Blistex Relief Cream

RRP: £2.85/5g

--What does the promo say?--

"A soothing, penetrating formulation for quick relief of occasional cold sores, cracked lips or chapped lips. When you need a penetrating & soothing remedy to relieve & treat occasional cold sores and cracked & chapped lips, leaving your lips feeling soft again. Cold Sores - when first symptoms arise, gently apply every hour to rapidly relieve any discomfort. You are more vulnerable to developing a cold sore if you are feeling stressed & rundown. Lip care - your lips are more sensitive during extreme weather conditions, so may need a little more care than normal. Apply Blistex Relief Cream frequently to quickly relieve sore, cracked and chapped lips."

--Packaging--

The soothing and utilitarian blue colours of the cardboard packaging are echoed again on the small metallic tube, which also uses white and red in its design. The nozzle is too thin to be practical; a wider applicator would be easier to use. Leakages could also be better controlled (see below) - the first time I opened the tube and squeezed, all that came out was a clear liquid which went all over my fingers. NICE. The cream came only later.

--Application--

Squeeze a little of the product out of the tube. Really only a tiny amount is required, but as mentioned above, the nozzle is a bit small to control application thoroughly or to apply the product directly to the lips, so the best way seems to be to squeeze some product onto your index finger and apply from here to your lips. Although it is advised to apply the product every hour, certainly in summer this is not necessary, as it is more effective than this.

--Appearance--

Although the cream blends invisibly onto the lips, delivering only a slight and quite natural sheen, the cream itself is a creamy, slightly off-brown colour. Some clear liquid also seeps out of the tube with every application, which again does not appear visibly on the lips.

--Scent--

A very strong menthol-style smell.

--Texture and consistency--

Smooths onto lips easily and absorbs well - not too quickly or slowly. Not in the least bit sticky. The clear liquid that seeps from the tube with each application is also not sticky or tricky to absorb, but is just annoying and watery and makes more of a mess of your fingers.

--Effects on the lips--

Lips are smoothened and irritation is rapidly soothed after only one or two applications; definitely speeds up the healing process. Really very effective.

--Value for money--

This product packs prescription power punch at a price to suit all, and all in an off-the-shelf product; however, there are still a few kinks that need ironing out. The smell is not offputting to me (I like mint) but may be to some, and the runny liquid that accompanies the cream needs to blend better with it inside the tube.