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Perfect Pout Gel Lip Balm by Wet 'n Wild checks almost every box for what we look for in a good tinted lip balm. It offers a soft tint with a high-gloss finish and the formula's front-loaded with non-fragrant plant oils for added antioxidant benefit. With a smaller price tag than a latte, there's almost no excuse to pick one up. Almost…
There's a fairly wide range of shades available (and it's sheer enough that the shades should complement most skin tones). Of the four shades we tested, the sheer pop of color is slightly more opaque in some of the pink and berry hues (Shock and Rule,) and virtually non-existent in others (Tell and Kiss). True to claim, even the deepest, most opaque shade is still more natural-looking than lipstick.
In most cases, this balm has enough color to it that we recommend looking in a mirror for precise application, like you would a lipstick, rather than applying it sight unseen like you might do with a traditional clear balm.
The unique gel texture of this balm wears comfortably, but as is the case with most highly emollient lip products, it does bleed slightly (if you have lip lines, you'll be more likely to experience this). This issue can easily be rectified with a good clear lip liner, but is something to keep in mind. Although not transfer-proof (the color will come off on anything you eat or drink), the more pigmented shades leave a nice stain behind.
There is a moderately-low amount of potentially irritating flavor/aroma, and we neither smelled nor tasted it. That doesn't mean it still doesn't have the potential to cause irritation (skin's very good at hiding that sort of thing, sometimes not appearing until years later!); rather, you likely won't notice it once it's on.
Overall, Perfect Pout Gel Lip Balm doesn't quite live up to the 'perfect' in its name, but comes pretty close. If you aren't bothered by the flavor/aroma and don't mind the potential bleeding issue, we recommend picking up a few of them!
- Provides lips with a sheer pop of color.
- Softens lips via phytosterols and non-fragrant plant oils and waxes.
- Contains conditioning and antioxidant-laden squalene, vitamin E, and omega fatty acids.
- A beauty bargain.
- Contains flavor/aroma which poses a slight risk of irritation.
- Highly emollient formula is prone to bleeding.
Wet 'n' Wild At-A-Glance
Strengths: Inexpensive, good tinted moisturizer with sunscreen; some attractive bronzing powders; mostly good eyeshadow and lipstick options.
Weaknesses: Unimpressive concealers; large assortment of average to poor eyelining products; the mascaras do little to impress; some lip products suffer from the inclusion of irritants; the makeup brushes.
Wet 'n' Wild is one of the few cosmetics companies around that prides itself on being extraordinarily cheap, although the prices have increased across the board since we last revisited this brand. But don't let its hokey name and pre-teen marketing tactics deter you, because there are some great options available, and the packaging has improved in almost every category. The best-performing products will seem like steals, while the less impressive to horrible products will quickly have you thinking, "you get what you pay for." It is not very often that a line offers such a procession of clear-cut winners and dismal losers, but once you know what to focus on, you won't get soaked by Wet 'n' Wild. This line is available in most major drugstores across the country, and, like most drugstore lines, does not offer testers. Interestingly, the selection of Wet 'n' Wild in Canadian drugstores tends to be better than what U.S. shoppers will find.
For more information about Wet 'n' Wild, visit www.wnwbeauty.com.
About the Experts
The Beautypedia team consists of skin care and makeup experts personally trained by the original Cosmetics Cop and best-selling beauty author, Paula Begoun. We’re fascinated by skin care and makeup products and thrilled when they meet or exceed our expectations, but we’re also disappointed when they fail to perform as claimed, are wildly overpriced, or contain ingredients scientific research has proven can hurt skin.
Our mission has always been to help you find the best products for your skin, no matter your budget or preferences. Beautypedia’s thorough and insightful reviews cut through the hype and provide reliable recommendations for all ages, skin types, and skin tones.
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