Guest Post! Cherry Wet n Wild Jumbo Juicy Lip Balm

Loyal reader Holly sends us this review of Wet n Wild's Jumbo Juicy Lip Balm. Who doesn't love Wet n Wild? That used to be my go-to section of the drug store makeup aisle before every high school dance (and now before every interview, recession-style) Eyeliner for 99 cents? Sure, it feels a little like chalk, but it's 99 cents! Show us the way, Holly!

Well, I've always been a self-professed lip balm addict. It's probably been at least 20 years that I've been a "slave to the evil stick". Recently, my 8 pack of fruity-flavored LipSmackers dwindled down to two nubs and I knew I had to act fast. I found myself wandering aimlessly around Walgreens in search of the new "holy grail" in lip balm, and this was one of my choices. Wet n Wild never let me down in my blue-eyeliner days of youth, will it this time?

Price: $2.99/tube.

Appearance: This is the porn star of lip balm tubes. About 3 times the size of a regular tube of lip balm, I don't think you'll be able to discreetly carry this in your pocket without someone asking, "is that lip balm in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?" Also, the packaging from the photo is deceiving, my tube had a silver-glittery background with a cherry design and female figure posed provocatively. Clearly, this isn't your mother's lip balm.

Glide: Very smooth, like a 19 year old stripper's cellulite-free rear (bitch!). Testing environment was in a warm climate, but I think it would still glide fairly well in cold weather.

Flavor/Smell: I chose the cherry flavor. The aroma is very-cherry and is reminiscent of the classic Luden's Wild Cherry throat lozenges that really don't do anything for sore throats, they just taste good. Despite that, the scent is not overpowering. There is a very slight sweet taste after application, but it probably wouldn't interfere with any eating, smoking, or other orally-oriented activities (ahem) and actually might enhance them. Also, there is a very very slight tint to the balm, however, I think even a heterosexual male could get away with using it and no one would be the wiser, but would he want to? I'm thinking that would be a "NO".

Lasting Power: Surprisingly good! I applied it somewhat generously after exfoliating my lips. Then for some reason, I went on a vacuum-cleaning rampage in my apartment. After a full hour, my lips still felt protected without reapplication being necessary. The balm itself has a slight waxiness, so I would say it is more about keeping moisture in than actually providing moisture.

Product Pluses: Long-lasting, good scent. 1 tube will last 3x the normal tube. Comes in many other fruity flavors also: Tangerine, Sour Apple, Lemon/Lime, Watermelon, Strawberry, Red Raspberry, Boyz 'n' Berries, Kiwi Strawberry.

Product Minuses: Portability - you might need a bigger pocket or purse for this monster tube. Also, if you're looking for a lip balm with shine, this isn't it.

Rating: 4 out of 5 tubes. Good stuff, but I'm still searching for that perfect tube...