Unboxing: BDJ July 2015 Prepped and Polished Box

As some of you may go "Hohum" on the previous BDJ boxes, my heart gave a skip on this month's PREPPED and POLISHED Box!  The name says it all!  Who doesn't like to look prepared and polished wherever we go?  I know I do!  As I seem not to sport that look nowadays with all the crazy schedule!  

What I like about this month's box how diverse the brands they included here.  But all of them have the same purpose --- to make us feel good both in and out.

Let us start with the most "obvious" product/s in the box!  It just came out of the market and you've probably seen ads on all social media!  And yes, BDJ Box subscribers, you get to try them immediately!

AMW Reviews: Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm in a Jar

If your lips are quite ok to start with, not too dry and yet, you wanted the extra moisture and protection from time to time, then I would recommend Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm in pot, this is actually my favorite out of all the Carmex lip products available in the market (personal choice), no extra flavor, just plain minty taste and feel that I long for in a lip care product! 

Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm says ---

• Available since 1937, with over 1 billion jars sold.
• Original lip-tingling formula
• Relieves the symptoms of chapped lips and cold sores.
• Non-addictive and not tested on animals

Net wt.: 7.5g
Ingredients:


 
AMW says ---
Pros

• Simple, original, no frill packaging.
• Packaging includes expiration date.
• Men wouldn't mind using this as it looks more "manly"
• Gives a nice tingling, relaxing sensation on lips.
• Can be easily used as a base without making the lipstick slide off.
• No uncomfortable waxy-feel.
• I don't have cold sores or blisters, I can only test this on my dry lips and it does help relieve pain due to dryness! 
• Inexpensive

Cons

• You will need to use your finger or lip brush to grab product.  Very difficult if you have long nails like me!
• Does not totally erase or "mask" lines of lips.
• Won't be enough if you have super chapped and super dry lips!

Overall
As stated on my introduction, this is my favorite Carmex lip product! It targets the problems without complications --- relieves dryness and moisturizes without the heavy, waxy feel!

Tips

• Make sure your fingers are clean before you dip your finger to the product.
• Use a lipbrush if you are not comfortable using your fingers, or for girls with long fingernails.
• The special men in your life can use this without the feel of lipstick application!
• I prefer to apply a good coat of Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm all over your lips, let it stay for a couple of minutes before you move on to lipstick application!
• If you have super dry lips, re-apply as often as possible.
• Dry lips is not only caused by external factors, you also need to hydrate yourself by drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day.
• Do not lick your lips too much!
• Once allergic reactions occur, stop usage IMMEDIATELY!

Will I repurchase?

Yes.  I actually tote another one along for "male" clients who needed to have moisture on their lips without the "flavor".

To whom do I recommend this to?
Guys or girls who needed a lip balm that protects the lips from dryness and chapping! 

Where to purchase and how much?
At local beauty stores for Php99.75 (approx $2.00)

Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm in a jar

Applied on bare lips, doesn't have the "oily look" some lip balm create.

The lines of my lips aren't "masked" but it does help relieve the uncomfortable feeling of dryness.

The best part? I don't have to blot my lips with tissue as I can apply my lipstick right after!

What's your favorite Carmex lip balm?
By far, this is my favorite!
Have you tried this? 
Keep it? Or chuck it?

Have a wonderful weekend!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Readers' Corner: Inexpensive Alternative for Kiehl's Lip Balm No. 1

I was asked a lot of times on what lip treatment I've used that I would recommend.  I've always say for the very dry lips like yours truly, I'd invest on Kiehl's Lip Balm No. 1!  There's also an inexpensive alternative on using Petroleum Jelly but not everyone like the feel and taste of it.  

After trying out several brands, there's 2 in the market that's "almost similar" to the famous Kiehl's Lip Balm that people on the budget can try! 

Mentholatum Lip Gel

Net Wt. 8.0g
Php108.00 (approx $2.40)

Smoothening and improving texture of chafed, chapped lips.

 Texture is not too sticky  nor runny, just right!

The slanted applicator makes it very easy to apply on lips without messing up your fingers!  

Hydrates, moisturize lips instantly and I love the nice minty-feel
Nice tingling sensation stays for more than 5 minutes.

Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm

Net Wt. 10g
Php99.75 (approx $2.26)

Helps to moisturize and relieve dry chapped lips.

The rounded and smooth head makes it easy to apply straight to the lips

Texture of the balm is not too runny more sticky.  Just right.

Easy to apply straight to the lips or if you're sharing this,
you can choose to use your fingers or lip brush in application.  Hygienic packaging.

On lips, tingling sensation stays for more than 5 minutes!

Both products are worth giving a try especially if you're on the budget.  Mentholatum is runnier in texture while Carmex is a tad bit stickier.  Both have this nice minty feel which makes it really relaxing and soothing once applied on lips!

Carmex has a stronger minty taste while Mentholatum is on to the lighter side.  Both can relieve dry, chapped lips.  Both products work when used on a daily basis.  I like using them night time before I go to sleep and early morning while I dry my hair!  Both products are inexpensive yet works like a charm!

Have you tried any of these 2?
Which one's your favorite? I can't seem to pick one because I am always PRO on Variety!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Carmex Strawberry Click Stick with SPF15

More than 2 years ago, July of 2008 to be exact, I purchased my first ever Carmex Lip product because I got to know the brand from US magazines!  I first found it at PCX store and I grabbed it right away!  It was the Carmex Click Stick Mint Flavored Lip Balm in SPF30.  I've sworn off the product and never used it again because it dried my lips even more! 

Fast forward, thank goodness for the review as the Carmex Philippines Distributor commented on my post telling me that the possible cause of dryness is because of the high SPF (Could be true because my Burt's Bees Lifeguard's Choice Lip Balm dried the hell out of my lips!).  I was asked to give Carmex another chance and who am I to shut down the whole brand just because one of their product does not work on me right?  

After 2 years, on my hand, the familiar yellow tube, red cap was on my hand and I gave the rest of my lip balms a rest and tested on this for a good 2 weeks.  Applied this before I go to bed and apply this throughout the day....

Carmex Strawberry Click Stick with SPF15 says ---

• Strawberry flavor in a solid stick
• Moisturizing lip balm
• Non-addictive and not tested on animals
• Contains SPF 15 sunscreen

Active Ingredients: Octinoxate and Oxybenzone - two sunscreen agents
AMW Says ---
Pros

• Housed in the classic yellow tube red cap that screams CARMEX even from afar.
• Safety sealed upon purchase

• The clicking sound is an added "pro" because it's addictive to listen!  *laughs*
• The mint feel lasts longer than regular minty balms!  I counted the minutes, it lasted almost 30 minutes before the minty feel is gone (tested without drinking or eating)
• Has SPF 15!  
• Glides on lips easily and does not feel dry!
• The nice strawberry scent is not overwhelming!  Tastes yummy!  
• The cooling sensation works so well especially on air conditioned room!  Lips does not feel or looks dry!
• Lipstick glides off easily after this lip balm application.
• Minimized the lines on my lips after application.
• Inexpensive!

Cons

• Has a hint of waxy feel
• Has a waxy look especially when applied outside the lips

Overall
Definitely better than my original Carmex Lip Balm!  


Tips

• Apply a generous amount onto lips especially when lips are super dry.
• Do not forget to hydrate by drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day!  No amount of lip balm can hydrate your body!
• Apply a good amount on your lips before going to bed.
• Exfoliate your lips with a wet toothbrush at least once a week.
• I try to wipe the lip balm with a clean towel prior to storing it, to lipstick wearer, clean your lip balm prior to twisting it back to prevent bacteria formation!
• If the "waxy" feel irritates you, blot your lips with a tissue paper prior to lipstick application to remove excess.
• Always store in cool, dry place.
• For hygiene purposes, try not to share lip balms!  If needed, use a spatula and lip brush.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
People who love to use tube-type lip balm.  Men or women who likes the minty feel on lips for prolong period of time!

Where to purchase and how much?

Locally at Landmark, PCX, Robinson's Department Stores, etc.. for approx. Php99.00 (approx $2.00)

A Photo to show the color and texture of Carmex Click Stick 

I think all Carmex Click Stick have the same color

Here's to show how addictive it is to re-apply with it's minty feel! 
Used this much in less than 2 weeks time!

Bare lips applied with approximately 2 coats of 

Carmex Strawbery Click Stick with SPF15

Photo taken 15 minutes after application

Not bad, I currently have this on my bed side to moisturize my 'mwah-ers' before I go to sleep!
What do you use before you go to sleep?  Or do you even moisturize your lips?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Note from Author: Product was sent for review purposes.  All information written are based on the writer's personal experience.  Author did not and will never receive payment for positive reviews.  Please purchase at your own discretion)

Askmewhats Reviews: Carmex Lip Balm

** Available at PCX for approx Php85.00 ($2.00)

I know a lot of readers out there LOVE their Carmex Lip Balm. I bid goodbye to my Kiehl's No. 1 lipbalm for a couple of weeks to give this baby a "proper" review. I've used this every morning, middle of the day and night time.

What do I have to say about this ?

Well, it's so so. I wouldn't go crazy jumping up and down for this product. I road tested this on my hubby as well (for guy's point of view --- yeah! guys do use lip balm as well...well..if they have wives like me LOL)

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• affordable
• very minty (for this mint version), this minty feeling lasts longer than regular minty balms
• tastes ok, not yucky
• soothing (as stated)
  

Cons

• the balm is a bit dry
• It dries my hubby's lips more than him not using a lip balm at all
• Doesn't "heal" as written in their box
  

Overall?

It could just be me, that I have super dry lips that needs extra TLC, but this product could be great for those born with lovely lips! For extra dry lips like mine, move on and give other lip balms a try!

Will I repurchase?

Sorry...but NO


I know I know! It's my fault!
I have lip products that works for me
Why do I need to try on others?
Like I said, it's the curiosity in me..
and curiosity does kill your budget!


Want to check out other lip balms I've tested?
Smile and say "Lipbalms!"