December 9, 2011

L’Oreal Colour Riche Balm Review, Swatches, Photos

It’s official, Revlon has ruined me for all lip balms and lip butters. I was deeply impressed with these pigmented, hydrating lip balms and I think they set some sort of standard for newly released lip balms as that could prove why I was an ickle disappointed with the newest L’Oreal Colour Rich Balm.

Let’s have a look and see what the deal is.

L’Oreal Colour Rich Balm promises six hydrating hours of wear with an SPF 15 and a slick of tint. That’s the key word kids, “tint”. These aren’t anywhere in the realms of the pigmentation that Revlon Lip Butters sport and yes, I admit, it disappointed me. I guess I was just assuming that highly pigmented lip butters were the wave of the drugstore seasonal future but that’s not the case at all. L’Oreal took their balm along the lines of a more traditional formula with a hint of tint and a highly moisturizing formula.

The texture and feel of these is most definitely a balm-like product so you know they are on your lips as they aren’t really all that lightweight. They glide on beautifully without a hiccup even on my dry, chapped, peeling lips. The feel isn’t necessarily slick but it’s moisture you can feel and see as the finish has a bit of shine to it. The formula runs along the lines of a traditional lip balm but has a richer feel. So rich in fact you’ll feel like you spent $20 on these rather than $5.79 each. I think the formula is gorgeous. It wears comfortably, moisturizes my lips beautifully, and offers just the right touch of color for a MLBB experience (my lips but better).

If you’re trying to do a little comparing between all the latest lip balm products that have recently launched here’s a little break down…

Revlon Lip Butters are the most pigmented where as L’Oreal’s version are sheerer. Maybelline Baby Lips aren’t in the same category as they are a very basic lip balm with an even sheerer color payoff than L’Oreal’s version plus the formula isn’t nearly as hydrating as what L’Oreal has going on with Colour Rich Balm.

Speaking of color and tint…

These are pigmented as you can see from the swatches. Every color I tried was very sheer and subtle which did disappoint me a little bit however they do enhance the pigment of my lips quite nicely resulting in a my lips but better kind of look. My looks are naturally rosy pink so alot of the shades I purchased ended up looking the same after application however someone with less pigmented lips will probably see the best results in terms of distinguishing different shades. Anyone with pigmented lips already I don’t necessarily suggest hauling several shades as you probably won’t be able to tell the difference in color.

The colors I hauled were (swatched from top to bottom, left to right):

  • Tender Mauve (duller shade of mauve)
  • Nourishing Nude (peachy nude beige)
  • Plush Plum (plum berry shade)
  • Heavenly Berry (rosy berry)
  • Caring Coral (nude coral)
  • Carmel Comfort (golden nude beige)

Pictured above from bottom to top (Caring Coral, Tender Mauve, Heavenly Berry, Caramel Comfort, Nourishing Nude, and Plush Plum).

One shade that’s an absolute must have is Plush Plum as this shade yielded the most pigment. Other noticeable shades that are “nice to have” are Caring Coral and Heavenly Berry.

Finally I wanted to take a second to love on the packaging. Revlon’s Lip Butter packaging was very fun but L’Oreal’s is quite rich looking. They remind me of a Clarin’s Lipstick. These are light but looking at them they look like a heavy, posh lipstick tube. The translucent cap gives the balm a little fun while the gold tube and base lend a little elegance to the overall look.

Overall, L’Oreal Colour Rich Balm can prove a little disappointing as many of the shades look the same on lips no matter which you choose plus if you’re heading into this purchase thinking they’ll be as pigmented as Revlon Lip Butters you’ll be pretty disappointed. However, if you want a hydrating balm which just a hint of tint, nothing too dramatic that will enhance your natural lip color you’ll be more than happy. If you felt like Revlon Lip Butters were too much of a lipstick and less of a lip balm than you’ll be happy that L’Oreal is more of a balm and less of a lipstick however don’t haul too many of the shades as that would be a waste of money particularly if your lips are very pigmented as the shades will simply all the same on.

I think these deserve a little Muse Approval love!

Have you tried them?

Do share!

I located mine at Harmons for $5.79 each.

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

  • S

    Great review, Muse, thank you so much!! I think I’m going to love these, as I thought the Revlon lip butters I chose were a bit too shimmery for my taste.

  • Cj

    Yay finally! These were made for me lol, I was so disappointed that the Revlon’s were so pigmented, that there was no way I could wear them (The drag look is so not for me lol!) I thrive on MLBB lippies, and I just love the packaging of these. Sadly another downside of living in a smaller city, the drugstores aren’t going to have these for at least another week or two. But they look promising 😀 Ima get plush plum, caring coral, and nourishing nude

    • the Muse

      cj you’ll love ’em if you want the MLBB look! these def bring it to the table ;-D! ah a man in drag, so sexy ;-D I’m sure you can rock a little bold lippie hehe! I shall convince you!

      If you need them shoot me an email can ship some on over if you can’t stand to wait for your drugstore to get them! happy weekend!

  • Ana

    nice to see another company rolling out hydrating lip tint options for the winter season. 😀 i already hauled some revlon lip butters so i shouldn’t be buying these – but the spf is definitely a one-up on revlon!

  • Sarah S.

    Thanks for this review and swatches, Muse <3 I might pick up one of these, but I won't haul nearly all of them like the Colorburst Lip Butters because those all look quite different on!

    • the Muse

      my pleasure sarah! no reason to, unless you have super pale lips, otherwise they all look virtually the same on 🙁

  • Tina

    Any scent to these? I know L’oreal usually scents their lip products and sometimes the scent can be a bit too much.

    • EC

      no scent, but they taste is awful! There is SPF in the balm, but it tastes like you are eating sunblock, so nauseating I returned mine, even though I loved the colors and the feel

  • anna

    I’ve been so obsessed with the Revlon ones so I’m psyched to see these and for $5.79, that’s a better deal than the Revlon ones. I’m going to hunt these down. Thanks Muse!

  • Cait

    I’m definitely going to pick one of these up….. i was debating getting the revlon, but they seemed a bit too pigmented for me….deep pigment brings out any redness in my face and is a big no, lol. These look perfect though

  • Harshleen

    Thanks for the helpful review Muse! I am not sure about picking these up now as I like more pigmented formulas but the tubes definitely look prettier than the revlon lip butters.

  • Katie

    Have you tried the Clinique chubby sticks recently? The pigmentation and the way you describe them look really similar. If you have tried the chubby sticks, how do these compare?

  • Marty Pauline

    There are no Harmon’s here in Cali and I have not seen them in any Drugstore in the Bay Area so will have to wait to see them.

  • katherine

    I have a couple of chubby sticks and they haven’t been used but once since I bought them. But these look interesting I might have to pick some of these up! 🙂

  • Hoang

    I loved the Revlon Lip Butters ones and the Maybelline Baby Lips. These sound and look great though.. Oh my wallet haha!

    The trend of tinted lip balms is really catching on. First Covergirl’s Gloss Balm, Revlon Super Lustrous Balms, Maybelline Baby Lips, Revlon Lip Butters, and now these L’Oreal ones. Though I don’t need more, I can’t say I am not excited for the next tinted lip balm that may come out in the drugstore!
    Do you know if they’re limited edition? I certainly hope not so I can pick one up later.

    • the Muse

      they really are trending at the moment hoang 🙂 nope, these are here to stay from what I understand 🙂

  • Jocelyn

    Would you say these are anything like the Colour Juice Sticks they discontinued? I LOVED those.

  • BooBooNinja

    Thanks for the great review and comparison with the Lip Butters!
    I think the sheer, non glittery MLBB nature of the L’Oreal Balms are just want I’ve been looking for. I think I’m going to pick up Heavenly Berry (because I think it’ll get me closest to the medium pink I’ve been lemming) and Plush Plum (because of it’s your fave).

    I can’t wait until they’re available near me!

  • Jenn

    They had a whole new shelving of these at Target when I was there today…and not one Revlon lip butter in stock. :-/ My target seemed like they were stocking up on EVERYTHING tonight, I’ve never seen the makeup aisle’s so full of products.

  • Suz

    Do you think these would be worth a purchase for Women of Color? I always worry that sheer-er lip products would be a waste of time as my lips are pretty dark to begin with. That’s probably why I love the Revlon balms. They show up!

    • the Muse

      suz depends on how pigmented your lips are chica. the berry shade would be nice on darker skin however they are very sheer overall so you’ll get a nice hint of shine but NOT alot of color. I’d try the plum version as that’s the most pigmented, it’ll enhance your lip color if nothing else! but don’t go wild and buy a ton of shades as no matter if you are darker or lighter they all kinda look the same on lips!

      • Suz

        Thanks! I’ll probably pick up a shade next time I hit the drugstores, just to see!

  • Majick

    Love the spf and I’m always up for a sheer lippie. I always carry one in my pocket around the house, keep one by the computer, and of course several in the handbag. (Ok, truth be told I also carry UD high pigment lippies in 3 colors, you know for emergencies ha ha) I’ll tell you, those and a little mascara will work on days when I only have 3 minutes.)

    I have to go to Harmon’s today so I’ll check to see if they got them yet. I’m loving the 2 nudes and the plum followed by the other colors. One good thing is if there is only one left (untested by the gross shoppers) it won’t really matter what color it is. LOL

    Thanks for the post and have a great weekend!

  • Bianca61

    Dearest Muse! I simply adore you. I sent you an email, a while back thanking you for such an excellent website. I love make up and glosses are my addiction. Well, not anymore- I bought all the Maybelline Babylips balms (very glossy/moisturizing) and picked up ten of the Revlon Balms.(love em!!!!) I will have to try these as soon as I find the new L’oreal products here. I get my hauls at Rite Aid or CVS….(buy one/get one free or 40% off deals)..I am going to London in a couple of weeks and will probably find some new items there. Yay. Thanks again for all you do and for saving me a lot of time and money. Be well doll ! Happy Holidays to you and all your FFFs. (fans,followers,friends) 🙂

    • the Muse

      aww bianca you are too sweet. I hope I replied!??! EEP! so sorry if I didn’t. I’ve been SWAMPED! xoxoxo! I am so happy you hauled so hard NICE ;-D Enjoy London! I’m so jels!!!!!!!!!!! have a very happy and safe holiday dear and many thanks for your amazing comment it made my day!!!!!!!!!!

  • Michelle

    Is it just me or all of the drugstore brands kinda doing the same thing? Revlon, Maybelline Baby Lips, Covergirl Naturelux balm thingy… hahaha. And the mousse foundation stuff too. Everyone’s picking up that trend as well.

    I like it though! I love drugstore brands. =P I might have to pass on this L’oreal balm though, a little too sheer for my liking. Thanks for the informative post!

  • jenn s.

    Must have Plush Plum!!! Will be searching for this color immediately. I am mucho loving my Revlon Pink Truffle and Sugar Plum balms!

  • BooBooNinja

    What’s the wear time on these?
    Is the wear time comparable with the Revlon Lip Butters? (I haven’t tried either.)

    • the Muse

      hi booboo wear time varies, I can get three to four hours on these without drinking or eating.

      • BooBooNinja

        thanks!

        ps my Aunt got me the Kose eyelash curler (the one in the with the case) and I lurvvv it. 🙂

  • BooBooNinja

    I’m also having trouble following the swatches as you’ve named them.
    You mentioned that you swatched them “swatched from top to bottom, left to right”… however, from your descriptions (in brackets), it seems like you swatched them *from left to right, top to bottom”, as in:
    Top photo showing swatches is of:
    Tender Mauve, Nourishing Nude, and Plush Plum (L to R).

    Bottom photo showing swatches is of:
    Heavenly Berry, Caring Coral, and Carmel Comfort (L to R)

    And then, it seems like the photos of the lipsticks (where you can see the product without the cap) are actually listed from top to bottom.

    Is this true? Or am I totally confused?
    When I compare this post to your first post on these L’Oreal Balms, it seems like you’re using the same swatch photos but name them differently.

    I’m sorry for being a bother, but I’m really interested in picking the right colours for me. I don’t think they’ll have testers at my local store, and I don’t want to miss out. The Revlon Butters are sold out here.

    • the Muse

      sorry booboo I swatched from left to right in the swatches and the photos are top to bottom showing the lipsticks if this makes sense. so the swatches are left to right. The photos of the tip of the lipsticks is top to bottom. is that clearer? sorry, sometimes I get a little crazy and make a few mess ups 🙂

  • Blondelle

    Love the packaging and the sunscreen. Not sure if the Revlon butters have sunscreen. Do these wear anywhere near the 6 hours they say they do? Do they leave any stain behind when they do wear off? Thanks for the photos and the great review.

    • the Muse

      there isn’t any stain after they wear away bondelle and I get around 3 to 4 hours at best not six though. 🙂 hope this helps! my pleasure!

      • Majick

        I got one, and I don’t think these are for me. I get about 6 minutes and for some reason my lips are getting a little chapped from this formula. (I do have issues with certain lippies so this is just one of those for me).

        I found the formula very sheer and shiny and I liked that but the texture was a little greasy/oily and made me want to wipe my mouth. I think the wear time may be short for me because of that.

          • Majick

            I really try to be constructive because not all formulas work for everyone. I like when people say why they liked/disliked something with a tidbit about their lifestyle because it makes it easier to read between the lines. KWIM?

  • SJG

    These are the freaking Colour Juice Sticks from a few years ago, made less pigmented and put in a gold package instead of silver. (I think they had a sub-line of “tints” and that’s just what these are.) This makes it official – I am never going to worry about anything being discontinued again since THERE IS NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN AND IT WILL BE BACK SOON. hahahaha

    • Majick

      Dont you wish they would say in the ads for this type of “new” stuff:

      If you liked our “bla bla” from (insert year) you will love this new version.

      At least then the consumer would know right away if an old love has been returned.

  • RedWeatherTiger

    Thank you for the excellent review! I want these, but I haven’t found them near me yet…can you tell me if there is shea butter in this formula? Shea butter dries my lips something terrible; it is in the Revlon ones, so I can’t wear them without a certain degree of suffering. :O( Thanks in advance!

  • S

    I just picked up 3 of these today at Rite-Aid. I got Heavenly Berry, Pink Satin & Rose Elixir. They are extremely sheer and vary little in color. But I love that they’re sparkle free & feel quite moisturizing on my lips.

  • Lexi

    I finally got one of these last night at Target. I had seen them a few other places but was afraid that they would be like the Revlon Lip Butters that I really didn’t care for. I’m liking these, and LOVE that they don’t smell like the typical Loreal lip stuffs. My Target was pretty picked over, so I only got Rose Elixir, but I’m on the hunt for Nourishing Nude as well.

  • Patzman

    I just picked a couple of these up over the weekend, and I am totally lovin’ on the Heavenly Berry. If you are a lip liner wearer, these look great over lips filled in with liner. : ) LUV. Also got the plum, like that one too!

  • Avalith

    I do love the Revlon Lip Butters, but I find them too… pigmented? It’s not the kind that you can just pick one out of your bag when your lips feel chapped (or the lip butter wore off after a while) and just slap it on without looking at a mirror or blotting away the excess existing pigment off your lips first. I feel silly walking along and having to blot and look at a mirror to apply the lip butters… I just wanna take it out and just reapply…

    SO I THINK I AM GETTING THIS! I am excited! Just need to find the right color… and Im glad to see that the great Muse herself has approved of this product 🙂 Thank you!

    • the Muse

      my pleasure avalith, if you want sheerer and less in your face than revlon’s lip butters, you’ll def like L’Oreal Colour Riche Balm! ;-D

  • Emilaine

    Hey! I was extremely disapointed in the Revlon Lip Butters. I bought one in Gumdrop and I found almost no pigmentation and a very weird unenjoyable texture. I have only worn it twice but am still trying to convince myself to love it.

  • Mercedes

    I must have gotten lucky bc the plush plum color I got is ridiculously pigmented. That’s the only color I’ve tried, I’ll definately have to see if I just got lucky with the pigmentation or not. Thanks for the great post!

  • Alex

    How many different shades are there? I want to try and collect all of them!

    • the Muse

      there are four or six new LE shades and I believe a total of 8 in the main line? I THINK! 🙂

      • Alex

        Ok thanks!😊and have you done a review on the revlon lip butters? I’m reall obsessed with lip product! Lol

        • the Muse

          yes I have alex 🙂 quite a few reviews on those. they are fab.

  • Vivian Cottrell

    I bought this lipstick because Sandstone lipstick was no longer being
    produced except in the Infallible. I feel sure this color was very popular since it was, quite often, usually sold out at different stores. Not many customers have the time or inclination to put on the color making sure that it goes on evenly, which it does not, then following with the conditioning balm that lightens the color. Most customers want to put lipstick on quickly during the day. Models may take this much time but the average customer does not. Please come back with what works & sells.

  • Jen

    love your blog! I bookmarked it. I found you while I was searching to see if the l’oreal balm POPs have sunscreen in them. I saw that titanium dioxide was listed as an ingredient on the POPs….so i’m thinking yes.

    • Isabella Muse

      Hi Jen! thank you! so glad you’re enjoying Musings of a Muse! 🙂 glad you found the answer you were looking for!