After visiting about 100 different Duane Reades, CVS, and Rite Aids, I finally managed to find 2 of these lip balms (well...I actually found a Cherry Me in a previous Duane Reade, but as a testament of my love, I allowed the other 'Tine to have it xD).
I got Pink Punch and Cherry Me.
Left: Cherry Me. Right: Pink Punch
Swatches:
Pink Punch:
Cherry Me:
$3-4
Promises, Promises:
"No more basic lip balm:
• Visibly renewed lips and 8-hr hydration
• The secret: Exclusive lip renew formula with SPF 20
• Protects and moisturizes lips for a full 8 hours
• After 4 weeks, lips are visibly renewed and reborn
• 6 varieties"
Review:
For a lipbalm, these are sure pigmented. They are at least as pigmented as (if not more!) those silly $30 Chanel Rouge Coco Shines. In fact, when I wore Pink Punch, it managed to stain my lips bright pink for the rest of the day.
The formula is light, doesn't feel waxy, and moisturises quite well. My lips are soft and smooth after application.
The packaging promises "clinical strength" and '8hr hydration", I'm not sure which clinic they tested this at, but their standards must be quite low as I don't find it any "stronger" than other lipbalms. The 8hr hydration promise also falls flat as I find myself needing to reapply every hour or so.
These lipbalms are scented according to their names, the scent reminds me of hard boiled sweets so it's not unpleasant. Unfortunately, Cherry Me does vaguely smell of cherry flavoured cough syrup :/
The SPF 20 makes it awesome for those long gone sunny days at the beach.
For those lazy days when you can't be bothered with lipstick but need a bit of colour on your lips, this $4 tinted lip balm can't be beat.
