Review: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Cherish

I'm a little bit late to the party with the Revlon Balm Stains as these have been out for a good few months, but it wasn't until a big swatching session in Superdrug a few weeks ago that they really caught my attention.

The twist up stick packaging isn't anything new; pioneered by Clinique but replicated by more brands than I can count on my fingers, I find the sticks really handy to use and I get a faster easier shape to my lips than with some lipstick bullets. My only packaging gripe is that when bought new, the stick doesn't twist all the way down into the tube, which can mean a hasty knick to the product if you're not careful with the lid.

The product is quite solid in the stick but applies like a minty pigmented balm- glossy and strong in colour but needing more than one swipe to get full colour payoff. I'm a big fan of the texture as it's more weightless than a full on lipstick but gives a really glossy pleasant feeling without any drag when rubbing your lips together. Being one of those people that is constantly either chewing their lips or rubbing them together without noticing, a long lasting formula is really essential, and when the gloss starts to fade a strong stain is left on the lips that does well through eating and drinking. I'd read a few reviews stating that the Just Bitten Balm Stains were a bit drying, but my lips suffer from dryness all year round and I actually find these more hydrating than a lot of lipsticks, and definitely more than liquid stains that can parch my lips even with a balm on top.

The colour of Cherish is exactly what I was looking for when I entered Superdrug, and the (literally) 20 other product swatches on my hand didn't sway me. It's a lovely bright blue-toned pink shade that I've been after for a long time, but have been slightly wary of in other forms for fear of the 'lip lined' look against my natural red when it wears off. My favourite thing about this product, apart from the colour and longevity, is the fact that it has a 'kissable' formula- I think bold bright lips look look sexy, but men are always wary of even a gentle peck, so a full on snog plus no smearing or transfer to drinking glasses or water bottles is a win-win situation!

I think Revlon has got it spot on with this formula, and the slightly unoriginal packaging doesn't bother me as I'm not sure it would work as well in full slanted bullet form. The Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains are well worth the retail price of £7.99, I'd go as far as to say that this is one of my favourite purchases of the year, and I cant wait to get my hands on more shades!