Review: Bioelements Tinted Balm for Fuller Lips, SPF 15

What They Say:

• Ultra-conditioning balm increases lip volume and adds healthy, natural color
  
• SPF 15 provides total UVA and UVB sun protection
  
• Emollient castor seed oil, shea butter, avocado and sweet almond oil smooth vertical lines and rough texture
  
• No synthetic fragrances

Not tested on animals.

How to Use: With fingertips, apply a small amount to lips. May be worn alone or prior to applying lipstick.

Melissa Says: I really love the subtly pretty, sheer pinkness of this balm - which happens to look as pretty as a light gloss. It takes about 2 hours for before I feel the need to reapply, and it does make lips very soft. However, I didn't notice any plumping or increase in lip volume. If anything, I'd say that the smooth look created by the balm combined with the natural-looking slight flush gives merely a visual appearance of fuller lips. While there are balms I've tried that leave more lasting softness, I do still like this one for its slight color and smoothing shine.

Retail Price: $26.00 (at spas across the U.S. - call 800.433.6650 or go here to find one near you)

DeLush Rating:

Review: NUXE Rêve de Miel Lip Balm

What They Say:
"Beauty claims:
This rich Balm helps nourish, repair and relieve even very dry, cracked lips.

Is it for you?:
This is a beauty treatment for all the family, including children from 36 months.

Skin benefits:
Immediate sensation of comfort, with no sticking effect. Even very dry, cracked lips become more supple, softer and perfectly smooth.

How to use:
Apply every day, both summer and winter."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: This is definitely a thick balm, though it's true it's not really sticky. It does have some traction to it, however, and for that reason it would be a great lip primer. Personally, I find this a bit too thick for regular use. It does soothe right away, but I find the texture a bit less than perfect. The thing to remember is that the Rêve de Miel product line from NUXE is honey-based, so that contributes to the thickness. I actually prefer the LUSH Honey Trap balm over this one in terms of softness and lasting comfort. With this one I felt I needed to reapply a bit more often.

Retail Price: $21.00 (at spalook.com)

DeLush Rating:

Review: Suki Lip Repair Butter

What They Say: “Our intensive, long wear lip balm heals and prevents any chapping without a glossy or waxy residue. Pure fruit oils infused with organic herbs protect your lips from the elements without creating laziness or dependence. Petroleum-free of course.”

Alissa’s Opinion: The description of this lip balm is 100% accurate. It is intensive and protective without any gloss, so it doesn’t look like you’re wearing anything. Although the application doesn’t feel smooth like most balms, the thick texture is beneficial because it is very long lasting. There is a slight citrus scent that wears off quite quickly. This is a good everyday lip balm that I now use for work, at the gym and while sleeping.

Retail Price: $8.75 (Sukisnatural.com)

Rating:

Noah's Naturals Honest to Goodness Natural Starter Kit

"Noah's Naturals is family of organic beauty care brands offering luxurious formulas with indulgent fragrances that are all good! Our products are made with high quality naturally organic ingredients, such as herbs, essential oils and emollients that will make you look good and feel good inside and out! Noah's Naturals NEVER TESTS ON ANIMALS.

Each product is formulated with natural ingredients and essential oils to provide you the best quality products available to the mass market. Our products DO NOT contain - Parabens, Propylene Glycol, Artificial Colors, Petroleum, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Simply a clean, fresh and exhilarating experience that’s all good for you (and the Earth)! Available online at www.noahsnaturals.com and select Walmart stores nationwide."

Jen's Experience: The starter kit contains just a few of the products in the Honest to Goodness product line: the Peppermint Lip Balm, Grapefruit Body Lotion, Foot Cream, Hand Salve/Cream and Cuticle Cream. Some of these products I really liked, others weren't really my thing.

The Grapefruit body lotion reminds me a lot of the Kiss My Face Rosemary Grapefruit lotion that I tried last year. The scent is citrusy and light. It lingers, but it isn't unpleasant. When I put this on after my bath at night, I can still feel the coverage on my legs when I get up in the morning, and that's a good thing to me.

I had a similar experience with the foot cream. Although the scent wasn't as nice as the body lotion, the coverage was similar. After a few days of use, it actually seemed to have softened up the calluses on my feet, which is quite amazing. I am not normally a big fan of foot creams, but I really liked this particular product.

The other product in the set that I really got a lot of use of is the Peppermint Lip Balm. Although this isn't as effective as the Sevi Javabean Lip Balm I used a few weeks ago, a few swipes throughout the day were fairly effective in fighting off the chapped lips I normally get at this time of year.

I can't say I got a lot of use out of the hand salve and cuticle cream. I tried, but hard, waxy moisturizers are not my thing. If you like the hand salve and cuticle cream that Burt's Bee's makes, I think you'll find these products to be right up your alley. For me, they just weren't appealing.

The set, overall, makes me curious about the line, but I wish they'd included some facial moisturizer or the shampoo and conditioner rather than the hand and cuticle creams. I also thought the sizes for the body moisturizer and foot cream, clearly the stars of the set, were small for the price. I give a big thumbs up to Noah's Naturals for creating a line of products that's all natural, not tested on animals, and way less expensive than a lot of the competition. After using this set, I would definitely give their moisturizers some space on my bathroom shelves, and I'm inclined to try some of their other products as well.

Retail Price: $14.34 (NoahsNaturals.com or Wal-Mart)

Rating:

Double Review: Vasanti Products

Vasanti recently sent products labeled for us (Melissa and Toya); they'd even taken time to try to make sure we got the best colors for our skin tone! (Melissa) "This was the first time I'd ever heard of or tried anything from the Vasanti product line, and overall I was quite impressed."
(Toya) "I am really pleased with Vasanti Cosmetics, which I’d never even heard of until I received my package from DeLush. I couldn’t find much information on the company, but it’s clear that they strive to fit the needs of every woman, of every skin tone."

All of the following products can be purchased at vasanticosmetics.com. Read on for our individual product reviews.

Vasanti Liquid Cover-Up:
What They Say: "Liquid concealer and foundation in one. Cover only where you want, it blends into the skin without a trace. Gives the skin incredible radiance and feels like you have nothing on at all.

This multi purpose cover-up is an incredible under eye concealer, colour corrector, eye brightener and all over foundation.. It looks so natural on, no one will know you have it on but you.

The formulations work on all skin types and skin tones. It's oil-free and contains active ingredients to hydrate and brighten the skin. The shade range was developed to compliment any skin tone - from the fairest to the deepest."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: While this may not be powerful enough to cover up really prevalent dark circles (it's medium-coverage at best), it does blend away redness (blotchiness or little blemishes) and some darkness under the eyes. I thought it was really smooth and light with very little line-settling (a big plus).

Toya's Take: The Liquid Cover Up comes in a large tube, which I like. It blends nicely, but although the cover up was the same shade as the foundation I tested, it showed up as a bit dark and muddy, so I wasn’t completely happy.

Retail Price: $22.00

DeLush Ratings:
Melissa -
Toya -

Vasanti Face Base:
What They Say: "Shades created specifically for yellow based skin tones.

• Gives you a natural finish of a pressed powder with coverage of a foundation
• Glides on easily and blends right into your skin
• Colors that match your skin tone and add a radiant glow
• Light weight, oil-free and oil absorbing
• Moisturizing
• Non-comodogenic (won't clog your pores)

Comes in a sleek platinum compact with a full face mirror and a sponge for a smooth application."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I get a little nervous about powder foundations, because they seem to work best for those with nearly perfect skin but look dry and cakey on anyone who wants a little more than a swipe of coverage. This one surprised me a little bit at first. The compact design is truly unique, with a plastic hinged cover inside to protect the powder and a vented bottom underneath the sponge applicator. As far as the formula itself goes, it glides over the skin and gives moderate coverage. However, I did think it looked a little bit dry and I also saw the tendency for it to emphasize fine lines and larger pores, so I think this would work best for those with well-hydrated, smooth skin.

Toya's Take:
The Face Base comes in an ingenious case – very modern looking in plain, brushed silver with the company name on it. When you open it, there’s a large mirror on top and on the bottom half, a large square of foundation powder and a sponge. The foundation powder is covered by plastic, so it doesn’t get on the mirror – it flips down for easy access. The foundation looks very flaky, but it goes on quite smoothly and doesn’t leave your skin overly dry. It dries to a lovely matte finish and it blended in with my skin perfectly.

Retail Price: $24.00

DeLush Ratings:
Melissa -
Toya -

Vasanti Pencils (Toya only):
What They Say: "Our lip and eye pencils contain Orange Wax, Vitamin A and Vitamin E – all of which have antioxidant properties and will fight free radicals while they moisturize. Shea butter and jojoba oil have also been added to ensure a creamy formulation that glides on beautifully and lasts all day."

Toya's Take: This pencil is luscious. Vasanti markets the pencils as both eye and lip appropriate. However, the pencil is so moisturizing that, while it feels wonderfully smooth and creamy when applied to the lips, I think it would lead to quite a bit of creasing if used in the eye area.

Retail Price: $13.00

DeLush Rating: (Toya) (because it would crease as an eye pencil)

Vasanti Tinted Lip Balm:
What They Say: "Hooked on that chapstick? Introducting a lip conditioner that gives just a natural hint of colour. It’s got a silky smooth texture and it protects your lips and gives off an incredible shine!

Our tinted lipbalms are loaded with moisturizers, conditioners and natural sunscreens such as: Shea Butter, Mango Butter, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Sunflower oil and Olive oil.

The flavours are exotic and fresh- Leaves your lips velvety smooth."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: By far my favorite product of the entire set, this balm is incredibly comfortable and wears like a beautiful sheer lipstick. I LOVE it. This is the first balm I've tried that is packaged exactly like lipstick, and it's really versatile. Whether alone or over lipliner, this feels super-soft and looks lovely. Unlike Toya, I thought that the scent was another highlight of the product, and I'd describe it as slightly fruity - kind of like watermelon. It could be that different shades use different fragrances (I tested Bahamas, a light brown-pink).

Toya's Take: The Tinted Lipbalm is my favorite product of the bunch, except for the ghastly smell! I have no idea what ingredient leads to the stench, but, if possible, Vasanti should remove it, posthaste. How do they expect you to want to apply the product to your lips, which are so close to your nose? God! But, once I got past it, I was thrilled to find that the balm is ultra-moisturizing and the color, while sheer, is more than I expect to find from a tinted lipbalm. I think it would be better classified as a sheer lipstick. Either way, one coat of the Columbia shade, described as “medium neutral brown” was “my lips but better” and two coats gave my lips a beautiful chocolate-y sheen.

Retail Price: $15.00

DeLush Ratings:
Melissa -
Toya -

Vasanti Shimmer Powder:
What They Say: "Loose Powder...apply anywhere you desire. For subtle shimmery highlights. Use as an Eyeshadow, highlighter on your brow bone, cheeks, decolleté or anywhere on your body...use your imagination."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I'm not really one to use shimmer in lots of places - typically it stays around the eyes for me. But even just in that aspect, this worked pretty well. The color is completely buildable and can be as bold or sheer as you like, and the glow is nice and subtle, not glaring. Used as a full shadow, it does crease a little after a while but holds on about as well as many shadows I use.

Toya's Take: The Shimmer Powder is a bit messy, like any loose powder, but it gives awesome color, sparkle and glow. Thumbs up!

Retail Price: $14.00

DeLush Ratings:
Melissa -
Toya -

Review: ChopSaver Lip Balm

What They Say: "ChopSaver: For Musicians With Lips!
Made of 100% natural ingredients, ChopSaver is a combination of shea butter, mango butter and other natural moisturizers. Its secret weapon is a mixture of herbs that promote healing and reduce swelling, chapping and soreness in a natural, gentle way. And the smell is clean yet not overpowering.

It's not just for musicians!

Why? Because it’s made of all-natural ingredients!

• It’s full of herbs that make your lips feel good!
  
• It smells great!
  
• You don’t have to constantly re-apply!
  
• ChopSaver soothes and moisturizes your lips for hours with just one application.

Other uses for ChopSaver:

• Are you or a loved one taking medication that dries you out?
  
• Looking for something to keep your lip stick or gloss in place?
  
• ChopSaver is the answer!

ChopSaver is also terrific for use under your eyes and on cracked fingertips and cuticles.

If musicians trust ChopSaver, shouldn’t you?
Find out what thousands of musicians around the world already know!"

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I discovered this balm recently during a random search online for some new products to try, and as a former trumpet player for 13 years, I was intrigued. In high school and part of college, I had a Carmex pot everywhere I went. That was one thing that all of us knew could help soothe our worn out and DRIED OUT lips. But that stuff smells kind of nasty and medicinal. So as soon as I saw this I knew that I wanted to check it out for myself.

This balm is not glamourous. It isn't fancy. It's not packaged in a pretty, girly tube (though the design on the tube IS kind of fun). But here's the thing: IT WORKS. It's not too thick but is substantial enough to not disappear after 15 minutes, and it's not sticky or slick. On top of that, it's got a nice lime-like scent that is very uplifting.

As far as I'm concerned, I happened upon a good thing online that day. You really should give this a try - especially if you've had a hard time finding something soothing enough for your lips and are tired of the drugstore options, but don't want to spend a fortune on lip balm.

Retail Price: $14.85 for a three-pack - but you can also buy up to 8 dozen! (available at chopsaver.com)

DeLush Rating:

Review: Sevi Cosmetics Java Bean Lip Balm

What They Say: "Craving coffee? Try one of our freshly brewed vegan lip balm handmade in small batches and with protective ingredients and certified organic coffee beans!

A must have for all coffee lovers!"

Jen's Experience: I hate the thought of getting addicted to balms, and I tend to avoid them unless I absolutely have to use them. But when the weather turned colder these past couple of weeks, I just had to use something, and I was really glad I had this on hand. I received this lip balm as a full-sized sample with some Sevi products I ordered as Christmas presents, and I really couldn't be happier with it. It really works to soften up my lips and prevent the flaking that occurs, but I don't have to carry it around and constantly re-apply. I put it on in the morning and occasionally at night, and my lips are back to normal (which is always a bit dry to me, but a little I can handle). It also works well as a first layer when I'm wearing a lipstick so that it goes on more evenly. I am not a huge fan of coffee flavors in general, but if you're a coffee fan you may very well love the taste as well. Even for non-coffee lovers, you'll find the taste is tolerable I think when you see the wonders it does for your lips.

Retail Price: $6.00 (SeviCosmetics.com)

Rating:

Review: Bag Lunch Lip Balms

What They Say: "All our lip balms contain only the finest ingredients to moisturize and protect your puckers:
Sweet Almond Oil is used to soften and soothe the lips. Beeswax is used as a natural waterproofing barrier between your lips and harsh elements. It also locks moisture in, keeping your lips soft and supple. Shea Butter is another natural moisturizer. It is derived from the vegetable fat of the karite tree. Vitamin E is a natural preservative. It is commonly used in lip balms to keep them their freshest. Flavors and colors are added to make our balms distinctively Bag Lunch. These butter, velvet-smooth balms go on clear. Pucker up..."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: These are unique, fun and comforting balms with an awful lot of great flavors to choose from. I think they flavors are actually better described as SCENTS, because while each and every one smells sinfully good, they don't necessarily have strong TASTE. There is a hint of flavor, but for me the main sensation is in the (OH SO YUMMY) scent. But this is good, because it satisfies cravings without making me lick my lips into chapped misery! (Some of the choices include Strawberry Milkshake, Chilled Margarita, Pancakes and Syrup, French Vanilla Latte, Red Lollipop, and many more.) I do love these, for their ingeniously spot-on smells/flavors and their incredible long-lasting softness and comfort - they really do last among the longest of any balms I've tried. This is definitely a fun line of balms - try them out!

Another plus: They don't test on animals, and neither do any of their suppliers! Also, they support the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals with their special "Angell" Food Cake lip balm.

Retail Price: $4.00 each (at baglunchco.com or go here to see retail locations)

DeLush Rating:

Review: Aveeno Essential Moisture Lip Conditioner with SPF 15

What They Say: "This unique lip treatment provides essential long-lasting moisturization to help condition and protect dry, chapped lips. With an exclusive combination of natural oatmeal and natural skin conditioners, including jojoba oil and shea butter, it restores moisture and locks it in long after applying. It contains UVA/UVB sunscreens to protect lips from the sun and is good for daily use."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: What can I say? It's getting colder and my lips are telling me they want to hibernate in lots of lip balms, so I keep finding myself pulled toward them. Some are better than others, some are mostly cute packaging with little benefit. This is fortunately one of the former of the two. This is not a fun, tasty treat for lips (which they say actually causes you to lick your lips more anyway, creating more chapping), but instead is a super-comforting, soft and long-lasting source of lip relief. This is a frontrunner in my balm rotation - it feels amazing and keeps lips moisturized for a really long time. Stock up for winter!

Retail Price: $3.39 (at drugstore.com and drugsores and superstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating:

Review: LUSH Happy Talk and Lip Squeak Lip Balms

What They Say: (about Happy Talk) "How excited were we when Helen got out a little tray of new lip balms to show us earlier this year? Happy Talk has been safely cloistered away until now, secretly saving its coffee scented shine and softness ready for when we were allowed to tell you all about it. It tastes like Italian espresso with two sugars and reminds us of Milan in springtime. This can only be a good thing." (about Lip Squeak) "We can see our new apple pie flavoured lip balm outselling everything else we've ever made. It is a supremely moisturising, buttery balm with fresh apples, antiseptic lemon balm herb, poppy seed, passion flower and green tea oils. Softening cocoa butter, carnauba and beeswax make your lips feel as smooth as a gigolo dancing Argentinean tango in patent leather shoes on a polished mahogany floor."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Happy Talk is slightly coffee-scented and creates a soft shine, and also lasts a fairly long time. It's not a deep-down moisturization for lip treatment, but it's nice for every day. I really love the cinnamon-clove scent of Lip Squeak, which wasn't too strong with the tin I tested (some readers commented about this on LUSH's website). I actually like the smell a lot, but find that while the balm feels very soft on the lips, it seems to dry them out a bit more after it wears off (due to the spice?) than they are normally. It also wears off a bit more quickly than I'd like.

Retail Prices: $6.95 each (at lushusa.com or go here for retail locations - international readers go here)

DeLush Ratings:
Happy Talk
Lip Squeak

Review: Blistex Gentle Sense Lip Moisturizer

What They Say: "New! Hypo-Allergenic Formula. No flavors, fragrances, or sensitizing ingredients.

Everyday Care For Sensitive Lips.

Blistex® Gentle Sense™ delivers serious moisturization and protection with a gentle touch that will not irritate sensitive lips. It's gentle enough for everyone, even children, to use everyday!

Clinically tested non-sensitizing formula. Gentle Sense's™ hypo-allergenic formula is rigorously tested and clinically proven to be mild on lips.
No unnecessary chemicals. Gentle Sense™ contains no flavors, fragrances, colors or other unnecessary sensitizing chemicals that can irritate sensitive lips.
All natural moisturizers for gentle hydration. Gentle Sense™ contains two all-natural moisturizers for rich, comforting hydration.

Cocoa Butter - a rich tropical extract that moisturizes and protects dry lips.
Shea Butter - an African nut extract that moisturizes and tones lips while giving them powerful natural anti-oxidant protection.

Satisfaction guaranteed.

Carton is 100% recyclable."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Say hello to my new carry-it-everywhere balm. The product itself is actually clear. The smoothness and moisture is incredible, and lasts a long time, even through a meal. It's moisture-rich but also lightweight. This is by far one of those things I'd tell all my friends to try. (Which is why I'm telling YOU, silly.)

In fact, I'm wearing it right now. AND it's in my pocket.

Retail Price: $2.19 (at drugstores and superstores everywhere, and on drugstore.com)

DeLush Rating:

Fall Product Review: Tarte fRxtion Sugar Exfoliator and Lip Balm Duo

What They Say: "Whatever your oral affliction
(be it chapped lips or sugar addiction)
Tarte has got the Rx for your blues
And it's garnering all rave reviews
Sugar grains scrub your pout smooth
While Vitamin E balm helps soothe
Believe it or not, it's non-fiction
Cause it's not only fact...it's FRxtion

Directions:
Use sugar exfoliator side on dry flaky, chapped lips to smooth out and follow with the vitamin e enhanced balm side to soothe lips."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Okay, first of all - I don't think you can fully appreciate the fun of the popup mirror built in to this case unless you get to use it in person. Obviously, this would be a godsend for all actual lipstick cases, but I digress.

The sugar side is actually sweet, isn't TOO rough for lips, and still gets the job done. The balm side is very smooth and conditioning, with lasting moisturizing effects for several hours. Another plus is the fact that so far the stick has proven pretty sturdy, which is important considering the fact that you'll be applying more pressure than with other lips balms because you're trying to exfoliate.

Even though this may not be my everyday balm, when I notice that my lips are dry and rough, this will definitely be within hand's reach.

Retail Price: $11.00 (at tartecosmetics.com)

DeLush Rating:

Fall Product Review: Jemma Kidd Make Up School Ultimate Lipstick Duo - Plumping Lip Balm and Long Last Colour

What They Say: "Use balm to prepare lips then add color for a sheer, moisturizing finish or use lipstick only for intense color stay."

Jen's Experience: From the first day I got this lipstick and lip balm combo from Jemma Kidd, I've been carrying it in my handbag and using it every chance I get. The color I am using, Eve, is ultra-bright against my pale skin, but it works well with the blue undertones in my skin. This color in particular is a dark pink with a hint of purple -- appearing nearly red at times -- so it fits in well with this season's trendy bright lips. It looks matte in the lipstick tube, but is actually quite shiny when applied.

Eve

I generally apply the lip balm first since my lips, like my skin, are usually dry. The lip balm portion of this product softens them right up and plumps out the wrinkles so that the lipstick can be applied smoothly. As they mention, the lipstick can also be used alone for a more vibrant color. The color was plenty vibrant for me when I applied the balm underneath, though.

This is definitely one of the best lipsticks I've tried in a long time. The color is great and is long-wearing, and the plumping balm is an added bonus that really makes this lipstick Totally DeLush.

Retail Price: $20.00 (Jemma Kidd Online in the UK, or Neiman Marcus in the US)

Rating:

Review: Joey NY Specialty CinnaMen Lip Balm

What They Say: "He will be into you! It is a proven fact that men are attracted to the aromas of cinnamon and vanilla. These lipsticks, lip glosses, lip palettes and lip balms contain a blend of vanilla and cinnamon fragrances that when applied to the lips, the irresistible aroma will get his attention! Contains maxi-lip and Dermaxyl- safe, clinically proven ingredients to firm and plump lips instantly."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I typically enjoy cinnamon scents, so I was very interested to see how this would work in a balm. The formula itself is a bit more like a lip OIL than a balm, so keep that in mind or you could accidentally squeeze out an awful lot when you go to use it for the first time; it can come out really quickly. That aside, the formula is moisturizing for a few hours, but once it dries your lips don't feel super-hydrated. The cinnamon and/or the plumping ingredient tingle a bit, and after about 10 minutes here's the difference:

There is a little more fullness, but certainly not a glaringly obvious effect as with some plumpers out there. Which is fine if you're looking for something subtle and you just like that tingly feeling (some of you do!). But, it only lasts about an hour or so.

This CinnaMen formula also comes in a lipstick and lip gloss I see on Joey New York's website. I think I would have liked to have tried the gloss to get something a bit more substantial on the lips; perhaps results would have lasted a bit longer and there would have been more lingering moisture.

OH, and darn it - I slyly put this on and gave my husband a few pecks while wearing it and he never said a thing! Hmph. Maybe that's just him, though. You may have better luck. *wink*

Retail Price: $12.00 (joeynewyork.com)

DeLush Rating:

Review: Lotus Skincare Lip Balms and Body Balm

What They Say: (About the SPF 18 Lip Balms - in Papaya and Ginger Lime) "A blend of moisturizing ingredients such as coconut oil, olive oil, soybean oil and Vitamin E, this balm not only nurtures delicate lip tissue but also protects it from harsh ultra violet rays."

(About the Lip Balm Tins - in Grapefruit Pear and Green Tea Pomegranate) "This rich nourishing formula is packed with natural conditioning ingredients such as coconut oil, beeswax, olive oil, lanolin and Vitamin E. It soothes and moisturizes without feeling greasy."

(About the Green Tea Pomegranate Body Balm) "Super hydrating for any part of your body. Extremely lightweight yet emollient, this velvety formula containing jojoba oil simply melts into the skin leaving it baby soft with a luminous glow. It is undoubtedly the coolest moisturizer since it has a powder finish. Green Tea and Pomegranate balance perfectly between fresh and pure, sweet and tart."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: First of all, I have to tell you how fabulous all of Lotus Skincare's products SMELL. I mean sure, you read a balm description and it sounds okay, but it often ends up on the short end of the good-scent stick. Not so with these. These are some incredibly unique scents that are ALL more than pleasant. The SPF 18 lip balms are very emollient and soft, yet incredibly light. The balms in the tins are a bit more dense, with slightly thicker coverage but no stickiness. And the body balm might be a bit different than you anticipate. It is very soft and melts with your body temperature when you rub your fingers into the tin. When you apply it on your skin it's actually incredibly light. It doesn't provide an intense hydration, but it does give a very lightweight softness that feels, as they say, powdery-dry to the touch. This would be a great balm to stick in your bag to relieve dry skin on the go or to have near your desk to keep hands nice and soft.

Retail Prices: SPF 18 Lip Balms - $5.00, Lip Balm Tins - $10.00, Body Balm - $20.00 (available at lotusskincare.com or click here to find a retail location near you that carries Lotus Skincare products)

DeLush Ratings:
SPF 18 Lip Balms -
Lip Balm Tins -
Body Balm -

Review: Aquafina Hydrating Lip Oil

What They Say: That's a great question - what DO they say? I had a hard time finding something online about this product. I even had to take my own picture! But hey, Aquafina isn't used to the beauty game yet, so I'll cut them some slack. Here's some info I managed to get for you - "The lip oil combines the brand recognition of Aquafina bottled water with a botanically enriched formula to soothe and moisturize lips. The new product offers a clean, refreshing taste. The semi-transparent crisp blue tube offers a 10g fill and features a slant-tipped, soft sponge applicator. Lip gloss lovers will appreciate the moisturizing benefits as well as the super wet shine."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: This is actually a very soothing formula for lips. The first thing you'll notice when you apply it is the minty scent and flavor. If nothing else, you can always pull this out after lunch or dinner for a quick breath fix! But aside from the pleasant and not-at-all-overpowering minty-sweet taste, the next thing to notice is how well the coverage is. Lips are incredibly moistened and conditioned, and stay that way for quite a while. This isn't sticky at ALL or too shiny and gloppy. It actually gives lips a very subtle pretty shine. This is one of my new faves from the Drugstore!

Retail Price: $4.99 (at Wal-Mart and possibly other drugstores and superstores in your area)

DeLush Rating:

iō Herbal Alchemy Lip Butter

What They Say: "Lip Butter is rich in nourishing oils for natural healing and moisture maintenance. A delicious blend of herbal infused jojoba, sweet almond, shea butter and beeswax with therapeutic grade essential oil blend. Hand-poured in an oversized tube for maximum lip coverage. Soothing, smoothing, and velvety good!"

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: With its subtle citrusy-sweet scent and super-soft just-right consistency, I can't say much more about this formula than that it's pretty much exactly what a balm should be. Soothing and long-lasting conditioning are packed into this large tube with no chemical scent or taste like with Chapstick and many others.

Retail Price: $9.00 (at ioherbalalchemy.com - if you happen to live in Oregon, you can currently get iō Herbal Alchemy products at some retail locations as well)

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Review: Perfumeria Gal Lip Balms

What They Say: "Imported from Spain - these adorable tins will soon become a beauty favorite. Great as a lip protective balm or as a gloss! As seen in Allure & Vogue. Originally produced in 1898 these art nouveau tins are filled with lusciously fragrant Spanish lip balms. Made with apricot kernel oil and natural fragrances, Perfumeria Gal lip balms add moisture and shine to your lips. The colorful tins will brighten any makeup table with a touch of old world charm."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I was lucky enough to get to try three of the flavors in this line, and my first impression was a good one. The tins are very generously-sized - no teeny-tiny packaging here. And the sheer prettiness of the art on the tins is enough to make you want to have it on your bathroom counter or to pull out of your purse. But what's inside is what really matters. Even though it is a petroleum-based balm, it doesn't have the typical telltale smell that usually accompanies such formulas. The fruity scents are really luscious, and the balm is super-soft and gives a pretty, glossy finish. In a perfect world, the only thing I'd change would be for it to penetrate the lips a little bit more, but otherwise I really love these comfortable balms. And at this price, you can definitely afford to try one or two out yourself!

Retail Price: $5.00 (beautyintuition.com)

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Introducing Motor City Makeup

About the lip gloss: "Detroit women are not afraid to speak their minds... and turn some heads! These high performance glosses are the answer for full, flirty, fabulous lips. MOTOR CITY MAKEUP lip glosses contain luxurious ingredients such as Vitamin E, Coconut Oil and Tiare Flower to moisturize and soften your lips.
The shiny and smooth finish leaves those other gooey glosses in the dust! Available in 10 varieties for all Makes and Models."

Jen's Experience: When I opened up the lip gloss, I was surprised at how bright and shiny the "Knockout" color is. I thought since it was lip gloss, it would be much softer once it was applied. But I was totally wrong -- this is some heavily pigmented color. Now, I've never been one for bright colors, but this one really works for me without looking garish. I wear it to work or out on the town with a large portion of my wardrobe. It lasts for a really long time; even when the glossiness is gone, the color remains, and so does the moisture. It doesn't make my lips feel super-dry when in fades away like most lip glosses do. And for people who share my pale skintone: you'll love the way the blue undertones in this particular color make your teeth look really white. Even if this isn't the shade for you, I highly recommend trying one of Motor City Makeup's lip glosses for their great, long-lasting color.

Retail Price: $12.00

About the lip balm: "Detroit has freezing winters and scorching summers. Our poor lips don’t know what to do. Never fear...MOTOR CITY MAKEUP™ Lip Balm is here! Our lip balm soothes and protects with Vitamin E, the supreme antioxidant. These colorful balms glide on sheer and provide major shine. Each balm is mildly scented in a yummy flavor. These balms don't "fuel" around."

Jen's Experience: After opening the adorably packaged lip balm in "Joyride", I was excited about the yummy raspberry smell and the pretty and subtle shade. I thought when I first touched it that it might be too stiff to give good coverage and moisture to my lips, but when I put it on I knew my impression was all wrong. It spread easily on my lips and provided hours of moisture and flavor to my winter-dry lips. It also looks great over a lip pencil for a nice, soft shine. I would love to have this in a tube and keep in handy whereever I go, but until then, I'm keeping my raspberry-flavored joyride close.

Retail Price: $8.00

Lip Gloss:

Lip Balm:

About Motor City Makeup: "MOTOR CITY MAKEUP™, LLC was founded by two turbo charged Motor City gals (Cindy L. and Natalie H.) in August 2004. Cindy L. is a Licensed Esthetician and Makeup-Artist. She specializes in color creation and is always one step ahead of the trends in makeup. In addition to co-creating MOTOR CITY MAKEUP™, Cindy is known to give the best facials in the Motor City. She is recognized for her gentle touch and creating an ultra-relaxing atmosphere. Natalie H. is a Registered Nurse who has worked with adolescents dealing with skin care issues. As well as co-creating MOTOR CITY MAKEUP™, Natalie works as a freelance health care reporter and has written many articles for a monthly health column in a local Detroit magazine.

Together, Cindy and Natalie have the expertise to create innovative and fabulous formulas. They were inspired to create their own cosmetic line that offered high quality ingredients, beautiful colors and cute packaging. So, these two high energy women teamed up with two leading cosmetic chemists to develop and manufacture their own line of makeup. They worked tirelessly for about a year with chemists, graphic artists, web designers and other Metro-Detroit professionals to design and manufacture their products.

The two founders of MOTOR CITY MAKEUP™ are both born and raised in the Metro Detroit area. Cindy and Natalie love the City and wanted to capture the rejuvenated life and energy that has recently been growing in the Detroit area. They are constantly inspired from the cool people that live in and around Detroit. They decided that MOTOR CITY MAKEUP™ products should capture the spirit of Detroit; a tough outer shell with a soft inner beauty. Their makeup blends high quality ingredients with automotive inspired packaging."

Review: ONBody Lip Balm by Kiss My Face

About the OnBody Line: "A leader in natural body care for 25 years, Kiss My Face makes body care products that go way beyond what's good for your body; they're also healthy, effective, and earth friendly. Plus, they contain no animal ingredients and involve no animal testing.

Every product contains ingredients like Olive Oil, which stimulates new cell generation, tightens and tones, slows the development of wrinkles and creases, and contains anti-inflammatory properties, and shea butter, which prevents dehydration, restores suppleness, and improves the appearance of dry skin.

Whether you're on the go, need rejuvination, or looking to relax, ONBody by Kiss My Face is at the forefront of body care. Products are priced at just $2 to $10 - go ahead and indulge."

Jen's Experience: It was really hard for me to find any information about this product at all, but that's okay because this is less of a review and more of a warning. This product might be a little more tolerable if I had picked up the white chocolate + orange flavor that I so dearly love as a moisturizer, but the Mango flavor that I ended up with is just terrible. It tastes like that one flavor in the pack of Tropical Fruit Lifesavers that's just weird and doesn't improve no matter how many times you try it. And it's not even a very good lip balm.

Retail Price: $2.00 (Old Navy stores)

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KenzoKi Sensual Rice Steam Lip Duo

What They Say: "Double-action, double-sided, this slightly sweet stick has everything going for it. One side exfoliates lips with tiny grains of sugar combined with lemon fibers known for their exfoliating properties. The other side repairs lips with an emollient, healing agent and vitamin E to replenish and calm skin. Texture leaves lips pretty, glossy, and tasting sweet."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Talk about a hard-working product. The exfoliating side really does an amazing job of eliminating dead skin cells on your lips. The other half is incredibly soft and moisturizing, and goes on with a very slight shine. I've become quickly addicted to this double-duty stick, for the extreme softness it gives lips as well as its sleek, mod packaging. Finally, you can improve the condition and appearance of your lips as well as soothe them with one product. (And though the price is a bit high, this should last you quite a while.)

I do wish the balm itself stayed on longer; it seems to disappear a bit too quickly. However I have found that the softness tends to stay even after the balm is gone.

Retail Price: $20.00 (sephora.com or go to KenzoKi's website to find retailers internationally and near you)

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