The claim: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain gives softer, smoother lips with a perfect flush of color that lasts hour after hour. The gel formula comes in 12 vibrant shades that match any look or mood. Its lightweight lipstain and moisturizing balm gives lips a soft stain of color. With the retractable chubby crayon, no sharpener is required.

Cost: $8.99

Where: Drug and discount stores

I always grimace at the Macy's cosmetics counter as I hand over my credit card for my favorite $17 lip color, because I know that it's just a matter of time before I lose it in a purse or under the passenger seat of my car.

Since finding Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, however, I can continue to enjoy crayon-like balms for at least half the cost. (So it's no big deal when it goes AWOL for a year.) The lightweight stain moisturized my pout as well as any lip product I've ever used, and the color admirably survived the ginormous mug of green tea that accompanies the 3 p.m. wall that I hit daily. I reapplied it only three times in about 15 hours.

The spearmint flavor (or “mojito,” as a co-worker called it), was a pleasant, but not overpowering, surprise.

I wasn't a huge fan of Lovesick, the pink/purple shade I tried, though. It just wasn't the right one for me. I'll certainly be trying other colors.

— Jill Leonard

I'm a Chapstick girl, so I'm typically leery of any lip product that I can't put on without a mirror.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain has enough pigment that it does require a reflection for application, but I was pleasantly surprised at how infrequently I needed to reapply. I tried Smitten, a bright mauve hue, and found it lasted well past my morning coffee.

I liked the smooth feeling of the balm and the subtle minty taste. I also liked the retractable chubby crayon and found it easy to apply.

The color even lingered after I tried to take if off when I got home after work. A tissue-swipe didn't get the job done, but some warm water did.

I'll probably never ditch the Chapstick for my day-to-day wear, but for a kick of color every now and then, Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain is a good go-to option.

— Rachel Weaver

I have tried a few versions of lip stains, which left my lips thirsty for moisture. Happily, that is not the case with Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain.

The stain is gentle on lips, yet remains as a tender reminder of color even after a glass of wine. A quick second swipe — or application of a more sheer lipstick — refreshes the look quickly and painlessly, leaving lips pretty and soft.

— Sally Quinn

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