If you've been keeping tabs, I picked up these lovely lip products from Sephora about a week or so ago. I had been eyeing them all for a while, but figured I could contain myself long enough to wait for the 15% off VIB coupon that I knew was on the horizon. After making a modest little haul, these beauties were finally in my possession. I picked up both the 5 Night Fix for Lips ($15) set and the two new Limited Edition Luminous Créme Lipstick Duos ($12). I've had plenty of time now to test and swatch them all, and am totally ready to let you know what I think!
With four new gorgeous new lipstick shades to try, I needed to make sure I was giving myself a hydrated, chap-free canvas to work with. A five night treatment regimen to repair and soothe dry lips, this set seemed like the perfect place to start. Tucked inside this cute little jar are minis of two nourishing lip treatment products - the Agave Lip Mask ($26) and Whipped Cherry Lip Scrub ($18). While these are pretty teeny tiny samples, I still think I'll get more than five uses out of each of them. If you're wondering exactly how tiny, the lip mask mini is 0.18 oz, or about 35% of the full 0.52 oz tube (a value of about $9) and the scrub stick is 0.041 oz, or about 15% of the original pot (a $2.80 value). Looking at the math, you can see that you aren't getting a direct ounce for ounce value compared to the full sizes. However buying the set is a nice way to try both products before investing in the not inexpensive full sized versions. Long story short, if you love either or both of these products, you're probably better off buying them full sized in the long run, but if you're strapped for cash or uneasy about dropping over $40 to purchase them both, this is a great compromise.
Here I am going on and on about the Benjamins, but I haven't actually told you whether or not these products are any good! The short version is that my feelings are mixed, but generally positive. Let's start out with the Whipped Cherry Scrub stick. As far as exfoliation goes, it's pretty gentle. Unlike the full sized product (which is a pot), this mini comes in a stick form, which I think makes it easier (and certainly less messy) to apply. However, it's definitely not as scrubby as some other brands I've tried (I'm looking at you, LUSH). It smells pretty excellent (cherry fanatics will surely be in love) and is balmy enough on its own to leave your lips feeling pretty hydrated. The Agave Lip Mask is an incredibly rich, clear balm that you could wear day or night. The first ingredient in the formula is medical grade lanolin (the same stuff in nipple balm) so it's definitely going to help heal dry or chapped lips. It's also got Vitamin E, Jojoba Oil, and a ton of of other natural plant oils and extracts to nourish your lips. The vanilla scent/flavor is a nice touch, although the first time I opened the tube I swear this stuff smelled exactly like a fresh can of play-doh. If anyone else has tried this, I'd be curious to know if you had the same experience!
And then there were lipsticks.
When it comes to hidden treasures at Sephora, these duos have got to be one of them. First off, the Luminous Créme Lipstick formula is awesome. They glide on like butter, have a creamy, sheeny sort of finish, and don't dry out your lips. The lighter shades are a little less long wearing, while the darker and brighter shades are insanely pigmented and have a sort of staining effect on the lips. When it comes to these duos there are two shade options available, Fig/Date(neutrals) and Lingonberry/Tangerine (brights). Both are equally gorgeous, and for only $12 a piece you wouldn't break the bank buying them both!
Speaking of value, when it comes to an ounce-for-ounce comparison to a full sized lipstick, you're definitely getting your money's worth with this duo. A full sized lipstick retails for $24 and has 0.15 oz of product. Each of these minis is 0.05 oz, or 1/3 of the full size. That means each duo contains $16 worth of product for $12, not to mention the fact that you get the convenience of trying two different shades.
As you can see, these lipsticks swatch pretty beautifully. From left to right I have Fig, a rosy pink, Date, a caramel nude, Lingonberry, a vibrant, cool toned magenta, and Tangerine, a firey, coral toned red. The neutral duo is perfect for everyday wear, or those of you who prefer a more natural looking lip, while the vibrant duo packs a punch if you're looking for that statement lip. I always think it's helpful to see a lip product in action, so here are some demo pictures to give you all a better idea of what they look like!
I also wanted to note that while these particular duos are brand new and Limited Edition, they aren't the first ones that Bite has offered. About a year ago I reviewed the original duos, which no longer appear to be available. So, for those of you who already owned last years duos, I thought I'd do a side by side comparison of all the colors so you could see whether or not these new duos were worth investing in as well.
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| From Left to Right: Lychee/Musk, Fig/Date, Violet/Palomino, Lingonberry/Tangerine |
Long story short (and I know it was a long one!) I'm really loving all of these lip products. If you have a Sephora within reach, you should definitely go and check them out! The lipsticks especially are such a great value, and a perfect way to experiment with color without breaking the bank. Truly, how often do you actually finish an entire tube of lipstick, especially in a bright shade you don't wear everyday? The 5 Night Fix Set, while perhaps a little less value, is pretty stinkin' adorable, and a great way to try both the Agave Lip Mask and Whipped Cherry Lip Scrub before investing in the full sizes. So, if you're new to Bite Beauty, I highly recommend checking these products out as a way of getting acquainted with the brand without needing to drop a ton of cash.
Have you tried any of these products? What did you think? What do you recommend from Bite Beauty?
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