I Tried the Ginger Sugar Melting Balm- Here’s What You Need to Know
I’ve always felt a little FOMO watching beauty influencers rave about luxe lip balms like MAC Glow Play Tender Talk and Huda Beauty Silk Balm. They look so glossy, balmy, and absolutely stunning, but let’s be honest, those price tags? Not so friendly on the wallet. As much as I admire their shine, I’ve never quite been able to justify spending that much on a single lip balm. That’s where Etude House comes in, a brand that never fails to charm me with its adorable packaging, playful shades, and skin-loving formulas. Everything they launch, from their cheek tints to blushes, pulls at my heart (and my purse strings!). So when they dropped their new Ginger Sugar Melting Balm, I was immediately intrigued. Looking for a hydrating, tinted balm that actually works? Read my full review of the ETUDE HOUSE Ginger Sugar Melting Balm.
It comes in five lovely shades, but the one that caught my eye was Soft Mauve, a color I never thought I’d pick. I mean, mauve has never even made it into my lipstick collection, let alone a balm. But something about this one spoke to me. Without hesitation (or guilt!), I ordered it from Nykaa for ₹800 after discount, still way more affordable than a MAC or Huda balm.
As a beauty blogger, it’s my responsibility (and joy!) to try new products and give you the real tea. So, of course, I had to test this one thoroughly before sharing my thoughts.
Spoiler: I’m glad I followed my instinct on this shade, it’s a pleasant surprise!
#First Impressions of Ginger Sugar Melting Balm:
The Ginger Sugar Melting Balm comes housed in a sleek, plastic twist-up tube that feels both practical and pretty classic Etude House charm. It’s compact, travel-friendly, and perfect for on-the-go touch-ups without any mess.
That said, there’s one small quirk with the packaging: once you twist the balm up, it doesn’t retract. So you’ll need to dispense just the amount you plan to use each time. Personally, I don’t find this to be a deal-breaker; it’s a minor trade-off for how smooth and satisfying the application feels. Overall, the design is thoughtful, cute, and totally in line with Etude’s playful, quality-driven vibe.
#Texture and Application:
True to its name, I found that the Ginger Sugar Melting Balm does melt the moment it touches my lips. It has this silky, buttery, balmy texture that glides on so smoothly, no tugging, no fuss. I could instantly tell it was made with low-melting-point ingredients such as shea butter, ginger root extracts, and rich oils because it just melts right in, almost like a lip butter but even softer. What I love most is that it gives a glossy finish without any of that sticky or heavy feeling. It feels so lightweight, I actually forget I’m wearing it half the time. It’s one of those balms that makes your lips feel pampered and look pretty all day long.
#Hydration and Moisturization:
One thing I absolutely love about this balm is how deeply hydrating and moisturizing it is. The moment I applied it, I could feel the moisture sinking in, not just sitting on top of my lips like some balms do. It’s packed with nourishing ingredients like ginger, sugar, shea butter, and a blend of soothing oils, and trust me, your lips feel the difference. Even on days when my lips were feeling dry or flaky, this balm came through. It forms a soft, comforting barrier that locks in hydration and keeps my lips feeling smooth and supple for hours. If you struggle with dryness or chapping, this could be your new go-to. It’s definitely become mine.
#Tint and Color Payoff:
This balm is available in multiple shades, including Fig Beige, Soft Mauve, Bare Peach, Peanut Butter, and Rosy Berry. The balm offers a range of options to suit various skin tones. The color payoff is impressive for a tinted balm. It provides a sheer yet noticeable tint that enhances the natural lip color. The shades are versatile, suitable for both casual and formal occasions. The shade I chose is Soft Mauve, is a perfect shade for Summer.
#Longevity and Wear:
In terms of wear time, I’d say the ETUDE HOUSE Ginger Sugar Melting Balm performs quite well, though it’s not the most long-lasting. The hydration lasts longer than the tint, and the glossy finish tends to fade after a few hours, especially if you’re eating or drinking (which I do a lot!). But honestly, I don’t mind reapplying it. The balm layers beautifully without ever feeling heavy or sticky, and its compact size makes it super convenient to toss in my bag for quick touch-ups on the go.
#Scent and Flavor:
One thing I really appreciate is the subtle scent, it’s light, slightly sweet, and doesn’t feel artificial at all. I’m pretty sensitive to strong fragrances, but this one is gentle enough that it never bothers me. There’s also no noticeable taste, which I love because it doesn’t interfere when I’m sipping coffee or snacking. Just smooth, comfortable wear all day.
#Overall Verdict:
After using this balm consistently for the past 2-3 months, I can confidently say it’s one of those little beauty finds that quietly earns a permanent spot in my routine. The melting texture feels like a treat every time I apply it, and the nourishing formula truly delivers on hydration. The bonus of a soft tint makes it a perfect two-in-one part skincare, part makeup. Sure, it may need a reapply or two throughout the day, but considering how comforting and flattering it is, I really don’t mind. If you’re looking for a tinted balm that actually cares for your lips, this one’s absolutely worth trying. I’ve already found myself reaching for it more than some of my high-end ones!
Also Read:
Top 10 SPF Lip Balms for Hot Weather to Protect Your Lips!
