MAC Cham-Pale: Lip Conditioners

MAC Lip Conditioners SPF15 + Lavender ($14.50 for 0.5 oz.) are potted lip balms and new and limited edition with Cham-Pale.  There is one that is tinted, Calm Mode, which MAC describes as a “light neutral beige,” while the other is colorless.  I actually found it more of a soft neutral pink than a beige–very much my-lips-but-better kind of a shade.   Well, maybe not for me, as it’s a little light, so it can look obvious and milky on my lips in particular, but it’s that type of a pink; subtle, rosy, easy to wear.  It is incredibly similar to last year’s Feelin’ Good.

The lip conditioners had a very light scent to them – vanilla and something, but I couldn’t detect any lavender to it (my nose is by no means a superior sniffer, though).  The scent of these is nothing like Fix+ Lavender (good news for me!).  Even though the formula is nice enough–smooth, moisturizing, comfortable–potted balms aren’t as sanitary as I’d like.  For me, lip balm is something I carry around in my purse or pocket, that I probably reapply a couple of times a day as needed.  With a potted lip balm, you need to be sure to use only clean fingers or else a lip brush.  I also wish these lasted longer, as I feel like they disappear within an hour or two.

I will also caution you about the tube versions of MAC’s Lip Conditioner (not promoted in this launch), as the caps easily come off in my bag.  I was constantly finding mine un-capped, rolling around in who-knows-what at the bottom of my bag, and it was just gross.  I’ll keep this at my desk or on my night stand, but it’s not travel-friendly enough for me to use regularly.  (Plus, Jack Black’s lip balms work better for my lips!)

MAC Cham-Pale Collection is a limited edition launch (official information and photos here) that is set to launch in-stores on December 26th in North American, January 2011 for international MAC locations. The approximate launch date for online is December 24th. It features color products as well as a few skincare items.

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• Product: 26/30
• Value: 8/10
• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Packaging: 3/5

RECOMMENDATION: I like the color of Calm Mode, and if you find your lips need a lil’ extra pink to make them look alive, you might consider grabbing a pot of it.

AVAILABILITY: MAC Cosmetics on December 26th (U.S. stores), January 2011 (International)

See more photos & swatches!

MAC Calm Mode Tinted Lip Conditioner

MAC Calm Mode Tinted Lip Conditioner

MAC Calm Mode Tinted Lip Conditioner

MAC Calm Mode Tinted Lip Conditioner

MAC Calm Mode Tinted Lip Conditioner

MAC Lip Conditioner

MAC Lip Conditioner