| Review | Hermès Rose Hermès - Tinted Lip Enhancer Balm

| Review | Hermès Rose Hermès - Tinted Lip Enhancer Balm

Every brand is coming out with a tinted lip balm product these days and the luxury brand, Hermès, is no exception. They have jumped onto this trend following the success of their lipstick range. The younger version of me would say, never pay so much for a sheer lip color but the older more mature version of me says, comfort over color. What I'm saying is, tinted lip balms aren't for everyone but if you prefer comfort over long-wearing color, this type of product is for you. Now that I have a greater appreciation for this kind of formula, I have high standards for this kind of product. 

The Hermès Rose Hermès - Tinted Lip Enhancer Balm retails for $67.00 USD and is available at Hermès, Nordstrom, and other retailers. These tinted lip balms are housed in the same tube style as the lipsticks but just smaller. They are a heavy feeling white and brushed antique gold tube with the Hermès emblem on the top of the cap. The base color of the tube reflects the color inside the tube. These look very chic, sleek, and luxurious. These lipsticks come with a thick canvas-like material pouch to protect the packaging. This is something I don't ever use but if you're concerned about scratching your lip balm, this is a nice and simple option to protect the tube. 

SHADES 

This collection currently comes in only three wearable shades. This isn't an extensive range but the shades are sheer enough to suit a wide range of skin tones. On my lips, which have a medium pigment already, the colors don't look dramatically different on me. They actually look incredibly similar on the lips. The lip swatches were done with multiple swipes and I applied a brown lip liner to only the edges of my lips. 

Rose Abricoté - This shade is a very sheer peachy apricot shade. Even when layered this lip color only offers a tint. 

Rose Tan - This shade is as described, a rosy tan shade. This neutral rosy tone offers a natural more neutral tint to the lips. 

FORMULA 

These lip balms surprised me with their matte finish because while this formula is starting to trend, it isn't as common. I, personally, prefer a classic slightly glossy lip balm and this is my first time owning a formula like this. It's actually quite lovely. The finish is a soft matte finish that leaves a blotted or stain-like look to the lips. It feels a little slippy and balmy but it has just a hint of buildable color. When you initially swipe the balm on, it doesn't appear like the color will blend into the lips but it does pretty quickly. 

The "lip enhancer" description is very accurate because it looks extremely natural and the color is very light. The color is quite sheer but you can build it up to have a very noticeable tint to the lips. I imagine this formula is very similar to the new NARS Soft Matte Tinted Lip Balms and the Glossier Generation G Sheer Matte Lipsticks. These are actually more of a lip enhancer than lip color. These are definitely my-lips-but-better kind of shades. The color doesn't last long and you'll most likely only get one to three hours of wear out the balm. If you have dry lips, the color will not look good and will cling awkwardly in some areas. 

The balm feels ever so slightly hydrating but not enough to actually smooth or hydrate very dry or cracked lips. If you're trying to use this as a treatment for your dry lips, it won't work. The hydrating feeling makes it comfortable to wear but doesn't actually treat the lips. The feeling of the balm on the lips is really nice. It makes your lips feel smooth and silky. It is almost like a slippery silicone texture on the lips but the balm fades relatively quickly. While the color could last for up to three hours, the balm feeling lasts only about an hour or so. 

FINAL THOUGHTS 

These balms are nice but are they worth the luxury price tag? No, no way! I feel like I am paying mostly for the heft and luxurious packaging but the balm itself is only ok. I just don't think the formula is that special or unique, especially, with many brands coming out with something similar these days. The feeling of this product on the lips is comfortable and nice but it doesn't feel like it treats the lips or does much more than lightly moisturize the lips. This is a product for someone who really doesn't wear makeup or likes wearing really minimal makeup. The look of these is very subtle and isn't designed to make an impact. This is something I keep in my bag for easy lip touchups but you can find many formulas that will serve this purpose. The tint that these balms offer is light and very natural. While I have an appreciation for a sheer and natural lip color, I just don't think this particular one is worth paying for. For the price, I want something that will treat and nourish my lips, along with adding a fresh color.

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