Corallista Makeup Blog

Hey everyone!

Revlon has recently launched the Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains in India which are available across counters in 10 shades. Today I’m reviewing a gorgeous plummy fuchsia shade from this range ~ Smitten!

Price : Rs 600 for 2.7 g (Can be purchased online at nykaa.com)

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain Smitten

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain Smitten

What Revlon says about the Product : 

It’s a pampering balm fused with a lightweight lipstain in an adorable chubby crayon. Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain gives softer, smoother lips with a perfect flush of color that lasts hour after hour. The gel formula comes in 10 vibrant shades that match any look or mood.

• Lightweight Lip stain + Moisturizing Balm.
• 100% of women who tried it felt their lips were instantly moisturized with a soft stain of color.
• Retractable chubby crayon, no sharpener required.

Expert Tips:

Step 1: Apply Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain evenly to clean, bare lips. Build color and coverage as desired.
Step 2: Reapply as desired for moisturizing shine throughout the day.

My take on the Product

The Revlon Balm stain comes in a chubby crayon packaging which is retractable and hence no sharpening required. I like the fact that the packaging is entirely colored so its super easy to locate shades. The packaging is pretty similar to the Clinique Chubby Sticks.

The texture of the Balm stain is smooth like a lip balm but not buttery, crumbly soft. It gives sheer color in single swipe and the color intensity can be built up by layering. It gives a very thin layer of product in single swipe so even if you layer the product in 7-8 swipes, it doesn’t get heavy or greasy on the lips. On heavy layering, it gives about medium coverage to the lips, evening out pigmented lips. The pigments are staining and are very long lasting. If you wear it layered well to its full intensity, you get a super long wear time – the stain only coming off when you remove it. If you wear it sheer, it may not last more than 2-3 hours.  I wore it layered heavily and it stayed quite well for over 8 hours after which I removed it with a makeup remover. My lips felt a little dry post a meal when the initial glossy layer wore off but I just applied some clear lip balm over the stain.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain Smitten

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain Smitten

The balm component of the product is not very moisturizing but its not too bad either. It does give a comfortable glossy finish in the initial hours of wear but once that’s worn off, the lips may get slightly dry. If you want a flattering wear and finish from this product, you need to make sure your lips are moisturized and exfoliated before application. Since it contains staining pigments, it gets into the lip lines/cracks if the lips are chapped and un-exfoliated.

It has a mild minty fragrance which is refreshing and not too strong or overwhelming, it fades few minutes after application.

I love how versatile it is – one can wear it sheer or intense – can also transform a day look to a night look but layering the product. It is more of a stain than a balm – the stain giving long lasting color and the balm making it more comfortable to wear than a regular lip stain. Overall, I think the product is a winner! – it is very light weight, the crayon packaging is easy to use and it gives long stay color on the lips without the uneveness and dryness of a regular water based stain.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain Smitten

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain Smitten

Swatches : Left – 1 Swipe, Right – 5-6 Swipes

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain Smitten

Smitten is one of the darker shades from this range. It is plummy fuchsia shade that settles into a deep pink stain after the initial sheen wears off. I think the shade would be flattering across skin tones and being a stain with a balm texture, it doesn’t look overwhelming or too bold. It is definitely one of the best shades for medium to dusky complexions from the shade range. If you like deep pinks, you would love this color! If you’ve been afraid to try out a deep vibrant shade till now, this one would be a good one to start with since its quite toned down and wearable compared to a full coverage lipstick.

Worn layered heavily (7-8 swipes ) ~

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain Smitten

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain Smitten

Is it a dupe for Clinique Chubby Sticks?

Not really. The Chubby sticks are more like tinted balms – more moisturizing and less staining, more forgiving on the lips. The Balm Stains on the other hand are more about the color – they stain more heavily and the texture is less buttery (less moisturizing) than the Chubby sticks. I prefer the Balm stains for days when my lips are in good condition since I like products that stay long. But if I have dry/cracked lips, I’d reach for the Chubby sticks. I have reviewed Clinique Chubby Stick in Graped Up HERE.

The GOOD about Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain Smitten : 

1. Attractive and convenient packaging
2. Smooth texture, do not tug at the lips
3. Sheer color ; can be layered to build it up
4. Gives VERY long lasting color
5. Does not settle into lips lines if lips are prepped
6. Does not get uneven
7. Does not dry the lips

The NOT-SO-GOOD about Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain Smitten :

1. Needs to be applied over moisturized lips, will not look flattering if lips are dry or chapped.

Overall Verdict

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains are the perfect hybrid of long stay stains and comforting lip balms!  The product is very versatile – it can be worn sheer or layered for more intense color. The formula is not super moisturizing but for a product that stays on that long, its pretty good! As long as the lips are moisturized prior to application, there is no uneven-ness in the finish and it does not settle into lip lines either. I like staining lip colors and love the concept of a balm stain! Unless you have terribly chapped lips, do give these a try! Smitten is a gorgeous plummy fuchsia shade that would look on Indian complexions!

I have to add here how much I love Revlon lip products! From the Colorburst range to the time tested Super Lustrous range, Revlon comes out with one great product after another! Definitely my favorite drugstore brand when it comes to lips!

Rating : 4.5/5

Disclaimer : Product sent by the brand for consideration. However, the opinions expressed here are my own and honest as always. Read full policy HERE.