Before I tried on Bite Beauty’s new SPF 15 Sheer Balm in Violet ($19; available in eight shades), I was expecting something shiny and almost transparent like the Guerlain Rouge G Serie Noirs. After that first swipe, though, I was like WHOA! Hello, pigment!
Violet sure doesn’t look semi-sheer, not that I’m complaining at all. My lips are rather pigmented, but Violet looks a lot like a full coverage lipstick with a semi-matte finish to me. If the other shades are this rich, maybe the line should be called something like “SPF 15 Super Pigmented Matte Balm!” instead.
Unscented, with a mild brown sugar flavor, medium-weight Violet does feel thick like a lip balm, and it doesn’t allow for a lot of slip. Since I like to rub my lips together, that’s not one of my favorite things about it, but I do still wear lip balms even (especially on the weekends, and while I sleep) even though they’re thick.
I get about three hours of wear time from Violet, which is pretty good for a balm. I wish that Bite would make it a little more hydrating, though, because the formula leaves my lips feeling a touch dry.
PRICE: $19 each (eight shades)
AVAILABILITY: Available now at select Sephora stores and also online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Jessi (Lacquered, Painted, Polished) says
March 20th, 2011 at 4:41 pmWow, that is really unexpected. It’s strange that they call it a balm because it gives people the wrong expectations. And those looking for matte pigmented lippie wouldn’t even look twice at this based on the name. Also, being called a balm you would expect it to be more moisturizing, but it is still really pretty. Whenever Sephora starts carrying this line in store I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for the reviews Karen!
Makeup Morsels says
March 20th, 2011 at 4:44 pmWhoa, that is definitely not at all sheer! I think the color looks really pretty on you though, and I like that the finish is more natural than completely matte.
Makeup Morsels recently posted … Say Cheesecake!
Tiffany says
March 20th, 2011 at 4:44 pmSounds nice! I may have to try out burgundy or claret.
Hazel says
March 20th, 2011 at 5:16 pmthat’s really good! don’t know if wanna pay $19 for it though!
Hazel recently posted … Sailormoon manga to be republished in English!
Tracy says
March 20th, 2011 at 5:39 pmThat’s some pigmented lip balm! Violet looks great on you. I think I will order it!
Tracy recently posted … Butter Londons No More Waity Katie and Tracy!
dani@callitbeauty says
March 20th, 2011 at 5:45 pmthat shade looks uh-mayzing on you! you’re right though, they should probably get rid of the words “sheer” & “balm” from the name as it seems to be a tad misleading.
dani@callitbeauty recently posted … Collection Spotlight- Alexander McQueen – Resort 2011
Meghan says
March 20th, 2011 at 6:10 pmLove it!! 🙂
Meghan recently posted … A review- NYX eyeshadow trio
Nina says
March 20th, 2011 at 6:59 pmohhhh i likey! 🙂
larie says
March 20th, 2011 at 7:07 pmThe shade looks great on you, but that’s definitely not sheer – I don’t think I could pull it off.
larie recently posted … Zoya Dove Zoya Dannii
Vanessa says
March 20th, 2011 at 8:32 pmThis line looks interesting. I love pigmented balms, but I wouldn’t want to have dry lips. Thanks for the review 🙂
Vanessa recently posted … Rockstar Pink NOTD
Lucie says
March 21st, 2011 at 12:41 amSounds right up my alley, though the name is pretty weird for what it is! Love the violet colour!
Kim says
March 21st, 2011 at 5:02 amThere’s definitely a lot of pigment! And I think that’s the best pic of Tabs ever, which is saying a lot! 🙂
Elizabeth says
March 21st, 2011 at 6:15 amI bought it in Concord and love that I don’t have to re-apply it all the time because the color lasts si well. It’s very easy to wear.
Trisha says
March 21st, 2011 at 12:20 pmI think this sounds kinda nice and I like the color, but you’re right. I expected something a lot sheerer.
Trisha recently posted … Degree Expert Protection With motionSENSE Keeps You on the Move
lesley says
March 21st, 2011 at 12:59 pmOMG. I love. I want back to SF… and shop at the Sephora on Chestnut Street… and then head over to MAC Pro… then Benefit. Pick up some comfy staples from Lulu Lemon along the way. And end up at Kara’s cupcakes… with a sol de fleur and milk in hand.
Girl says
March 21st, 2011 at 4:48 pmthat cat is too darn cute! OMG I just got exposed to a kitten this year ( been a dog girl all my life, that includes men) and I fell in love with cats!!! I still like my dogs, that includes men, but I need a kitten ASAP!