The Balm Stainiac

The Balm Stainiac in Beauty Queen might just change my mind about lip color. It's a light, sheer, buildable pinkish red that adds just enough healthy glow that I don't look in the mirror and think "lipstick." A full sized tube costs $17. (For the record I am anti-lipgloss, that sticky mess that never lasts, doesn't moisturize, and is a fly-trap for hair. Also yes, I do need to wax my upper lip.)

Bare Lips

One Layer of Stainiac

Two Layers of Stainiac

However, Stainiac really lives up to its name--and not in a good way! I applied the balm with the wand applicator, then rubbed it in with my finger. 

Here's my hand after applying Stainiac:

And here's my hand after washing with soap and water:

The good news is that it stayed put on my hand, lasting longer than the 2-ish hours I normally get on my lips. Stainiac, my off-white couch thanks you for your miraculous staying power.

Verdict: On the fence--an everyday lip color is worth $17 in my book, but only if you're willing to wear the lobster hands that come with it.

For the record, I had a full-sized tube and a mini free sample, and I returned the full-sized. The lip color is pretty enough that I'll occasionally wear it, but I'd feel like Lady Macbeth trying to scrub it off my hands every morning.