Clinique Chubby Stick

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $16

THE SKINNY: I have to admit, I've been waiting a while to get my hands on a Clinique Chubby Stick. This is one of those products that I was just excited to try.

It could not quite live up to my expectations, but it is a pretty great product.

The Chubby Stick is a big lip balm crayon. Color goes on smooth and even (much smother than you might think) and it stays smooth for hours after application.

I tried "Heaping Hazlenut," which could be classified as a very safe nude shade. It blended great with my natural lip color and the resulting look was just a little more polished than if I had used Chap-Stick. The Chubby Stick looks matte but goes on with a nice, subtle sheen.

Even better, I can leave this product in my bag and it does not melt in the heat like some other balms.

Clinique has 16 colors available and all are supposed to look "natural," so don't expect a burst of color.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. I love the look, feel and convenience.

CHECK IT OUT: Make sure to check out the deals if you order online from Clinique.

-- Tested by Carrie

Clinique Chubby Stick Eyeshadow

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $16

THE SKINNY: Clinique hit one out of the park with the introduction of Chubby Sticks last year. The super-successful line has been expanded to include eye colors as well.

These sticks of eyeshadow come in 12 color that provide a light, but pretty color. I tried both the purple (Portly Plum) and green (Mighty Moss) and each provided a nice, but somewhat subtle color.

What's great is that these sticks contain an almost cream shadow that glides on easily and lasts pretty much all day. The sticks are thick though, so don't expect a liner. This is an eyeshadow. Because of the nature of the stick, these shadows are great for pairing -- the colors don't seem to bleed together. (Portly Plum looks quite lovely as a thick line and blended with a neutral shade toward the brow line.)

The downside? The sticks are thick and make for difficult precision in application and could be tough to apply on smaller lids.

This is a fairly mess-free product though. No loose color on the counter top and no sharpening necessary -- the stick just turns to get more product.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. Nice color that lasts all day is hard to beat.

CHECK IT OUT: Check out all the color available from Clinique and don't forget to pair with specials and deals when you order online.

-- Tested by Carrie 
 

Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes (redux)

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $19

THE SKINNY: In 2012, a broken Aqua Eyes shadow stick came in the mail. Sephora's return policy is great, and I mailed it back and got an immediate refund.

When 2013's Black Friday deals came around, I decided to try again with a pair of Aqua Eyes shadows. These arrived in perfect shape, so here's a new review.

These aren't bad. They cover the lid and aren't too hard to blend. The Black Friday deal contained two beige colors (20E and 28E) that are about three shades apart. The color is more of a glaze, but the pigment lasts throughout the day without primer.

The pencils have survived multiple sharpenings without major issue.

My only complaint is the product is a little on the dry side (maybe why it stays in place so well). I've found that I prefer the creaminess of Clinique's Chubby Stick Eyeshadow.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. It's a good option when you're in a hurry.

CHECK IT OUT: Sephora has Aqua Eyes in 26 colors.

-- Tested by Shay

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2.5 stars

COST: $8.99

THE SKINNY: Revlon almost hits the mark with its new Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain.

The stain has a great color and lasts pretty well. The price is great and although it retails for $8.99, you will likely find it for a lot less and Revlon is famous for its coupons.

I really loved the matte finish in contrast to my more glossy look most days. Especially in the color I tried, "Adore," a deep red. (I also feel like I could have layered a gloss with it had I desired a more shiny finish.)

The problem?  It just does not go on smooth enough. It was almost rough to apply. And it had an almost toothpaste-like smell, which oddly enough made it feel that much rougher. (But it did feel nice and clean.)

Revlon claims the product will give you smoother, softer lips. I am just not so sure. And after recently trying a similar (but much pricier) product, this one just does not meet my expectations.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. It's not a bad product; I just really like Clinique's Chubby Stick better.

CHECK IT OUT: Check out all 12 shades and see application tips from Revlon. You can buy this product a drug and grocery stores or from Drugstore.com.

-- Tested by Carrie