Blistex MoistureMax

RRP: £2.49

--What does the promo say?--

"A refreshing and super-hydrating lip balm that contains soft melting moisture beads. Each visible bead contains Shea Butter and Aloe Vera for intensive, long lasting, super-hydration from first application."

--Packaging--

The transparent tube means you can always see how much is left of the pale blue gel, which has dark blue particles suspended in it. The dark blue decoration at one end of the tube is a nice touch and the flat applicator is practical and easy to use.

--Application--

Use whenever your lips need revitalising, say Blistex. No problems here: just twist off the lid, squeeze the tube lightly, and massage the gel onto your lips with your fingers or the tube applicator, or simply by rubbing your lips together.

--Appearance--

The blue of the gel may strike fear into the hearts of some, but there's really no need - this gives a great natural sheen without making you look frostbitten. The dark blue moisture beads also absorb instantly and invisibly for an added hit of hydration.

--Scent--

This lip balm is scented with a blue raspberry flavour, which I love - but then again it always was my favourite Slush Puppy flavour. It's also not too overpowering, meaning it shouldn't put off too many people, but does mean it isn't as unisex as some of Blistex's more medicinal products.

--Texture and consistency--

In spite of my description above of this product as a 'gel', it's silkier and more velvety than this, making it feel like a really luxurious product. It's not at all slimy or sticky, and it sinks into the lips perfectly.

--Effects on the skin--

Rehydrates lips significantly, making them feel smoother for days after use even if the product is not used daily. This means your tube should last longer as a result too - great for moneysavers.

--Value for money--

As mentioned above, this product is terrific value for money. The long-lasting effects of the product combined with the low RRP mean one tube should last anyone a long time, and its utilitarianism (don't forget it has an SPF of 15 too) combined with a hint of luxury make it one of my new faves. Who can resist a product that does it all? Well done, Blistex.

Blistex Lip Brilliance

RRP: £2.49

--What does the promo say?--

"Blistex Lip Brilliance is an exciting multi-benefit lip balm with real silk extracts to condition your lips, along with a touch of subtle colour and shimmer to keep them looking beautiful. The addition of Hyaluronic Filling Spheres provides a natural fuller lip effect, and SPF 15 protects from sun damage. Lip Brilliance is the only lip product you will need to ensure your lips are feeling and looking their best."

--Packaging--

Nothing radical about the dark baby pink colour, plastic pull-off lid and twist-up mechanism. Lid stays on when you want it to, comes off easily when you don't. Simples, as they say.

--Application--

Apply to lips regularly to combat dryness and protect from sunlight. Nothing hard about that.

--Appearance--

Despite the dark pink colour of the stick, on the lips a very natural, non-glittery sheen is given. Great for men, women and children.

--Texture and consistency--

Slides on easily without being slippery or sticky. Moisturises more than satisfyingly.

--Scent--

My only major bugbear with this product! It has a very artificial strawberry smell which reminds me of a Haribo product that's sold in France (not in the UK, though) which I dislike (if any of you are familiar with the Tagada sweets, you'll know what I mean). Very disappointing. Girls under 10 would probably like it, but I think it counts out just about anyone else.

--Effects on the lips--

As mentioned, it moisturises, soothes and protects adequately for those who don't require a more heavy-duty product, like some of the other more medicated options from the Blistex range. I can't say I noticed any extra-special plumping effect, though. To have SPF in a product is always nice :)

--Value for money--

There are lots of choices in this price bracket, including other high street favourites such as Carmex, but I think Blistex remains competitive thanks to its stick format: many of the other products for this price are in tins/pots or squeezy tubes. However, I would ultimately not purchase this product - the smell, for me, just makes it far too off-putting. A shame, as it has a lot to offer in other areas.

perfect partners

Blistex Intensive Moisturiser Lip Cream, £2.59

Blistex MedPlus Balm, £2.59

Blistex Relief Cream, £2.85

Beauty Byte: Free Blistex Raspberry Lemonade Lip Balm

Blistex have recently launched a new product: Raspberry Lemonade Blast.

A summery, fun lip balm which contains moisturising ingredients and sun protection, its launch is being celebrated with Blistex giving away FREE samples of the lip balm via its Facebook page. Like the page, fill in your details, and a sample will be winging its way to you.

Samples are limited, so make sure you get in there quickly. Enjoy!

Blistex Lip Massage

 RRP: £1.83 (Boots.com)

--What does the promo say?--

"A softening treatment formula of shea butter, aloe vera and squalane applied with its unique massaging tip for smooth, refreshed and gorgeous lips. Dermatologically tested. SPF15."

--Packaging--

The shiny dark blue is an unusual touch and the tapered, textured top of the plastic tube only furthers this. The pull-off lid is secure, stays on well and comes off easily when you want it to. Simples! One complaint by other reviewers has been that the textured top becomes dirty too easily and requires constant cleaning; I personally haven't found this. Just remember that a little of this stuff goes a long way and you'll be fine.

--Application--

Blistex say: "Twist the cream and use the applicator tip to gently massage all over your lips (first use may take up to 10 turns, subsequent uses should only require one turn). Reapply frequently during prolonged exposure to dry, cold or sunny environments - the soft touch tip smooths away rough spots to achieve soft, smooth and gorgeous lips." No reading between the lines here; does exactly what it says on the tin.

--Appearance--

An opaque, creamy-coloured stiff lotion that gives a slight sheen to the lips once applied.

--Scent--

An overwhelmingly fruity scent which contrasts the menthol and vanilla scent you get from Blistex's other products. Could put the blokey contingent off, but I like it - it's a natural fruity smell too (although I can't work out where it comes from), unlike Carmex's fruit-style confections.

--Texture, consistency and sensation--

As mentioned, this is a stiff and creamy lotion, but it absorbs easily and is not at all sticky. Slight tingling sensation which fulfils the refreshing feeling promised by the promotional material. Equally, the textured tip offers a comforting and soothing 'massage' feeling when dragged across the lips, which is so simple and effective that I can't believe other lip care manufacturers haven't yet seized on similar devices.

--Effects on the lips--

All as promised: lips are soothed, smoothed and massaged. Top stuff.

--Value for money--

Prices vary widely across the web, even running as high as £3.50, so be careful. Boots offers it at £1.83 on special offer, but even at its normal price of £2.50, I'd say it's still a steal for an effective and unique product.

Blistex Daily Lip Conditioner

RRP: £1.49 (Superdrug)

--What does the promo say?--

"For beautifully cared for lips that are healthy and in tip top condition. Now bursting with even more Vitamin E and with added Aloe Vera and collagen, this daily lip balm has all the ingredients for keeping your lips gorgeously soft, healthy and younger looking.

Care - your lovely lips will feel smooth and super soft from all the goodness of daily conditioner."

--Packaging--

The green and cream combination is unusual - a lot of lip balm containers seem to burst off the shelves in bright primary colours - and evokes the idea of natural ingredients being used. Despite the appearance of the cardboard sleeve, the balm itself comes in a small plastic pot that you need to dunk your finger into to extract the balm. Generally no complaints apart from the fact that the screwtop lid can occasionally come a bit loose in a pocket or bag - although not so loose that you can't fix it before it falls off and makes the balm all sticky and gross.

--Application--

Use your fingers, or perhaps a lip brush, to apply the balm onto the lips. Much easier to control than other Blistex products such as the Relief Cream.

--Appearance--

A creamy-coloured balm in the pot which is invisible on the lips, delivering only the slightest sheen and thus making it suitable to be used by men, women and children.

--Scent--

A lovely vanilla smell - which may make it appeal less to men! It's a natural-seeming smell, though, and it's not strong enough to be offensive.

--Texture and consistency--

Smooth, soft, slightly waxy, and not at all irritating.

--Sensation--

Gives a slight tingling feeling, making your lips feel fresh and nourished. 

--Effects on the lips--

Sends dry skin packing with ease, leaving lips smooth in the long and short term. It also has SPF15 in it, so you don't need to worry about being out in the sun. Nice one, Blistex.

--Value for money--

My favourite kind of product: utilitarian, luxurious, portable, and best of all, affordable. Would I buy again? DEFINITELY.

perfect partners

Intensive Moisturiser Lip Cream, £2.34

Tint & Shine, £2.59

Med Plus Cherry Berry Lip Balm, £2.34

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.