Glossy lip crayons are probably going to be the most popular product of this decade. Following Clinique and their very successful Chubby Stick, every drugstore brand is now selling their own version.
From left to right: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, Clinique Chubby Stick, CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm |
After testing (and disliking) Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, I'm now excited to present you a promising, affordable lip crayon, CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm. Once again, I'll compare this newcomer to the reference on the market, Clinique Chubby Stick.
The name
I don't know why drugstore products names are always so long... It's hard to remember, confusing (CoverGirl has a Lip Perfection Lipstick) while the Chubby Stick is short, efficient and cute.
Clinique 1 - CoverGirl 0
The packaging
Since CoverGirl Jumbo is a clone of Clinique Chubby Stick, you won't be surprised when I tell you that they come in a very similar form. Whatever brand you pick, the Crayola-like big pencil is extremely easy to use, transportable, and doesn't require sharpening. I love this packaging!
Unlike the Chubby Stick, CG's Jumbo has a generic, dark purplish-brown body for all shades, and only the cap shows the actual gloss color. The name of the shade is nowhere to be found on CG's Jumbo, which I find a little frustrating: I know my lip products by name, not by shade number, and being able to read the name is really helpful when digging into a drawer to find the gloss you're looking for!
However, CG's version is fuller than anybody else's: you get 3.8g of product, versus 3g for Clinique and 2.7g for Revlon Kissable Balm Stain. How generous!
Clinique 1 - CoverGirl 0.5 (I want the shade name on the tube!!)
CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in Apricot Twist |
The color range
With their recent launch of Chubby Stick Intense, Clinique now offers 23 different shades. CG's Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm comes in 16 shades. But if you add the shades from the Queen Collection (supposed to complement darker skin tones, but wearable by anyone), that's a total of 32 shades.
Clinique 1 - CoverGirl 1.5
The price
Clinique $16 vs CoverGirl $6.99 (and that's without the sales, BOGO...). Need I say more?
Clinique 1 - CoverGirl 2.5
The scent/flavor
Oh joy, the CG Jumbo is NOT minty! Thank you! Like Clinique's Chubby, it's unflavored and unscented. It has a slight waxy smell, but nothing too strong.
No points earned!
The texture
I was worried here, since the drier texture was the big let-down with the previous drugstore lip crayon I tried, the Revlon Balm Stain. I'm very happy to report that CoverGirl did an excellent job at producing a real balm here! It's soft, glides effortlessly while melting on my lips, and it's just as pleasant to apply as Clinique's Chubby Stick.
No points earned!
CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in Apricot Twist - direct sunlight, shade |
The moisture
Again CoverGirl did their homework and delivered a moisturizing, very comfortable formula that my dry lips love. I have to admitt that it's just as good as Clinique in this department.
No points earned!
The pigmentation
CG's Jumbo is supposed to be sheer, so the level of pigment is as expected. You can build the intensity nicely by swiping several times though.
Clinique is one step forward now, with 2 different levels of pigmentation: the regular Chubby Stick and the Chubby Stick Intense for bolder looks.
Clinique 2 - CoverGirl 2.5
CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in Apricot Twist - direct sunligh, shade |
The finish
Both CG Jumbo Balm and Clinique Chubby Stick deliver a nice amount of shine. I would say that they are both as glossy.
No points earned!
The wear time
Neither CoverGirl nor Clinique promises a long wear product. These are balm, and it doesn't linger on you lips very long. But re-applying is never a problem, since you can easily carry the crayons in you pockets or purse.
No points earned!
Let's count the points! That's fast: Clinique 2 - CoverGirl 2.5
Yes, me, the huge fan of Clinique Chubby Stick, I'm telling you that CoverGirl Jumbo Balm is just as good... except much cheaper!
Both products are very similar. In fact, if I used them blindfolded, I don't think I could recognize one from the other. It means that YES, finally, there's an affordable, drugstore lip crayon that fulfills my needs and can compete with Clinique Chubby Stick for space in my drawers! Yay !
I'm not going to stop buying Chubby Sticks completely, I still love them, and the new Intense shades are gorgeous. But now, I know that I can satisfy my cravings for moisturizing balmy lip crayons without making a hole in my wallet!
Where to buy? At your local drugstore, or online:
The product featured in this review was purchased by Lulle. I received no compensation to write this post, which only reflects my personal opinion. This post contains affiliate links.
I just purchased my very first chubby stick! But now I think I'm going to check out Cover Girls version.
ReplyDeleteI think you'll like them :)
DeleteThanks for giving the comparison...found your blog when typing in "chubby stick vs. jumbo balm." I maybe just try CG's version.
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of the Tarte ones as well and it stays on a pretty good time while moisturizing. The associate picked out a "coral" type crayon for me and I was like "no way would I even think of looking at that color, let alone trying it on!" Lo and behold, it looked amazing and I bought it.
Always keep an open mind. Thanks!
Lovely swatches! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeletexo,
~Pauline @Kallony