FIRST IMPRESSIONS | Holiday 2014: ☃ Benefit the Sweet Tintations ☃

⇥ AT A GLANCE ⇤

For all you lip junkies out there, Benefit has released a set of 4 lip products that are sure to please everyone! These make the perfect stocking stuffer or holiday lip pairings for staying power and hydration. The tints provide long lasting color while the mango butter-infused balms keep your pout hydrated and full of color. If lip products aren't your cup of tea, the tints can also be used on the cheek for a long-lasting stain.

⇥ THE BREAKDOWN ⇤

I found my set at ULTA for $26 usd. The set includes:

• a full size Benebalm and Lollibalm | 3.0 g Net wt. 0.10 oz. each -- Normally retails for $18 usd ($180 usd per oz)

• a Benetint and  Lollitint mini | 4.0 mL / 0.13 US fl. oz. each  -- Full sized costs $30 usd for 12.5 mL / 0.42 US fl. oz. ($66.67 usd per oz). These minis have an approximate retail value of $8.67 usd.

Approximate value of this entire kit is $53. 33 usd -- a savings of over $27 usd! But that's not really true because a true savings would be to not buy anything...but we're just going to ignore that ;)

⇥ INGREDIENTS ⇤

⇥ PACKAGING ⇤

The outer packaging is gorgeous and adorable! Benefit always has the most whimsical packaging and this one is not different. The fox in the corner is so cheeky and the lip products are displayed as if they were in the window of a candy shop. On the back of the box, there is a space to fill it the "To:____, From:___" section, which makes it easy for those who are bad at wrapping gifts. I personally struggle to wrap things that aren't square or rectangular shaped, so this is an easy gift as half the work is done already!

⇥LOLLITINT & BENETINT ⇤

Onto the goodies inside! The lip tints, Benetint and Lollitint, look just like miniature version of the larger sizes. The applicators are brush tips, kind of like those found in a nail polish bottle. I never had spillage or leaking problems with these. With time, the writing does rub off but handle them gently and they shouldn't rub off so easily. 

The colors of these stains are quite subtle for every day. Benetint is a rosy red that enlivens my face without making it appear as if I have makeup on. Lollitint fit right in with the radiant orchid theme and I'm so glad I got to give this a try! The orchid color has just enough pink in it to brighten my complexion. Benetint is quite runny and translucent whereas Lollitint is more viscous and opaque. Application is more difficult for Benetint due to its runny texture. I had a hard time getting it to look even. 2-3 coats provided even and opaque coverage. Lollitint was a walk in the park in terms of application and opacity--one coat was all I needed. These are buildable so more layers will provide a brighter appearance.

The finish is quite matte and can be drying, depending on the condition my lips. If my lips are chapped or dry before application, the coverage can be more pigmented in some areas, resulting in a patchy appearance. I like to make sure my lips are moisturized and flake-free before I apply these stains for best color payoff. Wear time for both was quite good--about 4 hours before I noticed patchiness but that's with eating and no reapplications or lip balms. Wear time with lip balm was significantly better at 8 hours. Scent-wise, both seem to be rose. I expected Lollitint to smell sweet like candy but that was not the case.I found both to be a bit drying so the included balms are a welcome and necessary addition in my case.

swatches are with one layer

⇥BENEBALM & LOLLIBALM ⇤

The two balms, Benebalm and Lollibalm, are full sized and are so adorable! The polka dot and peppermint patterns are very cutesy and are very bright--these two definitely stand out in my lip collection. The metal packaging hasn't scratched or chipped; the swivel is a bit stiffer than I'm used to but there is no fear of the balms breaking or rattling in them. 

These aren't pigmented and aren't buildable--not surprising for a lip balm. Lollibalm is more purple than the Lollitint and can wash me out as it pales my lip color. Benebalm is a cherry red that adds a touch of color to make my lips look just a hair rosier than they are naturally. Texture-wise, these feel and glide on like the Maybelline Baby Lips. If my lips are really chapped and peeling, these guys won't cut it. But if my lips are starting to feel dry from the stains, adding these babies on top provide just enough hydration to keep me from getting chapped lips. The finish is quite glossy but not so much that it looks like my lips are wet, if that makes sense. I do have to reapply these after 3-4 hours and after meals but that's typical for me. These two also have the rose scent that I quite enjoy--it isn't too sweet that it's nauseating or smells artificial.

left is one layer and right is me trying to build up color (took 5+ layers!)

⇥OTHER THOUGHTS ⇤

This post is super late and the holidays are almost over but as all the items in this set are permanent items, I thought it would still be useful for future reference. It's New Year's Eve and I'm going to be working on my top favorite makeup products that I've tried in 2014 (which is a lot!) today after lunch with my sister :D

⇥ BOTTOM LINE ⇤

All in all, I think this was a solid kit. The balms are lightweight and provide just enough color and hydration--and who can forget the awesome packaging?? Lip tints are still rare in the Western market but compared to my Korean lip tints, they are average in terms of performance and exorbitant in terms of price. I'm glad I got the kit because Lollitint has become a new obsession but if you're new to tints, I'd give Korean tints a try, especially the Etude House Kissing Choux Tints!

⇥ WHERE TO BUY ⇤

THE SET || Benefit | Boot's | Debenhams | HSN | Macy's

LOLLITINT || Benefit | Birchbox | FeelUnique | HSN | Macy's | Sephora | ULTA 

LOLLIBALM || Benefit | Birchbox | Boots | Sephora | ULTA 

BENETINT | Benefit | Birchbox | Macy's | Sephora | ULTA

BENEBALM || Benefit | Birchbox | Sephora | ULTA

XOXO,

MWAH ♥

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Disclosure Statement: All products mentioned were purchased with my own money. I am not sponsored by any of the companies mentioned above and was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own. Links are not affiliate links and are provided for the readers' convenience. I cannot guarantee that the product(s) will work for you. I do not approve or endorse the products or information available on these sites. Proceed at your own risk.