Review & Lip Swatches: Ten Three Labs Smudge Sticks

Hello! 

Today's post is all about Ten Three Labs Smudge and Salve Sticks, featuring my first lip swatches ever! I've had about a week and half to try these babies out. I am a lip balm addict. Seriously, I have one in my handbag at all times, and have back ups of my faves in every room in my apartment. My favorite lip balms are the Notoriously Morbid Coffin Kissers, but these are giving those a run for their money!


The clear balms are known as Salve Sticks, while their tinted balms are called Smudge Sticks. The Smudge Sticks come in a variety of different shades and flavors, usually pertaining to their collections. The Salve Sticks are really hydrating and comfortable to wear. They are on the greasier side but I actually prefer my clear balms that way. The wear time isn't very long, but that is to be expected with a balm. 

The Smudge Sticks feature the same comfortable formula. Overall I do like the Smudge Sticks, however they are a bit difficult to evenly apply because they are so creamy, particularly with some of the darker shades. The shape of the bullet doesn't lend itself to easy application either. You will definitely need a mirror to apply these and I suggest building up the color slowly as these have a tendency to over apply, thus making it harder to get an even application. However, I do find these easier to wear as stains and I really do like them like that! I'm happy to report the stain tends to stick around a while, especially with darker colors. 

Now let's move on to the swatches, shall we?

* Disclaimer: All products purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. *


This is what my tube of La Maison Derriere looked like when I rolled it up a bit. I remember seeing another TTL review have the same thing happen to a couple of their tubes. Luckily this was my only tube with this issue and it didn't effect application, I just wanted to make note of it.


La Maison Derriere, part of the 742 collection. Beautiful brownish plum. This is definitely my favorite shade of the set, and I like this one at full opacity and as a stain. Very flattering shade on me and I'm sure this one will be getting lots of love!


Sexy Ketchup Factory is a peach with brown undertones. From the Grand Reopening collection. Pretty shade for a subtle daytime look. This one wore on me for about 3 hours and left a nice coral stain.


All Vamp everything is an on-trend shade of Marsala. This one unfortunately one pretty patchy on me and bled into lip lines. This one would definitely benefit from a clear liner underneath.


Naughty List is a cool toned purple. This one was available for the holiday season. I apologize for ambushing you with my mug but this was the only swatch of this shade I could get before I had to leave. I liked this one a lot, the stain wore for over 6 hours! 

Final Thoughts: I absolutely love the Salve Sticks. It's one of the best formulas I've found. I do really like the smudge sticks but not all equally, and I think some of them could definitely benefit from a lip liner underneath. Overall I'm very happy with my first experience with Ten Three Labs and highly recommend checking them out! I will definitely be picking up full sizes of Copeira and The Buttler. If you are looking for moisturizing lip balms, you need to get thee to the Salve Sticks. 

That's all for today! I just recieved the January Vanishing Cabinet in the mail, would you guys rather see some AFK's swatches or the VC first? 

xx Carissa 

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