I've noticed that many companies have come out with Tinted Balms. I really love them because they are so easy to handle. You don't have to be so meticulous about the shade, or application. No worrying about fading or smudging. They're perfect for day to complete your look or for lipstick beginners.
Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint is what launched my love of tinted balms The product itself has a light, refreshing peppermint smell. When you try it on your lips you know, this this is an actual balm. Not a waxy chap stick, I'm talking a luxurious lip balm that sinks into your lips and makes them feel amazing. As far as my rating for balms go, this is top of my list.
When I bought this in Moody, and found it too dark, I exchanged it for Enchanted, a rosy pink, and was soon wearing it daily. The color is a bright rose gloss on my lips and it stays for ages! The best part is layering the color. It's easy to go from a nice sheer gloss to really lovely bright pink lip that isn't too overpowering but just enough to make my teeth look whiter and make me feel more confident.
But be warned, this works like a stain. After taking it off it leave my lips a bright pink shade. The LipSurgence line also has an array of colors in a Matte and Luster.
At first I was hesitant to get this because of the $24 price tag. And I'm not allowed to use my coupons on Tarte?! Bunk! I thought, what if it ends up in my Lip Product of Doom Bag? But alas, I caved, and I never looked back. I've been using this product for 2 years and I love it every time. I've carried it through winter, through summer and even in India's heat. It has never melted,broken or changed colors. It's a really great quality product that will most likely be purchasing again.
Earlier this year I was in a cat eyeliner phase, and began scouring my backup makeup for more natural lip products to go with it. Turns out I don't own those. I wanted something with a matte or creme finish in a rose color, so I set out and came home with Pixi Tinted Brilliance Balm in Radiant Rose.
I use this quite a bit. I've also had no problems with it melting or changing colors on me. This balm is a more opaque color than the Tarte and goes on more like a sheer lipstick, so I can only layer it so much before it looks too Barbie pink on me. But with a light application, this is a great light rosy pink and has a classic creme lipstick finish. I can pair this well with more over the top eye makeup.
Like the Tarte, this too will stain your lips until you do a good amount of scrubbing. I still find the Tarte to be a better feeling lip balm, but this is also a great lip moisturizer. I gladly use this instead of my plain lip balms that float about my bag and life.
Recently, I came across the ad for Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain. I almost fell over trying to run out the door to get it. My local CVS finally put out the new display and even put out an In Store Manufacturer's Coupon for $1 off, that expires 9-30-2012. I picked up the Sweetheart shade, a bright fushia that I thought might be a good replacement for my Tarte Enchanted that is coming to a sad end.
Once I got the Just Bitten open, it had the familiar light peppermint smell. aahhhh... When I got it on my lips I could feel the balm part of the equation. Slick, effortless, soothing. It felt great. And then I noticed the INTENSE color. When they said stain they meant stain. This unassuming crayon was PACKED with really saturated color. After two strokes my lips were completely bright fushia! I was shocked. I was not expecting that. The way the stain looks in the ad on beautiful Emma Stone, bright and intense, is exactly how it comes out! The ad...was...correct?! My mind is blown.
I will definitely be trying out the other colors. Why oh why can't you have testers, drugstore?? At 8 bucks a pop (with $1 off coupon) it's a huge bargain in comparison to the Tarte, but it's arguably a completely different result. The Revlon's finish is a nice glossy sheen like the Tarte, but the color choices and intensity in completely different than the Tarte's sheer color building balm. The Pixi Balm is also more of an opaque lipstick texture than the Revlon, but unlike Tarte and Pixi, Revlon is the only one calling this a stain.
This stain wasn't what I was expecting but I am pleasantly surprised. But, it is definitely not a color replacement for Tarte Enchanted since it's far more of a fushia.
In the end, all 3 products have their advantages and disadvantages.
- Tarte is the glossiest and has the nicest feeling on the lip, also comes in different textures, but comes with a bigger price tag.
- Pixi has a nice classic lipstick texture with a more opaque color, but has a limited color choice.
- Revlon has a great price tag and great staining power, but the color might be just too intense for some if you're looking for an sheer tint.
All the tinted balms (or stains) have a place in my heart and makeup bag, but neither of them truly replace the other. I can't say one is the best since they each serve a very different purpose. I love them all and hope that all the companies keep these around for a long time because clearly, my make up stash isn't big enough.
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