little white truths

I've been using this product every day for the last month because it's currently on my Project Pan list, and I wanted to review it today because there's not a huge amount left so it will soon be gone for good.

While I like the idea of a balm with a tint because I like hydrating products that offer a touch of colour, unfortunately this doesn't work for me because it dries my lips out with frequent use. More on that below.

Chapstick claims/product details:

• Advanced moisturisation with rosehip and jojoba oils
• Hint of tint
• Formulated to nourish and enhance natural lip colour
• Instantly smooths and moisturises
• 100% natural
• RRP $7.99 AUD for 3.5g, but do shop around

There's the bullet, indirect sunlight:

Direct sunlight:

There's a swatch, direct sunlight:

Indirect sunlight:

My bare lips for reference:

Wearing the product, direct sunlight:

Indirect sunlight:

Natural light:

Verdict

This product is ok but it's dried my lips out (or at least failed to moisturise them: they're already dry) so I can't personally recommend it - keeping in mind that it seems to work a lot better for other people so it could just be me.

It's a tinted balm that comes in a standard plastic twist-up tube. It's quite hard in texture so not much product comes off when applied, and I find that I need to do a good few swipes in order to get enough product on my lips. Yes that's a little annoying, but it also means that the balm is lasting me longer than most so that's a plus.

The product isn't sticky or slippery, and I like the texture because I don't notice the balm once it's on. It's also not a waxy product, which I appreciate because I don't like the feel of waxy balms on my lips.

While it feels reasonably nourishing and hydrating when applied, pretty soon I'm aware that my lips feel dry so I need to apply something else along with this for moisture. I've also found that, over time, my lips have dried out while I've been using this. They're more cracked and flaky than they were before, so this isn't the kind of product I can wear every day because it doesn't keep my lips conditioned.

Worth noting, though, is that my lips are super dry and very temperamental - and I have a feeling that this product would work well for most people, it's just that my lips are hard work. For this reason I wouldn't discount this product, and it may still be worth trying if you're after a balm that offers a tint. So do grab one of these if you see them on special, because you may have better luck with the formula than I did.

As for the colour, 'Rose Petal' is a nice, muted, deep pink shade that I reckon would suit a lot of people. I say this because I normally can't wear pink (it doesn't suit me), but this shade works well for me so I think it would work for others too. It has enough punch that it can stand on its own, but it still looks natural enough on the lips so it's great for everyday wear. Indeed, if the formula worked well for me then I would be happy to try other colours because I enjoy how this looks on the lips.

Overall this product doesn't work for me because it's too drying and I'm looking forward to finishing mine. Perhaps if your lips aren't as naturally dry as mine are, then it might be ok - but this has made my lips feel uncomfortable so I wouldn't use another one.

Drying.