Revlon Lipstain

I like lip colours that make an impact and so I always look for highly pigmented lipsticks. As fate has it I also have dry lips, meaning that most pigmented lipsticks will also dry my lips and make cracks obvious. So as I was browsing the shelves at Boots I came across Revlon just bitten lipstain. I have had bad experiences from using lip pens (I won't name names) and was wary about how effective this product would be. However the addition of an integrated lip balm was reassuring, as I assume Revlon were aware of the disadvantages of the first bout of lip pens (very drying).

Price and Packaging
I must admit the main allure about this product is the name. It has connotations of vampires and blood. Sounds gory, I know, but with all the hype around vampire movies, it's a positive tactical move for Revlon. The just bitten range is basically lip pens for twilight die hard fans.
The just bitten lip balm can be purchased for £7.99 at Boots. This is the average price you pay for a lipstick, so I was happy to part with my coins. The lip pen comes in 7 tantalising shades, passion, twilight, frenzy, gothic, forbidden, flame and beloved. This further cemented the notion that this clearly was Revlon jumping onto the twilight bandwagon. It's hard to test lip pens, because the colour you will get on your hands, won't appear to be the same when you apply to lips. I actually ended up purchasing twilight (can you tell I'm a fan!) Twilight is like a mystic plum. I haven't tried a plum shade before and was very excited to see the results. It's a shame Revlon haven't introduced more on trend lip colours like coral or nudes, but then I guess they don't fit in with their twilight themed range.

Description
The just bitten lip stain and balm will give you kiss proof colour, for all those behind the gravestone kisses. The balm promises to be nourishing and provide supreme comfort. When make up brands use adjectives like 'supreme,' I start expecting a lot and usually am disappointed. Let's hope this one lives up to it or things could get bloody. (only messing.)

To use you simply apply to dry lips. The colour was very nice, but a little too 'emo' once applied. Maybe this is just preference and if you've got the confidence to work it, then you can work it gurrrl! The colour had built up quite strongly and seeing as I had bought the safest colour possible, I was surprised at how dark it was. I suppose it also depends on what colour your lips are in their natural state, that determines the intensity of lipsticks. I have post box red lips and usually need to apply foundation before applying any lipstick. I didn't want to use foundation with the lip pen as my lips would become too dry. But I tried it anyways and guess what, I was right. It definitely gave me a lighter shade. However my cracks and wrinkles were in plain sight for all to see! It really is not a good look. My lips looked a lot worse with the pen applied on top of foundation. This lip pen is very very drying, it seems the guys at Revlon learnt nothing from Max Factors mistakes.

In regards to the balm, it was great. I say it was great, but that I didn't say it was great WITH the lip pen. Once applied on top of the lip pen my lips looked better and conditioned, but it didn't hide last very long. It also didn't hide the cracks in my lips. I also tried it on with smooth lips after an intensive carmex'ed 2 days. And (DRUM ROLL).....It looked miles better, but my lips still felt very dry a while after using the balm.
A few days later and the lip pen stopped working! I mean this really is not on! I was quite angry that such a shoddy product is being sold by a reputable cosmetic brand.

So unless you are blessed with super soft hydrated lips, then this lip pen won't work for you, guaranteed. It really is an awful product. I'm still kicking myself for spending £8 on this. I guess it pays to read reviews beforehand huh.