I love lip products that look pretty but do not need a mirror, a liner and a whole moment to apply.

Some days I want lipstick. Other days I want something I can throw on in the car, at my desk or after coffee without worrying about it smudging everywhere.

The KIKO Milano Coloured Lip Balm looked like exactly that kind of product, so I tested the Vanilla shade for two weeks to see how it felt, how much colour it gave and whether it was actually useful or just cute in the tube.

This is my honest review.

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KIKO Milano Coloured Lip Balm is a pretty everyday tinted balm if you want soft shine, a comfortable feel and a hint of colour.

The Vanilla shade gave my lips a glossy, natural looking finish rather than strong pigment. It made my lips look smoother while I was wearing it, mostly because of the shine and moisture.

It is not a treatment for very dry or cracked lips, and the colour does not last for hours. But as an easy everyday balm, I liked it.

You can use my Lookfantastic lip makeup code LFTFNICOLAL for 20% off eligible products when accepted at checkout.

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Why I tried it

I wanted a lip product I could wear on casual days when lipstick felt like too much.

My lips were not badly dry when I started testing it, but they did need comfort. I also wanted something that would make my lips look a little more polished without feeling sticky or heavy.

Tinted lip balms can be brilliant when they get the balance right. Too sheer and they feel pointless. Too pigmented and they become lipstick with worse staying power.

So I wanted to see where this one sat.

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What is KIKO Milano Coloured Lip Balm?

KIKO Milano Coloured Lip Balm is a tinted lip balm designed to give lips a soft wash of colour with a moisturising feel.

It is not a full lipstick, and I do not think it is trying to be. It sits more in the easy lip colour category.

Think casual shine, quick application and comfortable wear rather than precise colour.

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Vanilla shade, texture and scent

I tested the Vanilla shade.

On my lips, it looked soft, glossy and natural. It did not give a dramatic colour change, but it made my lips look smoother and a little more finished.

The texture is smooth and balm like. It glides on easily and does not drag.

It has a sweet scent, which fits the Vanilla name. I did not find it overpowering, but if you dislike scented lip products, that is worth knowing.

It does not feel sticky on me. It feels more like a classic balm with a glossy finish.

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How I used it for two weeks

I used KIKO Milano Coloured Lip Balm on and off for two weeks.

I wore it:

On bare lips
Over lip liner
On no makeup days
With light everyday makeup
After coffee or lunch as a quick top up

I did not treat it like a long wear lip colour. I tested it as a throw in your bag balm that makes lips look better quickly.

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My two week wear test

Days 1 to 3

The first few days, I mainly wore it on bare lips.

It was easy to apply and made my lips look fresher straight away. The shine helped blur the look of dryness, but it did not feel like a heavy repairing balm.

I liked it most when I wanted my lips to look better without looking like I had made much effort.

Days 4 to 7

By the end of the first week, I started wearing it over lip liner.

This made it much more useful for me. The balm gave shine and comfort, while the liner added shape and colour.

On its own, Vanilla is quite soft. Over liner, it looked more polished.

It did need reapplying after drinks and food, but that is normal for this type of product.

Week 2

By the second week, I knew exactly when I would use it.

Not for a full glam makeup look. Not when I needed lipstick to last. But for everyday errands, school run style makeup, coffee days or quick touch ups, it was easy and flattering.

My lips felt comfortable while I was wearing it, and it did not leave them feeling drier afterwards.

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How long does the tint last?

Not very long.

The shine lasts longer than the actual tint, and both fade after eating or drinking.

I would expect to reapply it every couple of hours if you want the glossy look to stay fresh.

That does not bother me because it is a balm, not a lipstick. But if you want proper colour payoff and long wear, this is not the one.

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Is it sticky?

No, not on my lips.

It feels smooth and balm like rather than sticky or gloopy.

Hair can still catch in it slightly because it has a glossy finish, but it is nowhere near as sticky as a proper lip gloss.

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Can you wear it over lip liner?

Yes, and this is my favourite way to use it.

The Vanilla shade is quite soft on its own, so lip liner gives it more shape and definition.

I liked using a nude or pinky liner underneath, then applying the balm over the top for shine.

It makes it feel more like an easy glossy lip rather than just a tinted balm.

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Who is KIKO Milano Coloured Lip Balm best for?

I think you will like this if you want a low effort lip product that gives shine and comfort.

It is best for people who like natural looking makeup and do not mind reapplying.

I would look at it if your concerns are:

Dry looking lips
Wanting easy everyday colour
Not liking heavy lipstick
A glossy balm finish
Quick top ups
Wearing lip liner with balm

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Who might not love it?

You may not love this if you want strong pigment.

The Vanilla shade is subtle, so it may feel too sheer if you like bold colour.

You may also want something richer if your lips are very dry or cracked. This made my lips feel comfortable while I wore it, but I would not use it as my only lip treatment.

If you dislike scented balms, the sweet scent may not be for you.

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KIKO Milano Coloured Lip Balm vs Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm

Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm feels more natural and classic.

It is a good option if you want a simple tinted balm and prefer a more understated finish.

KIKO Milano Coloured Lip Balm feels glossier and a little more makeup like on my lips. It gives more shine and feels prettier for everyday makeup.

My simple take:

Choose Burt’s Bees if you want a more natural tinted balm.

Choose KIKO if you want a glossier, more polished look.

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KIKO Milano Coloured Lip Balm vs lipstick

This is much easier than lipstick, but it does not last like lipstick.

A lipstick gives more colour, more shape and more staying power. KIKO Milano Coloured Lip Balm gives comfort, shine and easy application.

I would choose this on casual days when I want my lips to look nice without thinking about it.

For evenings, photos or a proper makeup look, I would still choose lipstick or lip liner underneath.

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Is KIKO Milano Coloured Lip Balm worth it?

Yes, if you want an easy everyday tinted balm.

It is not revolutionary, but it is pretty, comfortable and simple to use.

I especially liked it over lip liner because it gave that soft glossy finish without feeling too sticky.

Before ordering, I would check the Lookfantastic lip balm offers because KIKO offers can change.

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Where to buy KIKO Milano Coloured Lip Balm in the UK

You can usually find KIKO Milano Coloured Lip Balm from KIKO Milano, Lookfantastic and selected beauty retailers.

Lookfantastic is my first place to check because my code LFTFNICOLAL gives 20% off eligible products when accepted at checkout.

If you are comparing lip makeup prices, it is also worth checking Sephora lip makeup savings before you buy.

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KIKO Milano discount code

The current KIKO Milano discount code I would try is:

LFTFNICOLAL

This gives 20% off eligible products at Lookfantastic when accepted at checkout.

Retailer exclusions can apply, so always check the basket before paying.

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FAQs

What is the best KIKO Milano discount code right now?

My current Lookfantastic code is LFTFNICOLAL, which gives 20% off eligible products when accepted at checkout.

Is KIKO Milano Coloured Lip Balm worth it?

Yes, if you want a comfortable tinted balm for everyday wear. It is not long wearing, but it is easy and pretty.

Is the Vanilla shade pigmented?

Not strongly. On my lips, Vanilla gave a soft glossy finish with subtle colour.

Is it sticky?

No. It felt smooth and balm like on me, not sticky.

How long does it last?

A couple of hours at most if you want the shine to stay fresh. It fades faster after food and drinks.

Does it dry out lips?

It did not dry out my lips during my test. My lips felt comfortable while I wore it.

Can you wear it over lip liner?

Yes, and I think it looks better that way if you want more definition.

Is it better than lipstick?

It depends what you want. It is easier and more comfortable than lipstick, but it does not give the same pigment or staying power.

Is it good for sensitive lips?

My lips got on well with it, but it is scented, so I would patch test if you are sensitive to fragranced lip products.

How does it compare to Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm?

Burt’s Bees feels more natural and understated. KIKO feels glossier and more makeup like.

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KIKO Milano Coloured Lip Balm is a pretty, easy lip product for everyday wear.

The Vanilla shade is soft and glossy rather than bold, and I liked it most over lip liner. It made my lips look smoother while I was wearing it and felt comfortable enough for regular top ups.

It is not a treatment balm and it does not last like lipstick, but that is not really the point.

For low effort glossy lips, it is lovely.

Final rating: 4.3/5

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For another lip product review, try my LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask post next.

If you are topping up your makeup bag, you can also check my Charlotte Tilbury lipstick deals page for current lipstick and makeup savings.

Do you prefer tinted lip balm or proper lipstick? Come and tell me on Instagram.

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Kisses, Nicola xxx

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