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.

Ahh, lip balms. I have already lost count of all the lip balms I have lying around the house. However, the Human Heart Nature Lip Balm in Peppermint (P60) is special to me because it's the first all-natural, organic lip balm I've tried. It's the most affordable too!

It's a nice lip balm. It won't knock your socks off but its best feature really is the fact that it's natural, with no petroleum or other chemicals in the ingredient list. If your lips are sensitive and have a tendency to darken easily, this organic alternative may help you in the long run.

Texture and feel. The HHN Lip Balm has a hard, waxy texture that will really pull at your lips if you insist on swiping it.

It's a little mind-boggling for me that there are so many lip balm brands out there. You see, at the end of the day, they're all made of the same stuff and does more or less the same thing. The only differences are the packaging and how light or waxy they feel on the lips. 

No, scratch that. There is another important feature that oddly enough not all lip balms do well - that is, healing chapped lips. I had high hopes for Vaseline Lip Therapy because the balm feels light and cushy on my lips. Unfortunately, it doesn't do much for chapping.

Then again, it's also a matter of being "hiyang" to lip balm. In any case I don't often get chapped lips, so Vaseline Lip Therapy is nice to use for normal lip days.

What I love about the product

• Feels satiny and light on the lips; there is none of that icky waxy sensation when I wear this.
• Cherry tastes nice! It's slightly sweetish. It also smells nice - lightly scented, it doesn't have that strong chemical cherry fragrance.

Lip balms are the kind of things you should keep lying around in case you need it - which is all the time! Me I keep a lip balm on my desk, current bags that I use, my jeans pocket, and my dresser. I can't stand dry, chapping lips so I take extra precautions. Especially now when the weather is cooler, sensitive skin tends to be drier.

One lip balm I love is the Mentholatum Lip Ice lip balm (P89). This lip balm brand has a cult following in Singapore and Hong Kong, so much that my friends would stock up a good supply before leaving for the Philippines. Everyone hoorayed when Lip Ice finally arrived in our shores last year - and I totally understand why.

What I love about the product

• Moisturizing without being waxy.
• Takes a loooong time to dry up on your lips, and when it does, it just sort of absorbs into the skin instead of drying up in flakes.
• Has SPF15!

Ultra Moisture Rich...Moisture Seduction? Yes Virginia, Avon has a new lipstick line coming out this June! The Avon Moisture Seduction Lipstick (P249) is built on their best-selling Ultra Moisture Rich line. They already have a winner formula in the UMR lipsticks, but it seems that the brand wants to push the envelope a little bit further by creating something ultimately more moisturizing.

The Avon Moisture Seduction line has 10 shades ranging from nudes to deep reds. It's infused with white swirls that seem to be lip balm, charging the colors with much-needed moisture.

Ribbons of moisture

What I love about the product

• Super moisturizing to the next level chuva. It feels like you're wearing lip conditioner. You definitely don't need to slather on lip balm before using Moisture Seduction.
• Zero flaking and drying. As in zero.

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.

Cute story. So I met celebrities Tweetie De Leon-Gozales last week and Andi Eigenmann last Tuesday. I asked them what their must-have product is and guess what they both said? Carmex lip balm! Yes, Carmex. It appears that you're never too mature or too young for something as basic as lip balm.

So why Carmex? I always hear this brand thrown around but I've never gotten to try it. That is, until I Tweeted some weeks back that I'm curious about it. Carmex then kindly sent me their products to review.

The original form of Carmex when it was invented in the 1930s

After some light Googling I found the interesting story of Carmex. It was created by Alfred Woelbing from out of his kitchen stove in the 1930s. He started selling it to pharmacists from the boot of his car. Eventually, as the product gained a cult following through word-of-mouth, Carmex opened a factory in 1957 and became one of the well-known lip balm brands in the world. To this day it is still owned by the Woelbing family. Alfred Woelbing himself ran it until he was 96. He died in 2001, at 100 years old.

Read this detailed article on the fascinating history of Carmex. It's a compelling story of one man's entrepreneurial spirit and hard work.

Anywaaay, here's my review of this intriguing product!

Last week, I received a beauty loot from Anne, a friend who lives in Canada! You remember that I swapped with her last September. This is our picture with Noemz, another friend I met online, who kindly shipped the package to me even amidst her busy schedule!

me, Anne, Noemz

These two girls are the sweetest. We only met online, eventually met in person, and, thanks to the Internet, we manage to keep in touch! I can't wait for Anne to visit the Philippines again so we can have a proper dinner or something. 

Anyhoo, this is what Anne sent me:

Lip balm is one of the most fundamental things every girl needs to have about her person - forever! So when you find a lip balm that works for you, never let go. Hoard. Put one tube in all your bags and jeans pockets. I found THE lip balm that I plan to use for the rest of my life: Aquafina Lip Balms.

I got these from my swap with Anne last September. It wasn't part of the list we agreed on, so I was touched by the freebie she gave me! I didn't plan to use them actually, but I got curious so I tried the blue one first. It was love at first swipe, swear. I never suffered from dry or chapping lips ever since these babies fell into my hands.

Why this is awesome

• Very moisturizing. Some Western ladies at Makeupalley find the formula a bit drying, but since the Philippines is humid, the formula addresses my concerns perfectly. My lips feel more supple, smooth, and peeling skin (which is normal) go off evenly. Note though that I don't have particularly dry lips to begin with.
• Perfect texture and feel. The balm feels just like water on my lips but just a teensy bit thicker. The texture is fine and not waxy at all! This is the most comfortable lip balm I ever used - and I have tried quite a number from different drugstore brands. You will instantly forget you have this balm on.
• Serves as the perfect base for lipsticks and gloss. You lip color won't slide on this, nor would it feel heavy when you layer it on top of this balm. 

If you've visited a Watsons lately you have probably seen this suavely packaged line - the GrapeBella range. They come is sophisticated-looking, dark purple bottles that really catch and hold your attention if only to make you intrigued about what they are. If you didn't know better, you'd think you're looking at bottles of fine wines!

The Watsons GrapeBella product range is the latest innovation from Watsons, which provides a total solution for perfect skin. Truly, it is the new secret to a more youthful beauty.

It has been proven by scientific researches that grapes have antioxidant benefits to provide nourishment to the skin to keep it soft and smooth. 

It's funny how the products that actually make it into your daily routine are the products that you forget about. Case in point, my Nivea Angel Star Lip Balm! I haven't taken a photo of it, so you just have to spot it here:

It's the small pink tube on the right side!

This Nivea Angel Star line is targeted towards tweens who are just starting to become self-conscious about their appearance and body. One of the products released is a lip balm that has a slight pinkish tint with a frosty-gloss finish.

Why I like it:

• My lips are evened out by a light, pinkish tint. The finish is frosty, with a hint of gloss. I don't need a mirror to use this so it's very convenient.
• Moisturizing! It really helps my chapped lips in this heat.
• Non-sticky and feels light on the lips.