Name: Fixing Tint Bar [04 Coral Rose]
Brand: ETUDE
Rating: 4.5 (2 reviews)

Etude's Fixing Tint Bar 04 Coral Rose is a pink-coral shade designed for deep undertones, which caught the attention of the personal color community as soon as it was released. As someone with a Light Spring complexion, I found the color to be vibrant without being overwhelming, making it appealing from the first test. The unique blend, reminiscent of 5 parts pink to 1 part coral, stands out in my collection and has become a go-to for daily wear. One of this product's greatest strengths is its pigmentation. A single, thin layer provides vivid color, and adding an extra swipe to the inner lips creates a flawless gradient. Unlike water tints, it doesn't smudge or leave patchy marks, making it user-friendly even for makeup beginners. I particularly love how it enhances the overall makeup look on days when I want a polished lip, defining the lip line and elevating the entire face. The texture is another highlight. It glides on like a creamy lip balm but sets to a semi-matte finish that's blurry yet not excessively dry. This feature really won me over. Many fully matte lip products can accentuate flakiness or cause cracking, making them impractical for daily use. The Fixing Tint Bar, however, has a unique texture that adheres comfortably to the lips while ensuring a secure fix, thanks to its creamy formulation. A third advantage is its minimal staining. Often, highly pigmented lip products leave behind stubborn color that's hard to remove or leave a lingering tint throughout the day. This product, possibly due to its semi-matte texture, offers strong color payoff without significant staining, making cleansing a breeze. This is particularly beneficial for those with sensitive skin or who like to change their lip color frequently. Lastly, its value for money and accessibility are major pluses. Priced at 16,000 won, it's more affordable than many high-end lip products, and it's often available at even lower prices during sales on platforms like Coupang. I've personally purchased it with my own money from Coupang and have used over five of these, which speaks to my high satisfaction. It's definitely a product I consistently repurchase.

However, like all products, Etude's Fixing Tint Bar 04 Coral Rose has its drawbacks. The most noticeable issue is how it can accentuate dead skin cells. While the formula is creamy and applies smoothly, once it sets, it forms a thin layer that can highlight any flaky areas on the lips. This is particularly problematic during seasonal changes when lips tend to be drier. Even with diligent lip balm application, dead skin cells can become more visible over time, meaning this product looks its best only when lips are thoroughly exfoliated. The rapid fixing time is another potential downside. Although the texture is soft, there's relatively little time for blending once it's on the lips. This can be challenging for those with slower application techniques or makeup novices, especially when trying to define lip lines. The quick-setting nature means that corrections often require removing and reapplying the product. It takes some practice to get used to the application process. Longevity is also a concern. While its semi-matte formula means minimal staining, it doesn't last as long as some water-based tints that fully set. Despite some reviews claiming it doesn't transfer easily to masks, in practice, it gradually fades from the center of the lips over time. It's particularly prone to wearing off after eating or drinking. Although touch-ups are easy, it's definitely a lip product you need to carry with you for long outings. Lastly, while the color is beautiful and well-suited for deep undertones, the pink undertone may be too pronounced for some skin tones, which could be polarizing. It works well for my Light Spring complexion, but on yellower skin tones, the pink might appear somewhat disconnected. Given its high pigmentation, if it doesn't match well, it can look unnatural. A color test is definitely recommended before purchasing.

This product applies much more beautifully when used on well-exfoliated lips. For best results, use a lip scrub or gel-type exfoliator to smooth the lips, then apply a thin layer of lip primer or moisturizing balm and let it absorb slightly before applying the tint. This method helps the product adhere without highlighting dead skin cells, creating a blurry, seamless finish. For a clean and natural-looking makeup, apply a thin layer all over the lips, then add an extra swipe to the inner part for a gradient effect. Given its quick-setting nature, the key is to apply small amounts at a time and blend quickly rather than trying to spread a large amount all at once.

Korean Reviews

Fixing Tint Bar [04 Coral Rose]

Reviews