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TheBalm For Keeps™ Watercolor Lip Stains

What it is:A duo of solid lip stains that deliver lasting pigment and can be customized to create both demure and dramatic looks.What it does:Introducing the first stains in pressed-powder format! Packaged in a sleek compact (with a mini lip brush!), the long-lasting colors can be layered to your desired intensity. Just add water to activate!What it is formulated WITHOUT:- Parabens- Sulfates- Synthetic Fragrances- Petrochemicals- Phthalates- GMOs- TriclosanSize: 0.12 oz
Average Rating:
3.783 out of 5
3.8
 out of 
5
Open Ratings Snapshot
92 reviews
5 stars
45
4 stars
16
3 stars
11
2 stars
6
1 star
14
Sort by reviews for TheBalm For Keeps™ Watercolor Lip Stains
Review 1 for For Keeps™ Watercolor Lip Stains
makeupyogi
Location:West Hollywood, CA
Eye Color:Blue
Skin Tone:Fair
Age:35-44
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
-01.23.12
Quick Take: long lasting
These colors are a bit darker, but they are beautiful and truly last a Very long time. Let the color dry completely and add a nice balm or gloss over it and you're good to go for a while. Because you truly use so little, the actual product in the case will last. Best stain I've ever used!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 2 for For Keeps™ Watercolor Lip Stains
afietron
Location:San Diego, CA
Eye Color:Blue
Skin Tone:Fair
Age:25-34
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
-12.23.11
Quick Take: long lasting, a little drying use with moisturizing lip balm
I bought these from another site because unfortunately sephora pulled it from all their stores and the website. I got both pallets and I absolutely love them! The color lasts so long. I wouldn't recomend using water to apply these though. Use a clear moisturizing lip balm dab your finger into some water then into the color, not too much, then apply. They are dark but really great!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 3 for For Keeps™ Watercolor Lip Stains
auntielynn
Location:Lubbock, TX
Eye Color:Hazel
Skin Tone:Light
Age:45-54
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Exactly!
-11.13.11
Quick Take: long lasting, sharp edges possible, mixes well with gloss, staining
These are 2 pure staining pigments -- anthracyanines, and probably a little diluted irgazine from the looks of it. Both color sets have a bright and a dark -- and both mix extremely well with a touch of Philosophy Lip Shine. (probably any lip gloss will do.)
These really do stain -- for hours -- just keep topping off the lip gloss and you're set. Mix them or use them separately. Use the brush included, or a fine liner to get a sharp and long wearing lip edge. Also note that they really do stain -- so protect your clothes. If this is irgazine -- it will NEVER come out. (Almost anything else will.)
Note that these are only "glossy" or "shimmery" if you add a lip gloss or something with mica in it. There's very little if any mica in the pigment.
Excellent product.
+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
Review 4 for For Keeps™ Watercolor Lip Stains
alienchangeling
Location:Huntsville, AL
Eye Color:Blue
Skin Tone:Fair
Age:35-44
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
cool stuff
-10.04.11
Quick Take: long lasting, versatile, unusual, easy-to-use
It took a bit for me to get the hang of applying this. At first I loaded too much product on the brush, which gave a very Goth look. Goth is fine, but it wasn't what I was going for! Then I learned to load the brush much lighter and I got exactly the shade I wanted! It's rather drying to lips, but I prefer to use a lip balm over a lip stain anyway, and that pretty much negates the drying issue. You can add additional layers, or mix the colors, to produce different effects, from a barely sun-kissed look to a very Goth look.
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 5 for For Keeps™ Watercolor Lip Stains
akno
Location:Milwaukee, WI
Eye Color:Hazel
Skin Tone:Light
Age:18-24
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
for keeps::petunia pink/raspberry red
-09.12.11
Quick Take: long lasting, non-drying
I saw this at my local sephora store and thought, "hmp, this is kinda weird and neat, i'll try it". I've been looking for a stain and this stuff is just amazing. It lasts me all day, doesn't get on my boyfriend when I kiss him, it doesn't dry out my lips, it's very pigmented and has the ability to be worn very soft or dramatic, cute packaging. Since it is sort of an unusual thing (to add water to it) take some time getting used to it. The first time I put it on it was SO dark I almost wanted to take it back, but after practice it's been lovely. I also think people should know that when you add water to it, the surrounding area almost looks black, but this has no effect on how the product preforms. I love love LOVE this product, 100% I would recommend it and I will be buying the other shade soon.
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+7points
7out of 7found this review helpful.
Review 6 for For Keeps™ Watercolor Lip Stains
hopeak
Eye Color:Blue
Skin Tone:Light
Age:25-34
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Super Stain
-08.17.11
Quick Take: long lasting
I have been on a relatively expensive search for a stain that truly STAINED all day and this is the best I have found yet. It is essentially a watercolor pallette which takes a bit to get used to, but once you do it's awesome. The color fades throughout the day but never fully goes away so I always look pulled together. It is going to last forever so definitely a good purchase!
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Review 7 for For Keeps™ Watercolor Lip Stains
meisu
Location:Frederick, MD
Eye Color:Green
Skin Tone:Light
Age:45-54
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
So Sweet!
-08.13.11
Quick Take: long lasting
This little compact contains two sweet colors that go on the lips when mixed with a drop or two of water. So easy to use and very pretty!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 8 for For Keeps™ Watercolor Lip Stains
kristamarielund
Location:Naples, Fl
Eye Color:Blue
Skin Tone:Fair
Age:25-34
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Pink/Red
-07.11.11
Quick Take: long lasting, non-drying, easy to work with
I love this! The brush is easy to work with. You can use more water for a sheer wash or less for brighter color. You can layer for even more intensity. The red is a true red. Im sorry I waited so long to finally buy it. Long lasting, even with a little gloss over it.
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 9 for For Keeps™ Watercolor Lip Stains
trippyswell
Location:Brooklyn, NY
Eye Color:Blue
Skin Tone:Fair
Age:35-44
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
One's Good for me, One's not so much.
-06.29.11
Quick Take: too bright
I have this is plum berry and brown sugar and I love it. You can achieve a sheer stain or a thicker ,longer lasting color depending on how much water you add to it. Just swipe some gloss over your lips after they dry. Then you'll have lips that lasts a long time.
I'm not thrilled about the other color way. it's way too bright and pink. Not my kind of colors,so i returned it.. Too bad. I really wanted like them!
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Review 10 for For Keeps™ Watercolor Lip Stains
rachelina
Location:Dallas, Texas
Eye Color:Green
Skin Tone:Fair
Age:35-44
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Really stains but hard to apply
-06.02.11
Quick Take: long lasting, slightly drying, hard to apply, can stain teeth, super adorable packing, buildable, decent set of colors
I bought this mostly for the darling packaging to keep in my collection. I wish I hadn't actually used it though. A funky darkness has appeared on the color from using the brush wet. I'm sure it's fine and I could scrape the discolored bits off, but I really shouldn't have too. When adding actual water the product becomes very runny and can actually stain your teeth. I've had the best luck moisturizing my lips first with a plain balm, and then wetting the brush a little and applying from there. You can go super sheer or deep with this stain. The four colors it comes in would be enough to cover the bases when it comes to stains. Okay price point, kinda want the other set just to keep but not use. Maybe yes, maybe no.
-1point
1out of 3found this review helpful.
Review 11 for For Keeps™ Watercolor Lip Stains
jen51
Location:san jose,ca
Eye Color:Brown
Skin Tone:Light
Age:over 54
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
the balm is
-05.04.11
Quick Take: long lasting
when I first opened this duo, I thought the colors were strange. Once I added the water, as instructed, Ifound that they are great on their own or easily blended. A great idea! It is a little drying but stands up to the Clinique lip balm I use just fine.
0points
1out of 2found this review helpful.
Review 12 for For Keeps™ Watercolor Lip Stains
meaghananne03
Location:PALM BEACH, FLA
Eye Color:Blue
Skin Tone:Fair
Age:25-34
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
I am in <3
-04.27.11
Quick Take: long lasting, non-drying, low maintenance for a high maintenance girl :)
I apply at 7:30 AM and don't need to touch up until after lunch at 1:30 PM. I love it! One less thing to think about during the work day or when out being social. One thing tho - I got the Plum Berry / Brown Sugar
- the brown comes out looking red and the pink side comes out looking brown. But I just use it as a base and put gloss over it. Sometime I mix them together. You have to play with it a little bit. I will def. be back for the Petunia Pink / Rasberry Red. Again, I am in <3 <3 <3 Could't reccomend it enough!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 13 for For Keeps™ Watercolor Lip Stains
mkupguru
Location:Pittsburgh, PA
Eye Color:Hazel
Skin Tone:Olive
Age:35-44
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
terrific lip stain!
-04.16.11
Quick Take: long lasting, non-drying, easy to use
I wasn't looking for a lip stain, but came across the reviews online and decided to try it. It is terrific!!! I love the staying power, even through chewing gum, drinking water and coffee, wearing gloss on top-it stays on for hours. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is the limited colors. I would love some more options in this product.
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 14 for For Keeps™ Watercolor Lip Stains
mspainter
Location:Phoenix, AZ
Eye Color:Blue
Skin Tone:Medium
Age:45-54
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
For Keeps
-04.01.11
Quick Take: long lasting
I love lip stains, but this is my favorite! I am an artist, so I love to paint - I can custom paint whatever coverage and color that suits my taste that day!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 15 for For Keeps™ Watercolor Lip Stains
nonnymouse
Eye Color:Green
Skin Tone:Light
Age:45-54
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Unique and Fun
-03.10.11
Quick Take: long lasting, non-drying, can be customized, fun to play with
I like to add a few drops of water to a clean contact lens case (marked for no mix-ups!) then use a little bit of the two - Plum Berry and Brown Sugar - until I have the perfect stain color for my lips. Fun, just like watercolor paints, and with the two sides of the contact case, I can make a light wash for day and a deeper stain for evening. Always make sure lips are clean and dry before applying so it will last longer. Sometimes I apply with a damp cotton swab, sometimes dip the dry brush into the mix for heavier coverage. Let dry completely, then use gloss or balm. Best of all, you can use leftovers the next day - but common sense - Don't reuse if you are sick, etc. (P.S.: I don't recommend putting the mixture in a handbag unless the case is For Sure leak-proof, though! :)
+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
Review 16 for For Keeps™ Watercolor Lip Stains
mobilekiwi
Location:Menlo Park, CA
Eye Color:Blue
Skin Tone:Fair
Age:25-34
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Perfect stain
-03.09.11
Quick Take: long lasting
I love this stain mainly because I can throw it in my purse and not worry about it leaking - because it's dry. It's build able, stays put, and because it stays put it doesn't matter if it goes on a bit below my lower lip line (as most stains tend to do). Usually this just looks silly, because most stains are so thin that it's obvious my lip line isn't that low. Since this stain is so build able and stay-put it just blends right in with the color on my lips and doesn't end up looking like i misdrew my lips. Fantastic, just a tad drying.
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 17 for For Keeps™ Watercolor Lip Stains
lovethatcolor
Location:Portland, OR
Eye Color:Brown
Skin Tone:Olive
Age:35-44
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Beautiful Surprise
-03.02.11
Quick Take: long lasting, shade options!
I have to admit, I was a bit alarmed when I opened the compact. Did I order the wrong color? Is this eyeshadow?
This is so dark!
The moment I dipped the moistened lip brush into the color I could see that this was not what it seemed. The color goes on easily, the brush allowing for precise application. No need to load excess color onto brush. start lightly, then build up color as desired. I like to apply a quick swipe of lip balm on top for a healthy, translucent look without being too glossy. Love it!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 18 for For Keeps™ Watercolor Lip Stains
celogrl
Location:Spotsylvania, VA
Eye Color:Brown
Skin Tone:Fair
Age:over 54
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Innovative and terrific!
-02.16.11
Quick Take: long lasting, flattering
This was an impulse purchase, and it turned out to be a great surprise! There is a bit of a learning curve with these, because application and opacity is determined by the amount of water you use. Less= more pigment, more water= sheerer effect. It stays on for a long, long time. I top mine off with some gloss, and it still stays! The color is very flattering as well. I am SO glad I bought this! I hope The Balm stays in business because I love ALL of their products.
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 19 for For Keeps™ Watercolor Lip Stains
abrilita
Location:Anaheim, CA
Eye Color:Hazel
Skin Tone:Olive
Age:35-44
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Perfection
-01.25.11
Quick Take: long lasting
After reading so many ify comments, I decided to write my own... I bought this product in store after asking an associate about lip stains. I had tried many different kinds and really haven't been totally satisfied with any of them. She showed me this product and I fell in love. Bought it on the spot. Months later, I am still just as in love. Like any product, there are little application tricks to help ensure an amazing outcome and if you aren't willing to play with the product to find the tricks, then why spend the money?? I'm thinking most of the ify or negative reviews are based on operator error. Ex of tricks: adding a lot of water makes the stain very sheer; adding almost no water makes it thick and dark. The colors are true to picture if you want them to be by how much water you add. I use the colors individually, mixed and combo for lining depending on what outcome I'm looking for. I never put water directly on the product... rather, stick the brush under running water and go from there (either tap off excess for darker looks before touching product or go straight from water to product if you want a more sheer look). And, just to share, I came back to this page because I am ordering one for my SIL (she tried mine and LOVES it too). The ONLY downside that I see is that once water is added to the product, it's no longer pretty-looking in its' package... which does not affect they way it looks on your lips. I say buy it, play with it (comes off EASILY with make-up remover) and feel beautiful ALL DAY with one (maybe 2) applications. Hope this helped.
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+13points
16out of 19found this review helpful.
Review 20 for For Keeps™ Watercolor Lip Stains
gggirlz
Location:orange county, ca
Eye Color:Brown
Skin Tone:Light
Age:45-54
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
not as good as TheBalm Stainiac
-01.23.11
I had less control of the color with this product and it tended to run into the fine lines around my lip. I love the stainiac - and will stick with that rather than this Stain
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
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