Lip Goss | The New Lip "Sticks"

Colour Stick, Balm Stain, Lip Crayon, Colour Balm, whatever you call it, they're the latest lip product trend. With most makeup brands now introducing their own versions of (and made popular by) the Clinique Chubby Stick, it seems that these "sticks" are quickly becoming a favored alternative to the traditional lipstick and lip balm. 

A modern take on a traditional lip balm; they are essentially a 2 in 1 product that has the moisturising properties of a lip balm while providing a lightweight tint of a lipstick. Generally marketed for their unique twist up packaging and long wearing hydration and colour, these trendy lip "sticks" really are worth trying. 

There are a range of these twist up balm crayons on the market now, and they generally all have the same qualities and effect on the lip. You will find one that may be more glossier than another, or one that is more pigmented than the other. Depending on your taste in colour, or your desire for intense moisturisation or lasting power, there will obviously be brands that will suit your needs more than another. The most obvious difference that I have noticed from the ones that I own is the waxy texture. The Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain for example, has a drier consistency in comparison to the Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayon which has a smooth and glossier feel.

The first drugstore version of the "chubby stick" I tried (in store on my hands) was the Face of Australia Sheer Gloss Lip Crayon after hearing about them from some Australian beauty YouTubers. Unfortunately, I wasn't blown away by them at the time. My first purchase of this type or product was actually the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain last year and I was pleasantly surprised by how it felt and looked on my lips. I have since become a fan, and have tried and purchased other brands. 

(Pictured L-R: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain #050 Precious and Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Colour Stick #10 Juicy Peach)

Despite having a pretty decent collection of lipsticks, I'm actually not a big lipstick wearer. My lips are prone to getting dry every day of the year so I often avoid wearing lipstick and opt for a lip balm instead.

What I like about these balm sticks is how comfortable they feel on my lips - 

• They maintain a very moisturising feel on the lips which is what I want in a product that is marketed for its conditioning 'balm' qualities
• Its smooth, light and non-sticky - gliding easily over the lips
• They leave a lovely sheen on the lips, which makes your lips look very hydrated while still having that transparent bare lips sensation. They can often look quite glossy too which is a bonus if you're a shiny lipgloss kind of girl.
• Most contain Shea Butter (for moisturising)
• It's fast absorbing while maintaining its sheen
• With its thick pencil applicator, you get more precision when applying the product even without a mirror. 
• They are generally available in a selection of light to dark colours, depending on brand. The quality of pigmentation as well as it's staying power (unless it is a stain) also depends on the brand. Personally, I am happy to reapply the product as often as I need to.
• The product doesn't need to be sharpened - simply twist up the tube for more product.

Aldi Supermarket recently released (as part of their "special buys") similar colour sticks from their exclusive Lacura Beauty range. I picked up both sets that were available, and much to my delight they were very good. They're super smooth to apply and have the same moisturising and sheen quality. My only criticism with these is that that they smell like a wax candle. While the smell doesn't linger or leave a taste on the lips at all, if you sniff it from the tube it definitely has a strong waxy scent (this doesn't bother me).

Check out your local Aldi store to see if they are still available.

L-R: Bordeaux, Cherry, Pink, Nude

L-R in the light: Bordeaux, Cherry, Pink, Nude

L-R in the shade: Bordeaux, Cherry, Pink, Nude

Swatch on the lips: Cherry

Products mentioned & products I would recommend:
- Lacura Beauty Colour Stick 
  [$6.99 for a 2pck exclusive to Aldi Stores, available in 4 shades]
- Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayon 
  [$15.00 AUD at Priceline, Target and selected pharmacies or $14.77 AUD from ASOS,
  available in 4 shades]
- Covergirl Lip perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm
  [$12.95 available in 10 shades]
- Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain 
  [$17.95 AUD available in 12 shades, has a cooling peppermint scent] 
- Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Colour Stick 
  [I purchased this in the U.S. - sadly Neutrogena cosmetics are not available in Australia]
- Face of Australia Sheer Gloss Lip Crayon 
  [$7.95 AUD available in 3 shades]
- Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturising Lip Colour Balm
  [$35.00 AUD]
- Maybelline Baby Lips Loves Colour SPF 16
  [$3.95 at Priceline available in 4 shades or $3.39 at Chemist Warehouse]