A few weeks ago I had found a good online deal from The Body Shop which meant that I could get their products at a fraction of the usual price. I took the chance to stock up with some favourites and also to try a couple of things that I had never tried before.

One of these was the Born Lippy Stick Lip Balm in the pomegranate flavour. The other flavours in the range are Pink Berry, Lychee, Plum and Strawberry.

I had already tried the little pots of Born Lippy Lip Balm and I expected this to be the same product but in a stick and, to be fair, it is very similar but it isn't the same.

The Born Lippy Stick Lip Balm is in a tube the same size and shape as a standard lipstick. The outer tube is transparent plastic and just slides off revealing a bright red inner tube which houses the balm. Around the base there are four rows of little red hearts. This colour way is for the pomegranate flavour - the others are similar designs in different colours.

On the transparent outer tube there is a picture of a pair of open lips with a speech bubble saying 'HMMM' together with the name of the product.

To use the lip balm you just remove the outer cover, twist the bottom of the tube to make the stick of balm rise clear of the top and then you just apply it to your lips.

Luckily I was indoors the first time that I used this product as I had expected it to be colourless - the same as the ones in the pots. It was only when hubby asked me what I had done to my mouth and I looked in the mirror that I realised that this lip balm has a red tint to it. Since I had applied it rather liberally I looked as though I was ready to go and join the circus!

This lip balm is supposed to moisturise and condition the lips but I don't find it anywhere near as moisturising as most of these types of products. The taste of it is nice enough but I find that the red tint is far too strong - I would prefer a more subtle tint myself.

I can't remember offhand what my bargain price for this product was but the current cost is £3 for a tube containing 5g of the balm. Obviously if you have a 'Love Your Body Card' from The Body Shop it will only cost you £2.70.

As with all the Body Shop items this is made using ingredients which have been ethically sourced to ensure that the people making and supplying the products are treated fairly and with respect. If you are interested in reading more about The Body Shop's values take a look on the web site at www.thebodyshop.co.uk.

In conclusion I would have to say that this lip balm is OK but I wouldn't buy it again. It is too brightly coloured and it isn't as moisturising as a lot of similar products which are available at a cheaper price.

Sorry Body Shop this isn't one of your better ideas!