Splurge of the Month & Review: MAC Tendertones

A post about MAC products? Have I gone nuts?! Don't worry, the world isn't ending, and neither is my love for all things budget beauty.

The Tendertones re-launch is the only collection since Fafi to really catch my eye among the billions released this year. (I'm exaggerating, but you know what I mean.) I'm more or less a MAC newbie, but I've been trying to pick up an item or two from each collection I like... when my budget allows. And since I do get the opportunity to test some more expensive or high-end products on occasion, I like to let my readers know about them, too. While I usually advocate affordable beauty finds, I feel it's also my duty to keep you in the know about products that may or may not be worth a higher price tag.

These balms supposedly fuse the silky texture and shine of a gloss together with the protection and conditioning of a balm. They're available in 10 beautiful, semi-sheer shades, most of which contain a subtle shimmer. Each has a light strawberry-kiwi scent and barely-there flavor, and the packaging is essentially the same of that of paint pots.

Here's a look at MAC Tendertones, from the perspective of a budget beauty girl.

Product Description: "Combines the look of a gloss and the benefits of a balm, with the protection of everyday SPF 12 sun protection. Smoothly satin in texture, and non-sticky. Provides just-enough colour. Conditions, moisturizes, helps to smooth and improve the look of the lips. Features a light, strawberry-kiwi flavour." --maccosmetics.com

Price: $14.50/0.2 oz

Results: While I really enjoyed the product overall, the one thing I disliked right away is that no applicator is included for this product. Normally, I would just stick my finger into the jar, but having nails makes this difficult to do without getting anything stuck under them! This is a small personal peeve, though, and I'm sure many girls have no problem with jar products. It does feel a little less sanitary, though.

When I first applied, I was expecting the consistency to be either very thick, waxy, or greasy, but I found it to be none of these things. How rare is that? Instead, it felt like a light gloss on my lips, silky smooth and almost weightless.

The color selection is absolutely gorgeous, making it hard to choose just one to take home. I tried on nearly every color in-store, and was very impressed. In the end, I picked Hush, Hush, which MAC describes as a "sheer gold with yellow-gold pearl." I was a little concerned it would look too harsh or gaudy against my pale skin and on my pigmented lips, but instead it applied sheerly enough to brighten them with a flattering hint of color and shimmer. I could see myself wearing this both casually and for more special occasions. In other words, the color range has some great versatility! These would probably also look excellent over a lipstick without feeling too heavy or sticky, like a thick gloss tends to.

The wear seemed pretty decent; these won't hold up well to eating or drinking, etc., but it's not claiming to be an all-day affair, either. How often do glosses really stay put well? Personally, I don't mind reapplying, as I'm not looking for product with super staying power. Another plus is that it felt very moisturizing, not drying, which can happen often with lips. I imagine it might live up to its claim of conditioning with continued use, but there's no way of guaranteeing it.

The light scent and flavor make it more enjoyable to wear than a lot of products, but there's always the chance that you'll want to lick it off! :)

My verdict? For lip product junkies like myself, Tendertones answer many prayers. Pretty shimmer and shine, sun protection (though more is always better), a hint of color, and everyday wearability. My issues with the packaging are small, so the biggest issue left is the price. "Is it worth it?" you ask. While I love the product and wish I could buy them all, it certainly isn't feasible, and I know there are cheaper alternatives out there. Are they as nice? Definitely not - so the choice of sacrificing quality for price is always up to you. If lip stuff just isn't your thing to begin with, you probably won't be crazy about them.

Find yourself a MAC store and test these out soon, as some colors are going fast. Balm and gloss lovers need to check them out, and definitely consider getting at least one. For the rest of you, feel free to pass... and keep using what you already like, or continue searching for a good equivalent for a better price!

Rating: 4.5/5

Some budget-friendly alternatives I recommend:
Sally Hansen Comfort Shine Lip Glaze
Jenn Says: Similar concept, no SPF. Several yummy flavors and two finishes to choose from, plus much more product for the money.
Neutrogena Moisture Shine Lip Soother SPF 20
Jenn Says: Great SPF protection and shiny, sheer glosses for a bit of color.
ULTA Moisturizing Liptint SPF 15
Sally Hansen Volumizing Lip Shield with SPF 15
Bliss Superbalm SPF 15
Jenn Says: For those simply looking for a balm with a good SPF, but without the frills.