As you probably already know, Catrice Cosmetics finally made their way state side thanks to Ulta. I got quite a few products to try from them a few weeks ago, and so far, I like everything. But I have to say I have a love/dislike relationship with this one.
I have an obsession with moisturizing lip products, and this particular one reminded me a whole heck of a lot of the Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector, which I love. But it is expensive. I was very excited when I noticed the Catrice Lip Smoother and snatched one up. I am going to compare/contrast each product and divide up this post based on color, formula, applicator, and price. You will see why I mention the applicator on its own in just a bit. At the end of each section, I'll include which one I prefer. So lets get this comparison started!
The Goal:
Catrice describes it as a silky balm and claims that it will "optically even out fine lines." I am not sure about how well it evens out fine lines because I don't have any. Catrice also says that the formula is "moisture rich" and "cushiony soft."
Clarins describes their product as a melting gel with "3D shimmer for luscious, smooth shiny lips and a natural colored, luminous smile."
Color and Pigment:
The Catrice BLS (typing out the full name is getting tedious) comes in three shades: Sweet Caramel, Apricot Cream, and Cake Pop. I have Cake Pop, which is a lovely pinky coral. It is on the sheer side, but it actually has quite a bit of pigment. At least more than I expected. It isn't a BAM kind of color, but more for everyday wear. It is perfect for school, running errands, etc..
Clarins ILNLP comes in 5 shades: Apricot Shimmer, Petal Shimmer, Candy Shimmer, Rose Shimmer, and Rosewood Shimmer. I can't remember which one I have. It is not on the tube because mine is actually a deluxe sample. It is either Candy Shimmer or Rose Shimmer. Either way, it has a lot less pigment than Cake Pop. You can see a slight hint of pink, but it is barely noticeable. You mostly just get a little bit of sheen and shimmer rather than true color.
Clarins on the left and Catrice's Cake Pop on the left.
In this category, I prefer Catrice. I like my lip products to have more color to them because my natural lips do not have a lot.
Formula and Texture:
Honestly, I cannot tell much of a difference between the two. Both have a formula that is kind of a hybrid between a gloss and a lip balm. Although the texture of Clarins is a bit more gel like. They are very moisturizing, but have a glossy finish. As to be expected, they are thicker than most balms and glosses, yet they are not tacky, goopy, or sticky. Both formulas feel lightweight once applied. The only negative is that they do not stay on long at all. I can get maybe an hour to an hour and a half out of them. However, your lips will feel softer long after they are gone. They do make a substantial difference in the way my lips feel at the end of the day.
There is no clear winner in this category. One is about as good as the other. The longevity, or lack there of, is the part of the relationship I dislike.
Applicator
Now for the weird/interesting part. Neither of these have a traditional lip gloss applicator.
The Catrice applicator is an odd spongy, brush like contraption. I honestly don't know how to describe it very well because I have never seen anything quite like it. Catrice calls it a "flock applicator," which I have never heard of. Apparently it makes application less messy. You squeeze the tube and the product is dispensed by a rounded fabric applicator that has fuzzy-ish protrusions. Yeah, so I'll just let the pictures show you. I will say that I don't feel like this is very sanitary. I am constantly wiping it down.
Clarins' ILNLP is more of a true sponge. Kind of. The fuzzy like appendages are still there, but they are a whole lot smaller. This makes the application more precise, and it keeps things a little cleaner inside of the lid.
For this round, Clarins is the winner. I prefer the smaller applicator and it is more precise. Plus there is the whole cleaner aspect, too.
Price
Naturally, the Catrice Beautifying Lip Smoother is cheaper at $4.99 a pop. For that price, you get 0.30 oz of product.
Clarins' will set you back a bit more. It is $25 for 0.40 oz. In my humble opinion, there is not much of a difference between the two. So you definitely do not need to dish out $25 unless you absolutely want to.
Even though I like the Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector, you cannot beat the combination of good quality and budget friendly.
Color wise, Catrice's Beautifying Lip Smoother may not be an exact dupe, but it is with regards to formula. I recommend trying it out. It is only $5 and Ulta occasionally has Catrice BOGO 50% off.
I will be back soon with a look at the new Too Faced Star Dust by Vegas Nay palette and a look at my ColourPop Labor Day sale haul.