Revlon Lacquer Balm in Enticing

Okay, despite the mixed reviews of this product from fellow blogging friends...I caved and bought the new Revlon Lacquer Balm in Enticing ($7).What? It was red...and shiny...and reminded me of Christmas. Guilty as charged.

I just couldn't resist the pretty display, and I chose Enticing, which I thought would look like the outside packaging.But in fact, it is much more subdued.

I like the way this smells/tastes. Kinda minty (think the Tarte lip crayons) and it feels nice going on the lips.

The red, however, is not very lacquer-ish or shiny. This is a plain ol' lip balm crayon in a subdued red. I am very sad the shimmer didn't translate well to the lip and I was hoping for a wow-finish (against my better sense, of course).

Oh Enticing, how you look so pretty and yet, very different from my expectations. 
But this isn't necessarily a bad thing!I am thinking this would be a good base for a lip gloss of a similar color...or maybe I can try it as a cheek stain? It slips around a little bit on my lips (making the wear 2 hours or less), but I do like the moisturizing feel.I recommend Enticing if you do not have something similar in your stash! Anyone else love/hate these?

Revlon Lacquer Balm in Enticing

Okay, despite the mixed reviews of this product from fellow blogging friends...I caved and bought the new Revlon Lacquer Balm in Enticing ($7). What? It was red...and shiny...and reminded me of Christmas. Guilty as charged.

I just couldn't resist the pretty display, and I chose Enticing, which I thought would look like the outside packaging. But in fact, it is much more subdued.

I like the way this smells/tastes. Kinda minty (think the Tarte lip crayons) and it feels nice going on the lips.

The red, however, is not very lacquer-ish or shiny. This is a plain ol' lip balm crayon in a subdued red. I am very sad the shimmer didn't translate well to the lip and I was hoping for a wow-finish (against my better sense, of course).

Oh Enticing, how you look so pretty and yet, very different from my expectations. 
But this isn't necessarily a bad thing! I am thinking this would be a good base for a lip gloss of a similar color...or maybe I can try it as a cheek stain? It slips around a little bit on my lips (making the wear 2 hours or less), but I do like the moisturizing feel. I recommend Enticing if you do not have something similar in your stash! Anyone else love/hate these?

NYX Butter Lip Balm in Red Velvet: Review and Swatches

I had so much love for NYX's Butter Lip Gloss, that when I saw the Butter Lip Balms, I had to try one. 

 For right around $4, NYX Butter Lip Balm is their version of Maybelline's Baby Lips. You know how I love Babylips, so how did this stack up? 

 In general, more of the Butter Lip Balm shades seem to be more pigmented than the Babylips original range. There is a lovely sweet smell (strawberries) to this and it is very moisturizing. Lasted about 3 hours on me and left my lips in good shape. The packaging is cute too, with the color tube indicating the color inside. *However, there is no SPF in this, so that is a drawback* 

 With Red Velvet you get a sheer wash of pretty red, nothing too crazy. I think these are right on par with Babylips minus the SPF. The formula is a little bit thicker (if that makes sense), but in some ways they are a bit more moisturizing. I will have to try out a few more before I would say I would convert, but it is a good cheap thrill! And cruelty free too! 

NYX Butter Lip Balm in Red Velvet: Review and Swatches

I had so much love for NYX's Butter Lip Gloss, that when I saw the Butter Lip Balms, I had to try one.  

  For right around $4, NYX Butter Lip Balm is their version of Maybelline's Baby Lips. You know how I love Babylips, so how did this stack up?  

  In general, more of the Butter Lip Balm shades seem to be more pigmented than the Babylips original range. There is a lovely sweet smell (strawberries) to this and it is very moisturizing. Lasted about 3 hours on me and left my lips in good shape. The packaging is cute too, with the color tube indicating the color inside. *However, there is no SPF in this, so that is a drawback*  

  With Red Velvet you get a sheer wash of pretty red, nothing too crazy. I think these are right on par with Babylips minus the SPF. The formula is a little bit thicker (if that makes sense), but in some ways they are a bit more moisturizing. I will have to try out a few more before I would say I would convert, but it is a good cheap thrill! And cruelty free too!  

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense: Mighty Maraschino

Clinique Chubby Stick balms are pretty amazing, but the Chubby Stick Intense takes it to a whole other level! 

 The Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Color Balm is not exceedingly new to the beauty scene, but I have heard raves about Mighty Maraschino, and being a red lip girl, had to try it! 

 One of the things I love about this product in general is that it is a twist up chubby pencil, making it very easy to define lips, especially with such an intense color.  

 This is described by Clinique as a "true classic red" and it falls, for me, on the average-above average range of opacity and honestly, leans a bit hot pink. This is shiny and moisturizing and for $16, you get a product that is good for your lips and hydrates them well. 

 

I love the feeling of this on my lips and the red is easier to wear than more matte versions. You can also dilute the intensity by patting it on with fingertips, and if red doesn't do it for you, the Intense line has 7 other gorgeous shades.

 

 

I reach for my Chubby Stick Intense often and it lasts as long as a gloss would, a few hours, but my lips always feel moisturized after!  Panda Approved. Have you tried any of the Chubby Stick Intense shades yet? 

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense: Mighty Maraschino

Clinique Chubby Stick balms are pretty amazing, but the Chubby Stick Intense takes it to a whole other level!  

  The Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Color Balm is not exceedingly new to the beauty scene, but I have heard raves about Mighty Maraschino, and being a red lip girl, had to try it!  

  One of the things I love about this product in general is that it is a twist up chubby pencil, making it very easy to define lips, especially with such an intense color.  

  This is described by Clinique as a "true classic red" and it falls, for me, on the average-above average range of opacity and honestly, leans a bit hot pink. This is shiny and moisturizing and for $16, you get a product that is good for your lips and hydrates them well.  

 

I love the feeling of this on my lips and the red is easier to wear than more matte versions. You can also dilute the intensity by patting it on with fingertips, and if red doesn't do it for you, the Intense line has 7 other gorgeous shades.

 

 

I reach for my Chubby Stick Intense often and it lasts as long as a gloss would, a few hours, but my lips always feel moisturized after!   Panda Approved.   Have you tried any of the Chubby Stick Intense shades yet?  

Sun Bum Lip Balm in Coconut

Sun Bum seems to be everywhere lately (you might spot it in Nordstrom's or the Roxy store) but I was first introduced to it on my trip to Maui.  If you haven't heard of them, Sun Bum is a smaller brand founded in 2010 and is Skin Cancer Foundation approved, which is awesome. Personally, I love their cool packaging and the smell of all of their products. 

 I decided to try out their SPF 30 balm, and have not been disappointed. This smells amazing---like real, fresh coconut. Nothing artificial here. It has the amazing SPF 30 and cocoa butter which makes it super emollient. It is also PBA free and they do not test on animals! 

 

I also think their monkey logo is adorable! This whole line has a crazy cool vibe that just makes me want to be at the beach. And I love that this markets to the crowd that wouldn't normally take care of their skin... like hey, you can be an awesome surfer and still stay skin-cancer free. Awesome.

 

 

For $3.99 they aren't the absolute cheapest balms, but it is really hard to find an SPF 30 balm, let alone one that smells this good. They have a ton more flavors on their website, so check them out!

 

Panda Approved for summer!

 

Sun Bum Lip Balm in Coconut

Sun Bum seems to be everywhere lately (you might spot it in Nordstrom's or the Roxy store) but I was first introduced to it on my trip to Maui.   If you haven't heard of them, Sun Bum is a smaller brand founded in 2010 and is Skin Cancer Foundation approved, which is awesome. Personally, I love their cool packaging and the smell of all of their products.  

  I decided to try out their SPF 30 balm, and have not been disappointed. This smells amazing---like real, fresh coconut. Nothing artificial here. It has the amazing SPF 30 and cocoa butter which makes it super emollient. It is also PBA free and they do not test on animals!  

 

I also think their monkey logo is adorable! This whole line has a crazy cool vibe that just makes me want to be at the beach. And I love that this markets to the crowd that wouldn't normally take care of their skin... like hey, you can be an awesome surfer and still stay skin-cancer free. Awesome.

 

 

For $3.99 they aren't the absolute cheapest balms, but it is really hard to find an SPF 30 balm, let alone one that smells this good. They have a ton more flavors on their website, so check them out!

 

Panda Approved for summer!

 

Dior Lip Glow Color Revive Lip Balm: Swatches and Review

Hello Pandas. Today I have something really special for you! A Dior Lip Balm!

This was a birthday present from my friend Ivy, and I have to say, she knows me well! I was so excited to get this little white bag! This is a very interesting product and I was so excited to try it out.

 

 

This is the Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Revive Balm ($31) and is a very sheer pink glossy balm housed in a gorgeous pink case. Dior says it is a "customized lip balm that enhances and embellishes the natural color of lips" This works with each person's unique chemistry to create a one of a kind flush.

 

It has wild mango and luffa cylindrica which are supposed to moisturize and cushion lips and make this long-lasting. It can also be used over any lip color to enhance it.

 

 

Products like this are such a treat! They are so luxurious, and even though this is a balm, it feels like so much more!

 

 

Even though you can see my camera and I, I just had to take a picture of every ounce of this packaging. So pretty.

 

 

Now, onto the product itself. Dior Lip Glow doesn't look like much, honestly. It almost looks like the jelly-ish L'Oreal balms. However, it applies like a hybrid gloss/lipstick instead of a balm and the color changing effect is immediate.

 

 

Here is one swipe of it in natural light and it doesn't look like much. I was starting to become saddened, but this is something that really only works its magic on lips.

 

 

There is a subtle shimmer to it that is much more pronounced on the swatches and not the lips. This does not wear for the "all day" claim that Dior insists upon, instead it hangs around for about 4 hours. It is sufficiently moisturizing, but I wouldn't say it will go as far as a traditional balm. The feel on the lips is slightly sticky at first, but it soon dissolves into an emollient shine. It truly is pretty, and easy!

 

 

This product made my bare lips look flawless! This is one simple swipe of the Lip Glow and it turned my more dusky pigmented lips into a pretty rose color instantly. It was so cool! My lips look hydrated and slightly plumper. This is a product that you can carry around with you and always know you will look polished but not too overdone with.

 

 

If you are a Dior fan, a fan of color-changing products, or are looking for a low-maintenance lip color, Lip Glow is for you!

 

Price: 6/10

Performance: 8/10
 

Color/Wearability: 10/10

Packaging: 10/10

Overall Quality: 9/10

Total: 43/50 = B = Pleased Panda

 

Honestly, the sheer expense of this for what it does hurt the overall score, but I still think it is a great product if you can afford it! Or as a treat!

 

Have you tried the Lip Glow?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dior Lip Glow Color Revive Lip Balm: Swatches and Review

Hello Pandas. Today I have something really special for you! A Dior Lip Balm!

This was a birthday present from my friend Ivy, and I have to say, she knows me well! I was so excited to get this little white bag! This is a very interesting product and I was so excited to try it out.

 

 

This is the Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Revive Balm ($31) and is a very sheer pink glossy balm housed in a gorgeous pink case. Dior says it is a "customized lip balm that enhances and embellishes the natural color of lips" This works with each person's unique chemistry to create a one of a kind flush.

 

It has wild mango and luffa cylindrica which are supposed to moisturize and cushion lips and make this long-lasting. It can also be used over any lip color to enhance it.

 

 

Products like this are such a treat! They are so luxurious, and even though this is a balm, it feels like so much more!

 

 

Even though you can see my camera and I, I just had to take a picture of every ounce of this packaging. So pretty.

 

 

Now, onto the product itself. Dior Lip Glow doesn't look like much, honestly. It almost looks like the jelly-ish L'Oreal balms. However, it applies like a hybrid gloss/lipstick instead of a balm and the color changing effect is immediate.

 

 

Here is one swipe of it in natural light and it doesn't look like much. I was starting to become saddened, but this is something that really only works its magic on lips.

 

 

There is a subtle shimmer to it that is much more pronounced on the swatches and not the lips. This does not wear for the "all day" claim that Dior insists upon, instead it hangs around for about 4 hours. It is sufficiently moisturizing, but I wouldn't say it will go as far as a traditional balm. The feel on the lips is slightly sticky at first, but it soon dissolves into an emollient shine. It truly is pretty, and easy!

 

 

This product made my bare lips look flawless! This is one simple swipe of the Lip Glow and it turned my more dusky pigmented lips into a pretty rose color instantly. It was so cool! My lips look hydrated and slightly plumper. This is a product that you can carry around with you and always know you will look polished but not too overdone with.

 

 

If you are a Dior fan, a fan of color-changing products, or are looking for a low-maintenance lip color, Lip Glow is for you!

 

Price: 6/10

Performance: 8/10
 

Color/Wearability: 10/10

Packaging: 10/10

Overall Quality: 9/10

Total: 43/50 = B = Pleased Panda

 

Honestly, the sheer expense of this for what it does hurt the overall score, but I still think it is a great product if you can afford it! Or as a treat!

 

Have you tried the Lip Glow?