January 13, 2010

Bare Escentuals Spring Collection 2010: Bare Escentuals Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Balm Review and Swatches

Bare Escentuals Spring 2010 coming atcha today…well a little something of it. You know BE they like to surprise us with killer kits as the season progresses so expect more soon I’m sure.

Bare Escentuals Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Balm 3

Bare Escentuals is busy mixing up it’s Buxom line and have released a brand new shade of Buxom Mascara in bright blue, yay retro 80’s lashes! Along the same line they also released the new Bare Escentuals Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Balm which topped my wants it list last week.

Have a jump for the deets!

Available in five shades in a big old chubby pot, Bare Escentuals Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Balm should appeal to the compulsive balm applicators. You know who you are! You’re the girl’s that tuck lip gloss, balms, and lipsticks in your desk drawer and compulsively apply and reapply as the day progresses. You’re the girl that keeps lip products on her bedside table and applies while watching late night TV or reading a book in bed! I know you well because I’m that girl too.

Bare Escentuals Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Balm 1

Bare Escentuals Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Balm 2

Problem….

For our anal germ-a-phobes Bare Escentuals Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Balm comes in a pot. Boo-hoo. Believe me I know I hate dipping into potted gloss. The OCD nature sets in when presented with a big old pot of lip balm. I try to make my peace with balms with this sort of packaging because there are so many on the market, many of which grace my collection, and of such good quality that I’d be missing out if I skipped because they are in a jar and I’m so anal about bacteria…ya know? Sometimes for the sake of beauty you have to put aside the germs and enjoy the moment, just be sure you’re enjoying the moment with clean fingers.

Good news for those who hate flavor as the formula does not sport a flavor of any kind. It’s free or parabens and contains vitamins C and E for a healthy pout.

Turns out it’s not as emollient as I was expecting. The balm is densely packaged into the pot for a harder more balm-like texture. It’s not incredibly pigmented but it has a touch of color, enough to make lips look just bitten and pretty. It’s a balm on many levels and it doesn’t cross into the realms of a gloss at all due to it’s formula and texture. It blends nicely onto lips with a bit of warming up and offers hydration and moisture in a snap with a tiny hint of color. Although BE says it tingles I didn’t experience that so I do think it should feel fine for sensitive types who get a tad wary when “tingle” is inserted into the mix. Although I didn’t see much plumping on my upper lip, my bottom one was sticking out in a pouty effect after use…either it was the balm or I was having a childish moment and stuck out my lip in a fit of rage, I’m going to say it was the balm. Packing on product will result in fuller lips for sure.

The balm is $15 and quite a deal in my humblest due to it’s extra large size. It’s alot of product for the price. Also the packaging isn’t lacking with a great twist top and full size mirror underneath for quickie lip swipes on the fly. The mirror was a lovely addition in my opinion and makes the overall product quite elegant.

Bare Escentuals Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Balm 7

I tried two shades. Portofino which is a plummy wine. This shade is pretty pigmented so it does leave behind a nice bit of color. And Waikiki which is a peachy pink nude. This has a touch of color and can be built up for a better effect but for the most part very subtle. Now I really need to go to Sephora and buy Bora Bora as the swatch on site looks lovely, it’s this sweet cherry red.

Bare Escentuals Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Balm 9

Bare Escentuals Buxom Big & Healthy Balm5

Bare Escentuals Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Balm 8

Bare Escentuals Buxom Big & Healthy Balm7

Overall, I’d say these are a nice one. If you’re a lover of balms you’ll probably want to pick a few of these guys up. Being in the dead of Winter my lips can use as much moisture as they can get plus a little pouting action and a hint of color is always the order of business.

Likey.

Available now from Sephora.

Anyone check ’em yet?

Wanting to?

Say the word.

Disclosure: The following item was provided to Musings of a Muse by a PR firm for review purposes. For further information please see my FTC Guidelines or my Disclosure/Disclaimer posts.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Ivo

    Hi Muse,

    I’m a totally lip balm lover. Definitely I’m going to get this.
    By the way, you look cute with Waikiki.

    • the Muse

      thank ye ivo you’re too kind 🙂

      I’m a balm lover too so can’t resist! I really need to get bora bora, it looks lush! What shades were tempting you?

  • imprompturoses

    Thanks for your review – really helpful. I think I’m going to stick with my korres lip butter during the day & rosebud balm at night.

    I did take your advice with the philosophy products. Just hauled their Magical mini’s set & picked up Cargo’s bluray pressed power. Lots of cargo products on sale & going fast. I was going to also pick up an eyeshadow palette and it disappeared when I was checking out!

    • the Muse

      hey roses

      how are you dear? My pleasure! I love rosebud balm myself and korres :-D!

      That’s awesome! I can’t wait to hear what you think. Yes I know phew! Crazed right? CVS 360 is going to be carrying cargo soon!

  • Isabelle

    I was just in Sephora today and they are lovely! My favorite had to have been St. Barts though– it’s such a lovely flirty lilac. I’m seriously considering buying it (but $15 is a little expensive in my book)!

    • the Muse

      hey Isabelle! I love the texture of these guys 😀 I haven’t seen St Bart’s in person yet but sounds lovely. Mmmm I think MAC Tender Tones were around $15 so I wasn’t feeling too bad about the price 😀

  • Kelsey

    Hey Muse!

    I just ordered one of these today, actually. So excited! I’ll be sure to post a review up on my site once I’ve developed my opinion of it.. I got Copacabana, to play it safe, but I’m really wanting Bora Bora.. Maybe if I like it enough. 😉

    • the Muse

      hey kelsey! looking forward to hearing whatcha think! ;-D They are a nice thick balm! I wish they were a little bit more pigmented but none the less if you love balms, and I know you do, you’ll love these!

  • sara

    you are too cuteee for your own good! just love it on you..i bought waikiki yesterday and love it. it smells like vanilla i wanna eat it..it smells really yummy.