NOTE: This blog post originally appeared on Nouveau Cheap on December 18th, 2014. I am republishing it again today, because both of these lip balms have recently been spotted at various retailers for the 2015 holiday season. I just wanted to share my thoughts in case you missed this post the first time.
Admit it. It's the question that's been keeping you up at night:
Which limited edition pumpkin-flavored lip balm is better--Burt's Bees or ChapStick?
OK but seriously, since these are limited edition flavors and they're only available for the holidays, I thought it might be fun to give you a little side-by-side comparison and tell you which one is my personal favorite. Are you ready? Let's do this!
Burt's Bees Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Moisturizing Lip Balm
vs.
ChapStick Limited Edition Pumpkin Pie Lip Balm
Burt's Bees Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Moisturizing Lip Balm: $2.99 at Target, 0.15 oz.
Parent company: Clorox
ChapStick Limited Edition Pumpkin Pie Lip Balm: $1 - $1.99 (click here for store locator), 0.15 oz.
Parent company: Pfizer
Parent company: Pfizer
Both products are made in the USA, and both balms are the exact same size. In terms of packaging, I think ChapStick wins for cuteness. The pumpkin pie on the tube and the slice of pumpkin pie on the lid seal the deal for me.
For packaging, ChapStick wins.
Ingredients-wise, the Burt's Bees balm clearly contains more natural ingredients (neither product is vegan as both contain lanolin and/or beeswax).
For ingredients, Burt's Bees wins.
But in my own personal experience, more natural ingredients don't always make for a better overall lip balm when it comes how products feel and perform on my lips. In this case, I actually prefer the texture and performance of the ChapStick lip balm over the Burt's Bees lip balm. For me, the ChapStick balm is creamier, more hydrating and longer-lasting (I go into more detail about the ChapStick balm in my previous review of the ChapStick Holiday 2014 collection here). The Burt's Bees balm is a bit too waxy for my personal taste and it doesn't feel as hydrating after a few hours on my lips. I was hoping this balm might be more like the Burt's Bees Mango lip balm, which has a very moisturizing, non-waxy texture (I LOVE that lip balm). But for me, this is more like one of the classic Burt's Bees balms, which have always been a bit too waxy for my own personal taste.
For texture and performance, ChapStick wins for me.
Fragrance: It's hard to compare Pumpkin Spice to Pumpkin Pie in terms of which one smells better. The Burt's Bees balm does smell like pumpkin spice, however there's something else going on here. I think I'm smelling pumpkin spice mixed with wax, and it sort of throws me off a bit. To me, it's not a true, 100% authentic pumpkin spice fragrance. The ChapStick balm smells very much like pumpkin pie filling rather than pumpkin pie (I don't get any type of buttery pie crust note here--only pumpkin filling). And it's heavy on the nutmeg, with less cinnamon than you might expect. Since I adore nutmeg, I think you know where I'm going with this one.
For fragrance, ChapStick wins for me.
Flavor: I detect little flavor in the Burt's Bees balm, and what flavor I do detect does not taste like pumpkin spice to me--it actually tastes a bit like plastic, with a tiny hint of pumpkin spice in the background. On the other hand, the ChapStick balm tastes exactly like it smells--like pumpkin pie filling. I get pumpkin and nutmeg mostly, with a hint of cinnamon and tiny bit of clove as well.
For flavor, ChapStick wins for me.
WINNER OF THIS BATTLE: ChapStick Pumpkin Pie Lip Balm.
This is obviously just my personal opinion, and you know I would love to hear from YOU about which one you prefer! Do you own either (or both) of these pumpkin-themed holiday lip balms? If so, which one is your favorite?
Some of the products featured in this post were purchased with personal funds and some of the products featured in this post were given to Nouveau Cheap by the manufacturer. For more information, click here.
If I had to choose one I know I'd choose the Chapstick. When they release a flavor balm, they do a great job of matching the description. I also do prefer the feel of their balms to Burt's Bees' balms.
ReplyDeleteAgreed and agreed, Heidi! :)
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ReplyDeleteYou're so welcome, Marcie. And it's so nice to see you over here! Thanks for coming by! xo
DeleteI'm always over here, I just have never commented before!! Keep up the great work girl! I love being broke! LOL xoxo
DeleteThanks for the comparison! I do like Burt's Bees products in general but it's only the pomegrante oil lip balm. Their other lip balms are too bees-waxy for my liking and isn't moisturizing enough. I haven't used chapstick in YEARS! that's because I have too much lip products to justify getting another one :p but I do love me some pumpkin!
ReplyDeleteHey Jen! I think you might be surprised by the formula of ChapStick these days. I remember them from years ago, and I swear they're so much creamier and moisturizing now. I remember back in the day, they were heavy and waxy, but I find myself reaching for them often now...they're not at all like my memories of them from my childhood and teen years. :)
DeleteI appreciate the detail that went into this review, G. :-) I haven't tried either balm, but that little slice of pumpkin pie on the Chapstick lid? Come on. The cuteness factor alone means I must own this and soon! lol
ReplyDeleteWhere can I find the pumpkin pie ChapStick!? I neeeeeed it asap!
ReplyDeleteOh wow! I don't recall these from last year. I don't have either one but will be on the hunt for them, especially the Chapstick. This is a scent that I might need to hoard.
ReplyDeleteI am Chapstick all the way!!! I need to make a run to Walmart and stock up!!!!! I expect it should be showing up soon.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree about Chapstick Brand. I even the old plain one. I am so going to try the find this one. How fun and great way to get in the mood for Fall. I live where it still can feel like summer some times till Nov. I love Fall everything mostly the colors.
ReplyDeleteI just bought the Burt's Bees one today. Ugh. I haven't read your blog in 3 days and see what I missed. Lol. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to find the Chapstick version this year! I just tossed my Burt's Bees one last week. It started tasting and smelling un-pumpkin-y a week after I bought it. :[
ReplyDeletewhat stores have the chapstick i haven't seen the pumpkin one yet.
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