Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Charmed, I'm Sure

Revlon haven't yet released their Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains in Australia yet, but they're available on Ebay for beauty enthusiasts who simply can't wait. Not being Ebay savvy and having a general dislike of Internet shopping, instead I seized the opportunity to get my hands on Revlon's follow up to their popular Lip Butters by asking a friend to scout one for me on her recent trip to the US. The particular shade I was after was Charm (035), after seeing it on various blogs and deciding that it was the colour that appealed to me the most. Honey and Sweetheart are closely behind, but I managed to limit myself to just one.






I've amassed 5 lip crayons from 3 different brands (Clinique, Face of Australia, Revlon) in a short period of time. As cute as they are, the novelty of them has worn off considerably. Applying colour to your lips with a chubby lip crayon is pretty much like having an oversized lip liner that leans more on the sheer side. There really isn't any advantage to a lip crayon over a regular lipstick or stick of lip balm, except that it takes longer and you need to fill in your lips, sometimes resulting in slightly uneven application. I've noticed that the Revlon is a lot firmer and more pigmented than the Clinique Chubby Sticks and the Face of Australia Sheer Gloss Lip Crayons, which are sheerer and softer in texture.


l-r: Charm, Revlon Lip Butter in Creamsicle, Face of Australia Lip Quench lipstick in Iced Almond 

The scent of the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain reminds me strongly of candy canes. Sweet and minty. For such a light colour, the crayon itself is decently pigmented, but doesn't quite override the natural pigmentation of my lips. Charm is a peachy nude that gradually leans more and more pink. The colour immediately reminded me of Revlon Lip Butter in Creamsicle, which sure enough, is more or less an exact dupe (possibly a touch lighter). The thing I didn't expect was the weird transformation Charm would have on my lips. First applied, it's quite nude and peachy, but then it becomes increasingly darker and more pink. If you wipe off the product completely, it leaves an almost coral stain to the lips. It stains much darker, brighter and more red than the actual crayon colour, which is unexpected and a bit bizarre.

l-r: Charm when initially applied, stain on lips when Charm is rubbed off

I'm not sure whether other lighter colours have a similar effect. I'd imagine the darker pinks and reds would have similar staining properties which wouldn't be too unusual, as the stain would more closely match the shade of the lip crayon. The strong stain that the Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain leaves on the lips does set it apart from other lip crayon products I've tried. The visually appealing packaging is very close to the Clinique Chubby Sticks, but a bit lighter in weight and with a colour-coded cap as well as body. I only wish that the initial colour stayed on the lips and didn't turn into something totally different.

60 comments:

  1. I have been wanting these ever since they were released in the U.S but I never gotten around to purchasing them off eBay. I think I may have to try some now and experiment to see if the other Colours react the same way!

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  2. WHOA the stain is crazy! That's pretty cool haha. I actually prefer the stain as opposed to the initial look (for this colour that is). How long do the stains last?

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    Replies
    1. A loooooooonnnggg time. Like, you need some super strength makeup remover to get rid of it, and even then, it doesn't eliminate it completely.

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  3. I'm not a huge ebay fan when it comes to buying makeup, I'm always scared I'll get scammed. I love the colour you got but not sure if it'll be worth whatever the inflated price will be here in Aus! May have to wait and head overseas :)
    xx

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  4. Oooh it looks really good on you! The stain seems to be a pleasant surprise. :)

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  5. I kind of like how it looks afterwards, sure looks good on you. Thanks, though for the review, it is good to know that the product changes later on during the day. I have had these kissable lip stains on my wishlist for a while now ^^ xx

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  6. Lucky! I've been wanting Charm since seeing it on Vivianna's blog. Odd that the stain turns out like that- I want them to be released here! I'm quickly losing faith in online shopping, that, and my spending ban, so I'm not resorting to eBay. I'm not really into peach/pink nudes, so I think this would be a good way to dabble in those colours. xx

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  7. This looks great on you! Shame the stain is different, although it still looks brilliant on you :)
    S xx

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  8. I am seriously loving this stain....

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  9. Cool make-up, and your nails are awesome, too! :D
    I'm following you now. :D If you want, you can find me on: http://the-wandering-heart.blogspot.com
    Have a nice day! Hugs and kisses! :*

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  10. This has to be the colour I am most excited about finding! The colour looks gorgeous on you, but it is strange how the stain darkens with these. I found that a bit with the colour I have too (Cherish) but not as drastic.

    xo Courtney from StrawberreeSwing.com

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  11. I thought I saw something that looked like them in the revlon section at big w for like $20 and i was like nahhh can't be, they're not out in Aus yet!
    But they seriously looked like them!

    Anyways, it looks really nice :)

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    Replies
    1. Maybe they were the old versions, kind of like a permanent marker with a flat white balm stick on the other end?

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  12. This is the shade I'm after! The balms were supposed to be released for Canada at least in August..I haven't seen them yet, but I really want to get my hands on them:)

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  13. It looks nice either way :) I like the outcome either way, even if it's significantly different. Maybe it adheres to one's natural lip :)

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  14. Ooh I like the sound of their scent- I love anything minty! It is odd that the colour transformed like that on your lips. These aren't out in Canada yet so I will have to wait and see what I think of them, but in general I agree with you on the fact that lip crayons are a novelty that don't actually make application any easier for us!

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  15. I love it.
    Check out the giveaway on my blog!

    xo.
    http://fromhatstoheels.blogspot.nl/

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  16. Oh, it's such a shame that the stain left on the lips isn't consistent with the original colour, I can see why it'd be a little disappointing, especially seeing as 'Charm' is such a gorgeous shade on application! xx

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  17. I hate it when products let you down when you've been wanting them :(
    I really like mine, and actually find it easy to apply, but it may be because I have fat lips haha!

    xoxo

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  18. oh it is such a lovely shade that's too bad that it leaves such a weird stain

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  19. I'm not sure how I feel about them yet.I.got a lighter shade as well and want to try a darker one!

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  20. Honestly I like the after picture, it looks like a really nice pink stain on your lips! It is unfortunate though, that it's SO different than the initial color.

    Evani
    simplyevani@gmail.com

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  21. Beautiful:) Love the color! If you want go to my blog:)
    http://asunshineoffashion.blogspot.it/

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  22. Strange! I wouldn't have expected it to stain like that, but it does look lovely on you :)

    http://wewereraisedbywolves.blogspot.co.uk/

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  23. It's pretty! But wow, that's a dark stain for such a light color. Definitely unexpected.

    ~ Yun

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  24. They look great, I will need to check them out! It's always to good to mix some high street brands into the kit.
    These would be great for summer too.

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  25. Oh I really have to check them out! I'm visiting London next week and luckily they're already available there in UK :-D
    this color looks really sheer but pretty.. I don't know if I'm going to find this range lovely as I'm not really a fan of sheer lip color :/ But,we'll see! ;p

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    Replies
    1. Yeah, the colour is pretty sheer especially as my lips are naturally very pigmented. The picture is a little bit washed out, at first it looks a bit more opaque and peachy but it transforms after a while completely. There are heaps of darker shades so I am sure you'll find something you like :)

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  26. I cant wait to try one of these! xx

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  27. Great review :) The stain of charm actually looks more pigmented that the actual stick itself! x
    Island Girl Insights ♥

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  28. wow. Those shades look good on you. I didn't expect them to look like that, but they look good!!

    http://mindy13579.blogspot.com

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  29. Nice review! I definitely have to check this particular shade out - so weird that it totally changes colour!

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  30. I'm so glad you got a chance to try one of these, they are SO addicting! I got the shade "Cherish" for my prom and quickly picked up 4 more the next day. They are so fantastic, I happen to have Charm and the darker colors really do work better.

    Honey is also next on my list, looks like a stunning everyday shade! These have definitely replaced all my other lip products, I do hope they come out with more shades though, the 12 released seem a bit odd all together? Or maybe that's just me!

    xx

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  31. That's really cool that it stains into a different color! Really unexpected!

    -Lisa
    The Lovely Memoir

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  32. the color looks great! Though you're not fan of the stain for this particular crayon, I think the darker colors (red/fuschia) were said to have beautiful stains so when it gets released in your area you might want to try those out :)

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  33. those colours look great, i love lip stains and sticks... and im now following you, you have great advice!

    new giveaway!
    natalie
    http://lucyandtherunaways.blogspot.com

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  34. I have it in Charm as well and I loooove the color but the "product/cream" looks weird on my lips - it looks really uneven and sort of clumpy - not very nice. :( I have to experiment a little because the color is just so perfect!

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    Replies
    1. Awww, I wonder why! I found that the texture is kind of hard and not all that creamy and easy to apply. But it seemed okay on my lips, mainly because it was still on the sheer side for me as my lips have quite strong natural pigmentation. Hope you find a way to make it work for you :)

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  35. 'Not being Ebay savvy and having a general dislike of Internet shopping...'

    You and I have this in common. All my friends are obsessed with internet shopping! They shop on the train, at work, at uni, during lunch and even in bed before they go to sleep! I just can't bring myself to do it - the whole internet security freaks me out slightly! LOL *pedantic*

    I've always been a bit...unsure about lip crayons. I've always looked at the Clinique ones and thought they'd take me forever to fill in my lips since you're literally colouring them in!

    I like the after-effect of Charm but it is a bit strange how the colour actually turns darker. You'd think that it'd get lighter?

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    Replies
    1. I know what you mean - I'm pretty sure I know a few people who have a legitimate Internet shopping problem LOL. But I hate shopping on the Internet, mainly because of the shipping element. I don't like waiting for my items, I don't like paying for shipping, I don't like having to arrange for the package to be picked up or being anxious about whether it's lost etc. I only do it because some things are much cheaper if bought online, or I have no choice (i.e. the item isn't available except online).

      I think it's good we're not all that into Internet shopping - at least it eliminates one avenue to waste money :p

      Delete
  36. what kind of camera do you use? great post :)
    http://www.roros-world.com

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  37. heard so much about these lip stains need to get m hands on them !

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  38. I've never tried a lip crayon!

    http://initialed.blogspot.com

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  39. gotta try it, thanks!:)
    following each other?yes no?
    yours truly, L.
    http://fashion-babel.blogspot.com

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  40. I've heard SO much about these and this post has made me want them more!! AHH

    By the way, I've nominated you for the Liebster Award, If you want to do it, that would be great! :)
    You can see the post
    here
    xx

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! Definitely will check out your post :)

      Delete
  41. I couldn't wait for these to be released where I live so I bought some off ebay too!! I had to buy them twice actually because the package was lost the first time I bought it >-<

    Charm and Sweetheart are my favourites so far! I find it weird that Charm stains darker than the initial colour but that doesn't really bother me too much. Sweetheart's stain effect is much more of the original colour.

    Liz
    chewylove.blogspot.com

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  42. I bought my second lip crayon, by Madina, and I have to say that I don't think I'll buy more of them! x

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  43. I really want to try these now! They look wonderful.

    http://www.opinionatedaboutopi.blogspot.ca/

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  44. haha it is a bit weird that the colour of Charm changes that way. the difference is quite dramatic and it would be quite inconvenient to match it to your outfit, and then find that it doesn't anymore! :P both colours do look very pretty on you though :)

    metallicpaws.blogspot.com

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  45. really want to try one of these, maybe the clinque one.. Love your nails! xo

    http://prettypetticoats.blogspot.co.uk/

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  46. I have the same sentiments for lip crayons. They tend to be bulky and a lot drier.

    Both shades look good on your lips though I love the initial shade a lot better if it were to me on myself. Afterall, it's supposed to be a nudish shade. It's strange how after rubbing off, the colour looks more vibrant pink than beige. Thank you for this review.

    PS:
    I'm hosting my first blog giveaway. There would be 3 sets of prizes to be given out. Do participate if you are keen. =)

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  47. I quite like this lip staining aspect, lovely colours too! x

    Currently hosting a GIVEAWAY on my blog for a pair of GALAXY PRINT LEGGINGS if you fancy a chance of winning!
    http://laurenjadem.blogspot.co.uk

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  48. I am not a fan of the Chubby Sticks so glad these are more pigmented. Great post!

    themaibug.blogspot.com

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  49. Charm looks really natural on your lips - and it looks quite pigmented in comparison to your natural lip shade. Wonder when these lip stains will arrive here.

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  50. I've been wondering how different those 3 'crayons' would differ and from what I read here, I wouldn't be missing much if I gave the Clinique one a skip. My purse is thanking me right now. XD

    I do find Charm rather interesting. It seems like it oxidizes or something like that? Hmm... I gotta do more research before I decide to buy one.

    Thanks for this post tho! Very helpful! =D

    ♡ M.May

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  51. lovely stuff I say, I love how you've sort of found dupes in terms of color swatches, that's great. I've been looking for a nude balm that isn't too brown, anyone of these who satisfy me but I've yet to acquire one!

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