I first noticed LANEIGE’s Two Tone Lip Bar in a K-drama (thanks product placement, aka PPL).
Although it first appeared in Descendants of the Sun, I was probably too distracted by Song Joong-ki to realise it. I only paid attention to its placement in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo. It was hard not to notice it anyway, considering that Lee Sung Kyung was using LANEIGE products all the time.
I’m not really complaining about this PPL though, because she’s their Brand Ambassador after all + she looks good in these products. You can also keep dreaming that you’ll meet a Nam Joo Hyuk if you sport an ombre lip effect.
Product description
Two different colors meet and complete Two Tone Lip Bar!
And Two Tone Shadow Bar completes professional gradation makeup with a single touch.
Official Retail Price in Singapore: SGD 34.00
Ingredient list
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyethylene, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Silica, Microcrystalline Wax, Mica, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Disteardimonium Hectorite, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Diisostearyl Malate, Methicone, Fragrance
The first ingredient on the list is Hydrogenated Polyisobutene. It sounds like just another chemical to an ordinary consumer. However, if you google it, you’ll realise that it has a ton of userful properties:
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic oil that is used as a mineral oil substitute. It is an emollient & moisturizer, and prevents water loss. It’s used for pigment dispersion in many cosmetic products and is a popular ingredient in sunscreens because it allows for SPF retention even after water exposure (like in waterproof sunscreens).
Studies were done to test the irritation likelihood of products containing Hydrogenated Polyisobutene and products with 1.44% concentration (a common level in most products) showed no irritation, according to RealSelf.com. Even up to concentrations of 4%, it was not irritating to skin or eyes. Products containing Hydrogenated Polyisobutene were also shown to have no phototoxic or photoallergenic properties.
It’s actually a synthetic oil used to disperse the colour pigments in the lipstick, protects your lips from the strong sun, and helps to moisturise lips. Sounds fantastic!
I wanted to get a few other colours but Althea was out of them so I could only get hold of No.3 – Pink Salmon, which I honestly didn’t mind because it looked like such a great blend of pink and orange. It’s also from the older product range. The new lip bar shade range was launched in 2016.
This is very easy to use, and also exciting to see the ombre effect that many K-stars rock on your very own lips. All it takes is just four swipes of one product. Perfect for lazy people like me who want to try something different.
My few gripes about this product:
- The pink is sometimes too light to be seen on my lips. However, the orange looks fantastic, just as you see in the photo. Their advertising is not a lie! haha
- I’m not sure this is supposed to work as a lip tint, but I sometimes get random orange stains when my lips are chapped. It looks rather weird.
- The ombre effect doesn’t last very long if you tend to smack your lips / eat. Sometimes all that you are left with is orange, which you may not be entirely comfortable with.
Final Verdict
K-beauty products may be most famous for their star power, but they are also well-known for being reliable and of a good quality, no matter the price. This product does not fail, given that it is supported by advertising heavyweights and highly ravedf or its novelty.
I have yet to try the other colours, especially the ones in the new range. However, having tried the Pink Salmon one, I am more than eager to give the other colours a shot. I’m hoping that the new range has a better formula that will solve some of the problems I have with this older product, as listed above.
I browsed through LANEIGE’s website to read about its new range, but the product description is still a little vague:
1. “Combination of High Glossy and Semi Matte Lipstick”
Complete moisturized, sparkling and glamorous Two Tone Lip with new type of Two Tone Lip that has Two Tone Texture X Two Tone Color of actress’ volume lip secret.
2. Artistic Color match expresses more vivid color
Express high pigmentation through artistic color match and upgraded pure pigment for vibrant lip makeup
3. Quick Touch Gradation
Exclusive oblique cutting by artist’s natural auto gradation
4. Soft and Moisturized text like sorbet
Creamy texture that is smoothly applied to lips and gives moisturized gloss
So, is the LANEIGE Two Tone Lip Bar worth buying?
Are you really keen on trying something new on your lips without going through too much trouble of blending different products, or burning a very big hole in your wallet? Then yes, definitely.
If you’re looking for a lipstick that has longer staying power and maintains hydration in your lips, you might want to reconsider this.
Rating
Colour payoff: ????
Ease of use: ?????
Staying power: ??
Value for money: ???
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