May 2, 2013

Almay Liquid Lip Balm Review & Swatches

Almay Liquid Lip Balm

Almay Color + Care Liquid Lip Balm is a newly launched hybrid formula that has the pigment and shine of a gloss but the texture and moisturizing properties of a lip balm.

I dunno how I feel about a hybrid gloss slash balm. I mean I’m happy enough with my lip balm being a lip balm and my gloss being a gloss. Do the two products really need a marriage?

Let’s find out.

I recently purchased three of the new Almay Liquid Lip Balms (0.24 oz) at Harmons for $4.99 each (I’m sure they’ll be higher at CVS, Walgreens, etc…EEP! Yak! Burp!).

Almay Color + Care Liquid Lip Balm

Almay Liquid Lip Balm Swatches

Truffle Kiss, Just Plum, Apple a Day

These come in a chubby style tube with a sponge tip applicator. The packaging quite reminds me of a lip balm of sorts so the cross over isn’t just with the formula but also the packaging that will make you think of lip balm when you see it.

I kinda like them and I kinda don’t. Shrug…! And I think some of you will feel the same. They are either a “Oh gee, these are really great…” or more of a “Meh, these are cool…” I kinda fall into feeling they are pretty cool but uneventful. I just don’t think I need a marriage between my lip balm and my lip gloss.

These have a thicker consistency like a melted down lip balm of sorts. The texture has a silicone-y feel which slides onto lips evenly and easily with a soft, buttery texture much like a good lip balm. They have a fairly nice pigmentation which offers opaque color coverage when built up. They leave lips feeling moisturized and hydrated through the wear of around three to four hours. I find the finish has a nice sheen with a lighter shine but nothing super glossy.

I would say the formula probably looks, feels, and applies like your favorite lip balm but in a liquid formulation. They basically offer the moisture of a balm, the buttery texture of one, yet the application and pigment of a good gloss. They aren’t terribly lightweight so like a balm they make themselves known on your lips with their thicker consistency.

Almay Apple a Day Liquid Lip Balm

Almay Liquid Lip Balm Apple a Day

Almay Just Plum Liquid Lip Balm

Just Plum

Almay Liquid Lip Balm Just Plum

Almay Truffle Kiss Liquid Lip Balm

Almay Liquid Lip Balm Truffle Kiss

Truffle Kiss

Almay Liquid Lip Balms will probably gain the favor of those with drier lips who want a tinted lip balm slash gloss. Personally…I’m cool with not marrying the two products. Gloss should be gloss and balm should be balm, they really don’t need to be combined in my humblest. It’s not that I don’t like these as the formula is fairly good. I just find them a little uneventful. I carry lip balm around because I don’t like reapplying lipgloss. Balm is an easy swipe and go method to get moisture on my lips as well as a hint of color. I find gloss a little more work for reapplication so you can see why the idea of a glossy balm just doesn’t really appeal to me!

Shrug.

Not really impressed.

I would recommend trying at least one out as you may have some gloss changing experience if you do. Who knows you might adore them! Personally I’m good with carrying around both a gloss and a lip balm. No marriage needed.

Thoughts?

Tried ’em?

Do share!

I purchased this item.

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

  • yelena

    the colors look lovely! and I like that its a soft shine not crazy like most glosses. the question is how moisturizing are they? can I skip the balm altogether? most glosses dry out my lips so I HAVE to layer them over balm. I would personally be happy to just need 1…:)

    • the Muse

      quite moisturizing I don’t think you’d need a balm prior to using.

  • Bettie

    These look really lovely on you. Are they sticky at all?

  • Traci

    I just purchased two of these from BB&B last Sunday and hadn’t tried them yet because I wanted to see a review first. Thanks for this review, your website has become a go-to for me whenever I’m interested in a product. I especially like that your reviews are so timely. This was great as usual!

    • the Muse

      aw thanks traci! I hope you’ll share your review as well! Curious what you think of these. They are quite nice but I’m unsure I absolutely love them ;-D

  • Tammie

    Are these in a display or just added to the core line now? I am pretty curious to try them since I’ve been on a light lip product kick for quite some time now. I haven’t really used any glosses or lipsticks in ages unless it’s super moisturizing.

    • the Muse

      just saw special displays so far nothing in the perm collection. they aren’t really light, it’s a heavier balmy texture def known on lips ;-D i know how much you like really moisturizing lip products so I’m terrivly curious what you think of this!

      • Tammie

        Ok~ I’ll keep an eye open for the displays then. I might check out BB&B and see if I can find it there since I haven’t seen it elsewhere yet.

        That’s ok that it’s heavier, as long as it’s balmy/moisturizing. I’ve been using some heavier moisturizing glosses and loving it, so I think the key is keeping my lips moist though I prefer lighter if I can get it. I will definitely let you know how I like it when I find it :3

  • Elizabeth S.

    Hi Muse! I saw your mention of these in an earlier post this morning and went to BB&B at lunch and picked up the shade “rosy lipped”. It’s a cream (no shimmer) and probably the most MLBB shade, although it’s more like just an ML shade. I feel the same as you. I can’t tell if I absolutely adore it and want more, or if it’s just meh. I do really like the consistency, subtle shine, and ease of wear. I guess I need a few more days to really make up my mind. And maybe if I got an actual colorful shade I could really tell. I almost picked up the tangerine/peachy shade.

    • the Muse

      elizabeth glad someone feels the same. Not sure I was really wowed by these….they seemed..pointless? I mean we want the ease of a balm for a reason right? just something to swipe and go…this is more the hassle of a gloss…? They feel ok, moisturizing on lips, pigment is there, the formula doesn’t have any terrible quirks but they just come across as uneventful with something missing. I look forward to hearing your thoughts after a few more days curious how you’ll feel 😀

      • Elizabeth S.

        Right! I think I’m being biased by the fact that they are so non sticky – but it’s not a gloss, so it shouldn’t be, right? I’ll definitely let you know what I think after a few more days. Do you have a favorite lip balm? I have chronically dry lips and am always on the hunt.

        • the Muse

          right now burt’s bees lip balms are totally my BFF ;-D really loving these!!!!!!!!!! yeah, def like the non-sticky texture and they do have a soft hydrating feel but…I dunno something is missing!

  • Christina

    So glad I passed these up yesterday! I love tinted balms but tend to avoid glosses. If these have a heavy, thick consistency like a gloss, I’d hate ’em. Thanks again Muse for your help.

    • the Muse

      my pleasure! I think I’m just failing to see the point….! balm is balm, gloss is gloss, never the two should meet ;D

      • Tammie

        It’s for lazy bums like myself haha.

        Not that I know if I like it or not, but yeah lol

          • Adrienne

            Muse, I waited for your review and was fortunate enough to find them for $4.99 AND I had an old coupon for $4.00 off any Almay cosmetic so I figured for $1.00+tax it wouldn’t be too bad. I actually like the fact that I can see the pigment deposited and its super moisturizing and not sticky so for now I’m a fan. Not sure if its longwear or not but so far I like it. Waiting for your review of the almay cc cream now

          • the Muse

            hell great deal adrienne 😀 the wear time is decent for me, about four hours ;-D I’m glad you like! Happy to hear it. I’m still a little on the fence! I’m testing CC now ;-D should be a Monday/Tuesday review 😀

          • Tammie

            I agree Adrienne, I love that these are sheer but not super sheer <3

  • koolchicken

    I could actually see them being a smart alternative to traditional balms in the summer. I hate it when my balms/lipsticks get melty in my pocket, or melt completely if forgotten about in the car. This product won’t have that problem. I have ruined too many products over the years, seriously I left my lipstick in the car every time I was in there one year. I think I would have been glad for this product back then!

  • Vi

    I think I need Just Plum! I like the idea: well-tinted slight shine, with some extra moisture? Yes please! My dry lips can always use more moisture. I can definitely see myself using these on days between wearing lipstick, to give my lips a “break” without abandoning color entirely. 😀

  • MarMar

    This seems perfect for me! I have so many glosses that look great but dont help the dryness of my lips and I also hate carrying multiple products. This is great in the summer since I wont have to worry about it melting. Cant wait till I see these in store!

  • Karena Acree-Paez

    These look gorgeous on you, Muse!!! Thanks so much for the review. I will definitely want to purchase these as soon as I can get a BOGO offer from CVS or Walgreens. Too bad I don’t have a Harmons nearby! I am so jealous. You always look great in pinks, but that Truffle looks amazing on you. I also love your eye make-up here – very simple, yet defined and fresh looking!! 🙂

    • the Muse

      aw thanks karena 🙂 my pleasure! I hope you like them! I wish I did, it’s actually a little out of my way, the harmons that is ;-D My reader/friend Christina always gives me the heads up about what Harmons has so I don’t waste a trip! or if I am visiting friends (like when I found these) I am able to make a quick pit stop at harmons to snatch them up ;-D aw thanks!!!!!!!!!!!! I wasn’t sure about the Truffle one so that’s a relief to hear ;-D You’re great for my ego! 😀

  • blueraccoon

    Muse on another note, I found a new fave lip balm I think you might like! It’s by The Honest Company, it’s all-natural, the top two ingredients are sunflower seed oil and beeswax. It’s really light and not waxy at all, but because of all the oils in it it moisturizes really well. Plus mine is a sweet orange vanilla scent, so it’s like getting a creamsicle in a lip balm. I got mine in this month’s Glossybox and it may be one of the best products I’ve ever gotten in a Glossybox. Just thought you, as a fellow lip balm junkie, might appreciate this one 🙂
    https://www.honest.com/bath-and-body/honest-organic-lip-balm-trio

    • the Muse

      thanks blue!!!!!!!!!! just ordered ;-D if you like it I know I will ;D!

  • Tammie

    I was thinking…these are kind of like having a potted lip balm with a more sanitary applicator isn’t it. I mean they are a little thinner than most potted lip balms, but it’s kind of the same idea.

    BTW I got 3 last night and so far I’ve tried the Apricot Pucker (iirc) and it’s lovely~. These are really really awesome for me. Sheer pop of color, lasts pretty long, shine and moisture. Really all I can ask for of a lip product hehe

    • the Muse

      hey tam just got your texts sorry delayed reply ;-D now I want AP! ;-D I knew you’d like these ;-D

      • Tammie

        No worries, I knew when I sent them it was about 10pm your time.

        You will love Apricot Pucker~. So pretty. Just a touch of pink enough to be wearable but still pretty orange. Apricot is a great name for it 🙂

        Hehe yes, good call 🙂 ..it was exactly what I was hoping it would be and it’s right down my alley. I’ll have to get the plum too…I think that was the only other one that really caught my fancy (other than the Apricot Pucker I got Pink Pout and Apple a Day).

        • the Muse

          I was actually in a movie when I got them lol forgot to turn my phone off and go a few hisses hehe! oooooo now I feel like I am missing out! I thought the shades kinda looked all similiar in a way so only got the three but not def want that Apricot!

          • Tammie

            Ohh sorry! I thought maybe you’d be in bed haha. Were you watching Iron Man 3?

            Yeah most of them look the same to me too, but the Apricot one is almost neon in the tube though, quite bright! But it’s not crazy on the lips, due to the sheerness.

          • the Muse

            yeah, I had a huge dinner with friends last night and we went to an early preview of IM3 that started at 9. Was amazingballz (it could have been rubbish for all I know but I’d think it was amazing anyway because RDJ is my future hubby heheh). ha me in bed by ten? never. I’m a night owl. But lord knows getting me up in the morning is a MAJOR problem. If I could I’d live my life from 5pm to 5am ;-D heeh! I think that’s why I skipped it at first but now that you’re raving it I suddenly want it damn you Barrowman *shakes fist Ten style*

  • Quinctia

    Hmm, I like Nyx’s Butter Gloss and UD Honey Therapy, so if my CVS Extra Card printer burps out an Almay coupon and the store has these, I might pick one up!

  • Emilaine

    Im super excited about these! I have uber dry lips and hate having to layer lip balm under everything. Putting it under products makes it look weird and the texture is odd.And, you look beautiful in truffe kiss 🙂

  • Brittany

    I absolutely LOVE these. I can’t remember the name of the color I purchased but it is a bright coral of sorts. It is my new favorite go-to lip color. I put it on at the beginning of my shift, and there is no need to reapply for color or moisture 8 hours later. I will be purchasing many more.

  • Karena

    WOW!!! There is a special at CVS this week on Almay – buy $10 and get $4 extrabucks back. I bought 2 shades w/$3 in extrabucks that I had to use. I got an Apple a day and Apricot Pucker. I got $9.00 back in extra bucks afyer my purchase! I tried apple on in the car and FELL IN LOVE with the pigmentation and texture. It spreads so evenly, like a liquid lipstick with a modest shine (not suoer glassy gloss which also has its place). I went back in the store and bought Cantalope Cream, Rosy Lipped, and Bloomimg Balm!!! Love these! Now after seeing how good you look in Truffle Kiss, Muse, I may have to keep shopping! LOL Thanks so much for showcasing these so I could be on the lookout.

    • the Muse

      yay karena glad you hauled girl and saved! 😀 aw shucks thanks! I’m so glad to hear you love them! enjoy wear in health!

  • Valster

    I actually loved this line, esp. since the colors are lovely but unlike glosses, they are not sticky at all. My lips are moist all day. I rarely go ga-ga for a gloss but these balms rocked my world.

    • yelena

      agreed! i got this in canteloupe and received compliments on the color but I loved that it stayed on for hours so i needed few re-applications, my list were moist andI had some shine but not crazy teeny glossy shine. some times i find glosses to be offensive and wayy too drying on my lips. love this, will go back for more colors!

  • Jackie

    Hi, I just recently discovered your amazing website and I am thoroughly enjoying all of your reviews!
    I am always looking for lip products that are glossy and moisturizing. I have dry lips and they are thin at that…chicken lips…I hate ’em…anyway, I tend to wear lip gloss more than lipsticks. Laura Mercier Lip Glaces one of my favorites…
    So just got back from Target where I purchased this product in Lilac Love. So far so good! AND the price point at Target is $4.99! I had a $4.00 coupon so for a buck it is definitely a keeper regardless! I think I want Nudetrients next! Thanks for your review!

    • the Muse

      aw thank you jackie! thank you so much! Laura Mercier Lip Glaces are also my avs 😀 so glad you enjoyed these! and wow awesome coupon! my pleasure! <3! good to meet you!

  • Michelle Luna

    I’m wicked late to this party (story of my life), I just picked up one of these in Pink Pout the other day and I for one LOVE it, it’s pretty much just like Avon Glazewear except I don’t have to find a dealer to buy it and then feel guilted into buying more stuff all year long! Haha. I wear a very light layer so the color is almost barely noticeable (*I* can see it only because I know my natural lip color but nobody else would detect it) but I do so love that smooth buttery feeling, and I love that this is summertime friendly, yet also wintertime friendly as well. I can see me keeping a tube year-round in the car for when I can’t fumble through my purse for chapstick. I also like the barely-there flavor/scent, I was worried these would be minty which I absolutely detest in a lip or skin product. I love your reviews because you always make sure to mention whether something is minty or not. It’s like, vital info for me.
    I think I’m going to go get the brown Truffle shade next, it’s my favorite color on you of these 3. I think with how thinly I wear it the color/tint will end up being a MLBB color for me! Probably gonna get the Plum one too.
    Thanks once again for a helpful review, I love that you do drugstore, and not just the high end and Korean products. So helpful!