A Game-Changing Lip Balm that Exceeds Expectations: Nourishment, Frost Protection, and a Pop of Color

Winter's the perfect excuse to ditch my full-coverage lipsticks and switch to a lip balm that's not only functional but also fun. Most lip balms are clear, which is a total bummer. I've had lip balms with fun colors before, but they either didn't match my skin tone or had terrible moisturizing properties. This winter, I finally found a balm that gets it just right - Holly Polly's Blueberry Nights lip balm.

🎁 Packaging

The balm comes in a simple, eco-friendly cardboard package with a transparent plastic insert that covers the balm itself. I appreciate the effort to reduce waste. The background of the package is a nice match for the balm's color, which is a lovely shade of blueberry.

On the back of the package, you'll find all the relevant info about the balm and the manufacturer. As a curious consumer, you'll probably want to check out the ingredient list first - it's always good to know what you're putting on your skin.

🔬 Ingredients

You can find the full list of ingredients below. I was a bit concerned about one of the ingredients - CI 19140, also known as tartrazine. It's a yellow dye that can cause allergic reactions, so I'm glad I didn't have any issues with it.

Octyldodecanol, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Cera Alba, Ozokerite, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Prunus Dulcis, Helianthus Annus, Butyrospermum Parkii, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera, Helianthus Annuus Seed Cera, Aroma, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol (mixed), Beta-Sitosterol, Squalene, Oleum Hippophaes, CI 77891, CI 15850, CI 42090, CI 19140, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499.

I've found that even natural ingredients can cause allergic reactions, so I usually go by my own instincts when it comes to this balm. And I can confidently say that my body didn't react negatively to it - it's a big plus in my book.

💄 Tube format and Color

The tube shape of this balm is super unique - it's not a standard cylinder like most other products, but rather flat. I love how it fits in my bag without taking up too much space.

One side of the tube has the brand name with a recognizable logo at the top and the name of the balm variety. It's a nice touch that adds to the overall aesthetic of the product.

The tube itself is small, neat, and compact, and its flat shape takes up less space in my bag than a standard cylindrical lipstick. The balm weighs a standard 4.8 grams, which is perfect for tossing in my purse or gym bag.

The stick is twisted off using a small wheel at the base of the tube. It's a clever design that makes it easy to get the perfect amount of balm without wasting any.

The color of the tube is almost identical to the balm itself - and it's not just unique to "Blueberry Nights"; I've seen the same thing with other varieties that have different shades and scents. It's a nice touch that adds to the overall branding of the product.

I chose "Blueberry Nights" specifically for its purple tone - I've been wanting to try it out for ages, and I'm so over all the pinks and pastels.

I'm absolutely loving the scent of this balm! It smells just like freshly picked Isabel grape, the kind you'd find at a farmer's market, not some mass-produced stuff. If you've ever had homemade grape, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about - that tangy sweetness that's just unmistakable.

Application and Effect

Not only does it smell amazing, but the balm is also a joy to apply, thanks to its silky smooth texture.

Despite its rich, berry-stained color, the balm gives my lips a subtle, even wash of color that's neither too heavy nor too overpowering. Plus, it leaves them looking shiny and healthy, like I've applied a lip gloss on top of my favorite lip balm.

I've been wearing this balm on -20 degree days, and I'm happy to report that it's doing its job as a protective and nourishing barrier. I've got no complaints about its performance in this regard.

It doesn't last all day, of course - it fades gradually and evenly, without any patchiness or unpleasant tastes when eating or drinking. But that's not what I was expecting from a balm, anyway.

✨ Holly Polly's Blueberry Nights lip balm has finally given me everything I've been looking for in a lip balm:

✅ nourishment,

✅ a wonderful scent,

✅ protection for delicate lip skin,

✅ a pleasant texture,

✅ a soft color palette.

For me, it's perfect in every way!🎉

I've gotta say, the customer support team really knows their stuff. I had a few questions about the warranty and they got back to me within a few hours, which was awesome. The return policy is also super clear and easy to understand, which is a big plus in my book.