So I definitely have a thing for Laneige and I even up determined to try out every two toned product that they release – this two tone tint bar was no different and I was so excited when I saw this online. I have used their standard two tone bars before (and the eyeshadow bar, which was very disappointing) and although I liked the colour, I found that the formula tended to accent dry lips. With the introduction of the Two Tone Tint Lip Bar, I had hoped that this issue would be amended.
Similar to the previous product, this product has two colours and formulas – a coloured ‘tint’ side that has a more opaque and creamier consistency, and a balm side. These two sides are layered in a way to create a gradient lip effect in a single swipe.
I had watched a few YouTube reviews of this when it was first released and heard that the colours weren’t too different to each other, so I ended up choosing two shades that I liked most – a light pink and a deeper burgundy. Coincidentally, these were both ‘Sungkyung’s Choice’ – #03 Tint Mint and #08 Cherry Milk.
These Two Tone Tint Bars were sent to me by BB Cosmetic for review and you can also get them on their store for USD$21.78 – this includes free international shipping, and you can also get an additional 8% off with my code (which I don’t make money from, but will bring down that cart total): QAL3F6ZA8YZ
So the packaging of this tint balm is almost the same as their previous bars and, while I love the classiness of it, I also have the same issues with it. The lever pushed up the product by moving down, which I find a little strange and easy to mistake. Perhaps because it is quite small and flat too, it’s a bit hard to use at times and my fingers slip.
The main difference between this and the original bar, is that the case is pink (which is pretty, and I like that it helps to differentiate the two) and the shape of the colours have been changed and improved. The original had the two colours in a single slant, while the new one forms a triangle which helps to get a more even application on the sides of the lips.
Above are the two colours – the pink and green balm sides are clear on application, so it’s only the main colour side that has much colour pigment. The product does look surprisingly dark in the tube but, once applied, becomes a lot brighter (side middle swatch). On the lips, it applies similar to the hand swatches initially. However, once your lips are pressed together a few times – even if it isn’t on purpose – the colours seem to blend together and there isn’t much of a gradient effect left. In fact, the pigmentation is very light and actually doesn’t look much like the example swatch.
The darker colour (#08 Cherry Milk) tends to look better on the lips and the pigmentation can be built up a little. I find that the lighter colours (#03 Mint Tint) still accent dry lips a little because the ‘tint’ formula is very similar to the original bar. The product leaves a slight stain, but not much and I wouldn’t consider this long wearing. It is, however, much more hydrating than the original.
Overall, I do like the product and I find myself reaching for it pretty often, especially when I’m running late and I want to quickly do my lip make up. It’s easy to use and gives an interesting effect which is suitable for daily wear, since the colours are lighter than the official swatches. I also like that it’s hydrating and easy to touch up, although the darker colours are definitely better if your lips have a tendency to be a bit dry.
My issue, aside from the difficulty with the lever, is that the colours are really inaccurate to what the swatches promised. They’re similar enough that I’m not that interested to collect all of the colours – getting two is really more than enough, in my opinion.
Here’s the verdict:
THE GOOD
- Classy packaging design
- Easy and quick to apply
- Hydrating on the lips
- Suitable for daily wear
- Easy touch ups during the day
THE BAD
- Lever is difficult to use
- Colours are quite similar
- Gradient effect isn’t very apparent
- Can highlight dry patches
- Inaccurate colour swatches
- Not long wearing
RATINGS
- PACKAGING | 3/5
- PRICE POINT | 3/5
- COLOUR | 3/5
- FINISH | 5/5
- LONG WEARING | 2/5
OVERALL RATING? 6.4/10
WOULD I RECOMMEND?
Personally, I’m not crazy about this one but I would recommend to test them out and maybe get one for daily use. This isn’t a highly recommended product from me though and, while it’s a good addition to my collection, I won’t be pining to get more shades.
WHERE TO GET IT FROM
If you’re interested in trying out the Two Tone Tint Bar or any other Laneige products, head over to BB Cosmetic who were so generous in sending me over a bunch of products to review. They have free shipping, 10% credit back for SNS reviews and, of course, you can use my code for 8% off! I don’t make any money from it, but you do save a bit, which is always nice: QAL3F6ZA8YZ
