Nuance by Salma Hayek Rose Petal Hydrating Balm

I believed that many of you are familiar with the new CVS-exclusive brand by now, but just in case you don't... Nuance, a newly released drugstore ranges consisting a sizable display wall of cosmetics as well as several skin care item (from what I have seen, most are made in Taiwan), is the brand-child of actress Salma Hayek. She drew most of the inspiration from her Latina heritage as well as her grandmother who has been a beautician. And of course I have to start my adventure with a lip product!

Nuance by Salma Hayek Rose Petal Hydrating Lip Balm is a little sturdy pot of moisturizing balm designed for dry patches at lips, cuticles and elbow. The location (placed right new to other lipstick, gloss and makeup instead of being in the skincare isle) and the coral-tint can be a little misleading that the product offers practically no tint at all (if that's what you are looking for).  

The slightly tinted, rose-scented translucent balm is semi-hard to the touch that it requires a little pressure (don't wipe, dig it) and heat to grab the product. The texture of SH balm reminds me of Smith Strawberry Salve, only thicker and not as sticky to the touch. On the lips, it glides on and smooth out easily (like a petrolatum based balm) without providing any moisture so it's not horribly effective on the hydrating aspect. However, I found it pretty effective as a dot-on moisturizer for the eye area and a brow groomer as the nourishing formula stays put/semi-wet for hours and get absorbed fully at night.

 

Ingredient list - I tried for several minutes but the closest thing I can find to rose would be Evening Primrose (Oenothera) which isn't even the in same Genus as Rose (Rosa). So I take that there is actually no rose in this "Rose Petal Lip Balm"?

Overall: When used sparingly, I really like it as a brow groomer and under eye moisturizer (dotted on gently instead of being rubbed in) but the product itself isn't that special and the $7.5 retail price for the amount of product (7.5g) (especially it's not even made in US) is a little expensive. Bottom line, wait for BOGO to try it and keep your receipt for possible return.