When I’m at work, I rarely wear high-maintenance lip color. A lipgloss is what I usually have, though every now and then I’ll wear a sheer lipstick, since I don’t have to look in the mirror for that one. And only if I’m feeling especially fancy will I bust out a true lipstick. So these new Almay Color + Care Liquid Lip Balms? Right up my alley.
I have two of the 10-ish shades (so far), and both of them perform excellently. The brighter shade is called Pink Pout and the nude shade is Rosy Lipped. (FYI: Target seems to be listing Pink Pout as Fuchsia Flush. Or, they have a shade that Ulta doesn’t.)
These glosses have a small, doe foot applicator that is pretty standard. They don’t pull out too much product, so if you have smaller lips, this is perfect. If your pout is rather prominent, like moi, it’s going to take several trips back and forth to cover up.
If that’s the worst thing about these balms? Then I’m down(town) like Julie Brown.
Swatches L to R: Pink Pout and Rosy Lipped
The consistency is most definitely sheer, as you would imagine a solid tinted lip balm to be. Pink Pout is not a color I would usually grab, but I figured it wouldn’t be as opaque on as it looks in the tube, and I was correct. The wash of color adds a brightness to my face that I’m loving. It’s a whole new territory for me, color-wise, but I’m so happy I picked it up!
Rosy Lipped is an incredibly easy color to wear, complimenting any eye look and/or blush. It neutralizes my lips, which is exactly what I go for. I love that it doesn’t add redness or even pull to red in the light when it’s on. It also doesn’t lean to peach, which isn’t flattering with my teeth.
Because the colors are sheer and not horribly original, the texture is the stand-out aspect of these products. They make my lips feel very lush. Does that make sense? They are smooth, soft, and shiny. They are remarkably hydrating, which is surprising, despite the fact that Almay’s claims them to be. (What? A product lives up to even half of its claims? NOOOO.) The gloss/color lasts for the typical 2-ish hours, but I feel like my lips are moisturized for an hour or two past that.
I also really appreciate the size, which fits nicely in my work pants pocket. 
I’m very happy with these two ladies, and I wouldn’t be surprised if some more of their friends came home with me!
So far, these are slow to arrive at the drugstores around me, though they are popping up. They are part of the permanent range, so they should be everywhere Almay is sold soon. I found mine at Ulta for $5.99.
*****
Happy Wednesday! It’s all downhill from here.
-Laura
