Review: Softlips Limited Edition Marshmallow Ghost & Vanilla SPF20 Lip Balms

Back in the middle of September I posted a sneak peek of the Limited Edition Halloween 2012 lip balms from Softlips, and recently I was sent this 2-pack from Softlips for review. Before I get into my review, I want to remind those of you looking for these lip balms that they're currently available at Target and can be found at the checkout lanes (not in the regular lip balm aisle).

 Softlips Limited Edition Marshmallow Ghost & Vanilla SPF20 Lip Balm 2-Pack

(retail: around $3.50, 0.07 oz per stick)

From Softlips:

• Softlips Marshmallow Ghost features the flavor of fresh, fluffy marshmallows and comes in our first-ever black slim stick--perfect for the Halloween season. 

• Softlips Marshmallow Ghost is available in a 2-pack and is paired with our best-selling Softlips Vanilla.

• Both Softlips Marshmallow Ghost and Softlips Vanilla contain SPF20.

 Keep reading for my full review...

In general, Softlips lip balms have always worked well on my lips. They're not heavy-duty or ideal for when my lips are extremely dry, chapped or cracked, but for a regular, day-to-day lip balm with SPF, I think the texture is very nice and they're easy to wear. They feel very smooth and creamy on my lips and not overly heavy or greasy. The consistency is a little bit slick, but in a good way (it's not that heavy, waxy feel that you get from certain lip balms). I also like the staying power of Softlips lip balms--they seem to last for several hours on my lips and they also work nicely when worn underneath lip colors. Plus, the slim stick of Softlips lip balms always makes me feel extra "dainty" whenever I use it!

But let's get to the most important part of this review: the flavor and fragrance of Marshmallow Ghost. As I've said before, I LOVE anything marshmallow-scented, and I specifically love fresh marshmallow (I'm not a big fan of toasted marshmallow scents). I have heard from a few of you who own this 2-pack and you've said that you had a hard time telling the difference between the scent of Marshamllow Ghost and the regular Vanilla. For me, they are very similar, but I could detect a difference. However, I had Mr. G smell them both and he could not tell them apart. I don't know if maybe I'm just more sensitive to marshmallow scents because I love them so, or if the difference is so subtle that most people might miss it.

Before writing this review, I think I smelled both of these lip balms maybe 100 times. I keep opening them and, one by one, taking a whiff of each. My conclusion? Marshmallow Ghost actually has a stronger fragrance (to my nose) than Vanilla. Granted, both fragrances are soft, but I feel like I can get the essence of "fresh marshmallow" when I sniff Marshmallow Ghost, whereas Vanilla smells faintly of vanilla to me. I'm afraid that this is going to be a "your mileage may vary" type of thing though, and I can't say that you'll have the same experience.

As for the flavor of each balm, that's where I think the real similiarities lie. To my palette, both of these lips balms taste identical. They both have a soft vanilla taste to them, but I also detect just the tiniest bit of mint (it's not an overt mint, but maybe just a little bit of "zip" or freshness) and I also get a little bit of a "sunscreen" flavor as well (no doubt due to the SPF20 that's in both lip balms). 

FINAL VERDICT: Do I think you need to drive all around town looking for this LE 2-pack from Softlips? No. But if you spot them at the checkout lane at your local Target, I think they're worth considering if you know that you already like Softlips Vanilla and/or you're a Halloween fan who enjoys special packaging. I like that this is Softlips' "first-ever black slim stick" and, for me personally, Marshmallow Ghost smells distinguishable from the regular Vanilla. But, as always, your experience may be different from mine. Bottom line: if you know you already love Softlips Vanilla, then it won't be a huge risk to buy this 2-pack. Either you'll be able to tell the two apart, or you'll end up with two lip balms that both smell/taste like the regular Vanilla (but one will be in a fancy black case).

Do you already own Softlips Marshmallow Ghost & Vanilla? Could you tell the two flavors apart? I would love to hear from you!

PS: If you missed my sneak peek at the Softlips Holiday 2012 flavors, check them out here.

A sample of this product was given to Nouveau Cheap for editorial purposes, either directly from the manufacturer or from the agency that works on behalf of the manufacturer. All reviews on NouveauCheap.blogspot.com are the honest opinion of its author and editorial samples do not, in any way, affect the outcome of product reviews.