Beauty. Fashion. Food. Lifestyle.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Holika Holika: Dessert Time Lip Balm Product Review

All of my readers know, I LOVE beauty products! For the past couple of years, I've noticed a surge in popularity in Korean cosmetics & skincare. Have you? Teenagers to adults (especially the Chinese & Japanese) are traveling to S. Korea to purchase Korean products. Americans are purchasing Korean products online and on eBay. It's become so popular, that Korean cosmetic companies are enlisting K-Pop celebrities to endorse and promote their products.What always caught my eye about Korean cosmetics, was the packaging. The packaging is so pretty!

To learn more bout Korean products, I thought I would start featuring them on A Very Sweet Blog. So that's the reason for this introduction. There are MANY Korean brands! This week, I will cover Holika Holika, Skin Food, and Etude House. So as I test them, I'll give you a brief introduction into the company, so that you may become familiar (if you don't know). I've also added a Korean/Asian tab to my header where I'll place all of my reviews.

The first brand that caught my eye, was Holika Holika! They have a "magic-like" image when it comes to their products. Think cute little potion bottles & jars. I decided to try their dessert time lip balms. These were initially released the end of last year and have remained in production due to their popularity. How sweet is the packaging!?! Packaging alone they get a SUPERsweet rating! But let's see how the actual product rated.
Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet

Red Cupcake
Red cupcake is Bittersweet! 
The outside packaging contains strawberries nestled in white frosting. It's VERY cute! The lip balm is red and sits in a brown or "chocolate" colored cupcake holder that snaps close. The balm feels really creamy and good to the lips. It does have a red tint, that shows up on the lips. The scent is very light. I would describe it as a hint of berry scent (the description says a sour strawberry flavor). Honestly, the scent is barely there. That's why I gave it a low rating.

Chocolate Cupcake
Chocolate Cupcake is Bittersweet!
The outside packaging looks like a flattened cupcake with icing & multi-colored sprinkles! HaHa It's still really cute! The lip balm is nestled in a brown or "chocolate" color cupcake holder. This lip balm has a cocoa powder (like dry cocoa powder) scent to it. It's very light. If you're looking for something chocolatey or really chocolate, this is not it. HaHaHa This just has a subtle chocolate scent. It has a smidgen of brown tint that does show up on the lips. The balm feels ok on the lips.

Pink Cupcake
Pink Cupcake is Sweet!
The outside packaging for this is a mint green frosting with gold sprinkles. It's topped with a pink bow. The balm is nestled in a pink cupcake holder that snaps close. I would say the scent of this balm is fruity. The package states it's a sweet watermelon flavor, which I agree.This lip balm is clear when applied to the lips.

Peach Cupcake
Peach Cupcake is SUPERsweet!
Surprisingly, this was my favorite! The outside packaging is topped with white frosting and colorful candy sprinkles. A bright red heart tops the frosting. The balm is nestled in a plastic yellow cupcake holder, that snaps close. This particular balm has an authentic and REALLY peachy scent to it! I LOVE IT! It makes you want to bite into it. hahaha It feels good on the lips. This lip balm is clear when applied to the lips.

When I finish these lip balms, I'm totally saving the packaging. HaHaHa I usually don't keep anything, but they're too cute to throw away. You can purchase Holika Holika Dessert Time Lip Balms HERE or on eBay (they're slightly cheaper on eBay). Just realize, they take about 2 weeks to a month to arrive in the US from S. Korea. Hope you enjoyed my review! Have a great day!

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67 comments

  1. They look very cute and fun, but I really do fear this time that I'm in the totally wrong age bracket for that one. Now, Skin Food sounds like it might be more age-appropriate for me, so I'll look forward to that review ;-) Have a lovely day xo

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  2. wowza, these are soooo cool. my kiddos would actually love these. BTW, I totally used skin food when I went to Korea. they have pretty cool stuff! I love their sugar scrub and avocado lotion! oh, and face masks too!

    http://spinning-threads.blogspot.com

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  3. Cool packaging. Surprisingly, I've not heard too much roar over Korean skin care and makeup. However, I know Korean actresses are extremely popular among Asian Americans now. They're just being idolized like crazy. I'm sure their makeup and skin care secrets will reveal soon.

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  4. Adorable packaging, these look lovely! :)

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  5. The packaging for these look absolutely delicious. Like, I want to consume them. I can't say I'm completely sold on the products, but I do like the idea of lipstick tasting like fruit. My non-existant boyfriend would concur :)

    WWW.ROXTHEFOX.COM

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  6. Aww they are so cute! :) I agree, the packaging is adorable! Shame all of the glosses weren't equal though!


    Away From The Blue

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  7. How cute! I'm a sucker for adorable packaging, Kim - just like you :) I've been hearing a lot about Korean bety products, too, and I'm interested to read more of your reviews. Everyone I know who has visited South Korea says the people there are the most beautiful they've ever seen, so they must be onto something!
    xox,
    Cee

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  8. These look marvellous, shame the top ones didn't give it what you'd want them to, but I would save the packaging as well, too cute :)) Am glad the bottom one was super :)))) I love products, a bit of a product junkie, haha. Which I'll start letting out on my blog :)) Super review doll, loved it!! Have a great day xx

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  9. The packaging is yummy! Too bad the red cupcake wasn't so sweet, but good to see the pink one was (those two were what first caught my eye). Have a super-fun Tuesday, Kim! xo T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com

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  10. Totally agree with you about korean products, they work like magic. I am always quick to purchase their product lol dont know? I became free from acne when i tried a korea acne product and it worked like magic, after all the prescription from my doctors that failed. All these products are so cute and lush, love them.

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  11. Yummers - they look good enough to eat (I always eat my lipgloss ha ha ;-)
    Happy day sweetest Kim,
    Axx

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  12. Hi Kim! You know, I never tried or either know Korean products, but they inspires me so much for the packaging, as you say it is so cute and inspires me a lot! I've just told you that I am so addicted to lip balms, always love to try new ones so I'd love to try them too, especially the peach flavor since I adore it! Wish I had one of these!:) Kisses dear, have a lovely day! xo

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  13. Oh...em...gee...these lip balms have one of the coolest packaging I've ever seen. They're just toooo cute, eh?
    And BB creams I think started in Korea, right? The innovative stuff they come up for skin care over in Asia just blows my mind sometimes.

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  14. I can see why these are so popular - can only imagine how many girls would adore the packaging. :) I am very curious about the ingredients in these - tried to find the list, but failed. x

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  15. Adorable products ^^

    New post - Kisses
    http://www.mademoisellemode.com/

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  16. These are very cute cases! I would say they make nice little gifts or stocking fillers for girls. I would definitely try the peach cupcake one. I love peach!!

    I've used some SkinFood products myself. They smell really nice and does what it says on the label.

    With Love,
    Keki xoxo

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  17. Hi Kim:I am most excited about your take on Korean skincare and cosmetic as I recently converted back to Asian skincare. These lip gloss packages are too cute, bummer not all of them are good.

    I used to use Etude and Skinfood brands. I have started trying Aromatica which is Korean organic skincare line and a few things from Tatcha. Hope to see some good results. Also want to try Sulwhasoo but it is quite expensive.

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  18. These are TOO cute how they look like little cupcakes!

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

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  19. they r really cute!!!!! i am not a big fan of korean cosmetic but i really love some of the korean skincare.....

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  20. Hi Kim Doll, you always find the cutest and sweetest products, I adore these, I don't know if they are too youthful, but it doesn't matter, cuteness doesnt have an age limit right?

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  21. Talk about different ! these are soo cute indeed, the packaging does get the SUPERSWEET rating, too bad not all of the products (content) do.
    My only concern here would be in regards to content... you know like FDA approvals and that sort of stuff.

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  22. The packaging is so cute! What a fun product :)
    Ginny

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  23. Dear Kim, i enjoyed very much your savoury review. What about the skin reaction to the formula? I would love to know more about it after you have tested them for some time! The packaging is sensational for sure. Looking forward to the next piece of cake!
    xoxo
    Coco et La vie en rose
    Coco et La vie en rose on Bloglovin
    Coco et La vie en rose on Facebook

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  24. These look amazing!! I love korean products and have done a blog post on it as well. Going to do a korean serum review soon:-)

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  25. Peach cupcake?! Gimmie! These are so effing cute Kim! I am a lip gloss/chap stick freak!

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  26. Adorable!! Those are just super cute :)
    xoxo
    Suzanne from written by suzanne

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  27. All those lip balms are so cute! I think I'll buy one of these too)

    http://vformat.blogspot.com

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  28. These are ADORABLE! and calorie free too! They would be great for a young child's easter basket if you wanted to do less candy! What a great great product, thanx for the heads up on them!! Have a GREAT day!!

    Rosemary

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  29. So tempting in all our fave flavors!

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  30. Oh my word - those cupcake lip glosses are so adorable!!! I want all of them! :-)

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  31. These are wonderful reviews (I love how you ranked them by sweetness!) I would definitely get the peach now, thank you!

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  32. Yeah, I'd say the packaging sold me on it. Haha, I want these lil cupcake balms! :D

    Enter to win a Quarter Pendant from Snoozer Loser!
    Trendy Teal

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  33. i would probably do the same thing save the packages! they are too cute

    Sandal Giveaway
    No Bake Cake Pops Giveaway

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  34. Delicious! So cutie. Adorable stocking stuffer.

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  35. Oh those are just like some lip balm I had back in the 60's. What the heck. They are back? Cooool!

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  36. I love the packaging of the lipbalm =) Too cute.

    Corinne x
    www.skinnedcartree.com

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  37. Wow! So sweet! It must be a delicious feeling! I remember always carry in my bag a bar Vaseline for my lips when I'm not made ​​up, such that you propose is just great!

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  38. Very cute packaging. I have noticed Korean beauty brands becoming more popular in the U.S. I've always been curious about them ever since I first found out about B.B. cream years ago. Can't wait to see more of your reviews on Korea's products.

    LittlePinkRainBoots.blogspot.com

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  39. so cute!
    http://theartist-mona.blogspot.com.es/2013/07/look-shopping.html

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  40. awww they look so cute!!!


    xx
    bianca
    http://www.worryaboutitlaterr.blogspot.com

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  41. They look yummy enough to eat!
    Following you on Bloglovin
    xo Annie
    newenglandromance.blogspot.com

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  42. Thanks for sharing!! Never heard of Holika... I am only familiar with etude house and skin food.

    I sooo want to try that mascara!

    xoxo

    Stylejourneys

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  43. this has to be the cutest lip balm ever!! love it, Kim!

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  44. WHAT??? That's the absolute coolest lip balm I've seen. Love that you are featuring Korean products - they definitely make some innovative and novel things! xx Kat

    Love and Ace

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  45. Oh wow the packaging on this is hilarious!! My friends daughter would love this. Too cute.


    Ali of

    Dressing Ken

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  46. got to love the cute packaging - glad to hear some worked out.
    Chic on the Cheap

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  47. Thanks for always introducing us to great new products. These look so cute & delish all at once. :)

    Maria

    www.onestyleatatime.com

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  48. They look super cute! I'd save the packaging too.

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  49. oh these are super cute ! I'd save the packaging and put them in my kitchen on a cake stand:) Korean products are so cute that comes from kawaii culture I guess.

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  50. this looks amazing http://differentcands.blogspot.kr/2013/07/fashion-small-gathering-in-seoul.html

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  52. Kim, I'm so thrilled you're reviewing Korean beauty brands now! The advertising for these products is totally dominated by celebrities and for some of the younger beauty lines, you'll even find boy groups advertising for them and sometimes they're even prettier than girls haha. One thing I do love about Asian beauty product is how they make the packaging so cute like these lip balms and I'm happy to hear that they're actually good as well.

    Rowena @ rolala loves
    Enter my Firmoo Eyewear Giveaway!

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  53. Oh my gahd! Those look sooooo cuuuuuute! And I can't wait to see your future posts about Korean products.
    (^^,)

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  54. Love the review, thank you! These are adorable! *__*

    Junniku blog [Click!]
    - A Korean fashion, beauty and lifestyle blog!

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  55. I really love these presentations :)

    www.urbanikamoda.blogspot.com

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  56. yes, i have seen a lot of korean/asian products lately. i'm still using my korean soap and love it.

    the packaging is cute and i would definitely save them for something! pill boxes??

    rockoomph.blogspot.com
    Lulu & Georgia GIVEAWAY

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  57. asian cosmetics are the cutest, these look good enough to eat ;)

    steph / absolutely-fuzzy.com

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  58. how adorable!! they are cute im excited you added this..

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  59. I saw these the other day and was planning on going back to the mall tomorrow to get one or two. I was still a bit confused as to which one I wanted because honestly I would buy them all mainly because they all look super cute. hhaahahahaha. This review is super helpful. Looks like I'm getting myself a peach cupcake tomorrow. =)

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  60. I would definitely try the bottom two - the brown/chocolate ones seem too much like candy and not really lip balm. I love Korean skincare products! I use the bubble mask - makes my skin feel clean and soft after using it!
    www.lettersimpromptu.blogspot.com

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