Benefit's Lollibalm

I've been desperate to review some of Benefit's new products ever since I started working there in October. However, due to the risk of sounding bias I decided i'd stay away until I didn't work there anymore. That time has now come (I'm not going to explain why, but let's just say their techniques weren't for me!), so here is a review of one of their new products I couldn't wait to get my hands on.

I've always been a massive fan of their iconic lip and cheek stains - there isn't a day that goes by that I don't layer one underneath a lipstick or gloss - so I was really excited to see that they brought out the entire lip and cheek stain range in the form of a tinted lip balm. Packed with mango butter and sodium hyaluronate (Yeah, I have no idea what that is either!), it promises to be super moisturising and provide a subtle hint of colour which can be intensified with the matching tint underneath. Lollitint is my go-to tint at the moment as I like having a hint of purple/plum to my lips, so I thought i'd start off trying out Lollibalm.

First off, the packaging is gorgeous. Benefit is known for its unique packaging and this product doesn't disappoint. I love the shape of the bullet as it makes it so much easier to slick on at an angle like a lipstick. What can I say? It does what it says on the tin. It's a lip balm with a little bit of colour in it! The staying power isn't great, although with lip balms they never are. I was originally told (By Benefit employees!) that the balms weren't great as the colour is barely noticeable, which I disagree with. Yes, they would not replace your lipstick or gloss, but there is a slight hint which is ideal for those days when you don't want anything attention grabbing but you don't want to face the day bare-faced. 

Here is the Lollibalm worn alone without a tint underneath:

As you can see there is a hint of colour there, and my lips look really hydrated and moisturised. 

And here it is with Lollintint underneath:

To be quite honest with you, this look could have been achieved with one more very thin coat of tint, followed by a clear lipgloss. I get the feeling these are sort-of fluff/filler products thought up to squeeze a bit more catch out of the lip and cheek stains. They are really hydrating, but essentially you are paying £14.50 for a lip balm which you can purchase for £5 in your local drugstore. 

I am curious to see how the other balms measure up in comparison, however I don't think i'll be breaking the bank anytime soon purchasing the remaining three colours. 

You can purchase Lollibalm, alongside the other tinted lip balms, online or at your local Benefit counter for £14.50.

Review: Figs & Rouge 'Rambling Rose 100% Organic Lip, Face & Body Balm'

Over the past 6 months, I have bought and lost over a dozen different lipbalms. I have a section in one of my make-up cases just for different Vaseline and Carmex pots, as I always misplace them in various coat pockets, zip pockets in bags and other places. They seem to be quite an addictive purchase for me, as I love keeping my lips well moisturised and it just becomes habit to apply ton of Vaseline on your lips if a balm is within reach. So I was really happy when I recieved 'Rambling Rose 100% Organic lip, face & body balm' in my latest Glossy Box.

Figs & Rouge are a 100% Organic certified lip balm company, who aim to create products that are completly harmless, chemical free, and still deliver effective moisturising lip products.
The products are not tested on animals, they are made in the UK and are Petroleum free - a feature I was curious about because i've never tried a lip balm that did not contain Petroleum. 

I want to take a moment to admire the packaging. Now, i'm not essentially insulting the tins of other balms such as Vaseline and Carmex, but this tin beats them all. It captures the elegance and style of old Great Britain, and comes with a sort of vintage feel to it.

It smells strange in the tin as it contains no unnatural perfumes, but it has a natural scent that gives you the sense that using the product is not only going to keep your lips nourished and moisturised, but it's actually going to be good for you.
Because the balm is patroleum free, it is a lot easier to apply than other balms. It is softer and easier to blend, so you only need a small amount. By touch, it feels slightly grainy and once it applies I feel that it sinks into your lips and it almost feels like their being moisturised from the inside out.

I'd love to say that you do not have to apply as frequently and as liberally as others, but unfortunately it does not keep your lips moisturised for long. However, i'd give any excuse to flash the gorgeous tin! The natural ingredients also means that it tastes good too! An added bonus - I hate licking your lips and tasting nasty chemicals :(

But the balm is not just for lips. As it says on the tin, it is considered a 'lip, face & body balm'. On the Figs & Rouge website this particular balm is good for moisturising dry patches of skin, as well as the all the balms in general also being recommended as solid perfumes - just apply to your pulse points for an beautiful organic scent. You can read about more the balm's uses here.

So excited about this product! Thank you, Glossy Box!

 You an purchase Figs & Rouge Rambling Rose for £4.99 at your local Boots, Urban Outfitters or Asos.com.

DIY: Tinted Lip Balm!

After reading an article in Company magazine by craft guru Jazz Domino Holly about making your own lip balms and butters, I just had to try it out myself. I love the idea that you can create a lip product that is completely customised to your taste, with a little bit of professional lip product thrown in by using a bit of lipstick.
This is a really easy and fun way of turning your old lipsticks into gorgeous lip balm.

So here's what you need:

• Vaseline
• An essential oil of your choice
• An old lipstick
• A small pot or container for storage
• A microwavable dish 

I decided that I wanted to use my Nude Pink (Shade 206) lipstick from Rimmel, partly because I didn't like the finish on my lips but loved the colour, but mostly because it was the least expensive lipstick I own (Cost approx. £3!) and I didn't particularly want to hack into any of my Dior Addict shades.

So, here's how I made my own tinted lip balm:

1) Scoop up some Vaseline using a tablespoon and put it into the microwavable dish. You might want another spoon or cocktail stick at the ready for this, as it's pretty tricky to get off of the spoon!
 

2) Cut off an inch of the lipstick and blend it into the Vaseline using the back of the spoon. This is the amount that was given in the magazine, but to be honest I think it's far too much. Yes it does produce a gorgeous colour but it said use at least an inch, and realistically if the lipstick is old it's not going to have over an inch left? The lipstick i'd used i'd only worn once or twice, and I could barely salvage an inch. So really, just use as much as you can!

(This picture is really poor quality and the colour looks really coral, but it's actually a combination of coral and pink!)

3) Mix in one or two drops of your chosen essential oil in with the mix. Don't use any more because essential oils have a really strong scent. I chose lavender because it's really soothing, and I could do with any attempt to relax!

4) Put in the microwave on the highest setting for 30 seconds. Stir (make sure you have your second spoon or cocktail stick at the ready!) and then microwave again at 30 second intervals until the mixture has liquified - not boiled. I found that I needed about another two minutes in total to liquify the mixture, but it depends on your oven (I used an 800w), and even then the mixture wasn't completely liquid but I didn't want to risk it starting to boil.

5. Pour the mixture into your small container and leave it in the freezer for 20 minutes. Voila! You've made your very own tinted lip balm! Here's how mine turned out:

Because it wasn't entirely liquified when I poured it in, it didn't set smoothly but i'm really happy with it! As soon as you open the lid they're a subtle hint of lavender that's instantly relaxing, and the colour definitely looks better as a balm than it did as a lipstick! The one I chose had a slight shine so it's got quite a glossy look to it.

As you can see the colour isn't too overwhelming, but will add a hint of peachy pink to your lips. The Vaseline is hydrating and moisturising, and the lavender really comforts chapped lips.

Overall, this was an absolute success. I had so much fun mashing up my lipstick and blending everything together, and it's just so simple!
 If you're a fan of glitter, you can add a few sprinkles of edible glitter into the mix. Or if you're a chocaholic like me, try adding a few chocolate drops and a drizzle of honey instead of the oil?
I can't wait to start experimenting with different oils, colours and flavours.

Let me know what you think.. have you tried it? What ingredients would you use?