Review: Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals Pop of Passion Lip Oil-Balm Punch Pop

I was super excited that the Bare Escentuals Lip-Oil Balms were available during ULTA's 20% discount code as while the balms are fairly reasonably priced for a prestige brand, 20% off is always better! I picked up the color Punch Pop, even though I had anticipated getting a color that leaned a bit more on the berry side. Nonetheless, I was super excited to try it!

The packaging is something that I honestly think BE or Bare Minerals, whatever they are calling themselves these days, could have been a little better. It is a fairly standard plastic case, with what appears to be metal where the balm actually comes out, but it is very lightweight. More lightweight than some of the drugstore products, and considering it's $16 - well they could have made it a tiny bit more weighty, or maybe a twist top, or something different than what you'd expect at the drugstore.

Punch Pop seems to transform the more layers you add. Left to right, we have 1 swipe, 2 swipes, 3 swipes and 4 swipes. Honestly, I don't think I could have handled applying 4 different layers of this product on my lips as it would have certainly bleeded through my lip line.

This is how one application looks on my lips, but your mileage may vary as my lips tend to be on the pigmented side, so I'm getting a slightly brighter color than the hand swatches would suggest.

I applied this on lips that had no prior moisturizer, but that weren't obviously dry or cracked. What I got as it continued to wear was that either it found dry pieces to flake off and remain on my lips (which isn't particularly flattering), or the formula has an issue where the pigment doesn't meld well with the actual oils after it's been heated on the lips' surface. I don't know which of these it is, but by hour 2 I felt I had a bunch of glitter between my lips which isn't exactly the intent of a moisturizing lip balm product. I don't know if anyone else has had this situation before or if my lips are especially sensitive, but I'm sad that mine is going back to the store (and I couldn't remove it fast enough).

Ingredients:

Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Poly(C20-28 Olefin), Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Isopropyl Palmitate, Hydroxystearic Acid, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol. May Contain (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491,Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Red 6 (Ci 15850), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Red 27 (Ci 45410), Red 28 Lake (Ci 45410), Red 22 Lake (Ci 45380).

Review: the lip slip by sara happ one luxe balm

I don't know what I was thinking when I bought this. I'm not partial to potted balms, though I've grown quite enamored with the nuxe one (I've worn it every night for weeks now and made a significant dip in the pot). But surely a company solely known for their lip exfoliation and balm products would be even superior. And then there's this nagging feeling that I should try new things, even if they are $24 potted balms. The balm smells like what you would imagine rose cake to smell like and it's tastes a bit sweet. It's sheer pink and it has fine shimmers in it which aren't obvious on the lips, nor can you feel them in between your lips as with some shimmery glosses.

As far as the ingredients are concerned, it has your standard mineral oil, beeswax and sweet almond and jojoba oil for moisture. While I found this slightly moisturizing, it's not really balmy in texture, it's more of a gloss and a slightly sticky one at that. It's best for throwing on during the day but since it's potted, it hasn't gotten a lot of use from me and it's not really moisturizing for night time. I'm pretty underwhelmed with this but I wanted to mention it so you fabulous people wouldn't bear the same misfortune I have with my poor purchase.

ingredients: Polybutene, Mineral Oil, Beeswax, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Tocopherol Acetate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Polydecene, Silica Tin Oxide, Flavor, Saccharin

Review: Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips

In one of my recent Birchbox (referral link) orders, I received a "pick two" which included the Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips. If you purchase $35 or more in the Birchbox (referral link) shop, you can add a "pick two" of sample sized products. Since the full size of this product is about half an ounce, this .1oz sample size is actually pretty generous (full size is $14.50). Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips is medical grade lanolin so it's more cost effective to buy this type of product made for nursing mothers (for example, CVS has a 2oz tube for $7.99 - 4x the amount and half the price). However, the packaging is too cute and it was free with my order so I'm not complaining.

It's a standard squeeze tube but has no applicator so it requires using fingers. I found it was decent in moisturizing my lips but I don't find it as moisturizing long-term as some of my favorite balms (still left me a bit dry in the morning when used at night). It's thick and doesn't spread super easily but becomes a bit thinner with the warmth of the lips. I wouldn't repurchase but I'll definitely use this sample up.

Disclosure: Referral link.

Review: Nuxe Reve De Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm

Oh Nuxe! I so wanted to love your Reve de Miel. I tried the stick version and just wasn't impressed. Then I ordered the pot and even though I hate pots, I thought - "ok, now it'll wow me". Well, it's good, don't get me wrong. It comes in a frosted glass jar which is very elegant and it makes my lips feel moisturized in the morning, but it's in a pot. And that means I need to stick my finger (or designated non grimy object) into it to apply. And well, that means I only really get to use it at night or on the weekends (since I'm too rushed to do it in the morning - my own fault of course) and I don't get home until late (darn you DC traffic).

So it's good, yes. And you can get it for less expensive on international sites like feel unique ($15.68 btw) but I wish Nuxe would put this formula in the tube. I mean, it can't be that hard, right?

 

I may re-buy, but not because I enjoy using potted balms!

*tip: Make sure to really rub it in upon application like you would a lip scrub

Review: Sircuit Skin Cosmeceuticals Choc Lip Chocolate Moisturizing Lip Balm

I've been a fan of the Sircuit Skin Cosmeceuticals line for sometime now and a few months ago, this popped up as a Bloom bonus so I quickly added it to my order. The Sircuit Skin Cosmeceuticals Choc Lip Chocolate Moisturizing Lip Balm is your standard lip balm twist up packaging. It comes with .15oz of product and retails for $7.50. It has a nice short ingredients list, convenient see through packaging (is it weird that this is the major selling point for me?), and smells like cocoa butter.

Sircuit Skin Cosmeceuticals describes it as an "intensely moisturizing and emollient lip balm" which "restores silky softness while helping to prevent dry, chapped lips". It is very emollient and quite soft. I actually prefer my lip balms a bit more waxy than this but it isn't a bad one. I always find that with new balms, I need to use them a few times as like them more as time goes on. While I wouldn't go out of my way to repurchase this one, I have few complaints. Major selling points again for the clear packaging so I can see how much is left!

Ingredients: Sunflower Oil (Helianthis Annus), Beeswax (Cera Alba), Coconut (Cocus Nucifera) Oil, Chocolate Flavor Oil, Vanilla (Vanilla Planifolia) Extract, Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis), Tocopherol (Vitamin E).

As an aside, did I mention I'm done with my graduate program, you may now all call me Jeweled Thumb, MS ;)

Review: Nuxe Reve De Miel Lip Moisturizing Stick

I recently purchased the Nuxe Reve De Miel Moisturizing Stick and was really excited to try it out. I've heard a lot of great things about the Nuxe line and have also purchased the pot version of the lip moisturizer to try. I'll cut right to the point and say that I was not impressed with the stick version. It's in a lipstick type of tube and is a bit hard but does melt into the lips eventually. I found it moisturized my lips while it was on, but the minute the balm wears off, it's almost as though I had never applied it. After wearing it overnight, my lips didn't have the same level of moisture I usually get from some of my other lip favorites. It smells like chocolate oranges which is light and nice. After purchasing it, I've read quite a few reviews indicating that the pot version is significantly better than the stick so I hope I'll have better luck with that. At $9.50 for .14oz it's a little too pricey to be just OK.

Ingredients: Octyldodecanol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Polyethylene, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Oryza Sativa Cera Bran Wax (Rice), Cera Alba (Beeswax), Glyceryl Dibehenate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides, Jojoba Esters, Tribehenin, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Sunflower Oil/Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Glyceryl Behenate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Extract, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Hordeum Vulgare Cera/Spent Grain Wax, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Mel/Honey, PEG 8, Aqua (Water), Citric Acid, Limonene, Citral, Linalool, Geraniol

Lip Balm Battle: Fresh vs Jane Iredale vs Blistex

I'd heard for months that the Blistex Complete Moisture lip balm was awesome and very similar to the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15. You may remember that I discovered a dupe for the Fresh in the Jane Iredale Lip Drink Lip Balm which I discovered last year and have since been through a couple tubes.

Let's start with the price and size:
.15oz Blistex Complete Moisture $3 (currently on sale at Walgreens 2/$3.00)
.18oz Jane Iredale Lip Drink $12
.15oz Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment $22.50 (mini pictured)

All 3 balms contain an SPF of 15.

The Blistex Complete Moisture has far more slip than the Jane Iredale or the Fresh. I prefer my lip balms to have more weight which usually results in more longevity. The Blistex is moisturizing from the start but tends to wear off fairly quickly. Both the Fresh and the Jane Iredale last on the lips a bit more; though some people would be unhappy with the slightly waxier texture. Obviously, the Blistex is the cheapest of the lot and can be easily gotten at the drugstore; however, the only thing I find similar about the Blistex to the others is the scent, which is spot on, and the fact the product has an SPF.

There's a reason I splurge on the Jane Iredale (I no longer buy full sizes of the Fresh). I can slather it on at night and wake up in the morning with soft, moisturized lips. If I apply it during the day, I don't have to reapply every 15 minutes and I know it is keeping my lips protected from the sun. I've heard complaints regarding the slightly thicker consistency and that these waxier balms leave a white cast but it isn't an issue on my pigmented lips.

So, the results of my 'battle'?

Jane Iredale definitely wins in my book. The Fresh is definitely a luxury item and fun to own at least once and the Blistex smells nice but doesn't do the job quite as well for me.

I'd love to hear your thoughts if you've owned one or all of these!

The Body Shop Born Lippy Sticks

I've been shopping at The Body Shop since I was in middle school and as far back as I can remember, the Born Lippy line came in a pot. I'm not a huge fan of potted lip balms as some of you may know and I was browsing in my local store and happened upon their new Born Lippy Sticks. They are currently on sale in for 2 for $10 and I had a Living Social deal expiring so I took the plunge. I bought the Plum and Strawberry flavors. These remind me of the Maybelline Baby Lips but these are a bit more moisturizing for me and they smell divine.

Strawberry (left) is basically clear though the packaging and balm color is more of a light pink not the orange shown but Plum actually has a bit of pigment. The Pomegranate color is similarly pigmented to the Plum one but I preferred the smell of the Strawberry flavor.

These are pretty nice and I'm quite happy that they've finally come out with some fun stick lip balms. The skincare lines have their own stick balms but not in as many fun flavors as the Born Lippy line (though I do find those more moisturizing)!

Have you checked these out yet?

Ingredient list for Plum:  Ricinus Communis Seed Oil/Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil (Emollient), Octyldodecanol (Emollient), Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate (Skin Conditioning Agent/Emollient), Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil/Meadowfoam (Limnanthes Alba) Seed Oil (Skin Conditioning Agent), Sorbitan Olivate (Emulsifying Agent), Candelilla Cera/Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Cire de candelilla (Stabiliser), Cera Alba/Beeswax/Cire d’abeille (Emulsifier/Emollient), Glycerin (Humectant), Parfum/Fragrance (Fragrance), Aqua/Water/Eau (Solvent/Diluent), Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire de carnauba (Stabiliser/Viscosity Modifier), Synthetic Wax (Binder/Emollient), Tocopheryl Acetate (Antioxidant), Octocrylene (Sunscreen), Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil (Skin Conditioning Agent), Ammonium Glycyrrhizate (Flavour), Caprylyl Glycol (Skin Conditioning Agent), Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract (Humectant), Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil/Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (Emollient), Olea Europaea Fruit Extract/Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Polygonum Cuspidatum Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract/Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Sodium Phytate (Chelating Agent), Homosalate (Sunscreen), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Sunscreen), Limonene (Fragrance Ingredient), Sodium Citrate (pH Adjuster), Alumina (Bulking Agent), Triethoxycaprylylsilane (Binder), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), CI 77891/Titanium Dioxide (Colour), CI 45410/Red 28 Lake (Colour), CI 15850/Red 7 Lake (Colour), CI 77499/Iron Oxides (Colour), CI 42090/Blue 1 Lake (Colour).

Review: Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm

The last time I went to Sephora, I picked this lip balm up. I had been wanting to try it for some time as so many bloggers rave about it, but I've always hesitated. I selected the Black Tea & Raspberry scent because it seemed pleasant. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balms contain an SPF of 25 and come in a standard squeeze tube with .25oz of product for $7.50. The Jack Black line is marketed towards men but I think the offering of different flavors appeals to women.

Given it's praise, I was a bit disappointed when I used this. It is your typical clear, slightly thick clear gel - it reminds me of a slightly thicker Vaseline. I don't find this moisturizes my lips though it doesn't make them peel or get super dry. I think I might be sensitive to one of the ingredients as it makes my lips tingle slightly when I use it. If I put this on moisturized lips it does nothing and if I put it on dry peeled lips it does nothing. Basically, I don't see what all the fuss is about but it could be due to an ingredient sensitivity. The one thing I do like is the scent as it smells like Raspberry Snapple Iced Tea.

As seldom as I return, I think this is going back.

Ingredients: Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.5%, Avobenzone 3.0%.

Other Ingredients: Shea Butter (butyrospermum Parkii Fruit), Avocado (Persea Gratissima) Oil, Ribes Nigrum (Black Current) Seed Oil, Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) Leaf Extract, Tocopeheryl Acetate (vitamin E).

Review: Yes To Carrots C Me Smile Lip Butter Melon

I mentioned that as part of my Bloom Bonus, I received a full retail size of the Yes To Carrots C Me Smile Lip Butter in the Melon flavor. Yes To Carrots is a line that is all natural and for the most part organic. Even though I haven't had the best of luck with the range, I was excited to try this lip butter and even happier that it came free with my order.

This is aptly named a lip butter as it is thinner and slightly more oily than other lip balms on the market. I prefer my balms on the waxier side (not like rubbing a candle all over your lips but thick enough that they stay put). I find the thinner the balm, the easier it rubs off and the less it truly moisturizes for me. This is so thin and even slathering it on overnight, my lips were dry and flaky in the morning. The scent is really nice but I use lip balm to moisturize my lips, not dry them out!

Kind of disappointing as the natural ingredients and the very reasonable price were quite attractive. One day I'm going to figure out which ingredient(s) just don't work for me so I can stop being disappointed and just buy what I know will already work. Until then, you all will get the reviews, the good and the bad.

Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Organic Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Organic Cera Alba (Beeswax), Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Flavor, Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Organic Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E), Organic Linalool, Organic Limonene, Organic Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract, Organic Cucumis Melo Cantalupensis (Melon) Seed Extract, Organic Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Extract, Organic Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Organic Citral, Organic Geraniol, Organic Eugenol

Review: Jouer Lip Enhancer Conditioning Lip Treatment

As you may remember, the Jouer Lip Enhancer Conditioning Lip Treatment was one of the items in my September Birchbox. I like to call myself a lip balm connoisseur so I was definitely happy this was included in the box. At $14 for .33oz it's on the higher priced end of lip treatments but it's comparably priced to the Caudalie or the Jan Iredale (actually it contains almost twice the product as both these twist up versions so it's a better value).  The texture of this manages to be thin but not greasy. It almost has a dry texture which is unusual for a tube lip product. Like some of my comparisons, this makes an excellent lipstick base. It has a very slight rose scent that is far from overpowering and doesn't bother my sensitive nose.

I don't find that this plumps my lips like it claims though if I concentrate really hard, I think I can feel a very slight tingle, but I don't consider my lips thin to begin with. It's a pleasant product but I'll admit, I prefer twist up application methods (even though you typically get less balm for the price) and I don't feel as though this is as moisturizing as some of the other balms I've mentioned. Either way, I was definitely happy to try it out and will happily use up my tube!
 
Ingredients:
POLYISOBUTENE, OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL, OZOKERITE, BEESWAX (CERA ALBA), BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA BUTTER), RICINUS COMMUNIS (CASTOR) SEED OIL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE, ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, TRIBEHENIN, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, PALMITOYL OLIGOPEPTIDE, ISOPROPYLPARABEN, ISOBUTYLPARABEN, BUTYLPARABEN, FLAVOR (AROMA). MAY CONTAIN (+/-): TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, 77492, 77499), RED 7 LAKE (CI 15850), YELLOW 5 LAKE (CI 19140)

Review: Caudalie Lip Conditioner

I don't quite recall how I got my hands on this product, but I decided to give the Jane Iredale one a rest and use up some of the other lip balms in my lip balm drawer. This one caught my eye with the simple tube and the easy lipstick-like application. Caudalie is a natural line of products found at Sephora and other boutiques and department stores. The line draws from the benefits of grape-based products, specifically grape seed variations as a substitute for some of the more harsh chemical products out there. The Caudalie Lip Conditioner has grape seed oil and grape seed extracts to moisturize the lips.

I am actually really pleased with this product. It's quite hard in the tube but once you apply it, it smooths right on and isn't waxy. However, it stops from being slippery or oily. It a great consistency and I find it very moisturizing. The bullet shaped product makes application very easy and the top makes a little click when you put it on so you don't fear the container will open up in your bag.

I think it smells like grapes but my husband claims it smells like a bakery? Either way, it is a soft non-offensive smell that is pleasant and not super strong.

The tube comes with 4g and retails for $12 which a bit expensive but I actually think it's worth it, especially if you can manage to get this in the sets that Caudalie puts out during the holiday season which are always a good value or during a percent off sale. I'd repurchase.




INGREDIENTS : HELIANTHUS ANNUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL*, RICINUS COMMUNIS (CASTOR) SEED OIL*, CERA ALBA (BEESWAX), ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) BRAN WAX*, CETYL PALMITATE*, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA BUTTER) EXTRACT*, COPERNICA CERIFERA (CARNAUBA) WAX*, EUPHORBIA CERIFERA (CANDELILLA) WAX*, VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED OIL*, CETEARYL ALCOHOL*, CETYL ALCOHOL*, PALMITIC ACID*, STEARIC ACID*, HYDROGENATED STEARYL OLIVE ESTERS*, PRUNUS ARMENIACA (APRICOT) KERNEL OIL*, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), PALMITOYL GRAPE SEED EXTRACT*, HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL*, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE*, AMMONIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE*, GLYCERYL OLEATE, TOCOPHEROL, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, CITRIC ACID.
* Plant origin

Disclosure: Shopsense platform utilized.

Review: Qtica Intense Repair Lip Balm

A few months ago, Zoya was offering some sort of promotion on their Qtica brand Intense Lip Repair Balm. So as a lip balm connoisseur, I decided to take the plunge. With a first ingredient of Lanolin, I was super excited to be trying out this lip balm...

Ok, I really can't beat around the bush with you guys.

I hate this.

In fact, I think I might be allergic to one of the ingredients cause just as I put it on, my tongue starts to tingle. That can't be good, right? This causes my lips to dry out more if that's even possible. The menthol gives a tingly sensation which for me is not comforting in the slightest. The only time it feels moisturizing is after the first 2 minutes or so, after that it balls up on the lips, causes them to get dry and flaky and then well, I've mentioned the tingling tongue action.

Basically, this is a pass for me and though it pains me to say it, I'm throwing out my tube.

Don't waste your (oh dear lord, $12 dollars?!)

Ingredients: LANOLIN, WATER' CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, BEESWAX, GLYCERIN, SORBITAN SESQUIOLEATE, MENTHOL, CAMPHOR, SODIUM BORATE, PANTHENOL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, LAURETH-4, BHA, ALOE VERA GEL, RETINYL PALMITATE, CORN OIL

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Dupe

I've long been a fan of the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment but not the price. At $22.50 for .15oz of product it's a little much for my wallet for as much lip balm as I go through. As you may recall, I was introduced to a site called Bloom Circle (actually by a facebook ad, not PR) and they were running a promotion that I couldn't refuse and I made an order. When I made my first order, I picked up the Jane Iredale Lip Drink Lip balm.

Similar sleek packaging, same lemon smell, same SPF 15, slightly bigger and about half the price. I don't have a Fresh lip balm in my stash right now to compare, but this is very moisturizing and a similar texture and $11.50 for .18oz. I prefer the thin, slightly lighter metal sleek blue Jane Iredale tube to the massive heavy copper tube from Fresh and will be purchasing this from now on.

Even though this isn't a "drugstore dupe", it's a huge savings! 

A plus, till April 22nd, Bloom Circle is giving you $4 Bloom Bucks per written review (up to $20 Bloom Bucks you can redeem for product) and you get 10% back on all your purchases. They are continuing to add brands and it looks like they are going to start carrying more fragrances, including Viktor & Rolf. Maybe I'll save my bucks and get a proper bottle of Flowerbomb!


ingredients
Zinc Oxide 8%. Ingredients: Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Beeswax, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sunflower Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Carnauba Wax, Candelilla Wax, Jojoba Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Lemon Peel Oil, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate.

Disclosure: This post includes my referral to Bloom Circle. If you sign up through my link, I'll receive $10 in Bloom Bucks when/if you make your first purchase.

Review: Pangea Organics Pyrenees Lavender with Cardamom Lipcare

A few months ago, I picked up this lip balm at Beauty Express, which is a store similar to Trade Secrets at my local-ish outlet mall (yes the same one with the CCO). These sticks usually retail for $12 but I managed to pick this up for only $3 so I figured it was worth a try. I recently finished the Cocoa Butter Care Stick from The Body Shop so I switched to another lip balm in my arsenal/collection/obsession pile.

Pangea Organics is a natural line of mostly skincare and bath & body items. The brown eco-chic packaging is simple but smart. I find the line pretty pricey, $14 for hand soap? $12 for lipbalm? Organic or not, you'd be hard pressed to find me paying that kind of cash on a regular basis.

Even with the $12 price tag, this lip balm packs a hefty size. The tube is .25oz (for reference my TBS balm is .15oz). It's your typical plastic packaging but the twist to lift the product is at the top. I find the texture of this has slightly more slip, but it's not oily like some balms. The beeswax (note to vegans... not vegan) gives it enough firmness so that it doesn't melt or slide all over your lips.

The "flavor" I have, the lavender cardamom is very soothing with a little bit of spice. It's a great slather at bedtime type of balm and my lips are moisturized and smooth the next morning.

Would I buy again? Sephora recently had this on special of the week for $6 which I'd definitely pay, but I highly doubt I'd pay full price. Maybe with Friends & Family or other discount code but as a regular thing (though how often do I really re buy lip balms with any regularity since I have so many!) it just seem too high. When I can get multiple tubes at the drugstore for less, or the ELF sticks (which are fab by the way) for a buck it seems silly to spend $12 on a tube of special smelling chapstick.

Review: Dylan's Candy Bar Lip Saver Coconut Bon Bon

This was another one of those products I bought from Sephora to get to $50 for free shipping. I wasn't expecting to like this at all to be quite honest, but since I'm a well known lip balm connoisseur, I had to try it. The line has gone on clearance and the lip savers are now $4 instead of the $8 retail (which is honestly way too much for an unknown low-mid end brand).

The clear balm comes in a little plastic .71oz jar that twists open. By now, you all should remember my dislike for potted balms, but even though it is potted, I apply the balm directly to my lips from the jar just like the One balm.

The texture of this is kind of a gel. It's quite hard and you can't really press your finger into the product, which I like and makes it perfect to apply from the container. It smells like candied coconut and not as fake as I was expecting (my only complaint is it has a slightly bitter taste - it doesn't taste like it smells). Maybe my super low expectations for this product impacted my review but it's not bad! It's moisturizing, it smells good, it's cheap(er) and it made me not have to pay shipping on Sephora's site. What could be better? Haha, anyhow...

Have you tried any of the Dylan's Candy Bar products or thinking of it before they leave Sephora forever? I'm not going to be trying anything else from the line but I'll certainly use this up, more like if I ever use this up, since I seem to be incapable of using up anything.

Review: Estee Lauder Lip Conditioner SPF 15

I apologize in advance for the stock picture. I've been trying out this lip balm for about a week and wanted to share my thoughts. Estee Lauder is a brand that normally markets to more mature ladies though recently, they've used the blogosphere to attract a different audience. I'm honestly not sure how this made its way into my stash because I don't remember purchasing it; maybe a swap extra? Either way, rambling aside, I've been using this for about a week.

Now you all know how much I love my Woody's Citrus Ice lip balm, which I actually finished. If not, let me remind you. Well, this stuff is pretty decent as well, however, I don't feel it moisturizes nearly as well as the Woody's. If my lips are already hydrated, it does a fairly decent job of keeping them that way, but if I apply on dry flaky lips, it doesn't do the heavy duty hydrating job that the Woody's does. It does have a similar texture, a bit of slip, but more on the thick creamy side (which I prefer - and makes it ideal to double as a lipstick base). Since it comes in a lipstick tube, it has the harder texture and isn't mushy. I've found that this has kept its shape in my purse even after standing around waiting for the commuter train in the heat. And, even though it's in that tell tale signature gold case, I don't feel negative about pulling it out in public, in fact, I quite enjoy it! It's quite heavy substantial and luxe.

There's no obvious scent to the product though you get a bit of an SPF aftertaste in your mouth after application (or perhaps it's the shea butter?). The Estee Lauder Lip Conditioner SPF 15 retails for $16.50 and comes in a .13oz/3.8g stick.

I'm not sure I'll repurchase but I'll use up this tube.

Have you tried the Estee Lauder Lip Conditioner? What are your thoughts on the product?