Dry lips, yellowish teeth and bad breath can be a deadly combination — especially if you’re on a date. With that in mind, Q puckered up when we heard about Benefit Cosmetics’ new California Kissin’, a lip shine that promises to freshen your breath and make your teeth look whiter. With so many breath-freshening lip products lining the shelves, we compared California Kissin’ with two other minty options.
Benefit’s California Kissin’
Pro: Liked the minty taste; it’s like having a roll of peppermint LifeSavers to yourself. Tingly feeling made us ready to lock lips.
Con: Blue shine didn’t make our teeth look whiter (but maybe we need more than gloss).
Cost: $16 at Benefit boutiques and Sephora stores.
C.O. Bigelow’s Citrus Mentha Minis Lip Shine
Although a mint-infused Mentha Lip Shine debuted in 2005, the company is always coming up with new variations. The Citrus Mentha Minis, which hit stores in May, pack a flavorful punch in lime, grapefruit and orange. The limited-edition citrus pack will be in stores at least through August.
Pro: Loved the grapefruit, lime and orange flavors …
Con: … but were disappointed the taste didn’t linger more than a few minutes.
Cost: $10 for a pack of three at Bath & Body Works, C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries and bbw.com.
Bliss’ Breath-Freshening Lip Balm
One of the balms that have been around for a while, it promises to soften lips and sweeten breath “so you’re never left waiting to exhale.”
Pro: Most moisture-packed of the bunch.
Con: We were disappointed the minty taste evaporated in about 30 seconds.
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Cost: $14 at blissworld.com and Bliss in the W Hotel Lakeshore, 644 N. Lake Shore Drive.