Sephora Collection's limited-edition Hot Hues Neon Lip Balm ($10) is billed as a moisturizing lipstick with a sheer, neon tint. Sephora says this lip treatment combines the hydrating benefits of a lip balm with the sheer tint of a lipstick. "The pop of neon color will highlight any look, and the long-wearing formula means you can keep your pout both moisturized and flashy from day into night." To quote Liz Crenshaw at NBC Washington, "Buuut...does it really do that?
Let's take a look at this fascinating lip balm/lip color. Check out its Jello-like appearance. That may be the feature of Hot Hues Neon Lip Balm I find most interesting. The transparent bullet in the tube is unique. I ordered Hot Pink, shown above, not knowing what to think about the four shades available when I saw the online color representations.
My swatch photos show Hot Pink on my arm in full sunlight. You'll see a baby pink that translates on the lips as a pink-tinted balm (as advertised). It's pretty, but not earth shattering, and definitely not "hot." On my lips, it doesn't have the shine the sun provided on my arm. On my lips it's boring - unfortunately.I wasn't sure what to expect from Paradisso Purple, Funky Fuschia, or Crazy Coral. When I went to Sephora last weekend, I wanted to see the other shades. I couldn't find them on the Sephora brand display. One of the hovering sales people asked if she could help me. I responded by saying yes and asking where I might find these shades. She had no idea what I was talking about and punted by saying without hesitation that they didn't have the product. It was bad form in my opinion. She should have asked someone.
Hot Hues Neon Lip Balm is like a lip balm, but more like Chapstick than a tinted balm that's incredibly moisturizing, such as Rosebud Salve in a Tube (which I love). Keep in mind that my lips are moisture starved. Those with more natural moisture may find the hydration more effective. The only active, hydrating ingredient is jojoba seed oil. There are also some normal lipstick chemicals that read like hieroglyphics. I know what they are and do for a lipstick, but I won't bore you with the details.You can purchase Hot Hues Neon Lip Balm at Sephora online. I don't know if it has arrived at Sephora stores, and I'm unlikely to find out any time soon. I like the one I bought, but I don't see any reason to purchase additional shades. It gets a pass, but not a rave.
Photo at top courtesy of Sephora; other photos by Best Things in Beauty
Thanks for the review! I have been wondering about these. I think I will pass though. Thank you! This is a rare case in which you saved me money:)
ReplyDeleteI tested all of the colors the other day. The hot pink, fuschia and plum are virtually indistinguishable from each other. (I think there is a coral but I didn't see it) They all leave a very bright stain that is not my preferred look. I much prefer the new Sephora balm that goes on clear but "adapts" - a dupe for the Dior one but much less expensive.
ReplyDeleteHi Nikki,
ReplyDeleteI think they are a safe skip. Too bad because the price is good. :)
Thanks for the info, Nina!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your honest assessment, I'll spend on items that are truly worth, not a ChapStik wannabe that costs nearly triple.
ReplyDeleteOn a separate note, I am truly tired of SA's with the aggressive "Can I help you" which is code for"Can you spend hundreds with me so I'll get commission?". When they have no interest in helping, know nothing about products, and then lie about it, it makes my blood boil. I seriously stop going to those stores and go elsewhere (Saks I'm looking at you in the eye). For the Spring 2012 Chanel display, a certain dept. store ran out of Grenat waterproof eyeliner and simply stuck in Cassis because it's similar enough that customers won't know. The SA had no idea what I was talking about and insisted the Cassis was the spring edition.
I'm spending time and gas in the store when I could be shopping online painlessly. Certainly I have known very wonderful SA's and personally love to test products in person, but this attitude really is a waste of time.
Amen, ToughDoc!
ReplyDelete1) Overly aggressive sales associates drive me out of a store. I won't shop with them.
2) I am so tired of product reps substituting products on the new displays - and swearing they are new - I have to Google products on my phone from the store. It's all too common - and also deceitful.
Shopping online has become extremely attractive. You don't have to put up with the hassle.
BTW, you don't need this particular Sephora "wonder," even though other pieces in the new collection are lovely.
This reminds me of the L'Oreal stick that dupes Dior glow balm. That is, this Sephora product looks the same as L'Oreal (the bullet) but that one should also adapt to the colour of the lips like the Dior glow stick. I won't be trying this one though!
ReplyDeleteNever liked my local Sephora store. Bad service and too many "we haven't got it" just because the assistants don't know what you're asking for.
Bye fine ladies!
Just wanted to throw in my two cents and say I *adore* these. It should have been advertised as lip stain in a stick form because that's what it is. There are a maximum of 2-3 seconds after you apply this where you can actually watch it change colors. So it IS, in fact, one of the many color-changers. Yes, I wish these were more hydrating, but it provides a gorgeous bright lip color that I can then use whatever-other gloss or balm over and it lasts for *hours*. Needless to say, I bought a backup. :)
ReplyDelete