The Lipstick Compendium: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain 'Darling'

Since the release of the Revlon Just Kitten Lip Stain Balms, they have become very popular in the beauty community. I wanted to give one a try so I picked one up (since Revlon was 40% off at Rite Aid). I picked the color Darling because it seemed like a wearable color. It is also very me, since I adore purple-toned/cool toned pinks~! Here is my review of this product along with some swatches :)

 Price and Availability

~$7.69 at most drugstores. As far as I know these are only in displays right now, but they should be placed in the permanent Revlon isle soon.

Packaging

These are similar to Tarte Lipsurgence or Clinique Chubby Sticks. They come in a stick form, but the product is dispensed by twisting the bottom of the stick (similar to retractable eye liners). The packaging is alright with me. I don't love it because it makes applying it a little odd, but it is very easy to throw it into a small makeup bag or purse.

Swatches

 Darling is a very pale pink with purple undertones. I assume this one is much sheerer than the rest, and it won't show up as well as the darker colors. For me, this is a my-lips-but-better color that really only enhances my natural lip color.

After the color wears off, it leaves a very natural reddish stain. I really love how this one stains. It isn't too red and it gives my lips a really nice stain. 

 I've been wearing this since I bought it! It goes well with many looks.

Review

     I can't review this range of products as a whole since I just have this one shade, but I can review how this one works. The color is great for a sheer cool pink tint, and it actually stains the lips darker than I expected. The color payoff is a tad disappointing, but I expected that as one of the lightest shades it would have a lesser color pay off.

     The staining effect is quite nice, especially if you hate to touch up your lip color throughout the day. I think I like the stain better than the actual pinky color xD

     If it wasn't for the staining effect, this would have a terrible wear. The pinky-purple color fades rather quickly with a wear of only 1 hour (or even less!). But, like I said, the stain makes up for that.

     As for the "balm" quality of this, well, it does feel moisturizing. It's nice, since most stains are very dry. I wouldn't skip out on lip balm, though. I don't think these are moisturizing enough. In my swatches I didn't apply lip balm, and my lips are looking dry.

     This is not a perfect product, but it is good enough that I would definitely like to try another color or two. The other colors might be a bit better, perhaps. 

Rating: 8/10

Have you tried these? If so, what shade would you recommend?