Tokidoki Gelato Lip Balm Stain Swatches and Review

Despite my love for cosmetics, I do not have a single makeup item inside my purse. I usually apply my makeup before work and will come home with whatever is still left on my face. I don't reapply lipstick, blush, or powder. However on days with special occasions in the evening, I always apply my trusty Chanel Rouge Allure Lacque.  I know that no matter what happens, my lips will still look good at the end of the day.  Imagine my surprise to find Tokidoki Gelato Lip Balm Stain producing a similar effect but at roughly 1/3 of the price of Chanel.  You can find these at Sephora for $9USD.

The Lip Balm Stain comes in a twist-up tube with a Tokidoki design plastic cap. The plastic is not super sturdy but not all that flimsy either. I think the design is fun but it surely doesn't scream elegant or chic like Chanel's packaging.

At first glance, Skeletrina looks scary in the tube.  It looks almost black in certain lighting.  Under the sun light, you'll find that it's actually a dark grape/purple shade.  Donutella is a bright coral in the tube and Pink Martini is a bright pink.  All of these shades have no shimmer or glitter.  

Donutella is a peachy coral, Skeletrina is a plum, and Pink Martini is a rosy pink.  True to swatch, each of the shades are glossy, moisturizing, and leave behind a nice stain.

Swatch in darker lighting. I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and moisturizing these felt on my lips.  They are true to the descriptions found on Sephora:  "a lip balm with moisturizing and staining properties". Since these oxidize with time, take caution not to over apply or the colors may look too bright or gaudy. I recommend swiping on a light layer first, wait for about 10-20 seconds, and then put on another layer if you want more color.  I also made the mistake of putting on too much at first.

Overall, these are fun and affordable lip products to help moisturize your lips, make them glossier, and provide a long lasting stain throughout the day.  I don't think I have found anything equivalent from high end brands. The biggest downside to them are the artificial fragrances added (grape, melon, cherry).  Although the smell dissipates after 2-3 minutes after application, they still remind me of Bonne Belle lip balms. These are also not sticky or tacky on the lips.  

Bottom Line: This is a fun product for those on a budget looking for a glossy lip balm/stain. They're easy to pack along and great for those swipe-and-go days. The shades are not for those who are color shy.  If you're afraid of bright colors, you may want to try out the clear version in Ciao Ciao. If you don't like sweet artificial fragrances, this might not be suitable either.  I like them for the moisturizing, glossy, and staining effect.  They're not Chanel's Rouge Allure Lacques but at $9 a piece, they perform pretty darn well.

Are Tokidoki Gelato Lip Balm Stains a yay or nay for you? What are some of your favorite long wearing lip products?