I am a bit of a makeup snob but I know a good bargain buy when I see one.  I am smitten by these Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains from Revlon (see what I did there?).  I tend to shy away from drugstore makeup because of three things - products that don't interest me, cheap packaging, and poor choice of colours.  These kissable balm stains are definitely none of those.

Let's point out the obvious here - these are blatantly a copy (I dislike the word dupe) of Tarte's Lipsurgence and Clinique Chubby Sticks - I'm not sure which appeared on the scene first since Tarte is not available in the UK.  I have swatched the new colours of Clinique Chubby Sticks at the counter (far better than the original safe boring Clinique colours) but was disappointed by the lack of pigmentation - it's just too sheer to justify its price tag.


So here's a copy that is actually better than the original Clinique.  Texture-wise I found them to be about the same.  Revlon's pigmentation however, in my opinion, is much better than Clinique - the colour is actually obvious when swatched!  The Revlon packaging is very similar to Clinique and actually looks presentable for a drugstore product.

[edited - Lulle's comment reminded me about the scent] These Kissable Balm Stains have a toothpastey, dental flossy mint smell which isn't the best - but it is bearable since I can only detect it on application. 

I couldn't decide between two colours so I picked up both - Rendezvous & Lovesick.


Lovesick is a bright, in-your-face, fuchsia magenta.  The colour reminds me of my Nars Carthage lipstick (I think the Nars is more pink), but I much prefer this balm texture.  I like to wear this with very understated eye makeup - just thin black liquid liner and mascara.



Rendezvous is an intense orange that is perfect for summer and looks especially good on tanned skin.  I like to pair Rendezvous with Guerlain's Pucci Bronzer Blush.


The colours appear darker on my lips than in the swatches below.  I didn't take photos of the stains left behind but I'm impressed - they actually stay on for a good few hours after the balm has worn off on the lips (after a meal).


I am very impressed by these.  Have you picked up any of the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains or Chubby Sticks?  What are your thoughts on them?

The Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains are on special at Boots and Superdrugs at the moment - £5.99 each - I think they will sell out quite quickly.