February 2, 2012

Sephora Hot Hues Neon Lip Balm Review, Swatches, Photos

You ever make a super cool makeup purchase and the formula on the product simply stinks but you sit around in complete denial how bad it is just because it’s so cool to look at?

Well, that was pretty much the case with the Maybelline Shine Sensational Pop Sticks. Those things were freaking awesome to look at with fairly cool packaging and of course, I proceeded to tell myself the formula was brilliant but let’s face, it didn’t quite work out.

Damn shame!

But…I hope that the new Sephora Hot Hues Neon Lip Balm will be awesome!

Jump!

$10 bucks is cheap as chips but of course, Maybelline’s version was a little more budget friendly at around $5 and change each. But hey, I’m willing to dish out a few dollars more if it means the formula is rock solid.

Not quite, but not bad either.

These little translucent lip balms come housed in a lightweight black tube with a neon tip on the cap. Swivel it up to reveal a hot shade of neon translucent lip balm. I got the shade Hot Pink and it looks just as cool as the Pop Sticks I loved so dearly. The product just appeals to me, packaging/presentation wise, in a major way for some reason. They just look rather awesome don’t they?

Where as Maybelline failed miserably in the pigment department with their Pop Sticks, Sephora successfully created a version that yields just the right touch of tint on lips without looking over done or garish. Hot Pink may sound intimidating but it merely enhances the shade of your natural lip color and leaves behind a blush of pink.

The formula starts off a tad on the hard side but warms up quickly enough for an even glide across lips. Mind you, the texture is essentially a lip balm so don’t expect a ton of shine here or a glossy finish. You’ll have a balm-y finish on lips that leaves a hint of color behind and keeps lips hydrated for quite a few hours. I found the balm wore strong for better half of my day before wearing away. It has a fruity taste but nothing too tempting that you’ll spend time licking it off your lips rather than leaving it in place.

Sadly, they are only available in four shades. With the success I experienced with this shade I’m quite ready to indulge in the other three. Only thing I’d changed? Cuter packaging. The tube is a little lightweight and the black isn’t really all that flattering.

They have a shade called Crazy Coral that I absolutely must get my hands on.

Loves these.

Worth a pick up in my humblest.

Available now at Sephora and Sephora.com

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

  • Emi at Project Swatch

    I love how that looks in the tube, and I can definitely see the color on your skin, but I don’t think that would show up on my lips. Sadness!

  • dina

    yay! i was stalking these @ sephora the other day without success. wish they were a bit more pigmented though….

    • dina

      take that back, they def leave a stain that i wasn’t fully expecting thought i found the pink & coral were more so than the purple. LOVE> screaming spring/summer, no?

  • Jacqueline

    Do they smell as delicious as Maybelline’s? I pull my Pop Stick out all the time just to get high off the awesome candy scent, haha.

  • Andrea

    This sounds awkward, but what do they taste like? I stopped wearing my Maybelline Popstick simply because it tasted HORRENDOUS!!! Like plastic.

    • the Muse

      hi andrea mentioned the taste in the review as well as comments hope this helps! 🙂

  • breyerchic04

    I love the see through stick! I also like black packaging better than a lipsticky color.

  • Olivia

    Yay! I knew these would be like a better version of the popsticks! Did you get this from the store? I need to get it before they’re gone! I need the purple one!

  • winni

    Something about these really appeal to me too! I must try. Thanks for brilliant review, as usual!

  • Regina

    Been waiting for this review!! I’m glad they’re not that pigmented cause they’re neon and i dont wanna look like a clown!

  • electronicfly

    I’ve always wanted one of them jelly lippies/balms, and now cannot wait until Sephora Malaysia carries them!

  • deb

    Hey Muse! I have Crazy Coral. You have to get this one too! It looks like orange jello but once applied it’s a bright pink/coral.

  • Comrade Garlic

    I was shocked that these had some pigment. The new Sephora Collection stuff is really nice. The new cream blush is really pigmented and lasts well. Lots of the new stuff is going to be like the Laura Geller baked line.

  • Majick

    ut oh, I may be in trouble here, I have the Maybelline ones and hate the formula but use it a lot in the summer because THEY LOOK SO COOL WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OUT. lol
    Even my husband said, “WOW, that’s a really cool lip thing.!” Believe me, he doesn’t comment on much.
    I like the packaging but I think it would look better if it were solid black.

    • the Muse

      majick, they really are just super to look at hehe ;-D good enough to eat looking ;D!

  • Nora

    Ugh. My Sephora didn’t get these in their weekly shipment. I plan on stalking them until they arrive, though, to save on shipping. WANT.

  • monique

    I tried these today and i must say i’m not a fan, i do like the maybelline ones, the price point is better, but I can’t get over the taste of the sephora ones :/

  • Ciambella

    Oh man Muse, I wandered into my Sephora the other day and saw these and bought one because of your post! I got the coral one, and it’s super awesome. I love it! The only thing it’s missing is SPF protection. The staining and the moisturizing and the buildability are perfect, and yes, it just looks so darn cool. Sad that these are limited edition! 🙁 My Sephora only had the pink, coral, and purple–might go back for the pink and purple, although based on my swatching I think the coral is definitely the most pigmented. Thanks for the review! 🙂

    • the Muse

      yay so happy to hear it Ciambella! 😀 I really want the coral one! Have to pick it up! thanks for yours! 🙂

  • allin

    Muse! What in the hay? The balm tastes like chemicals! I didn’t get the slightest hint of fruit. I’m taking it back tomorrow.

    • the Muse

      sorry allin! that sounds awful, mine was a subtle fruity scent and taste, guess yours was a fluke? thank god for great return polices 🙂