Lip Tints/Stains galore !

One of my dearest friends had requested a post on lip tints/stains last year. At that time, I was not well equipped to do this post, I only had a lip stain (read : Revlon Just bitten kissable balm stains) and a tinted lip balm. 

I have a few more lip stains/tints kind of things in my collection now and in today's post, I will share with you my thoughts on the different ones I have tried. 

Rituparna, this is for you :)

Lip Balms and Lip Stains are terms used synonymously however, I do think they are slightly different. 

Lip tints, in my opinion, give your lips a subtle tint/flush (e.g. a tinted lip balm, sheer products) and Lip stains are products that leave your lips with a stain behind (e.g. long wearing lipsticks), or products that are sold as stains (e.g. marker type products). They can be drying as usually are long wearing.

I have categorized the different products I have tried (in the order 1 to 5, as numbered in the pic above)

1. Cheek and Lip tint - Featured in the pic above is Benetint, a cheek and lip stain by Benefit. Don't be scared by the color, this comes out as a very sheer flush of red color (it is buildable). If you are looking for a very natural color, then this is a good one to go for. 

• Love the packaging
• Smells gorgeous
• 2 in one product, can be used both as a blush and lip tint
• Benfit does them in other colors as well
• Not moisturizing, however not too drying either
• Pricey

2. Tinted Lip Balm - I have been using this Burt's Bees tinted lip balm for a while now and I completely love this product. I have it in 'Hibiscus'. Its comes out as a gorgeous peach MLBB color, perfect for when you cannot be bothered with a lipstick but want some color.

• Natural
• Very moisturizing
• Not long lasting
• Subtle color 
• One of the best lip balms out there IMO
• Available in other colors as well
   

3. Lip Crayons (lip balm stains) - The market is full with the crayon products, every company has their own version. The only lip crayons that I have tried are the Revlon Just Bitten lip balm stains. I have tried the original release and also the newly released matte variant. These are moisturising on the lips (like lip balms). The originally released were sheer, while the recently released matte ones are pigmented and creamy. If you fancy the whole crayon thing, do these give a try. I prefer the latest matte release.

• Moisturizing
• Mint flavor and fragrance
• Leaves a subtle stain behind
• Easy to apply 
• Affordable
• Stay for 4-6 hours
• Twist up (no need for sharpening)
• Lots of shade variety

4. Lip Lacquers - Super pigmented, liquid Lipsticks that pack a punch and leave behind a stain. The only liquid lipstick that I have tried is Rimmel Apocalips in Stellar. It is a gorgeous, bright color. 

• Pigmented
• Creamy and Opaque
• Leaves a stain behind 
• Not drying, not moisturizing either
• Exfoliation of lips prior to using is a must
• Available in bright to nude shades
  
  

5. Lip Tint - The lip tint featured in the picture above is the Lush Santa Baby Lip tint (Christmas Collection 2013). It comes in a little pot like lip balms/tints from Lush. Santa Baby is a beautiful bright red color. The texture is quite creamy and comfortable on lips. Blot it for a softer stain like look.

• Super Pigmented 
• Little goes a long way 
• Leaves a stain behind
• Exfoliation of lips prior to using is a must

Hope you liked the post.So these were the lip tints/stains I have used. 
Which are your favorite lip stains/tints ? Any recommendations (leave them in comments below) ?

Current lip balms on rotation

I may have some products in plenty but I refrain from using all at the same time, products like mascaras and liquid eyeliners, I only use or open maximum two at any given point as I do not want all of them to go bad at the same time. 

But there are some products, like lip balms, hand creams, sanitizers etc., personally that I find difficulty in refraining as I like to have one in every corner (I mean not literally) but you get the drift right,  one in the hand bag, one in the car, one at the office desk, one at the bed side table (comment below those of you who are with me).. so I thought I would share with you my current lip balms on rotation.

From left to right as seen in the pic : 

• The first one in the cute tub is from Evodia, Vanilla Addict Natural Lip balm. OMG, the smell is heavenly ! Its very emollient, more than any other lip balm. It is a natural product. I keep it on my night stand and use this mainly in the night as its a bit more rich and also because of the tub packaging. It acts as a good nail cream too.
• Nivea Fruity Shine in Pink Guava - This is a tinted lip balm with shimmer, smells nice and looks nice too. This is a good everyday color. I don't find it very good for moisturising, but I find it handy to keep in office as I don't touch up my lipstick so I apply this when I need to.  
• Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm - This is a minty tingly balm. It has a matte finish. I use this in the morning, as this is a great base before applying lipstick as this is not shiny or slippery. 
• Burt's Bees Hibiscus tinted Lip Balm - This is my favorite of the lot. It has a beautiful peachy tint. This is so moisturising. Love this one.
• Sierra Bees Organic Pomegranate Lip Balm - This is an organic and natural product, has a shiny finish. Was a cheapie at iherb. Smells great and is very moisturising on the lips.
  
  Hope you liked the post. Let me know your favorite lip balms below ..

Swatches - Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains

I featured Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains, first on my US Drugstore Haul before. Today I have swatches of these gorgeous crayons :)

Yes the product is just half the size of the crayon :(

Revlon JBKB stains Crush, Rendezvous, Smitten & Romantic (from L to R)

Lip Swatches

Over all I am really liking the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains. They are fun n easy to apply. They have a peppermint flavour. They are long lasting and stain like crazy :).

Have you tried 'Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains' ? What do you think of them ?

September & October Empties #2 !

I am new to doing empties post, check out the last one I did HERE. I don't post these on a monthly basis as I don't have enough products to put up, so as and when I have enough products, I do one ..

1. Clean n Clear Morning Burst Facial Cleanser
   This is one of my favorite facial cleanser. This is probably the third bottle of it. The cleanser has tiny beads and is gentle enough to be used every day. It helps me wake up :). This is a definite repurchase.
   
2. Australis Lip Butter in 'Coral Reef'
   I have to say, I was sucked in by the packaging. This lovely cute little pot offering to keep your lips hydrated, who wouldn't want to buy it ?. Its a good lip balm, but not sure if I will repurchase this, as at the moment I am enjoying balms/butters in stick form.
   
   
3. Dabur Gulabari Rose water
   This is something that I always use, every night after I remove my makeup. You can use this as a facial mist on hot summer days. You can use it with a cotton pad on your face, or spray it directly on your face, or you can use it in your packs, there are multiple uses.
   
4. Nivea Essentials Lip Balm
   A good moisturizing lip balm. Repurchase ? don't think so, I keep trying new ones/flavors.
   
5. Head n Shoulders Anti Dandruff Shampoo
   This is always a repurchase, I rotate between a normal and an anti dandruff shampoo.
   
6. Nivea Dry Impact For Men
   This is the husband's staple deodorant and this is also always a repurchase.
   
   
7. Yes To Tomatoes Volumizing shampoo
   Good everyday shampoo, though not volumizing at all. I don't think I will be repurchasing this.
   
8. Face of Australia Strengthening Nail polish remover
   I picked this because its a strengthening remover, am not sure if it helps with that, I didn't see any noticeable difference. Am using the Priceline essentials one currently. 

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think? What items do you keep repurchasing?