August 1, 2017

Fresh Sugar Lip Caramel Hydrating Balm Review & Swatches

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

Fresh Sugar Lip Caramel Hydrating Balm ($18) is a new ooey gooey lip balm that I absolutely had to get my hands on as the caramel scent, flavor, and shade was looking like a perfect natural Fall shade for my lips not to mention a hydrating one.

Fresh has been sort of stepping outside the realms of Sugar Lip Treatment with the introduction of several different lip balms, glosses, and treatments lately like Sugar Cream Lip Treatment, Sugar Shine Lip Treatment, and now a potted lip balm. Don’t get me wrong I know I love Sugar Lip Treatment as many of you do but it’s always nice when a brand doesn’t ride the high of a cult favorite product for too long and takes time out to introduce new products along the way.

Here’s my thoughts, review, and swatches of the new Fresh Sugar Lip Caramel Hydrating Balm.

One of Fresh Sugar Lip Caramel Hydrating Balm biggest faults is the potted packaging. Most makeup users are either rolling their eyes or cringing in agony that Fresh decided to introduce something in a pot but all I can say is, it is what it is. Sometimes we have to face the dilemmas of potted lip balms. It’s not the most hygienic packaging around but for this type of formula and texture it is a necessary evil.

Possibly one of the most interesting aspects of the balm is the size and price. Sugar Lip Treatment is $24 and 0.15 oz in size and Sugar Lip Caramel Hydrating Balm is $18 at 0.21 oz in size. The price is nicer on the balm not to mention the larger size.

I never tried the original Fresh Lemon Sugar Nourishing Lip Balm so, I can’t compare the caramel to it. So, I’ll just share my experience with this formula but feel free to chime in if you notice any similarities before the formulas.

Fresh markets this as a rich, cushion-y balm that provides 24 hours worth of moisture. They are indeed right about the texture! It’s quite rich, cushion-y, and almost has the consistency of melted caramel. It has a gooey texture with an almost velvety silicone texture that hugs lips in a silky layer of moisture and shine. It feels incredible on my lips! I think some people won’t love it as it is quite thick but I thought it spread easily and wrapped my lips in a yummy layer of hydration. It’s actually a little bit thicker than petroleum but has the same melt-y texture of it. I didn’t feel it was sticky nor tacky. I found it quite tasty! It smells and tastes like a yummy lemony, sugary caramel.

Sadly, it wears for a short time and doesn’t provide lasting moisture. It feels soothing and quite nourishing when it is on but it wears down within an hour and doesn’t provide any long term moisture benefits once it disappears.

But the most disappointing aspect of all is that it applies sheer. Sad sigh! I thought it might lend a natural hint of tint to my lips for a nude look but sadly, the color applies very sheer and my natural lip color shows through it. It appeared quite pigmented in photos but sadly, it wasn’t.

Fresh Sugar Lip Caramel Hydrating Balm will be a nice companion to matte lipsticks if you wish to add a bit of shine and hydration atop them or if you want some short term moisture this does the trick. Sadly, it is quite sheer and the moisturizing benefits aren’t terribly great so this does have some disappointing aspects to it.

Fresh Sugar Lip Caramel Hydrating Balm is available now at sephora.com.

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

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

  • Jules

    Your review sums up how I feel about Fresh’s sugar lip treatment, the ones in stick form? They feel amazing on, with a great texture, but the tint is barely there, they wear off quickly, and I don’t feel like they do much by way of moisturizing…even though they FEEL like they should be if I’m gonna spend that much on lip balm, I expect miracles! Haven’t tried the potted version, but it sounds like a pass, based on your review.

    • Carol G

      Yes! Finally someone agrees with me. I don’t understand all the rave reviews for this lip balm. It does nothing long-term and costs an arm and a leg. I have never bought a full size of this product, thankfully, because I’ve tried it as a free sample and thought this stuff is not worth the money!

  • Dee

    You are saving me $$ on this and the hourglass lipstick and I appreciate it!

  • Deb

    You nailed it Muse. I’ve been using it for a few days now and I have had the EXACT same experience as you. I got sucked in by the caramel. Basically, just make anything caramel scented and/or flavored and I’m pretty much assured to buy it.

    Won’t repurchase this one.

  • Lara

    Love the review! The texture sounds super yummy. Do you think it would make a nice sleeping balm / lip mask?

  • Barb

    One of my MUST haves is Nuxe reve de miel ultra nourishing lip balm. It is a brand out of France. This balm is VERY long lasting. It is just what it says, a balm, not sticky or shine. Just moisturizing. It does come in a jar and they have the same version in a lipstick tube but that one does not feel or last like the jar. To me they don’t even compare. Unfortunately Nuxe recently stop selling in the US. I had purchased it on a web site called Feel Unique for $12.16. But they run specials often and I got mine for 20% off. REALLY love this stuff and I have found NOTHING to compare. You MUST try it. They also have a cleanser Reve de miel Gell Lavant Surgras ultra rich cleansing gel. It smells and feels and cleans wonderful.

    • Isabella Muse

      That’s one of my favs as well! Most everything from Nuxe is top notch 🙂

  • Char

    Big fan of the Fresh Sugar Untinted Lip treatment for years…it’s a gym kit staple, because I am in the pool 5 days a week, and it really keeps my lips hydrated through the classes, and it’s also good for adding a bit of shine to ultra mattes. I appreciate your review, because I’m not sure I want to be poking around in a $24 jar of goop no matter how tasty it may be! I have the Jack Black Lip balms for that. Cheers!

    • Isabella Muse

      I don’t blame you! The pot is a pain for travel or on the go application!

  • Sarah

    Dear, would you recommend the Fresh sugar lip caramel balm or the Nuxe honey lip balm? Which is more hydrating? My lips are dry all the year and I am just desperating to save the situation… Thank you very much!

    • Isabella Muse

      I actually like Nuxe’s formula a little more, it’s a tad bit more hydrating 😀 Hope this helps!