As ISOI is known for its clean ingredients, this tinted lip balm stands out among colored lip products for its quality formulation. The hydration lasts quite a while too. Compared to a D* product I've tried before, ISOI's doesn't feel as thick when first applied. Nevertheless, I felt the moisturizing effect lasted even longer! While it may not eliminate dead skin cells or provide intense healing for severely chapped lips, it does maintain moisture well for typical lips. Compared to regular lip balms, the hydration is decent, but considering it's a tinted balm, both the moisturizing power and lasting effect are quite impressive! It has a rose scent that's noticeable when applying, but it's not overpowering or off-putting. The color payoff is pretty good too. You can see the tint even with one application, though I personally prefer 2-3 layers. If you're not using any other lip products, 2-3 applications seem ideal for both moisture and color.
For a tinted lip balm, color is crucial. While it's undeniably popular, it just didn't suit my complexion. I have a yellow-based skin tone, around shade 22. One of my favorite lip products is Benetint, so I didn't expect this shade to be a mismatch. When I first applied it, it reminded me of a light dab of traditional red lip tint - not as vibrant, but similar. It seemed to sit on top of my lips rather than blend in, making me look older. It looked worse without makeup, and only slightly better with a full face (especially with a bright look). But even then, I wasn't thrilled. I bought this hoping for an easy, no-makeup day lip product, so I was disappointed. Secondly, the price is a bit steep. I know ISOI isn't known for being cheap, but I'm not sure it's worth the full price - the packaging isn't particularly luxurious. If the color suited me and I loved the moisture and staying power, I might consider it on sale. But at full price, it feels expensive, though this might be influenced by my disappointment with the color match.
It's not exactly a pro tip, but if you have a similar skin tone to mine, you might want to consider the other shades before purchasing. While the red is more popular, there's also a baby pink option. Since I was satisfied with the hydration and lasting power but not the color, I'm thinking of trying the baby pink for my next purchase.
