It felt like I waited forever to get my hands on these! Once I finally got to Farmers I made a bee line for Standout. It's the most gorgeous, wearable true red. And I haven't been disappointed by it! It's long lasting and non drying.
Because there was a deal I also purchased 2 more, Showy, which is a bright barbie pink and Sultry which is a dark rosy shade. While not as long lasting as Standout, Showy is a fun bright colour and Sultry is a very nice neutral (somewhat mature) shade.
Being greedy I then returned to Farmers a week or so later and purchased 2 more. I brought Unapologetic and Elusive. Unapologetic is a very bright coral shade, I live it but it's super annoying as I find thus one slightly drying and not long lasting. But the colour is gorgeous! Elusive is a very pretty neutral pink, great for everyday.
Overall Standout is literally the standout shade for me. It lasted through eating and drinking and had to be removed with a lip scrub! The others don't really match up but I am loving the new shade selection as the original Balm Stains colours were a bit blah.
These are not a stain like the originals. I wouldn't consider them a balm either. While being more hydrating then a matte lipstick they don't exactly work like a 'balm' to me they are a pigmented matte lip colour. They do have that strong peppermint scent, which I like.
I am keen to try more shades as even though I have a few disappointments in them they are still I really nice product.
I have a little obsession with these! I have this in Elusive which is a really nice pink that is really good for every day wear. While some matte lip products can be quite drying, I don't find these to be all that drying at all, and they have reasonably staying power - I found I was wanting to reapply after 3 hours or so, but I guess it depends on what you're doing! Over all, a really nice creamy formula, super matte finish and really pretty colours - I'll definitely be buying a couple more colours!