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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Maybelline "Pink Wink" Baby Lips Lip Balm Swatch + Review

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in "Pink Wink"

Happy August everyone! I can't believe that it's already August. It's crazy. But to start off the new month, I thought I would blog about a product that I absolutely loved in July. I'm sure since I've talked about how much I love the Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in the flavors "Quenched" and "Pink Punch",  that it should come as no surprise that I'm also a big fan of the flavor "Pink Wink". I accidentally left "Quenched" in the car on the way to the airport so I've had to rely on "Pink Wink" to keep my lips moisturized. 

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in "Pink Wink"

"Pink Wink" is the middle ground between "Quenched" and "Pink Punch" in terms of formulation and pigmentation. "Quenched" is super moisturizing due to its very light formulation. "Pink Punch" will keep your lips moisturized but it has a heavier formulation and in my experience I've found that it isn't as effective. "Pink Wink" is somewhere in the middle. "Pink Punch" is a true tinted lip balm, "Quenched" gives the lips no extra color, and "Pink Wink" is somewhere in between. 

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in "Pink Wink"

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in "Pink Wink"

Positives
-Fun and youthful packaging
-Fruity smell
-Fantastic price ($3.99)

Negatives 
-Not very pigmented (can look washed out)

As you can see, "Pink Wink" is not very pigmented. It gives a subtle wash of color to the lips but not much else. I am hesitant to call this product a tinted lip balm because the color is so hard to see. Out of the four Baby Lips that I own, "Pink Wink" is easily my least favorite when it comes to color. In certain lighting the color can make me look a little washed out. I don't know if I would recommend it to people with medium or olive skin tones based solely on the color of the product. But while it may not pack a huge punch in the pigmentation department, this stuff does a really great job of keeping your lips soft and smooth. It's a nice alternative to "Quenched" which is my favorite flavor. Plus, this stuff smells amazing. I can't get enough of the fruity smell. Yum!

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Maybelline "Pink Punch" Baby Lips Lip Balm Swatch + Review

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in "Pink Punch"

It's only the second month of summer but I'm already feeling the heat--and so are my lips. I recently wrote a blog post about my love for the new Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in "Quenched". It was only a matter of time before I found myself purchasing the rest of the shades in the range. "Pink Punch" is a lovely medium bubble gum pink. The formulation is a little thicker and waxier than "Quenched" but it does a great job of balancing color and moisture. 

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in "Pink Punch"

The shade "Pink Punch" comes in a bubble gum pink tube that matches the product in the bullet and bright yellow writing on the cap. The Baby Lip line is easily one of the most eye-catching and best designed ranges at the drugstore. The packaging is a well balanced mix of youthful, fresh, and modern elements. Added bonus: the bright colors makes it easier to find at the bottom of a messy handbag or in the crevices of a cluttered car. 

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in "Pink Punch"

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in "Pink Punch"

As you can see from the swatches above, "Pink Punch" is actually pretty pigmented for a tinted lip balm. If you want an even bolder pop of color, heat the product under a blow dryer for a few seconds or leave it in the car on a warm day before application. "Pink Punch" is a fantastic for days when you want a low-maintenance flush of color on the lips. Like "Quenched", "Pink Punch" smell is divine. It is a fresh fruity scent that is potent without being obnoxious. Out of all the Baby Lips I've tried, "Pink Punch" is the most pigmented but it is also the heaviest. Unlike "Quenched" which was extremely lightweight, "Pink Punch" has a slightly waxier formulation. It is about on par to the feel of the EOS lip balms.

Positives
-Highly pigmented
-Fun and youthful packaging
-Fruity smell
-Fantastic price ($3.99)

Negatives 
-Slightly waxier formulation + not as moisturizing as other shades

In conclusion, the Maybelline Baby Lips very much so deserve all the hype they've been receiving since their release. "Pink Punch" is less moisturizing than the other shades I've tried from the Baby Lips range but it is also the most pigmented. It will keep your lips moisturized but you'll probably have to reapply more frequently. But in all honesty, I think it's a fair trade off. "Pink Punch" is a no-fuss-no-muss product--just swipe in on your lips and head out the door. It's the perfect product for a busy girl on the go who wants an effortless hint of color. But if you're looking for a product that will revamp your lips and help restore them to a state of ulta softness, check out "Quenched". As I said in that review, your lips will thank you.

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Maybelline "Quenched" Baby Lips Lip Balm Swatch + Review

Maybelline Baby Lips in "Quenched"

I finally got on the bandwagon. I know. I know. Everyone has been talking about the Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balms and I was never really interested. I had my eos lip balm. I didn't think I needed another. But clearly, I was wrong. I still like the eos lip balms but they tend to feel heavy and waxy on the lips. On the other hand, the Maybelline Baby Lips are so smooth and lightweight. They're also SUPER moisturizing. These bad boys will turn chapped lips into smooth lips in a matter of a few applications--no problem. 

Maybelline Baby Lips in "Quenched"

Unlike the other Maybelline Baby Lips, "Quenched" is completely clear. There really was no reason for me to post a swatch but as a beauty blogger I wanted to be thorough. Plus, taking pictures of swatches is one of my favorite parts of being a beauty blogger. Even when I have to stand outside in abnormally cold and windy weather.

Maybelline Baby Lips in "Quenched"

Here is what the lip balm looks like on the lips. As I said earlier, it is completely clear but it does give your lips a lovely sheen/gloss. I am officially obsessed with this product and I cannot recommend it more! I have tried a few of the other Maybelline Baby Lips but I wasn't as impressed. Check out "Quenched" if you are looking for an easy and powerful lip balm. Your chapped lips will thank you.

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CoverGirl LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm Swatches, Photos, + Reviews

CoverGirl LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm: Ballet Twist, Blush Twist,  Watermelon Twist, Coral Twist

After much internal debate and two trips to the drugstore, I finally come to a consensus about the CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balms. In the end I've realized that these products are a frustrating mix of good and bag. I know that might seem anti-climatic but I find that these products can be extremely underwhelming (see my review of "Ballet Twist" and "Coral Twist") or pleasantly surprising (see my review of "Watermelon Twist" and "Blush Twist"). They are extremely hit or miss which makes me hesitant to recommend them as a range.

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm: Ballet Twist, Blush Twist, Watermelon Twist, Coral Twist

I will first address my complaints before getting to my compliments. First, these products are poorly named. I own four out of the sixteen shades and none of them are what I would consider to be a gloss or a balm. They have a lovely sheen when applied to the lips but I would compare the look to a lustre or stain finish--not a gloss. Also, these are called gloss balms which (at least for me personally) induces imagery of an insanely moisturizing product. Who needs their Vaseline or EOS lip balms anymore? This is supposed to be a two in one product ..right? Well...not really. While they do apply smoothly to the lips and they do feel quite moisturizing, don't throw out your lip balm anytime soon. And in my experience, some colors ("Ballet Twist" and "Coral Twist") seem to emphasize the appearance of dry lips rather than fix the problem.

Second, the color pay-off doesn't quite match the caps or even the product in the tube. It isn't a big deal but it is something that is a bit annoying when I was picking out colors to buy. This was especially a problem with  "Ballet Twist" which I thought was a baby pink but ended up being a true nude color. Like I said earlier, it isn't a big problem but it is something to be aware of when shopping.

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm: Ballet Twist, Blush Twist, Watermelon Twist, Coral Twist

Third, the lasting power of these products is not impressive. The sheen will wear off around an hour (sooner if you eat shortly after application) and the color wear off, on average, around one hour. Some of the darker colors ("Coral Twist") can last around three but it does not fade very gracefully (making my lips look patchy and chapped--which is never a good look). "Ballet Twist" lasted for a significantly less amount of time but it still left my lips feeling and looking dry. To be fair, I had no problems with "Watermelon Twist" or "Blush Twist". They faded beautifully and were just fantastic products to wear on an everyday basis.

Fourth, the inconsistency of these products. As I mentioned above, I had very different experiences with each of the shades that I bought. Some I loved, some I hated. This made it extremely hard for me to come to a consensus on the range. It was really hit or miss.

Now onto the things I liked about the products. I love the jumbo lipstick pencils. I think they're so easy to use and can sometimes give consumers better application control than a normal lipstick. And while they weren't glossy balms, they applied smoothly and easily to the lips.

I think that these Jumbo Gloss Balms are an okay product. There is nothing terrible about them but I think some of the shades aren't ideal for the lives of many working women. They aren't long lasting or highly pigmented. In the end, I  think are plenty of products on the market that are better than the CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balms. If you are looking for long-lasting and high pigmentation  check out the CoverGirl LipPerfection Lipsticks. They are fantastic products at a great price. If you are looking for a moisturizing lipstick (without a long shelf life) try a Revlon Lip Butter or a L'oreal Colour Riche Caresse Lipstick. Both feel amazing on the lips but the Lip Butter is very opaque while the L'oreal Lipstick has a very sheer finish.

If you still want to buy a Jumbo Gloss Balm despite reading this review--go for it! These are by no means a horrible product. Like I said at the beginning of the review, these are average products. Some of the shades are fantastic ("Watermelon Twist" or "Blush Twist") but some I regretted buying ("Ballet Twist" or "Coral Twist"). I will not be buying more of products from this range unless I read an excellent review on a specific color from someone that I really trust.

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CoverGirl "Blush Twist" Jumbo Gloss Balm Swatch + Review

In the past I've said some pretty harsh things about a few of the colors in this range. Need proof? Just check out my reviews for the shades "Ballet Twist" and "Coral Twist" and "Watermelon Twist". But this particular color has me swooning. It would be a wonderful addition to a lot of women's everyday makeup bag.

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in "Blush Twist"

"Blush Twist" is a soft, delicate, baby pink. Like all of the Jumbo Gloss Balms I've tried, the color swatched on the skin doesn't quite match the color in the tube or on the cap. It isn't glossy (the finish is more akin to a satin or lustre) and I wouldn't recommend using this product to replace your lip balm...I still love it. The formulation isn't very pigmented but it applies smoothly and easily to the lips. It is just an effortless product. 

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in "Blush Twist"

For the last week this product has been a staple in my purse.This is something that I can apply without thinking and I don't have to worry about what it'll look like as it fades. Unfortunately, it does not have the best lasting power (somewhere around one hour). It is something to wear when you have time for touch up--so I probably wouldn't wear it if I knew I was going to have a long day at school or work. In conclusion, not all of the colors from this range are fantastic but this one is better than others. 

CoverGirl "Coral Twist" Jumbo Gloss Balm Swatch + Review

A few weeks ago I reviewed two of the new CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balms in the shades "Ballet Twist" and "Watermelon Twist". I was torn about my overall opinion of the range--I liked "Watermelon Twist" but was unimpressed with "Ballet Twist". And so, because I have no self-control whenever I walk into a Target, I bought two more shades so that I could further flesh out my opinion. 

My thoughts on the packaging have not changed. It is nice but nothing special (but that is just my humble opinion). 

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in "Coral Twist"

Here is the color swatched on the back of my hand. It is a lovely bright coral color--perfect for spring and summer. It applies easily but it is neither a gloss nor a balm. I talked about this in my past reviews but the finish on this lip product is more similar to a satin or luster. And while it feels moisturizing on the lips, I would never describe it as a balm. The title is very misleading and, quite frankly, I'm disappointed with CoverGirl. 

But that being said, after trying out four shades from this range, I have to admit that I do like the formulation. And I'm not alone because I have heard a lot of great things about these bad boys all over the internet. However, the colors are very hit or miss. "Watermelon Twist" and "Blush Twist are perfect colors for everyday wear. But "Ballet Twist" was too light and while "Coral Twist" is a lovely shade when I first apply, it quickly becomes a bit of a mess. 

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in "Coral Twist"

As you can see in the swatch above, the product likes to collect in the crevices of my lips--and unfortunately, accentuating any dryness in the process. It is noticeable at first (unless you look really, really close) but with "Coral Twist" and "Ballet Twist", these colors fade in such a patchy, ungraceful manner and in the end the collection of the product in my lip crevices become very noticeable. And as a result, my lips look very dry. The drying effect can be avoided if  you moisturizing thoroughly before applying. It will also be less of a problem as the temperature warms up during the hot summer months. But still, I can't help but be disappointed. This is supposed to be a product that is effortlessly moisturizing--a lip color and lip balm in one product. I haven't found this to be much a problem when I wear either "Watermelon Twist" or "Blush Twist".

The lasting power of the Jumbo Gloss Balm range isn't impressive. The satin-like sheen disappears well within the hour mark and the product is literally undetectable by hour three. I will not be repurchasing this shade but there are other shades from the range that I really love. These Jumbo Gloss Balms are a bit hit or miss--so I recommend that you do your research before buying one. 

CoverGirl "Watermelon Twist" Jumbo Gloss Balm Swatch + Review

After being so disappointed the new CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in "Ballet Twist", my hopes were not high when I started using the shade, "Watermelon Twist". But let me begin this review by saying that I was pleasantly surprised. Maybe I judged the range too harshly by assuming that all of the other colors were like "Ballet Twist". I will probably go out in the near future and pick up a few more colors. Then, I can finally be sure of my opinion of the CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balms because, right now, I'm a little torn.

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in "Watermelon Twist"

Unfortunately, like "Ballet Twist", the color in the tube looks significantly different than what the product looks like swatched on the skin. But despite that fact, I ended up loving this product. I was a bit disappointed that this product didn't quite qualify as either a gloss or a blam but once I got past my initial disappointment, I was happy to see that instead it was a lightweight lip product that fit effortlessly into my everyday life. 

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in "Watermelon Twist"

"Watermelon Twist" is a lovely medium-pink color. It is a great everyday color. Unlike "Ballet Twist", it doesn't make my lips look overly chapped or have the frosty finish that was a little off putting under certain lighting. The lasting power isn't magnificent (three hours max) but it fades evenly and beautifully throughout the day. The color is very subtle, making it wonderful shade for women looking for a "no-makeup

 makeup look.

This is a product that is so easy to apply that reapplication doesn't really feel like a hassle. It's a perfect product to throw in your purse. I know that this shade in particular has been receiving a ton of love on the internet and I can definitely understand why. But as much as I love this particular color, I'm hesitant to give the range a rave review. I will reserve my final judgement until I have tried more colors. But I will say that "Watermelon Twist" is a winner. 

CoverGirl "Ballet Twist" Jumbo Gloss Balm Swatch + Review

After receiving a decent amount of hype on the internet, I finally went out and purchased one of the new CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balms. I picked up two shades--"Ballet Twist" and "Watermelon Twist". From the color of the cap I assumed that "Ballet Twist" would be a subtle baby pink color but as I would find out after swatching it on my hand and then my lips, it is actually more of a shimmery nude.

Many people have been comparing this product to the Revlon Just Bitten Balm Stains or the Tarte LipSurgance Lip Tints (because they look similar) but these comparisons couldn't be more misleading. The Revlon Stains are just that--stains. They are smooth and pigmented and last for hours. These CoverGirl Balms are not meant to stain the skin and have a much shorter wear time (1-2 hours). The Tarte LipSurgance Lip Tints are highly pigmented and uber moisturizing. They also have a longer wear time than the CoverGirl Balms but their luxurious quality is heavily reflected in the price tag. If you are expecting your CoverGirl Balm to be similar to either of these products, you will be disappointed.

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in "Ballet Twist" 

Here is the color swatched on my hand. It is almost impossible to see. I have a light-medium complexion and  I don't think the color would be very flattering (or show up) on skin tones much darker than mine.

The CoverGirl packaging is getting a thumbs down from me. It is packaged very similarly to the Clinique Chubby Sticks, Tarte LipSurgance Lip Tints, and the Revlon Just Bitten Balm Stains but I find that the dark purple/black color scheme isn't very flattering. It looks and feels cheap. I've also read a lot of reviews on the internet with consumers having problems with the product breaking and falling out the tube. I dropped my Jumbo Gloss Balm on the bathroom floor mat one morning and the same thing happened to me. I originally thought it was just an accident but after reading about so many other women having similar experiences, I'm beginning to believe it might be a design flaw on the part of CoverGirl.

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in "Ballet Twist" 

Here is the color swatched on my lips. "Ballet Twist" is averagely pigmented. It is not very buildable but it does make my lips a lovely shimmer nude color. Even after three weeks of testing out this lip color, I am still a bit torn. I like the way it looks on my lips. It is more lightweight than my other nude lipsticks (Revlon "Nude Attitude" or MAC "Myth") and it also has a subtle sheen (and thus I don't feel like I have to wear a lip gloss every time).

But at the same time this isn't the product that I thought I was buying from CoverGirl. This is not a gloss or a balm. It feels like any other moisturizing drugstore lipstick (although maybe a tad bit lighter) and while it does have a sheen to it, the end result is more similar to a luster finish lipstick than anything else. Maybe my expectations were too high ( I was hoping for a drugstore equivalent to the Tarte LipSurgance LIp Tints) but I was doomed to be disappointed. It is a nice product (I'm not trying to say that it is horrible and no one should buy it) but I'm disappointed that CoverGirl is not making it easier for their consumers to pick out makeup products by naming them appropriately. These probably should have been called CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Luster Lipstick Pencils--or something like that. I'm not in marketing or advertising, so please don't judge too harshly.

In conclusion, the CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in "Ballet Twist" is an okay product. It is not a true balm or a true gloss but it is a nice nude lipstick for everyday wear (although, beware, it can look a little frosty in certain light). It isn't very buildable and as a result might not show up on people with darker skin tones.