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Monday, April 7, 2014

Review: NEW Softlips Cubes in Fresh Mint and Vanilla Bean

As many of us lip balm fanatics know, there are several eos-type lip balms on the market these days. I'm sure you've seen or even tried the OraLabs Revo versions, which Revo makes for Walgreens, Chap-Ice, Rite Aid, CVS, etc. Others that come to mind are the Etude House versions, the Balmi versions, etc. My point is, if you like this style of lip balm but you don't care for the eos formula, you have other options. And one of those new options is this brand new version from Softlips.

I found the new Softlips Cubes at Walgreens over the weekend, and while I have NOT given this my normal two weeks of testing (aside from nail polish, I test everything here on Nouveau Cheap for a minimum of two weeks--four weeks+ for skincare), I wanted to give you a preliminary review after using these for a few days now. I know a lot of you are excited about this new lip balm line and I do have a very strong opinion of it after just a few days of use, but if anything changes as I continue to use these, I will of course let you know.


NEW Softlips Cubes SPF15 in Fresh Mint and Vanilla Bean
(retail: $3.49 each at Walgreens, 0.23 oz)

NOTE: This lip balm cones in one additional flavor--Blueberry Pomegranate--which my Walgreens did not have in stock at the time of this post.

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Vanilla Bean and Fresh Mint

These balms have a "5-in-1" formula that claims to hydrate, replenish, smooth, protect and add shine. The contains SPF15.

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Screw-top "ice cube" lids

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Since I own some eos and Revo Chap Ice balms, I thought I would do a size comparison, for perspective:

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eos (0.25), Softlips Cube (0.23 oz), Revo Chap-Ice (0.25 oz)

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Price/weight comparison:

eos (0.25 oz, $3.49 at Ulta)
Softlips Cube (0.23 oz, $3.49 at Walgreens)
Revo Chap-Ice (0.25 oz, $2.99 at Walgreens)

I know that you can get eos lip balms for $2.99 at Target, but I've seen them run all the way up to $3.99 at other retailers, so I went with $3.49. As you can see, you do get a little less product in the Softlips Cube, and the packaging is not as big. I know that some of you love the eos packaging, but if you think it's bulky, the Softlips packaging is a lot more compact.

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My thoughts about the Softlips Cubes:

This lip balm has a smoother glide than some of my eos lip balms. I find that some eos lip balms have a drier feel to them and they need to warm up to your body temperature before they glide on the lips (the exception, for me, is the eos Medicated Tangerine formula, which glides very smoothly due to the extra shea butter, I believe).  You barely need to apply any pressure at all with the Softlip Cubes, and you can swipe once on each lip and find that a sufficient amount of product has been deposited.

Unlike some of the traditional Softlips stick lip balms, which can be a bit waxy, I find the Softlips Cube texture to be quite creamy. It's not as thin as the Revo version, while also not as thick as the eos version. Considering how creamy the Softlips Cube feels on my lips, I was impressed with the staying power. I can easily get about four hours of wear from this product before I need to reapply.

The biggest surprise for me so far has been how it actually seems to have improved the texture of my lips. After about eight hours of wear (applying twice in that time period), the little patches of dry skin on my lips were gone. I thought it was as fluke, but the dry patches were still gone the next morning. I'm not trying to say this is a miracle product or anything like that, but so far I'm extremely impressed with the results (I will definitely keep you posted if anything changes).

Scent/flavor of Fresh Mint: This balm reminds of Wrigley Extra Spearmint chewing gum. It has a sweet, minty flavor and fragrance, and I can definitely feel a tingle on my lips when I'm wearing it. It's not a harsh or medicinal mint flavor/fragrance--it definitely has a sweetness to it.

Scent/flavor of Vanilla Bean: This is a stronger vanilla than the regular Softlips stick lip balm (which is very subtle to me). The scent is a nice vanilla, but the flavor, due to the menthol, is like a vanilla-mint candy. It also leaves a tingle on the lips after application.

Packaging: I love it, but then again I love anything that resembles ice cubes! The lids are screw-top and they lock shut with a "click" (once you hear the "click" you won't be able to continue twisting them). After the lid is locked into place, it would be nearly impossible for them to open up in your purse, pocket, etc. I tried to pull one open after it was locked and it would not budge. Overall, the construction of the packaging is quite sturdy and impressive--the plastic is not thin or flimsy.

One more thing: I am not saying that this product is better than eos lip balms. I actually love both and am a longtime user of both brands. I just want to make you aware of the differences between the two, and hopefully that can help you determine if this product might be a good fit for you.

FINAL VERDICT: I'm absolutely loving these so far. I adore the creamy, slick texture (which is different from the regular Softlips stick lip balms), and I was very pleasantly surprised to find that this lip balm has healed my chapped lips and eliminated little dry patches in the few days I've been using it. Again, this is more of a preliminary review since I've only been using these for a few days now, but so far I'm seriously impressed (I will certainly update you if anything changes). I can't wait to try the Blueberry Pomegranate version when I find it. And the cute packaging is a fun bonus. It's not big or bulky--it's very well-constructed with thick plastic and the lids lock firmly into place.

Have you tried the new Softlips Cubes yet? Thoughts?

The products featured in this post were purchased with personal funds. For more information, click here.
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32 comments

  1. Thanks for the review, I can't wait to try them, they're so adorable! I'm glad to hear they're a good formula too! I like that they're small, I tend to carry a tiny purse, and the EOS ones are way too bulky.

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  2. I haven't use many Softlips products. I'm actually using one now and the texture of it feels a bit thin and not long-lasting.
    I really like the packaging of these cubes and your whole review on them sound great.

    Definitely gonna try these. I'm a bit surprised that they're so small-looking compared to the Eos and Revo lip balms. I like the Eos packaging, but it can be a bit bulky.

    Thanks for posting this preliminary review. ^^

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  3. Interesting, thanks for the review G. :D I love how cute the EOS balms look but they do nothing for my lips, but I also have severely dry lips all the time. Maybe I'll check these out if they ever go on sale.

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  4. G-

    Before eos products were widely available, I (happily) purchased them for $8 at space.NK inside my Bloomingdale's. Oh how times have changed.

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  5. I need to try the blueberry pomegranate! The stick SoftLips balms are one of my favorites, second only to Burt's Bees, so this is seriously exciting for me. And not opening in my school bag will be a definite plus, my tangerine eos balm did that and got kind of gritty :/

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  6. Looks very similar to eos.. nice one...

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  7. Thanks for the review! I am eager to try them now, and am VERY happy they are clearly labeled "gluten free."

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    1. Sorry, but I just had to ask... what's so big about a lip balm being "gluten-free"? Is it any different than a non-gluten-free balm? Is this just a fad, or does it actually matter?

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    2. Because some people, like my daughter, are so sensitive to gluten that putting a lip balm on that contains gluten will cause cause a rash or worse to develop on her lips. Food allergies are never a "fad".

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    3. Oh, okay. Sorry- that question honestly wasn't meant to sound mean or snippy, just me being genuinely curious. Thank you for the reply! Now I know! =)

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  8. Thanks for the review! I love Softlips and I love cute packaging so I will keep an eye out for them. Any vanilla/mint combo is my favorite!

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  9. I've been so excited for these. Glad I waited for your review before I purchase. They're a must buy for me!

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  10. Thanks for your earlier-than-usual review! Unfortunately, I was NOT a fan of the eos lip balms, so I didn't really care to try this...but after reading your thoughts on it, I'm definitely gonna pick one up soon :) thanks again!!

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    1. Same here. I love the Revo versions though. Now looking forward to finding these, especially since I never cared for the stick version Softlips.

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  11. I can't wait to try these! Knowing me I'll have to get all three in order to satisfy my curiosity. Is that a new revo lip balm? If so, do/will you have a review on them? Or do you know someone who does? I'd love to give those a try as well. Thanks G!!

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    1. Yeah! I agree with Angel- that Revo balm piques my interest, and it looks new. Can we maybe have a review, G?

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  12. I've tried the Eos lip products and they don't help my dry lips at all; if anything, they make them worse. I'm probably one of the few who hate the big, bulky, chunky packaging, too. Give me slim lip balms like Lip Smackers that will fit in my pocket!

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  13. OH I so want these, they sound awesome.

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  14. Wow! Yummy flavors, cute packaging, AND a creamier formula than the traditional Softlips... hmmm... I just may need these in my life!

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  15. I've never tried any of these because it looks like a messy application is unavoidable with that big dome, and that you'd get to a point (pretty quickly) where it can't be applied at all, because the ball gets worn down, so a great deal of it might end up being wasted, or applied with a brush or finger I suppose. Going by the ingredients list I'd have to pass, but i can see the appeal all the same.

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  16. Thank you for the review! My lips tend to get pretty dry and I'm Uber excited to try these! I have nothing against eos either. I love those. But, admittedly, I have been using other balms just for the smaller size.

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  17. Thanks for the review...I went out this afternoon after reading this and bought one in vanilla bean. I love the EOS ones but they are a bit bulky and the Softlips version is much more purse friendly for me. So far I love the texture and the staying power! Plus, the packaging on it is just so darn cute.

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  18. I am definitely going to have to get one of these, probably the Vanilla Bean. Although, I do have the habit of leaving them laying around...lip balms, that is...and my dog eating them. :) Plus, these might be easier for me to keep track of, considering the shape and the non-rolling aspect of it.

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  19. I can't help but criticize the packaging for being clear, which will cause any SPF to degrade. The shape is novel, but I won't be purchasing.

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    Replies
    1. I understand what you mean, but not a concern for me personally since I love using this at bedtime. :)

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  20. I enjoy the packaging and smaller size of the Softlips versions, but I also like the natural/organic ingredients on the eos, decisions decisions...

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  21. Finally spotted these at my local Walgreens today! It's way more moisturizing than eos in my opinion.

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  22. I just bought the fresh mint and pomegranate flavors. haven't tried them yet, but I've always been a fan of softlips from grade school days

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  23. I bought this today in the mint and love it. Would definitely recommend it.

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  24. I wish they wouldn't put SPF in lip products. They taste terrible to me and I am not in the sun much anyway. Do these taste like perfume like most SPF products?

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  25. Have always loved the Softlips product but I did have trouble with keeping the lid on the tube. I wish they had just fixed the problem rather than created a new one. I absolutely HATE the cube.!!! I have only used a part of the ball, but it is flat on the top now & I feel like I am spreading it over my entire face when I try to apply it. My guess is that this was precisely the reason for the new packaging so that people would throw out the half used "cube" & buy a new one. I really wish they had just made the slim tube lids click on. I really liked the slim tubes!

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