What’s this now? Two new families of Chubby Stick? Jubilation is in order. Let’s rewind: Clinique’s Chubby Sticks were sort of revolutionary when they launched with the balmy, sheeny stains quickly becoming popular for doing make-up on-the-go.
Next came Chubby Sticks Shadow Tints for Eyes. Again, very happy-making. Last week, I went to check out the two new Chubby collections at the Ham Yard Hotel launch (the setting was impressive – I suggest you check the rooftop out tout suite if you like a roof with a view).
Now – onto the two new collections themselves. Four apiece, both similarly useful on the go as their predecessors. The Cheek Colour Balms come in two lighter (Amp’d Up Apple and Robust Rhubarb) and two darker, richer shades (Roly Poly Rosy and Plumped Up Peony). The former two are already nestled in my make-up bag – while the colours are fairly sheer and can be built up, I still felt the other too required a little too much in the way of blending for my pale skin.
Another reason I really like the cheek sticks? They’re oil-free but contain vitamin E and squalane to keep skin hydrated, the sum result of which is a dewy, not greasy cheek colour. They’re also, as you’d expect from the Chubby clan, seriously easy to apply with minimal muss and fuss – just wipe the stick over your cheek, blend the edges and off you toddle.
Clinique Cheek Colour Balms before blending
Clinique Cheek Colour Balms after blending
Onto the Baby Tint. Marginally less glowing about this one. It’s a perfectly acceptable lip balm, sure. Nice and moisturising thanks to mango seed and jojoba oil and also very handy when out and about. In terms of the colours, you mustn’t pay any attention to the bright packaging – these tint the lip according to your constitution (I’d imagine the heat of the lips develops the stain). So the bright red may look very different on my lips to yours; the colours just denote the leaning of the shade. If you test in a shop, I suggest you give them ten minutes to develop before you buy.
I am a fan of make-up innovation, you may be thinking, why am I not more rapturous? Well, the colours don’t offer as much variation as I’d like. I know, I know, it’s a tinted balm, that’s sort of the deal. I suppose I just feel that while these are really nice and subtle for those who aren’t lovers of lipstick, they don’t give you quite as much for your money as the original Chubby Sticks did. Which I suppose is the point, hence ‘Baby Tint’. But, personally, I like a little more pigment.
Having said that, if you’d like to enhance your lips extremely subtly, these may just be what your make-up bag is missing. I’ve worn them to the beach and have to say they’re ideal if you’d like something that cannot be classed as lipstick, instead making lips look hyperreal in hue. Here I am wearing Amp’d Up Apple on my cheeks and Coming Up Rosy on my lips. See what I mean? Pinky, but lips still show through. The jury’s out.
