An Editor’s Review of the Rhode Peptide Lip Tint (with Pics!) – ryan

First impressions: The packaging was very sleek and simple, and honestly felt very true to Rhode. Each lip tint tube is coordinated to match every shade offered. I purchased espresso, which is described as a rich brown, and peach pit, which comes off as a warm peachy pink. From the box to my fingertips, the lip tint’s slim profile felt perfectly sized in my hand. I would say it’s around the same size as the Summer Fridays lip balm but a bit shorter in stature. Upon first swipe, the texture felt more like a chapstick, but held the sheen and shine of a lip gloss or lip oil. My lips felt softer and nourished within minutes. Espresso is more suited to my skin tone, so I only noticed a slight tint, even with an extra layer. Peach pit, which the brand no longer offers, showed up as a sheer, warm pale pink on my lips, and I would have to add a lip liner if I layered on any more. During my tests of the two shades, I actually paired them with the Rhode peptide lip shape in the shade flexa neutral dark brown, to see the difference with and without a liner. Rhode actually recommends for customers to apply the tint over a lip liner, and I wholeheartedly agree. A bit of added dimension on the lips goes a long way.

As promised, the tint is unscented, unlike their original untinted peptide treatment, which comes in scents ranging from a cake-like vanilla to a refreshing watermelon. The one gripe I did have with the tint was hard to shake off. After days of grabbing and swiping and loving the lip tint, things took a turn. And if you already own the lippie, then you know what I’m referring to—the graininess. Yes, graininess. At first, I couldn’t believe what I was feeling. It felt as if I had forgotten to wipe the post-breakfast crumbs off my lips before applying or a pesky stray hair had flown into my gloss, creating that uncomfortable feeling of chasing a ghost we all know and loathe. But after phoning a friend who also purchased the lip tint and wouldn’t stop raving about it, she revealed hers was grainy as well, but it didn’t deter her at all. Unfortunately, I can’t relate. There are lots of things I love to pair with a great gloss, and texture isn’t one of them.