The much emulated Clinique Chubby Stick family has multiplied again with the launch of Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm and and Baby Tint Moisturising Lip Colour Balm. Application is child’s play, leaving cheeks and lips with a pretty glow of colour that’s perfect for everyday use. They make the perfect handbag and travel companions for on-the-go touch ups, no brushes required.
Chubby Stick Cheeks
My cheeks have been slaves to Clinique Cheek Pops since I first got my hands on them, so these had big shoes to fill in the fight for space on my face. They’re a completely different formula of course… four very wearable shades with good colour payoff - more than I expected - and soft creamy colour that’s easy to apply. A couple of stripes on each cheekbone and a gentle pat with fingers to blend is my favourite way to wear them, though you could get technical with a brush for a more subtle, seamless finish. The product is twist-up and measures 2.5cm.
Swatches are in the order of the products next to them… I’m so glad there’s no shimmer involved and was immediately drawn to peachy coral, Robust Rhubarb. Amp’d Up Apple is a rosy beige, Plump up Peony a plum tone and Roly Posy Rosy a deep rose pink. I was surprised that there was no bright pink in the collection, expecting something similar to Plum Pop, my most used, perfect cool toned pink. I used 3 swipes for each of these swatches to give you a good idea of the colour; 1 layer is enough for my cheeks. I find that these add a lovely pop of natural looking colour, with a skin-like (non greasy) finish and pretty good lasting power, even in the current heatwave.
Baby Tint
Hello pretties… I love these colours, though rolled my eyes when I first swatched them as they seemed a bit pointless (bear with). Initially very subtle, they deepen minutes after application, leaving a definite wash of sheer colour that lasts a long as a lipstick and leaves a slight stain on my lips. Apparently colour adapting, the formula reacts to your own lips, so the shades will look slightly different on everyone (and deeper than they do on my arm swatches above). I found it quite fun waiting to see what colour they’d turn, like mood rings for lips!
I was most intrigued by Flowering Freesia, the lilac shade, which looks like a cool pink on my lips and gives teeth a whiter hue. Even baby pink Budding Blossom packs some punch, setting to a mid cool pink. The orange shade, Poppin’ Poppy is a reddish orange on me (my favourite of the four) and Coming Up Rosy a just bitten, natural lip toned red.
I like these way more than I expected to and know I’ll wear them a lot for a slightly polished but not overly made up daytime look. They’ll be great for anyone who doesn’t like to look (or feel) like they’re wearing too much make-up. I’m a fan of Clinique lip balms and these do feel like a proper balm, leaving a comfortable, fine film of moisture with a temporary sheen, thanks to Shea Butter, Mango Seed Butter and Jojoba Seed Oil. ps round of applause to Clinique for zero sickly sweet scent (or any scent at all), the only thing that holds me back from wearing cheaper versions of these lip tints (Barry M I’m looking at you).
In this pic I’m wearing Robust Rhubarb Chubby Stick for Cheeks and Coming Up Rosy Baby Tint on my lips (and little else… don’t judge!).
Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Balm, £18 and Baby Tint Lip Balm, £17 are available online now at clinique.co.uk and will be instore next week at Boots and all the usual outlets from 1st August.
