Maybelline "Grape Vine" Baby Lips Lip Balm Swatch + Review

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in "Grape Vine"

 After my raving review of the Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in "Quenched", it should come as no surprise to you that I went out and purchased a few more colors. This time, instead of going for the clear option, I decided to go for some shades that would be super moisturizing but give my lips a little color in the process. It's the best of both world, right? 

Maybelline Baby Lips in "Grape Vine"

Unfortunately the Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in "Grape Vine" was not all what I thought it would be. "Quenched" was super lightweight, ultra moisturizing, and smelled divine. "Grape Vine" on the other hand has a slightly heavier and waxier formula. And while the product feels nice on the lips, it isn't as moisturizing power hose. I find that after the product has worn off my lips are still chapped and I tend to reach for "Quenched" or Vaseline. But there is one thing, and one thing only, that has truly annoyed me about this product--the smell. It has the worst artificial grape scent. To be brutally honest, the smell makes me a little nauseous if I put it on too thickly because it is very potent.

Maybelline Baby Lips in "Grape Vine"

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in "Grape Vine"

Despite all of my complaints about the smell and formulation of this product, I have nothing but great things to say about how this product actually looks on the lips. It gives the most gorgeous but subtle wash of color. I like to wear the color on its own (when I know I will be spending a lot of time outside where the smell isn't as strong) but recently I've been carrying this color around with me throughout the day whenever I'm wearing a berry/deep pink lipstick. When my lipstick begins to fade and become patchy, I apply this over the top and it helps disguise any imperfections. I've especially been loving wearing it with the Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in "Hooked on Pink". 

Positives

-Beautiful glossy finish

-Subtle and natural hint of color 

-Bright and fun packaging
-Safety packaging to prevent tampering (unlike many Maybelline lip products)

Negatives

-Strong artificial grape smell

-Doesn't cure really chapped lips

In conclusion, I'm a bit disappointed. I wish this product was so much more. I wish the smell didn't remind me of grape children's cough syrup. I wish it didn't just feel moisturizing but actually cured chapped lips. I love the way it looks on the lips but there are quite a few factors that are preventing me from dubbing it product a holy grail product. I think there are hundreds of women who will love the Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in "Grape Vine" but I also know there will be just as many who will hate it or be on the fence (mostly because of that horrible smell). I hope this review will help you decided which category you'll fall into. 

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Revlon "Sweetheart" Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain Swatch + Review

Relvon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in "Sweetheart"

 I love the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains (even though it is literally the longest name for a beauty product ever) and I feel like I'm always talking about the shade "Honey". But today, I'm going to be talking about the shade "Sweetheart". I originally bought this color because I thought it was the color that Emma Stone was wearing in the Jut Bitten Kissable Balm Stain advertisements. Unfortunately, I was wrong. She was wearing the shade "Lovesick". But in my defense, the shades are very similar. 

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in "Sweetheart"

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in "Sweetheart"

 Before I get into my opinions on this particular shade, I'm going to do a quick summary of my thoughts about the Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains in general. These are the perfect hybrid (as the name would suggest) between a balm and a stain. They're ultra long lasting (especially the darker and bolder colors) but they're incredibly moisturizing on the lips. They come in an easy to use crayon and they're great to apply on the go. I can't get enough of these bad boys and I have then in at least six shades. They're fantastic!

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

 "Sweetheart" is a super bright, super bold fuchsia shade. I know that there are hundreds of women out there that love this shade but, for me personally, it isn't my cup of tea. I prefer to wear more neutral or plummy lipsticks. There is a very similar shade, "Lovesick", and it is slightly darker and slightly more purple and I think that it suits my skin tone a bit better. I'm not the biggest fan of this color but I wanted to do a swatch because I knew that a lot of my readers would love it. It's a gorgeous color but I don't think it's right for me. 

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in "Sweeatheart"

 Here is a swatch of the product on the lips. It's strange. I think it looks lovely here but I just feel uncomfortable wearing such a bold color in person. 

POSITIVES
-Great pigmentation

-Lasts all day and all night

-Moisturizing

-Price ($9)

-No sharpener need (product twists up)

-Fresh mint smell

NEGATIVES

-Fades unevenly 

In conclusion, I think the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains are fantastic. I can't wait to get my hands on more shades but this isn't one that I find incredibly flattering. The formulation is fantastic but this is probably the shade that I reach for the least. But please don't let my lack of enthusiasm for this color discourage you from going out and buying it. "Sweeheart" truly is a great product but it isn't for me. 

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MAC "Dame" Blush Swatch + Review

MAC Blush in "Dame"

I knew exactly what I wanted the first time I walked into a MAC store. I remember that I actually had a mental list of my must-have purchases and on that list was the MAC blush in "Dame". Unfortunately, they had sold out of "Dame" but the MAC girl recommended that I try "Well Dressed". Compared to "Well Dressed", "Dame" is a slightly darker and slightly plummier.

MAC Blush in "Dame"

"Dame" is a great everyday color for the entire year but especially for fall and winter. I still love my Sonia Kashuk blushes but the colors that I own are very bright, very summery. Sometimes its nice to go for a bit of an understated look. This blush is very buildable but its sheer enough that its something that you could apply without a mirror. Perfect for my hectic dorm life! In the time since I've gone back to school, I've seriously cut down on my makeup routine. I barely have time to eat much less apply a full face of makeup. But I will always have enough time for "Dame". 

MAC Blush in "Dame"

MAC Blush in "Dame"

Here is the blush swatched on the back of my hand. As you can see, it's quite sheer. This makes it a favorite for MAC starter kits and makeup newbies everywhere. However you can achieve a moderately bold look but it'll take quite a bit of work.

POSITIVES
-Sheer but buildable color
-Sleek and modern packaging


NEGATIVES
-Price ($21)

In conclusion, I'm a big fan of this blush. It's just so easy and so pretty. It gives a natural flush to the cheeks. The only downside is the price. Gosh. How did I justify spending $21 on a blush? I must be insane. But...at least I really, really love it. Right? At least I'm going to get a lot of bang for my buck. I own three other MAC blushes and I have yet to put a huge dent in any of them. Well, except for "Well Dressed" but that's only because I cracked it while I was traveling. So it's not quite the same thing. But maybe "Dame" will be the first. I wouldn't be surprised at the rate that I'm using this stuff. 

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Maybelline "Warm Me Up" Color Sensational Lipstick Swatch + Review

Maybelline Lipstick in "Warm Me Up"

During my trip to Portland back in August, I decided to splurge and picked up some makeup goodies from the drugstore. For the past two months I've been testing out the products and I'm finally ready to share my opinion. I'm going to start with one of my favorite Portland purchases, the Maybelline lipstick in the shade "Warm Me Up".  

Maybelline Lipstick in "Warm Me Up"

"Warm Me Up" is the first Color Sensational lipstick from the nude section. I normally gravitate towards deep plums or bright reds but I told myself that I had to be practical. So I searched for a color that was nude that wasn't too brown or too light or too pink. You know the drill. In the end I finally settled on this color and I think I made a great choice.  

Maybelline Lipstick in "Warm Me Up"

 "Warm Me Up" is a nude color with a slight berry undertone. It's very similar to my own lip color (probably only a shade or two darker) but when I wear it, the color just gives a nice sheen and color to my lips. It somehow just makes me makeup look a bit more complete. 

Maybelline Lipstick in "Warm Me Up"

Maybelline Lipstick in "Warm Me Up"

Here are the swatches of the product on the back of my hand and my lips. It's such a nice everyday color. There is no shimmer or glitter. Just a nice cream finish. I slap "Warm Me Up" on in the morning and then I can rush out the door. I don't have to worry about it smudging or fading unevenly. It's one of those nice your-lips-but-better lipsticks. It's just fantastic. 

POSITIVES
-Lovely everyday nude color

-Price ($6)

-Available at almost all major drugstores

-Smooth application

NEGATIVES

-Packaging

-Generic chemical smell

-No safety packaging in stores

-Finish of lipstick is not labelled on packaging

In conclusion, I love this lipstick. It's a lovely and effortless. Plus, it's available at the drugstore for around six dollars (depending on where you go). I do have some issues with the Maybelline Color Sensational range of lipsticks (click here to read a more detailed account about those issues) but I still enjoy the lipsticks enough to purchase them. I'm just wary about where and when I buy them. 

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MAC "Dark Side" Lipstick Swatch + Review

It's day two of my 13 Nights of Halloween series and I thought to myself this morning, what better beauty product to talk about than a lipstick called "Dark Side"? It was a match made in Halloween beauty heaven. This summer I jumped the gun a little early when I picked up this bold and very Fall lipstick back in July when I was visiting family in Hawaii. Yeah...I guess I was just really, really excited about Fall. 

MAC "Dark Side" Lipstick

 "Dark Side" is a super popular color both on and off the internet. Whenever I go to my MAC counter, the MAC girl always, always, always recommends this color. At first, I didn't even consider buying the color. It was SUPER intense and I didn't feel comfortable wearing something like that. But, as I've gotten more and more into makeup, I've become more and more adventurous.  And after watching countless beauty bloggers and YouTubers rock this color with confidence I began to wonder. Why not wear a super bold color? Who cares?

MAC "Dark Side" Lipstick

MAC "Dark Side" Lipstick Swatch

I will be the first to admit that the lipstick looks incredibly intimidating in the tube but it isn't quite so on the lips. It becomes a beautiful dark, purple-red color when applied. It is considered an Amplified Creme and has a super opaque but smooth formulation. On days when I don't want such an extreme look, I apply a light layer and it wears like a long lasting stain. "Dark Side" is a very popular shade but, as I've compared this lipstick to others in my collection, I've learned that it isn't very unique. I've compiled a list of a few drugstore dupes and, if you love this color but don't want to spend a lot of money, maybe wait and check out that post when I publish it in a few weeks. Maybe it'll be one of my posts for 13 Nights of Halloween? I don't know. Does it fit into the theme? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I'd love to know what you think. 

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First Impressions: Benefit "Primping with the Stars" Beauty Kit

Benefit Primping with the Stars Beauty Kit

This summer I made a bit of splurge. I went ahead and bought the Benefit Primping with the Stars Beauty Kit when I hit the Honolulu Sephora. Beauty confession time: I don't actually own any Benefit products. Shocking, I know! But I'm hoping that this kit will serve as an entry way drug into the wonderful world of Benefit goodies. 

Benefit Primping with the Stars Beauty Kit

Benefit Primping with the Stars Beauty Kit

The kit comes with six products. A mini tube of the Benefit They're Real! Mascara. A mini bottle of Benetint. A Benefit Some Kind of Gorgeous Concealer in Medium. A mini tube of Girl Meets Pearl  Highlighter. A mini tube of Porefessional Beauty Balm. And a mini Stay Don't Stray Primer. 

Benefit Primping with the Stars Beauty Kit

You also get a handy dandy guide on how to use all of the products. I haven't posted any reviews for any of these goodies but keep your eyes open for a few to be published in the upcoming weeks. There are a few gems but there were also a few products that I wasn't impressed with. 

The kit retails exclusively at Sephora for $32. Unfortunately, the kit only comes with a concealer in a medium shade. However, if you're interested in picking up a similar kit Benefit has a whole slew of kits available at Sephora. Personally, I have my eye on The Bronze of Champions Set next. These kits are a fantastic idea! Benefit products are so expensive that I always find it difficult to commit and purchase something that I might not like. These kits give me the best of both worlds. 

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Revlon "Not Just Nudes" Illuminance Creme Eye Shadow Quad Swatches + Review

Revlon Illuminance Cream Eye Shadow Quad in "Not Just Nudes"

 Another day, another review. I feel like all of my recent reviews have been products that were featured in my What's In My Travel Makeup Bag? post. Anyone else feel that way? But unfortunately (spoiler alert) this review does not end well. I wanted to like this eye shadow quad. I really did. But I just couldn't. 

Revlon Illuminance Cream Eye Shadow Quad in "Not Just Nudes"

 The Revlon Illuminance Cream Eye Shadow Quads are not a new release from Revlon. They've been out for a while but for some reason I was never drawn to them. Then, during my trip to Hawaii, Long's Drugs was having a sale on Revlon products and I was suddenly tempted to picked up a few of these palettes. I got one for everyday--"Not Just Nudes"--and one for a nice pop of color--"Wild Orchids". 

Revlon Illuminance Cream Eye Shadow Quad in "Not Just Nudes"

 The quad comes with a dark shimmery brown, a matte warm medium brown (sort of reminds me of Soft Brown eye shadow from MAC), a shimmery light champagne, and a matte cream. So, it's a nice balance of matte and shimmer colors. Smart move Revlon. 

Revlon Illuminance Cream Eye Shadow Quad in "Not Just Nudes"

Here are the colors swatched on the back of my hand. I was super impressed by the creaminess and blendibility of these shadows. Some of the shades (specifically the dark and medium brown) were a bit sheer when I first applied them but I found them to be very buildable. Applying these shadows was a piece of cake. However, it was later on in the day that I started to have problems. These colors crease like crazy. I tried wearing these shadows with a few primers (Benefit Stay Don't Stray and Urban Decay Primer Potion) but that didn't really seem to stop the problem. 

I found that these shadows don't ever truly set. So they stay creamy throughout the day and they shift and get smudged and crease. I have super oily eyelids and no matter what I did, I just couldn't get these shadows to last until lunchtime, much less all day. 

POSITIVES

-Creamy consistency

-Good pigmentation + blendibility

-Nice balance of shimmer and matte shadows

NEGATIVES

-Crease A LOT 

-Doesn't ever really set (stays creamy throughout the day)

The Revlon Illuminance Cream Eye Shadows have a lot of things going for it--they're creamy, they have good pigmenation, they're extreme easy to blend. But they are not going to last all day. They crease and they fade and they smudge. It's just a nightmare--especially if you have oily eye lids. 

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Sonia Kashuk "Sunset" Beautifying Blush Swatch + Review

Sonia Kashuk Blush in "Sunset"

 I'm back to rave about the Sonia Kashuk blushes. Surprise. Surprise. Earlier in the month I raved about the shade "Flushed" but today I'm dedicating my blog to the shimmery coral color aptly named "Sunset". It is super shimmery and super bold. But I am obsessed. Like the other Sonia Kashuk blush I tired, "Sunset" has a super soft and pigmented formulation. You only need the littlest bit of product but don't worry if you go overboard because it blends like a dream. 

Sonia Kashuk Blush in "Sunset"

I am still astounded that there isn't more talk about these blushes on YouTube or in the beauty blogging community. They're amazing! They're honestly the best drugstore blushes I've ever tried. It feels like a luxury product with its elegant packaging (it even has a magnet so the lid stays closed) but this blush retails for around nine dollars at Target. Isn't that insane? I just need them to come out with more shades because it'll only be a matter of time before I get every shade. 

Sonia Kashuk Blush in "Sunset" Swatch

Here is the blush once it is applied to the skin. The shimmer is still noticeable but it isn't disco ball crazy or anything. I'm normally not a big fan of super shimmery blushes but I found that I actually loved the look that the blush gave me. It gives the perfect summer glow to the cheeks and even though it's the end of September, I'm still obsessed with this shade. 

POSITIVES

-Soft and pigmented formula

-Easy to Blend

-Available at any Target

-Price ($9)

-Packaging

-Fantastic shades

NEGATIVES

-Small range of colors

In conclusion, I think that this color is phenomenal. It is the perfect coral blush for spring and summer but its one of those colors (that if worn in the right way) would look lovely in any season. I'm a big of these blushes and I definitely want to try more shades. 

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Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Concealer Review

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Concealer

If MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in "Soft and Gentle" is my new holy grail highlighter, then the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer is my new holy grail concealer. The price is fantastic and it covers my dark circles like a dream. Since I bought this product in early July, I've forgotten about all the concealers I've used in the past. It is easy to throw in your bag and reapply throughout the day--although I find that I don't need to on most days.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Conealer

The concealer comes with a sponge tip applicator. I was a little bit hesitant about this applicator because it seemed a little unsanitary but Maybelline claims that the sponge has been infused with anti-microbial system and doesn't require washing. I haven't noticed any evidence for or against the anti-aging claims but I've only been using it for two months or so.

I was talking to Tiffany from youtube.com/MakeupByTiffanyD on twitter and she recommended this concealer for dark under eye circles. And, of course she was right. I never go wrong when I listen to her. Tiffany knows her stuff.

POSITIVES
-Price ($8)
-Covers dark circles beautifully
-Doesn't crease
-Long lasting
-Easy application

NEGATIVES
-Narrow range of shades (none for darker skin tones)

In conclusion, I highly, highly recommend this product. Everyone is talking about it--and for good reason. I have never loved a drugstore concealer this much. I feel like my everyday makeup routine would be incomplete without this stuff. I will pass on Tiffany's great advice and say this: if under eye circles are a problem, pick up the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer. It is a creamy, non-creasing, full coverage concealer that won't break the bank.

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MAC "Pinch O' Peach" Blush Swatch + Review

MAC "Pinch O' Peach" 

Summer 2013 was the summer of the blush obsession. Summer 2012 was lips and Summer 2011 was MAC products in general but this past summer, without a doubt, was all about the cheeks. Last week I posted my review for the Sonia Kashuk blush in "Flushed" (spoiler alert: I really, really liked it) but this week I'm going to talk about a slightly more expensive blush. Allison from amarixe.com or youtube.com/amazrixe (I feel like I talk about her all the time on this blog. Oh, wait, that's because I am.) is a fellow blush lover and she is always talking about this MAC blush called "Pinch O' Peach". So, of course, I had to go out and check it out. 

MAC Blush in "Pinch O' Peach"

 There was one thing I know that EVERYONE must be thinking. If your name is "Pinch O' Peach" then why aren't you peach? Said in your best Karen from Mean Girls voice. Well, I don't have a great answer but I was thinking the same thing too. It isn't a peach color AT ALL. It's a lovely medium pink color. 

Although I did notice that after I got my blush back home it sort of started to change color a little bit--you can see it really clearly in the first picture. Those peachy-brown dots aren't just at the surface. It was something I also noticed when I was at two separate MAC counters during my visit to Hawaii. The color on the inside was a lighter pink but the color on the outer rim was the darker color you see above. Did anyone else have this problem? Or maybe it was just something to do with the Hawaii humidity? I don't know. If you have an answer, I'd love if you left it in a comment below.

MAC Blush in "Pinch O' Peach"

MAC Blush in "Pinch O' Peach" Swatch

"Pinch O' Peach", in addition to having an adorable name, is also one of MAC's Sheertone blushes. So although it might look a little intimidating in the pan, it is extremely easy to get a natural, no-makeup look with this product. Have no fear! It even looks really lovely on my sister who has very fair skin. IN the swatch above I worked really hard to pile on the product. I wanted to get a nice opaque swatch for my blog. 

POSITIVES

-Cute name

-Lovely, sheer color that is very buildable

-Sleek MAC packaging

NEGATIVES

-Price ($21 for 6 grams)

So, in conclusion, I really liked this blush from MAC. I'm more inclined to splurge on a blush because (in my experience) most drugstore blushes either don't have a wide range of colors to choose from or aren't very good quality. It wasn't quite what I was expecting but I was pleasantly surprised. It sort of reminds me of MAC "Lustering" lipstick in blush form. MAC "Pinch O' Peach" is a perfect color for summer.  

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Sonia Kashuk "Flushed" Beautifying Blush Swatch + Review

Sonia Kashuk Blush in "Flushed"

Why have I heard absolutely nothing about the Sonia Kashuk blushes? I've heard lots of things about the Sonia Kashuk eye makeup remover and about their concealer quads but absolutely nothing about their blushes--which is truly a pity. Because I hadn't heard anything about them I was a little hesitant when I picked them up. They're a little expensive for a drugstore product ($9) but they are easily some of the best blushes to be found at the drugstore. 

Sonia Kashuk Blush in "Flushed"

Every drugstore brand has a line of blushes but in my experience almost all of them have a hard formulation and poorly pigmentation. It's very frustrating for a blush junkie like myself.  But these blushes are super soft and apply like a dream. On my trip I bought two new MAC blushes but since I picked up two of the Sonia Kashuk blushes I haven't touched them. The MAC blushes are lovely but I prefer the formulation of the Sonia Kashuk blushes better. The shade range isn't very large with only six shades but I was very impressed by almost all of the colors in the range. 

Sonia Kashuk Blush in "Flushed" 

Here is an up close view of the product. You can't tell from any of my pictures but this blush has a bit of shimmer to it. It isn't obvious when you apply it to the face but it's certainly noticeable in the pan. Although, I noticed that the layer beneath the top layer is less shimmery. 

Sonia Kashuk Blush in "Flushed"

Here is the blush applied to my hand. It gives a lovely pop of color to the cheeks. If you blend it well, it just looks like a natural flush--making the name very appropriate. However, I should warn you to be very careful when applying the color. It's very pigmented and it's easy to apply too much by accident.

POSITIVES
-Soft and pigmented formula
-Easy to Blend
-Available at any Target
-Price ($9)
-Packaging
-Fantastic shades

NEGATIVES
-Small range of colors

In conclusion, I am a huge fan of the Sonia Kashuk blushes. I only own two shades--"Flushed" and "Sunset"--but they're both fantastic. I can't wait to try more. These are definitely the best drugstore blushes I've ever tried--hands down. Surprisingly, I actually prefer these to my more expensive blushes from MAC. Never thought I'd say that. Well done, Sonia Kashuk.

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MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in "Soft and Gentle" Swatch + Review

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in "Soft and Gentle"

Now that I'm back home from my vacation, I'm finally getting around to posting reviews about all the goodies I picked up. Keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming haul. I got a lot of good stuff but the MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in "Soft and Gentle" has me over the moon. It's official--I'm in love. Over the years of blogging I've heard people rave about this product but I never really gave it a second look whenever I was at the MAC counter because this stuff is super expensive! It costs $30 for 10 grams of product but it isn't a waste. This stuff is holy grail material. 

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in "Soft and Gentle"

But what makes it so special? One of the things that I absolutely love about this product is its opacity. A lot of champagne highlight colors are a bit sheer and require a bit of work to get enough product on the face. Also, this shade blends beautifully. It's a fantastic color for the inner corner or on the brown bone or one the cheeks--it looks fantastic everywhere and anywhere. I know the price seems a bit insane (I don't know what compelled me to purchase it in the first place) but there is enough product to last ages. 

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in "Soft and Gentle"

Here is a up close look at the products. Isn't it simple gorgeous? It's the most beautiful shimmery nude, champagne color. There is a reason that everyone and their mother raves about this stuff. 

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in "Soft and Gentle"

This is the product applied rather heavily on the skin. It looks a bit intimidating but when applied to the skin with a light hand, it adds a gorgeous subtle shimmery glow to the face. 

POSITIVES

-Beautiful shimmery champagne color

-Versatile (works as an eye shadow and highlighter)

-Lots of product (30 grams)

-Sleek packaging

NEGATIVES
-Price ($30)

In conclusion, the MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in "Soft and Gentle" is an expensive purchase but if you have a little extra money and are looking to splurge, I can't recommend it enough. It is a blogger favorite for a reason and I know (as much as it would hurt my wallet) that when I run out, I'm going to have to rush out and repurchase. I don't think my makeup routine would be complete without it. 

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Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm Swatches, Photos, + Review

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm: Quenched, Pink Wink, Grape Vine, and Pink Punch

I think I went a little overboard. After I bought (and became obsessed) with the Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in "Quenched", I knew I wanted more colors. I've done reviews for "Pink Wink" and "Pink Punch" (go check them out) and my review for "Grape Vine" will be up soon but I really wanted to talk about the Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm line as a whole. 

Maybelline Baby Lips: Quenched, Pink Wink, Grape Vine, and Pink Punch

Maybelline Baby Lips

As I have mentioned in all of my past reviews, I think the packaging of the Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balms is fantastic! It's eye-catching, young, bright, playful, and (probably the most significant) it's like nothing else on the market. Each flavor has a different color and they're all so bright (perfect to bright a little light into the upcoming gloomy months as we begin to transition in fall). But my love for the Maybelline Baby Lips isn't pure superficial, I also am in love with the product's formula. Unlike the eos lip balms (which I still use and love), the Baby Lips have a silkier and less waxy consistency. "Quenched", especially, is a chapped lips savior. I need it with me at all times. 

Maybelline Baby Lips: Quenched, Pink Wink, Grape Vine, and Pink Punch

But the Baby Lips aren't just a fantastic lip balm. As you can see from the swatches on my arm, a lot of the flavors are pretty pigmented for a tinted lip balm. "Pink Punch" especially is impressive. It is easily the most pigmented shade I own but "Grape Vine" gives the lips a beautiful, but subtle, purple sheen. "Grape Vine" would easily be my favorite if it didn't have a horrible, horrible medicine grape smell (Maybelline what were you thinking?). It looks gorgeous on the lips and if you can get past the scent, I think it is well worth your money. "Quenched" is another favorite. It doesn't give the lips any color but it is uber moisturizing. If you are looking for a powerful lip balm, pick it up.

Positives
-Bright and youthful packaging
-Price (under $3.00)
-Less waxy than other lip balms
-Wide range of colors

Negatives
-Inversely proportionate relationship between pigmentation and moisturizing power

In conclusion, I think the Baby Lips live up the hype. They're a great tinted lip balm but be aware that the product's pigmentation and moisturizing power are inversely proportionate. If a shade is more pigmented, then they tend to be a little waxier and less moisturizing. The reverse is also true. But, as whole, I was not disappointed with these products. They're a great alternative to eos lip balms (waxier and heavier formulation), softlips (all smell like mint and have tingling sensation), and Burt's Bees (waxier and heavier formulation) with the added bonus of a light wash of color--depending on which flavor you choose.

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