On and off, I've been using Lisa Eldridge's Baume Embrace Melting Lip Colour for almost three months now, and I’m finally ready to share my thoughts.
Initially, I was drawn to the shades Metropolis, Sweet Fig, Épanoui, and Red Curve, but the completionist in me couldn’t resist adding Meet Cute to my cart as well.
The Baume Embrace Melting Lip Colours have a balmy texture that glides smoothly, delivering a sheer to semi-opaque lustrous finish. However, I did notice the glossy shine starts to fade within about two hours of wear (without eating or drinking—just talking). As expected, my favorite shades rank as follows: Metropolis and Sweet Fig take the top spots, with Épanoui and Red Curve tied for third. Meet Cute, on the other hand, might end up on Mercari.
These balms are infused with a blend of butters and oils, offering enhanced lip nourishment, care, and comfort. However, for those sensitive to fragrance, it's worth noting the baumes have a slight “lipstick” scent with a barely-there hint of vanilla.
Now, I come to the crux of my experience with the Baume Embrace Melting Lip Colours: the taste—or more accurately, the aftermath of ingestion. Moments after applying the balm, I start clearing my throat and coughing due to an unpleasant residue feeling. The sensation lingers, making it difficult to ignore and leaving me wanting to wipe it off.
I’ve experienced this with one or two other lip products in my collection, and it’s disheartening when you love the colors and formula, yet the effect is hard to bear.
That said, I’ve found a way to minimize the issue and make the product more tolerable. Using a lip brush, I outline my lips and apply a thin layer to achieve an even wash of color without overloading the corners of my mouth. Then, I apply a bit more product directly from the tube to the center of my bottom lip, blending out with the brush. A lip liner also helps as it allows for less product overall.
Sweet Fig: a warm, pinkish-brown.
Épanoui: a soft mauve-pink with a slight bluish undertone.
Meet Cute: a warm, pinkish-peach.
Red Curve: a soft, warm tomato-red.
Metropolis: a deep blackberry with a browish-greige undertone with a hint of a rosy hue.
Despite the throat irritation, I haven’t fully given up on these balms—yet. It’s disappointing because I love the shades, as well as how they look and feel. While the Baume Embrace Melting Lip Colours might find themselves part of my makeup purge, for now, I’m sticking with the adage, "beauty knows no pain.
