Thursday, January 21, 2010

Dior's New Crème de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm

I went back to Saks for this! I was so tempted when I first saw the Crème de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm ($25). It's part of the new Dior Lace Collection for Spring 2010.

Although I don't usually like pot lip balms, and I don't usually like scented lip balms, this one was like a magnet. It drew me right back into the store.

Crème de Rose is described as a smoothing, plumping lip balm with an SPF 10. It promises to soothe, re-plump, hydrate, and protect your lips. This nourishing lip balm comes in one universal petal pink shade and features a heavenly rose scent - a divine fragrance that instantly transports you to an English garden.

Opening the pot is a sensory pleasure. The roses pop out! You smell roses on application, and then the scent fades. Perfect!

Crème de Rose balm leaves just a hint of enlivening pink on the lips, but major moisturizer, with shea butter and rose essential oils to hydrate your lips. It actually stays on me for a reasonable amount of time, which is fairly amazing given that my lips instantly absorb most lip balms.

Is there anything about it I can't gush about? It's pricey for a lip balm, so I fear many people won't try it. Also, a personal problem: it contains retinyl palmitate, which could make my lips peel continuously , given my sensitivity to Vitamin A products. The retinyl palmitate is pretty far down the ingredient list, so I'm hoping I won't have a reaction to it. The ingredient is there is keep the dead skin cells sloughed off the lips, making them moist and lush. Unfortunately, I'm terribly sensitive to it and try to avoid it whenever I can. It's a superstar skin care ingredient, so most of you should be happy it's included in the mix.

Dior provides secrets for use in the package insert. Dab a bit onto the center of your lips to add a touch of radiance. Apply the balm under lipstick or lip gloss to prepare your lips. Or apply a thick layer to your lips before going to bed to make your lips feel moisturized and comforted when you awaken.

Crème de Rose is available at Sephora, Saks, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, and Neiman Marcus.

Photo courtesy of Sephora

7 comments:

DivaDebbi said...

Does sound yummy but definitely pricey for lip balm!

One of my all time faves is Smith's Rosebud Salve. I use it nightly on my lips (and under my eyes). It's 6 bucks at Sephora. Been around for about 100 years.

xox,
DivaDebbi

Charlestongirl said...

Hi DivaDebbi,

A much better buy...and I agree - I love Smith's! Great product.

The Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment is nice too.

Unknown said...

i am also a big fan of lip balms- i rarely wear lipsticks (just never found the right shades) or glosses (they are sticky!) so balms are my lip product. i got a little retractable lip brush to avoid messy application. It makes application very easy, and I can always mix balm with a bit of lipstick- if i want color.

Charlestongirl said...

Oh Anna, there are so many glosses that aren't sticky! Have you tried Armani or Dior?

I hate sticky glosses - even if the color is fab. They feel so "cheap."

Unknown said...

i have a Chanel Glossimer and it is not sticky... But my main problem is I am afraid of color on the lips- i feel like i look over-done, no matter what color i put on. thats why i like balms :)

Charlestongirl said...

Oh my...we need to work on your fear of color. :)

While I'm not comfortable with dark or red lips, the right colors on my lips make me look good and feel good!

Unknown said...

i would really love to wear a perfect red lipgloss but i am not sure i ever will. even light pink/peach lipgloss on my lips makes me feel clownish...