Revlon Balm Stain: UPDATED

Ladies!  This is the product I've been waiting for- I love my Clinique Chubby Sticks (keep your eyes out for an updated review of these tomorrow) and my Tarte Lipsurgence, but I have been waiting to get my hands on one of the Revlon Balm Stains!  They run around $9-10 depending on where you shop.  I picked mine up at Walgreens and tried the shade Lovesick.

Lovesick:

Here is a picture of this product on my lips RIGHT after applying it.  The crayon-like applicator reminds me exactly of a Tarte Lipsurgence or a Clinique Chubby Stick.  It has the same minty fresh tingle that the Lipsurgence has, and it was a pleasant surprise that I wasn't expecting.  

I'll admit, I HAD to know what this looked like once it was just a stain and the gloss had worn of.....so I blotted it off rather than waiting just to see!  I think it maintained its color beautifully, and after a few hours of wear and a long sweaty walk, I was pleased that it didn't fade and leave me that gross ring around my mouth that you sometimes get with a stain- you know, where the product comes off in patches on your lips but stays just on the edges?  Yuck.  Well, it didn't do that, so score!

Sweetheart:

Smitten:

(the packaging makes it look much darker than it is)

Update: 5 hours later including dinner & a nap and the stain is still there & looking great!

Honey:

Romantic:

Here's what I think:

I love the colors it comes in and there are a glorious 12 to choose from.  I love the minty tingle that reminds me of its expensive counterpart, and I love the pricetag.  Personally, I don't necessarily want or need a color stain on my lips all day.  I kind of like that the Lipsurgence and the Chubby Sticks fade over time.  It's all a matter of personal preference.

Revlon Balm Stains are $10, minty tingle, long lasting staying power.

Tarte Lipsurgence are $24, minty tingle, many different formulas to choose from- matte, sheer, and highly pigmented shades.

Clinique Chubby Sticks are $16, many shades to choose from, sheer buildable color that allows you to reapply at will and change up your look during the day.

I love all the different formulas, but Clinique is probably my favorite lately since they apply sheer and they are a reasonable price within my budget.  What I love to do is take my Balm Stain in Lovesick, and once it fades, apply a Chubby Stick over top for a little extra moisture and added shine without having to look in the mirror.  For me, lazy application is key for summer.  I have to look in the mirror and really focus to get it right, forget it!

I really do love this formula, and there are so many out there that are similar lately.  What's your favorite summer lip product?

Yours in Beauty,
Justina