Monday, March 25, 2013

CoverGirl LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balms (Ballet Twist, Rose Twist, Apricot Twist)



Note -- I apologize for disappearing for so long.  My cold derailed me longer than I thought it would (I really need to start taking vitamins and eating better ... I get too many colds that just seem to linger.) and since I didn't do much work last week, I wasn't at my computer long enough to get any blogging done either.  The good news is, I'm feeling much better so I should be able to start getting to reviews on the fun stuff that I bought in Vegas and since I got back (Am I the only one who totally uses online shopping as remedy when they're not feeling well?) and replying to emails and comments this week.  I really appreciate your patience. 

When it comes to lip products, big, fat lip crayons seem to be all the rage.

Tarte has had their LipSurgence line for a few years now, Revlon came out with their Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains about a year ago, and more recently, Neutrogena got in on the act with their MoistureSmooth Color Sticks.

Even e.l.f. has thrown their hat into the arena with their Jumbo Lip Gloss Sticks.  There are probably a few other brands that have similiar offerings too.

I've tried most of these products, and I have to say I'm a fan of the concept.

These big pencils allow plenty of precision when you're applying them, which you don't always get with a lipstick or a gloss, you can find sheer and opaque shades, and plenty of the options even offer a nice glossy finish.

That's why I was pretty excited to try CoverGirl's entry into the field, the LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balms ($7.19). I picked these up at my local CVS when CoverGirl was BOGO 1/2, so I did something I don't normally do -- bought multiple shades at once (along with the CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous Foundation).

I went with Ballet Twist (205),Rose Twist (225), and Apricot Twist (240).

CoverGirl LipPerfection Gloss Balm in Ballet Twist

CoverGirl LipPerfection Gloss Balm in Rose Twist

CoverGirl LipPerfection Gloss Balm in Apricot Twist

CoverGirl LipPerfection Gloss Balm swatches (from l. to r.): Rose Twist, Apricot Twist, Ballet Twist

The Gloss Balms feel nice and comfortable on the lips, but I wouldn't say that they're particularly moisturizing.  They have a slightly dry consistency actually, which helps it last on the lips for quite a while.  I can get four to five hours of wear without really needing to touch up. 

For a point of comparison, I find that the CoverGirl Gloss Balms last longer that the Tarte LipSurgence Tints (except the matte shades, which act like a stain on my lips) but not quite as long as The Revlon Balm Stains.

CoverGirl describes these as offering "sheer color, soft shine" and I think that's pretty accurate.  But while the colors are sheer, they're quite buildable so you can get a bolder look if you prefer.

Ballet Twist is a light, seashell pink.  I was worried that with my fair skin, the shade might wash me out, but because it's sheer, some of my natural lip color shows through and the effect is quite flattering.

Rose Twist is a blue-based, midtone pink.  It is a little brighter than my usual everyday lip colors, but I actually like that -- it really wakes up my face when I'm looking a bit tired.  I think it might be my favorite of the three that I have.

Apricot Twist is a light coral. If the formula was opaque, I might have a difficult time wearing such a bright, orange-y color but the sheerness makes it totally wearable even if you have super fair skin.  I think it will be especially pretty for spring and summer.

All in all, I really like the LipPerfection Gloss Balms and have worn them a lot in the month and a half that I've had them.  I took Rose Twist with me to Vegas and I wore during the day the entire time I was there.

None of the other shades really call out to me, but I'd definitely purchase more of these if one caught my eye.

Have you tried the CoverGirl LipPerfection Gloss Balms?  Do you like these big lip crayon type products?

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