Trib tested: Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm
I'm a Clinique freak. Lip gloss, lipstick, lip liner, blush, eyelash primer, eyeshadows, mascara -- I have it all. Of course, I was excited to try one of its newest products, Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm. I selected Woppin' Watermelon, a sheer pink close to my everyday lipstick and lip gloss.
The first thing that struck me about the lip balm was that it's essentially a fat crayon. The design isn't only fun, it's functional! I was able to apply the lip balm smoothly and flawlessly. (And, come on, who doesn't like feeling like they're in kindergarten again!) The roll-up stick is a welcome change from those cheap tubes of lip balm that inevitably break or lip glosses with wands that never quite reach the bottom.
The mango and shea butters really set this lip balm apart from others. Lately, Mother Nature hasn't been very nurturing to my poor pout. My dry, cracked lips were soothed after just one application and have remained kissably soft. I've bid ChapStick farewell for good!
-- Jill Leonard
I'm religious about applying lip balm in the winter. I stash super-moisturizing formulas in my purse, desk and car, and I reach for them at least a dozen times a day. After trying Clinique's Chubby Stick, I have a colorful option to add to the lineup.
The pointed edge made precise application easy. When I first smoothed it on, it felt like lipstick, but its mango and shea butters soon melded into a lighter texture. One swipe was all it took to give me sheer, glossy coverage. Hours later, I still could feel its protection.
The color I tested, "Chunky Cherry," was a bit too bright for everyday wear on my pale complexion, but with eight colors to choose from, I'm sure I'll be able to find a suitable shade. This won't replace any of the heavy-duty salves in my arsenal, but I'll reach for it when I want a pop of color along with my hydration.
-- Kristen Huth
I wasn't sold on this. With ingredients including shea butter, mango seed butter and jojoba seed oil, I expected a lot of moisture and, unfortunately, was disappointed.
I'm constantly reaching for my lip balm, and that's been especially true so far this winter. But within minutes of using Clinique's Chubby Stick, I found myself wanting one of my old stand-by glosses or balms to put over it. Despite the claims that it would leave my lips feeling soft, supple and smooth, it felt like I hadn't used anything at all.
Even the shade was a little disappointing. I picked "Fuller Fig," and the color went on a lot brighter and redder than the shade on the tube indicated.
In short, I won't be switching out my Burt's Bees balm or Alba gloss for the Clinique Chubby Stick any time soon.
-- Karen Price
Additional Information:
Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm
The claim : Clinique's new pleasantly plump and playful nourishing lip balm is packed with 'do-gooders' to keep lips luscious and soft. It provides a sheer hint of color that glides on effortlessly, leaving behind a natural blush of color and sheen. The formula uses a special blend of decadent butters, oils and antioxidants to help protect and pamper lips with immediate and lasting moisturization. It's infused with shea butter, mango seed butter and jojoba seed oil. Available in eight shades, ranging from nudes to pretty pinks and deep purples.
Cost : $15
Where : Department store Clinique counters or online
