The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy books were some of the most memorable ones I read when I was younger. They made me laugh, made me appreciate the beauty of a good mystery, and to look at things sideways. More importantly, HHG taught me the importance of a good towel and to not panic when faced with impossible situations. Well, this is a reminder for me to read the five books again! You should too if you haven't yet. ;)

But why am I blabbering about HHG? I'm here to talk about the Clinique Chubby Stick (P960)! These are hydrating tinted lip balms that come in a twisty crayon-shaped tube. It's the first brand, I think, which came out with such a fun way to package lip balm. The Chubby Sticks are actually similar to Clinique's Almost Lipsticks - the main difference is of course the packaging, and then the color selection. But they feel practically the same.

Here's a quick rundown + lip swatches!

What I love about the product

• It feels thin and light (not waxy or sticky), yet it hydrates my lips for a good 2-3 hours. I don't get flaky lips when it fades away. I like how smooth my lips are even after it's all gone.
• It's deceptively sheer but it can be layered to get a more intense color. It's still not going to look like lipstick but it will show up even over pigmented lips. Oh and it doesn't settle on the rims or catch in flaky parts of the lips.

I've long held that you don't need to spend a lot for a good lip balm. They are basically made of the same thing anyway, so it's not like you'll notice a considerable difference between brands! However, some girls like the occasional splurge, and that's where balms like the MAC Suntints SPF20 Liquid Lip Balm in Au Rosé (P950) come in.

I like the formula. The Suntints balm feels quite lush on the lips without being sticky, and it moisturizes pretty well. It has SPF20 too. A makeup artist used it on me and said that while it's not terribly pigmented, he likes using the balm to condition lips before applying makeup. What he does is he works the balm in before he applies the face products. Once it has been absorbed, he wipes it off with a tissue. Voila, instant smooth and ready-for-lipstick puckers!

This balm makes lips appear smoother than they are, thanks to its thick (but not heavy) texture.

You already know how much I love the Mentholatum LipIce lip balm and the LipIce Sheer Color tinted balm. I always carry them around and that's a fact! Get them if you haven't yet. ;) Anyway a few weeks ago, I got to try the LipIce Color Lip Balm(P145), which is basically the brand's version of lipstick. How does it fare in comparison to Sheer Color? 

The LI Color Lip Balm comes in three everyday shades: Sweet Rose (a pigmented shimmery, shiny pink), Pretty Pink (peachy pink), and Candy Apple (my lips but better pink-brown color). Yes they're rather oddly named, but then again my description of colors is very subjective. Nonetheless, these are all lovely shades that are school and office-safe.

This is the first time I've been acquainted with the organic brand, Venus & Mars. Yes I know, I know, but I'm not big on organic stuff to begin with. In any case, I can say that we're off to a good start! I'm currently loving the Venus & Mars Lip Butter Tints. I have the one in Cherry Berry and it's pretty good.

It gives a pigmented, lipstick-like wash of color that looks lovely with a couple of swipes. I love that the colors leaves a nice stain even after eating or drinking. Plus, the product is moisturizing and doesn't feel greasy or waxy at all.

I wasn't impressed the last time I tried a Nivea lip balm. The formula was somewhat better than similarly-priced alternatives in the drugstore, but I found that the balm didn't do much to actually moisturize my lips. It dried up quickly so I had to re-apply several times during the day, too. But that was two years ago, I think! Nivea has gone a long way and went on to refomulate their lip balms.

The Nivea Fruity Shine Lip Balm (P80) is a non-waxy, moisturizing lip product that comes in three variants: Cherry, Strawberry, and Pomegranate. They feel wonderful on my lips plus they offer a hint of tint that goes on evenly.

Remember my review of the Human Heart Nature Lip Balm in Peppermint? I mentioned that I didn't like how hard and waxy it was. It seems that HHN listened with their new Tinted Lip Balm (P75)! It glides on more easily and feels slightly less waxy, so yay for that. I also like the shade of Flame Tree since it's very rich - not far from legitimately being a sheer lipstick.

Texture and feel. The HHN Tinted Lip Balm in Flame Three is more emollient and easy to apply compared to its plain lip balm cousin. It still has that waxy feel (that I hope it would lose someday) but it's more bearable now.

Moisturizing properties. Helps moisturize with its essential oils. I like that it takes some time before it dries up.

There are a ton on tinted lip balms out there, but what sets the Tony Moly Petite Bunny Gloss Bar(P278) apart is its winking bunny cap. You can't beat that. I imagine all the tinted lip balms of the world waving their sad little white flags to this cuteness.

All your base are belong to me

Kidding aside, the Tony Moly Bunny Gloss Bar is a nice tinted lip balm that delivers even color and moisture. It glides on the lips and stays emollient for hours. Oh, it also smells great - has that whisper of fruity notes.

Lip tints are handy for that pretty oh-I-really-didn't-try look or for those days when you're really in a rush and don't have time to dally with lipstick. The Tony Moly Berry Berry Magic Lip Tint in Green Apple (P198), I find, is a nice option to keep in your bag if you like hassle-free lip color!

What I like about the product

• Delivers a sheer, berry shade that looks even when applied. Love it! The clear green gel gets that berry hue once it touches skin. It leaves a stain on skin so the color lasts for a few hours.
• It's a bit like a lip balm so it's moisturizing.

A week ago, a commenter named Audrephepburnfan left a question on my Ask Away! forum. Actually, it was more than a question - she left a review of one of her favorite products, the Lip Ice Sheer Color balm (P145). A few days later, someone from Lip Ice sent me a package containing their whole line. Coincidence? Looks like it!

Oh, but what a happy coincidence.

Two variants: strawberry and fragrance-free

This product is awesome! It's definitely worth all the raves. :D And to think this is only P145 (2 grams) and easily available in SM Department Stores and Watsons. What I like most about it is how gorgeous the color is. It has a nice glossy finish and comes off as a pretty pink, emphasizing the natural pigmentation of your lips.

So, for a change, here's Audreyhepburn fan's review of Lip Ice Sheer Color!

I'm currently using this product called LipIce Sheer Color. It is a clear balm which turns your lips pink depending on your moisture level. I have read reviews about it before I purchased myself one.