TL;DR hydrating color in a sleek shell
Shiseido ColorGel Lip Balm in 106 Redwood
A Deeper Look
This high-fashion entry to the lipstick/balm crossover space is true to its Japanese roots: elegant, refined and precise. So glamorous that you’ll wonder whether there’s a zero missing on that price tag, this is couture lip care at a ready-to-wear price.
Of all the nature-inspired shades available in this collection, I chose to try 106 Redwood, a pop of cherry dark enough for work but light enough to add some flirtatiousness to your day.
The petite-sized opening on the tube is perfect for those of you who (like me) are a little overzealous in their application of balm and inevitably end up getting it all over their teeth (and often right before a meeting, too). The moisture and color are surprisingly long-lasting for a tinted lippie, so there’s no need to reapply more than a couple of times throughout the day.
Need a balm that will transition with you to your nighttime activities? Look no further. People talk about a day-to-night dress; you have found the day-to-night balm. Ditch the drying, matte lip color; this is your new evening clutch staple.
From the heavy, understated metal case to the lasting nature of both the color and moisture it provides, all signs point to this being the black card of tinted balms.
Important: Paraben-Free, Phthalate-Free, Sulfate-Free, Fancy-Feeling
The Perfect Balm 