DIB: MAC Tendertones vs. L'Oreal HiP Jelly Balms

Yes, it's true - I've finally finished my post comparing MAC Tendertones an L'Oreal HiP Jelly Balms! Sorry to make everyone wait so long... I really wanted to give both products a good run before posting about them, though. :)

Here's my review of these two great lip balms, comparing the different qualities of each.

The High-End Favorite
MAC Tendertones SPF 12

Price: $14.50

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The Budget Contender
L'Oreal HiP Jelly Balms
Price: $8.99

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Packaging & Price: Both lip balms come in a twist-top glass jar. To apply, you have to either use your finger or a lip brush. I tend to dislike sticking my fingers into products, so I prefer a lip brush for easy, fuss-free, sanitary application (and no product stuck under my nails). The price difference is not huge, but significant enough: MAC's version is $14.50, while HiP's is around $8.99 or so. In addition, you can often find L'Oreal HiP products on sale or with buy one, get one free deals, making them even cheaper in the long run.

Texture: These balms feel pretty similar, although the HiP balm may be more on the solid side, while Tendertones are slightly softer to the touch. Both are very smooth on the lips, with a soft and silky texture. Both feel thicker than a normal stick balm, but less so than lip gloss. I'd say that because they're more solid, the Jelly Balms may be a tad bit thicker, but are hardly sticky.

Look: Some of the MAC Tendertones shades have pigment and shimmer to them, while none of the HiP balms have shimmer. Instead, they are very shiny and glossy looking, with a touch of pigment, especially in the darker shades. MAC combines pigment, shine, and shimmer into their balms for a very fun, yet elegant look that might appeal to younger tastes more. There are a few color options that do not have shimmer, though.

Feel & Wear: As previously mentioned, the MAC balms are a little softer and silkier, so they glide over the lips a bit more easily. They also feature an SPF of 12, which the HiP balms do not contain - therefore, you'll need to either risk having no SPF, or use a balm underneath that has one.

Both feel relatively similar, being satiny and smooth, and the Tendertones are just a little stickier than some other balms, though not to the extent of a gloss. Neither have very long staying power, but fade gradually with a lingering stain of shimmer and pigment. They will not hold up very well to things like eating or kissing, so don't expect that either. These are mostly short-term wear balms that look gorgeous for a while before you have to reapply.

They also share the same long-term conditioning and softening benefits, moisturizing lips with extended wear and keeping them smooth all day!

Both have a great scent and light flavor; MAC's version smells like kiwi strawberry, and HiP's smells lightly sweet, like vanilla or caramel, very delicious. :) The preference is entirely personal, but I love both!


You'll like MAC better if: you love MAC, you aren't on a tight budget, you prefer shimmer in your lip balm, you need an SPF for your lips, you prefer a softer lip balm

You'll like L'Oreal HiP better if: you're on a budget, you want a glossy and pigmented lip balm, you don't need an SPF, you prefer a more solid lip balm


Overall, MAC Tendertones are great for their SPF factor, gorgeous shimmer, and soft and silky texture, while HiP Jelly Balms are best for their beautiful colors and glossiness, plus a fantastic price - especially if you buy them on sale. Both have fabulous conditioning effects and pigment, and look great on all lips because they're so versatile. If you're on a budget, definitely give L'Oreal HiP Jelly Balms a try. Or even if you aren't! Some people actually prefer Jelly Balms, especially because they're so naturally flattering and non-sticky.

I hope you enjoyed my little look at these two amazing lip products, and that you'll give either one a try! Let me know if you do, and how much you like them. :)