CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm Pencils in Berry Twist, Haute Pink - Photos, Review, Swatches

These new CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm pencils caught my eye the other day at Target (I don't actually know when they were rolled out, but they're new to me!). I love chunky lip pencils so this purchase was a no-brainer, really. Here we go!

Berry Twist, Haute Pink

Here's Haute Pink, a cool, sheer pink -

Berry Twist, a rosy raspberry -

Top to bottom - Berry Twist, Haute Pink

These are touted as colored, moisturizing balms and, for the most part, they live up to that description. These CG jumbo pencils provide a sheer wash of color that is very fresh and easy-breezy to pull off; not overwhelming or loud, by any means! I should mention that Berry Twist is very similar to my natural lip color, so I don't see much of a difference. However, I'm sure it delivers a whisper of pigment based on Haute Pink - I can quite clearly see the subtly pink tint, so I know it works! On me, both Berry Twist and Haute Pink were only moderately moisturizing. I do have SUPER dry lips and usually have to use a heavy-duty balm to whip them into shape, so it's very possible that for the average person these balms would suffice.

Overall, a nice product! Very shiny, low maintenance, and great for summer! What do you think?

CoverGirl's Jumbo Gloss Balm Pencils are available at drugstores for around $6.99. You can also purchase online from drugstore.com.

Maybelline Baby Lips Balm in Cherry Me, Pink Punch - Review, Photos, Swatches

You may have seen a new tinted lip balm at your local drugstore called Maybelline Baby Lips. Regardless of the... off-putting... name these little balms are quite handy and convenient, and I must say that I do enjoy them despite my nomenclatural misgivings. I purchased two, Pink Punch, a bright pink, and Cherry Me, a cherry red, for $2.99 each.

Packaging is nothing revolutionary, just what you would expect for this type of product. They each contain SPF 20 and according to Maybelline's claims moisturize dry lips for up to 8 hours.

L to R: Cherry Me, Pink Punch

Cherry Me

Pink Punch

L to R: Pink Punch, Cherry Me

I very much like Pink Punch - the color is more of a standout than that of Cherry Me, and the formula is smoother and slicker. As for 8-hour moisture... Well, I don't think even my beloved Jack Black can live up to that! I would say Pink Punch soothes dehydrated lips for about 4-5 hours before wearing away. It's an excellent tinted balm, providing a wash of shiny pink color while working efficiently to counteract dryness.

For whatever reason I don't find Cherry Me to be all that moisturizing; in fact, I can only wear it for about an hour before my lips get uncomfortable and cry out for a heavier balm. This one is quite unwearable and unpleasant for me, and if I didn't know Pink Punch and Cherry Me are both Maybelline Baby Lips balms I would never guess they are from the same collection or even brand - strange that two products from the same line can have such opposing reactions on me when worn! This one was disappointing compared to the excellent Pink Punch.

I'm conflicted. Pink Punch is really good - hydrating, slick, and offers a pretty and subtle veil of color. It may be my chemistry, but Cherry Me was quite horrid, uncomfortable, and didn't work for me at all. Or, this may have just been a fuddy-duddy tube that passed unnoticed through quality control. Either way, $2.99 isn't a large investment, and I wouldn't mind trying my luck with other shades in Maybelline's line.

Have you tried these balms? How did they work for you?

For those who celebrate it, I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I feel like I'm still recovering and trying to get back in the swing of things. Here is our table, full of delicious, festive goodies (two turkeys were involved!) -

Good food, good company :) How was your Thanksgiving?