Mara Hoffman for Sephora Collection Kaleidescape Tinted Lip Balm

This Mara Hoffman for Sephora Collection Kaleidescape Tinted Lip Balm in Wilderberry was a cart filler (what I really wanted was a set of mini L'Occitane hand creams in LE tubes) ^.^

The Mara Hoffman for Sephora Collection came out summer of 2016. There were other items but none interested me as the lip balm does. I even looked up the lip balm just to make sure it won't be a disaster. The reviews were overwhelmingly positive, so I figured it can't be that bad. And plus it comes in an environmentally friendly paper tube with a pretty geometric print. Sure, into my cart it went.
 
All pictures taken in natural light without flash.

The paper tube is pretty indeed! Very much along the line of Paul & Joe, only I get both the case and lippie itself for $11 on sale, the price of just the P&J case ^.^ The lip balm is scented with a mild fruity berry scent that isn't too sweet, thank goodness. The color is shimmer-free. So far so good.

Now comes the real surprise: the formula is fantastic! The moment I tried this balm, I knew I needed a backup, may be even two. Folks, this is a less melty version of Lipstick Queen Jean Queen: not thick or balmy but not too thin either, glides on like butter, leaves a glossy finish, super moisturizing, and long lasting. Yup, I definitely need a backup while it's still in stock at the sale price.

- Wilderberry: shimmer-free and translucent mauve. I was afraid it would have a white base and be opaque or worse, milky. But nope, it's totally translucent and simply love. It has since displaced Lipstick Queen Medieval for the limited space in my purse.