Crazy for Crayons: The Ramblings of a Lip Pencil Addict

Chunky pencil style lip products have been all the rage since Clinique first patented the Chubby Stick, and I'll be the first to admit that I pretty much hurled myself onto that bandwagon. Ever a fan of the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains, and with Clinique's Chubby Stick Intense being my go to lip product of the summer (review here), I decided it was high time I expanded my collection of lip crayons with a couple of the Bourjois Colour Boost Glossy Finish Lipsticks. Needless to say, I'm already obsessed, and so here I give you a round up of my new and established favourites, weighing up the pros and cons of both Bourjois and Revlon to see who comes out on top. Enjoy!

Well, nobody's getting any points for innovative packaging. 

First up, colours. I think Revlon win in this department, with a total of seven colours to choose from as opposed to Bourjois' measly four. I only own one, Rendezvous, a beautiful and wearable orange. Bourjois do cover all the bases though, with a light peachy pink, a fuchsia, a beautiful red and a true orange. Something for everyone, I think you'll agree. I went for the colours Peach on the Beach, a pale peachy pink and a lovely subtle everyday colour, and Red Sunrise, which is actually a great dupe for my Heftiest Hibiscus Chubby Stick if you're on the lookout, only ever so slightly more pink. Didn't really need one so similar, but it was a moment of weakness, and you know what, I'm not even sorry.

The colour pay off on the Bourjois products is wonderful, it's staying power a bit less so, but still pretty good! It claims to last 10 hours which, lets face it, is an outright lie (tut tut Bourjois) but I find that it comfortably lasts about 4 or 5, although losing a little of its vibrancy by that point. The pay off of the Revlon products is very much the same, but a lot more durable. So one point to Revlon there.

The Colour Boost texture is a lot more glossy and soft in comparison to the Revlon products, but I think if you're in the market for soft and glossy, Revlon have their lovely Lip Butters. I prefer the consistency of the Bourjois Colour Boosts as I suffer with very dry, rather flaky lips, so I always welcome a bit of moisture. I do think this is a factor in their staying power though, as the more waxy formula of the Just Bitten Stains has rather more stick to it, as I mentioned before (the word 'stain' in it's name should have probably given it away). I can eat, drink and dance the night away and these babies don't budge. Although the Bourjois ones last a fair amount of time, they transfer a lot more easily onto glasses and whatnot, and do benefit from a top up or two. However I think that, for not having lips that look like I'm starting to rot, it's a price I'm more than willing to pay. But if you struggle with staying power, I think Revlon would be more up your street.

Also, a massive plus for Bourjois is the fact that their products have SPF in them!! Hurrah!! Factor 15 isn't really the highest dosage, but if, like me, you already have dry lips, sun damage is only going to make them worse, so I'll take every bit of help I can get.

Lastly, the smell/taste. It shouldn't be an influencing factor, but some people are a stickler for a good scent, so I thought it worth a mention. The Revlon products have a menthol kind of taste and smell to them, which I love. The Bourjois ones are more fruity, which I also love. Clearly I'm easily pleased, but if you're quite particular about that kind of thing, then this might be quite handy to know.

Overall, I think the Bourjois products have come out on top! Sorry Revlon, I promise I don't think any less of you. The only point they falter on is staying power, and to be honest, the thing I love most about these types of products is their ease of application. If I'm really concerned about the product staying put, I'll go for a lipstick and put a lot more effort in. That being said, I love and would highly recommend both products to anyone thinking of purchasing a chubby crayon style lip product. Although, let's be realistic, if you're reading this, you probably already own one. Both are usually available from Boots for £7.99, but if you're quick, the Revlon Just Bittens are on sale for £5.99, and Bourjois products are 3 for 2, with a free pair of sunglasses thrown in, which are actually rather nice. Bargain and a half, or what?

What are your favourite lip crayons? Are you Team Bourjois or Team Revlon? Let me know!

S.