Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain gives softer, smoother lips with a perfect flush of color that lasts hour after hour. The gel formula comes in 12 vibrant shades that match any look or mood. Lightweight Lipstain + Moisturizing Balm. (source)

On paper: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Crush

I'm back with yet another lipstick, this time with the very popular, best-selling Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Crush.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Crush

This is my first Revlon Balm Stain purchase since I've been on a "matte" crusade recently. I decided to divert a little bit and try the lighter balm, stain formulas.
I have been purchasing lipsticks with darker, deep colors lately. It's maybe because of the cold, rainy weather. As evidenced, Crush appears to be a deep, burgundy-cranberry red color. Since it's a stain, the color is sheer but that doesn't mean its not pigmented enough.

Left: No Flash | Right: With Flash

Above: Swatches on my NC20/25 skin. You really need a few layers to build color and achieve a semi-opaque finish. The swatches above required about 4-5 swipes.

Lip Swatches: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Crush

On my somewhat-pigmented lips, the color appears to be a deep plummy red. It registered a bit lighter on photos than in real life. On lighter, less pigmented lips; I think this would look darker and more burgundy.

Crush swatches on different skin tones (revlon.com)

From Revlon's website:
- 100% of women felt their lips were instantly moisturized w/ a soft stain of color
- Balm stain provides gorgeous flush of kiss-proof color with the comfortable feel of a balm
- Retractable chubby crayon, no sharpener required
I can't say that these stains are very moisturizing but they did lend enough moisture on my lips to avoid feeling dry. Pigmentation was great and as mentioned earlier, semi-opaque. The balm felt natural on my lips - light and not heavy.
I observed some transfer on my coffee cup but not enough to make the color disappear. It wears off evenly - i.e. without the lip liner effect. The main color lasts for up to 2-3 hours, but the stain it leaves behind practically lasted the whole day (8 hours+++). While I favor matte formulations, I (surprisingly) like the balm stain texture. I'm now thinking of trying other colors in the future.

FOTD: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Crush

Above: Just Bitten + Stained Effect from Revlon Balm Stain in Crush

Overall: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Crush is a sheer, buildable lip color that lends enough pigmentation and moisture to your lips. It's a deep, dark stain but would definitely suit an everyday look because of its sheerness. Its lasting power is amazing as the color it leaves behind lasts for more than 8 hours. This is definitely a MUST TRY if you haven't already.

On a lighter note, because I'm a bit (teeny, tiny) crazy today: (featuring my derpy faces)

Confessions of a Lipstick Addict: It Must Be a Full Moon