Clinique Chubby Stick Intense: Mightiest Maraschino (Swatch + Review)

Hey everyone c: 

I apologise for how quiet it's been. We received the key to our new house about a week ago and we've been super busy doing it up before we move in next week! It's been really fun and I realised that I enjoy interior design and home decor. I have so many ideas/projects in mind and I can't wait to share them all with you. Honestly though, this really couldn't have come at a worse time, all my final assessments are looming up and I'm freaking out because for 2 of my subjects I'm not even halfway through the assessments and my final tasks are worth over 50%! 

As I'm writing this, i realise how much i turn to my blog in times of stress and how much i love it. I'm really grateful for all the people i've met through blogging and all the people, however few or many, who do read my blog. So thank you all! With that aside, today I have a review of something I've been using a lot lately.

I'm sure Clinique's Chubby Sticks need no introduction, I have 2 from its original line and i absolutely love them. Following its release, numerous dupes/copies by other brands have since been rolling out. While I always play with them when I'm in the drugstore; I never end up purchasing any from other lines because I'm so happy with my Chubby Sticks and i just have far too many "tinted balms" to justify buying more. However when I heard they were bringing out an intense version, I couldn't resist.

Mightiest Maraschino is a bright cherry red with blue undertones. Pigmentation is exactly what the name says, intense. It's pretty much opaque with one swipe but i like to build up intensity with a couple more swipes. The formula is much creamier and not as hydrating as the original Chubby Sticks but still very moisturizing. It feels light and comfortable on the lips. It has a sheen and slightly glossy finish at initial application which means that it does slide a little and they do transfer.

Application is super easy, straight from the pencil it glides on smoothly without tugging on the lip.
It lasts about 4-5 hours without eating or drinking, which is much longer than the original Chubby Sticks. I experienced no feathering or bleeding despite such a rich color payoff. It fades evenly and doesn't leave your lips patchy or stained when you do remove it. Touching up is a breeze, you can keep reapplying the product throughout the day and it doesn't leave your lips feeling heavy, uneven or sticky (unlike with lipsticks which can get gross if you just reapply on top of the faded color during the day).

I think this is a great alternative to lipstick when you want the same pop of color without the hassle of having to prep/exfoliate your lips or using a lip liner/lip brush. It's like lipstick without the commitment. I love that the intensity of the color doesn't compromise the hydrating component of the crayon.

I've been wearing this a lot recently because I've been sick and stressed and it really takes all the attention from the rest of my worn out face :3 

I thought I'd swatch for you the two original Chubby Sticks I have, so you can see how it compares to the Intense Chubby Sticks. The two I own are Woppin' Watermelon and Whole Lotta Honey. I always carry one of these with me in my handbag and I've actually nearly finished both of them - which i can't say for a lot of lip products in my stash.

Woppin' Watermelon, Whole Lotta Honey and Mightiest Maraschino (Intense)

At the moment, the shades available are mostly safe and wearable shades, great for everyday wear  - nudes, pinks, oranges, reds and berries. If you're after more punchy colors, I think you'll find them in the drugstore ranges. I have to say the Bourjois Color Boosts have sparked my interest and i haven't checked them out yet. Maybe when i finish my two chubby sticks, i'll go for a sneaky peek :3 

What are your thoughts on tinted balm sticks of this sort? Which brand do you prefer?

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=('.')=

chloé

p.s. I'm seeing King Kong the musical tonight! I'm so excited c: This is a broadway production that started in Melbourne. At first i was like really...? But it has been gaining heaps of attention and uni students get a special offer so i thought why not.