration remains. Even as the shine wears off, the Vitamin E continues to nourish the skin. Unlike traditional lipsticks that can leave your lips feeling parched by lunch, this one keeps them supple.
Long-term (1-2 Weeks): If you use this daily as your primary lip product, you will likely notice that your lips stay smoother and flake less often. The consistent moisture from the Candelilla wax helps maintain the skin barrier, making your natural lips look better even when you aren’t wearing anything at all.
I hope this helps you feel confident using your new Pink Honey balm! It really is one of those versatile items that simplifies your routine. Don’t worry if the color looks different on you than it does on a friend; that is the whole point of a transparent formula. It reacts with your unique lip tone to create a shade that is truly yours. Enjoy that glow!
gotta find a cheaper dupe for this pink honey shade, it’s perfect for no-makeup days.
how long