Before I tried on Bite Beauty’s new SPF 15 Sheer Balm in Violet ($19; available in eight shades), I was expecting something shiny and almost transparent like the Guerlain Rouge G Serie Noirs. After that first swipe, though, I was like WHOA! Hello, pigment!
Violet sure doesn’t look semi-sheer, not that I’m complaining at all. My lips are rather pigmented, but Violet looks a lot like a full coverage lipstick with a semi-matte finish to me. If the other shades are this rich, maybe the line should be called something like “SPF 15 Super Pigmented Matte Balm!” instead.
Unscented, with a mild brown sugar flavor, medium-weight Violet does feel thick like a lip balm, and it doesn’t allow for a lot of slip. Since I like to rub my lips together, that’s not one of my favorite things about it, but I do still wear lip balms even (especially on the weekends, and while I sleep) even though they’re thick.
I get about three hours of wear time from Violet, which is pretty good for a balm. I wish that Bite would make it a little more hydrating, though, because the formula leaves my lips feeling a touch dry.
PRICE: $19 each (eight shades)
AVAILABILITY: Available now at select Sephora stores and also online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Wow, that is really unexpected. It’s strange that they call it a balm because it gives people the wrong expectations. And those looking for matte pigmented lippie wouldn’t even look twice at this based on the name. Also, being called a balm you would expect it to be more moisturizing, but it is still really pretty. Whenever Sephora starts carrying this line in store I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for the reviews Karen!
Whoa, that is definitely not at all sheer! I think the color looks really pretty on you though, and I like that the finish is more natural than completely matte.
Sounds nice! I may have to try out burgundy or claret.
that’s really good! don’t know if wanna pay $19 for it though!
That’s some pigmented lip balm! Violet looks great on you. I think I will order it!
that shade looks uh-mayzing on you! you’re right though, they should probably get rid of the words “sheer” & “balm” from the name as it seems to be a tad misleading.
Love it!! 🙂
ohhhh i likey! 🙂
The shade looks great on you, but that’s definitely not sheer – I don’t think I could pull it off.
This line looks interesting. I love pigmented balms, but I wouldn’t want to have dry lips. Thanks for the review 🙂
Sounds right up my alley, though the name is pretty weird for what it is! Love the violet colour!
There’s definitely a lot of pigment! And I think that’s the best pic of Tabs ever, which is saying a lot! 🙂
I bought it in Concord and love that I don’t have to re-apply it all the time because the color lasts si well. It’s very easy to wear.
I think this sounds kinda nice and I like the color, but you’re right. I expected something a lot sheerer.
OMG. I love. I want back to SF… and shop at the Sephora on Chestnut Street… and then head over to MAC Pro… then Benefit. Pick up some comfy staples from Lulu Lemon along the way. And end up at Kara’s cupcakes… with a sol de fleur and milk in hand.
that cat is too darn cute! OMG I just got exposed to a kitten this year ( been a dog girl all my life, that includes men) and I fell in love with cats!!! I still like my dogs, that includes men, but I need a kitten ASAP!