Dear Karl Lagerfeld,
Look, I get it. I do. I totally understand why you feel so strongly about sweatpants. I feel the same way about wearing pajamas in public.
When I grew up, pajamas were strictly for use at home, and I still hold on to that belief. No one should have to see a grown man wearing red plaid pajamas on a Tuesday afternoon at the mall. I mean, really? You couldn’t spare 10 seconds to put on jeans? Please…
Sweatpants, however, I don’t know… I really love some of mine, and they’re not all bad, Karl. I have a killer pair by Zella that does great things for my bum. Makes me look like I spend all day doing squats with J. Lo and cutting carbs.
Plus, I wouldn’t know what else I’d wear with my L’Oreal Colour Riche Glossy Balms.
Come on, Karl, don’t act like you’re too good for the drugstore. *Snaps in a Z formation.* I’m telling you, I really think you’d like these balms. They have as much pigment as any of the other lippies in my makeup bag and an elegant, soft shine worthy of the House of Chanel.
Now before you shout “blasphemy!” take a look at this packaging. Isn’t it fun? One of those twist-up crayons would look right at home in your black gloved hand. Picture it: you could wave it like a scepter as you bark orders at one of Choupette’s two maids. 🙂
Much to their credit, these playful L’Oreal Glossy Balms ($7.99 each, and available in eight shades) don’t take themselves too seriously, which I think is great. The chubby, twist-up crayons exude fun, and the balms, which are pretty pigmented as far as lip balms are concerned, have a casual, soft shine. The unscented, unflavored, non-sticky formula only lasts about an hour, but that’s typical for a balm. They’re also fairly moisturizing, although I do think think they could stand to be a little more.
If you’re new to these, I suggest starting with pinkish brown Lovely Mocha, a perfect MLBB shade. Find it and the seven other shades now at drugstores, Ulta and online.
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+/A-
And, yes, these lip balms look completely casual. Totally playful and laid back. Ideal for lazy Sunday afternoons filled with French fries and vanilla shakes. In the land o’ lip products, they’re like the sweatpants, and I like them very much.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Karl, I really do appreciate you reminding me to never give up — both with my endeavors and in fashion. If you ever feel inclined to create a wardrobe of custom couture Chanel for me, I won’t stop you. Just please remember to include several Chanel bags, ’cause sista likes to accessorize. 🙂
P.P.S. Please send my regards to Choupette, and Tabs says bonjour.
Debra says
Karl has a bad case of leisure-phobia! I just bought 2 pairs of sweats from O– Navy to celebrate a personal victory! Not that I’d wear them with a silk blouse to stroll the mall.
Those glosses look very nice. I will have to check them out, especially My Babydoll.
Karen says
Hi Debra! I’m wearing sweatpants as I type this, haha! Congrats on your personal victory. What goal did you reach?
Kay says
My Babydoll and Lovely Mocha is gorgeous! I love your swatches.
Karen says
Thank you!
Ankita@corallista says
I really like Petite Plum. L’Oreal had launched Glam Shine crayons in India some time back which were really nice too. My only issue with L’Oreal crayons is that the shade selection is really small!
Karen says
Hi Ankita,
Ooh, those Glam Shine crayons sound cool!
Agata says
I have it in Vintage Rose, which is more brownish-mauve shade than a pink and I like it but I really hate the smell of it. It smells like plastic.
Karen says
Hi Agata,
Aww, bummer! It’s interesting how scent can be the tipping point for so many items, especially for lip balms, lipsticks and glosses. This one wasn’t too plastic-y for me for some reason… I dunno, maybe I got a different batch? I’m just glad it doesn’t smell like synthetic fruit, LOL!
kristen @ glambunctious says
Oh Karl. Clearly he hasn’t met a pair of Marika yoga pants as of yet, which is too bad as they are sublimely comfortable and slimming. Also, are we really taking fashion advice from someone with an 1800’s ‘do and George Michael circa ’89 motorcycle gloves? 😉
Love the look of these Glossy Balms! I keep thinking I need one, but then I also keep recalling how I have a drawer of lip products as it is, lol!
Natalye says
Pink Me Up is really pretty
Gina says
oh, I love these glossy balms!! The formula is really nice…I have the plum shade and may have to pick up the mocha next!
Gina says
Almost forgot, I have ginger candy too….really nice peach!
Erin says
I really like the plum one. Will keep my eyes out for it.
Martha Nelson says
Karen, 100% agree with ya! I feel the same about wearing pjs in public.
Probably Lagerfeld thinks we all should wear black suit, for going to the gym.
yelena says
oooh these look great on you Karen!
thanks for this post, made me smile today 🙂
Majick says
All of these look really nice but Dude, all I really want right now are french fries and a “nilla” shake. THANKS! lmao 😀
Kim says
Thanks for taking up the Sweatpants Flag, my friend! I’m sporting some not-exactly-but-close-enough athletic pants as I type. It was a good choice because I spent the day cleaning and organizing my office and it was mess.y. On the balm front, I really like Petite Plum. I’d be all over it if the formula was ultra-moisturizing. 🙂
Maria says
I bought some super-soft black harem pants yesterday that will be great for work but they are so comfie they feel like sweats and I couldn’t stop thinking about Karl’s quote. He doesn’t look happy though so I’ll put it out of my head next week and wear them with a smile on my face anyway!
I love the balms – have about 6 of them but I think I have some in matte?…. The only place I can find them in the south bay these days is at a horrible Wal-Mart so I’m probably done buying them.
Fancie says
I’m a big sweats fans so I’m with ya! When I’m going on a quick run I don’t feel like putting on a full outfit. It’s too much for me lol. Plus sweats are just so comfortable! These balms are really cute on you though. I kinda like them all!
Sylirael says
My version of sweatpants is totally the stretchy, soft, loose harem pants from Cotton On! I wear them at home, I wear them to ballet, and I wore the actually quite stylish black ones through Morocco and Dubai!
I also love chubby lip crayons. I may have to go and check these out if they’ve made it to our shores!
Krista says
I just tried the new Rimmel ones that look EXACTLY like this and they are amazing!! Seems a lot more pigmented than these and very comfortable to wear. Have you tried them yet?