Pucker Up! | Moomin x Code Glökolor M.Tint Lip Balm.

I became acquainted with The Moomins a few years back, when Uniqlo first launched a clothing range featuring the cartoon family created by Finnish author and illustrator Tove Jansson. I've been smitten by these adorable characters since then, and I now have a small collection of Moomin items, most of which were bought in South Korea.

Some items from my 'relatively small' Moomin collection.

The Moomins are quite popular in the Land of the Morning Calm; no, make that extremely popular that there's actually a Moomin Cafe smack dab in the heart of Apgujeong Rodeo. Korean cosmetics brand Code Glökolor even has a makeup line featuring The Moomins, and the collection includes cushions, blushers, eyeshadows, nail polishes, and lip products.

I chanced upon a 1+1 sale on the Moomin x Code Glökolor collection last spring so I bought hoarded a few items - including this M. Tint Lip Balm.

Moomin x Code Glokolor M. Tint Lip Balm.

It's uncertain what the 'M' means, but my wild guess is that it stands for Moomin? Haha. :)

Product description in English, ingredients in Hangul.

The Moomin x Code Glökolor M. Tint Lip Balm comes in three different shades, and this one is Medium Cherry Red, the darkest shade in the collection.

Shade indicator on the top flap.

Licensed product.

All three shades for your reference. :)

The lip balm comes in a transparent plastic jar. Sturdy yet lightweight, this jar easily fits into your makeup pouch and even in your pocket.

Moominpappa loves Moominmamma!

I'm a sucker for cute packaging, and this product is a perfect example of it. Moominpappa and Moominmamma are so lovey dovey adorable!

Moomin x Code Glokolor M. Tint Lip Balm in Medium Cherry Red.

Here's what the 'Medium Cherry Red' looks like. Very bright and neon-like, right? Thankfully, I had the chance to swatch this product while at the Code store in Myeongdong and from there I knew that this won't look Cyndi Lauper on me. LOL!

Cute and handy!

And here's how the product looks like when swatched. The color payoff isn't as pigmented as it seems, but the sheer, barely-there formula works nicely on the lips. The lip balm also has a subtle raspberry scent; too subtle you can only smell it when you sniff the product right under your nose. 

Swiped thrice.

I love how this product gives my lips a nice pop of color while moisturizing it at the same time. The color is buildable, and stays on the lips for a decent period of time. It does fade after a bit of drinking and eating, but it leaves a nice, natural-looking, pinkish stain on the lips.

Medium Cherry Red on my lips.

Not bad for Php 150 pesos, right?

This lip balm was originally priced at 7000 won (around Php 300 or $6), but since I purchased this during the 1+1 event, I got two products for the price of one. (I gave the other lip balm to my Mum, who also likes The Moomins.) That makes each lip balm worth just 3500 won or a little over $3!

Products Used:
FACE: Beyond Alice in Blooming Skin Tone Sun Base,
Ever Bilena Liquid Concealer in Light,
Missha x Line Friends Magic Cushion in #23.
EYES: Shiseido Eyebrow Pencil in Brown,
Clio Kill Black Waterproof Brush Liner,
Missha x Line Friends 4D Mascara.
CHEEKS: Ever Bilena Cheek Blush in Raisin.
LIPS: Moomin x Code Glokolor M. Tint  Lip Balm in Medium Cherry Red.

Excuse my moon face. I'm currently on doctor-prescribed steroids for my asthma. Boo hoo.

Pucker Up! | Beyond Rich Color Tint Balm.

I must confess - I have a growing affinity for Beyond Cosmetics, especially their makeup line. I actually hoarded a few items from their recently launched Alice in Blooming collection after falling in love with its predecessor, the Alice in Glow collection.

But before I show you all the stuff that I bought whilst here in Korea, let me introduce to you first to Beyond's Rich Color Tint Balm - my favorite lip product as of late.

Beyond Rich Color Tint Balm.

I actually bought this on a whim last December, because they were on a 1+1 Sale the very first time I went to Myeongdong. Here in Korea, they call 'Buy One Take One' sale events as '1+1'. So I bought this shade, #10 Tok Wine, and gave the other one to my mother-in-law.

Shade #10.

Beyond's Rich Color Tint Balm actually functions two ways - as a lip tint, with its rich and vivid color; and as a lip balm, since it moisturizes the lips and makes it soft and healthy-looking.

Hangul text at the back of the box.

Beyond Cosmetics' products are paraben-free and cruelty-free.

There are different ten shades in the Rich Color Tint Balm collection. Had I known beforehand how wonderful this product is, I would have bought the other colors as well.

#10 Tok Wine up close.

#10 Tok Wine is a lovely shade of plum. The color can be a bit intimidating, as it does look dark at first glance. Actually, that's the reason why I bought this shade in the first place. I was leaning towards deep purple/plum/burgundy lip colors last winter.

And closer.

However, this shade doesn't look too dark or intimidating when swatched or applied on the lips. From the swatches below, you'll see that it's more pink than plum. But I like it nonetheless. :)

One swipe on the right, two swipes on the left.

Oh, and can you see how pigmented this stuff is for a lip balm? It's even more pigmented than some of the lipstick brands that I have tried over the years! I love its texture, too - creamy and buttery, with a sheer but buildable finish.

One swipe on my lips.

Wear time is pretty impressive too, considering it's (just) a lip balm. This shade in particular remains intact for at least 3 or 4 hours before it starts to fade away into a natural-looking, pinkish stain on the lips.

My only gripe? Swiping the lip balm on the corners of my mouth can be a challenge because of its rounded shape. Other than that, I'm all too happy with this impulse buy. Haha!

What I love:

- For a lip balm, it's highly pigmented.

- Keeps the lips soft and hydrated.

- Lots of colors to choose from.

- Decent wear time, and leaves the lips

with a lovely stain as the color fades.

- Subtle, fruity scent.

- Affordable price (retails for 9500 Korean won each.

I actually got two lip balms for that price because of the 1+1 promo).

What you might not like:

- Getting the color on the corners of your mouth can be pretty tricky.

- Not available locally.

Products Used:
FACE: Innisfree No Sebum Blur Pact,
Laneige Snow BB Cream,
Benefit Erase Paste in Medium,
Peripera Snow White Pride Up Pact.
EYES: Shiseido Eyebrow Pencil in Brown,
Clio Kill Black Pen Liner,
Tony Moly Simply Style Slim Curling Mascara.
CHEEKS: Tony Moly Cristal Blusher in Pleasure Peach.
LIPS: Beyond Rich Color Tint Balm in #10 Tok Wine.