Splurge vs. Save: Tarte's Juicy Lip Plump and Careline's Tinted Lip Balm Compared
Product photography by Perkin Gotohio
Last year, I got to try the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump which I loved so much that I’ve been pretty much saving it for special occasions. I love that it’s a super minty balm which has a nice glossy finish and a bit of a plumping effect. People always ask me about it when I wear it alone since it’s so pretty, but most of the time I use it to prep my lips before lipstick or use it as a final lacquer to finish up a lip look. Anyway, yeah, it’s fantastic! But it’s expensive at P1,700 and I can’t quite justify another tube considering the other lip products I have lined up to review.
I mention it because I’ve found a save version of this splurge: the Careline Tinted Mint Balm (P275 / 1.8g). This one is almost as minty as the Tarte Lip Plump and delivers a juicy finish as well. I love that it applies way more color than the Tarte one, up to semi-opaque on the lips, so I don’t need to layer it with other products. The Careline Tinted Mint Balm goes on super smooth and the color layers evenly while keeping my lips moisturized in a non-sticky layer. It’s a swipe-and-go balm that I keep in my back pocket for retouching when I’m out!
The Careline Tinted Mint Balm is pretty much my gym and mall errand day lipstick now. It will transfer on surfaces (like all balms) and it will fade after eating, but there will still be a bit of color left so my lips aren’t completely bare after a meal. If untouched, it will stay on the lips for 2-3 hours, average for a balm. It just has a minty scent that comes with the flavor,
There are five shades available, all in the warm raisin, reddish honey category. I do wish that there is more shade variation in this collection as they can end up looking similar on the lips; you will see the color difference when applied sheer (as in the back of my hand) but not when semi-opaque as you can see on my lips. I like Pink Skies and Wonderland the most, they are more pinky than the others. I would love to see redder shades, maybe even some vampy berries, and also some muted coquette pinks!
Overall, aside from the shade variation which can be improved, I recommend the Careline Tinted Mint Balm to anyone who loves fuss-free lip products that have a minty feel, moisturizing effect, and can be applied even without a mirror. These are easy go-tos for me when I don’t want to think too much about my lipstick but want a good layer of color. At P275, I don’t feel too bad going for it on ultra casual days.
