I remember when the original Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask came out...there was quite a buzz and it seemed everyone was buying it and loving it. And for as often as I fall for the hype, there are a few times where I specifically don't want to try something because of the hype. This was one of the times where I wasn't interested. Also, I felt inundated with lip balms at the time and had no desire to fill the stash with yet another thing that would sit around only partially used.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago...I saw Liz @ Beauty Reductionista Pin the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask in Champagne. What what what???!!! Champagne!!! Stop the bus. I googled and didn't see any reviews, only press releases - so I promptly ordered thinking ok, if the original was SO good, then this one has got to be just as good. Plus, since it has a little color I can totally justify the purchase since it's not 100% just a lip balm. Right?!

***All items purchased by me. Affiliate links included.***

Apologies for the non-pristine tube of the Champagne color...it's been getting a ton of use! Plus, I ended up ordering the original since I've been loving it so much and wanted to go ahead and review both since they are mostly the same. Oh, and both tubes are the newly designed ones that aren't metal. I'm not sure if they are 100% plastic though, as they do keep their squeezed shape somewhat (or if I bend the flat end) instead of going back to the original tube shape. Maybe the new tube is some sort of composite?? Whatever the case it's absolutely better than having a metal tube! 

First the Champagne color, which I did show in my First Impressions post...

It's a tiny bit thicker than the original, so if that one is too thick for you then be forewarned. I find this amazingly hydrating, healing, non-sticky and stays put overnight until I wipe it off. As an example of the healing...I had an unfortunate waxing incident that resulted in a small strip of my lip being removed. Ouch. I had been using Aquaphor for a couple of days an didn't see much healing going on, other than the area being kept moist for nature to do its thing. Then the Champagne arrived and I immediately slathered it on my lips. In 2 days my lip was completely healed. 

This leaves my lips with long lasting hydration, so much that even if it gets wiped off my lips still feel comfortable and protected. Reminds me of those thick and protective hand creams that still remain even through hand washing. This also makes a very good prep for lipsticks. 

Soooo...I was curious if it would help with dry spots on my face, if it worked so well on my lips?? Yes. Yes, it does. This will only work if you sleep on your back, or aren't going anywhere during the day and can stand a blob of balm on your face ha ha! I applied a thicker layer to a couple of smaller dry patches on my face...left it on overnight...and the next morning I definitely noticed a difference. Not as dry, not as flakey and helped somewhat with a little scaliness I've been experiencing. Not a complete cure, but I'll take what help I can get! 

As for color, on a white background this is more a pinky, golden champagne. Once on my lips I see more of the gold because the pink tends to blend in with my lips. It's not a gold shimmer fest or anything...In some light it's hard to tell I have anything on...otherwise it enhances my natural lip color. Did I mention this tastes good? Well, it does! And I have to say I think I've found something I love even more than the La Mer Lip Balm :-)  New HG alert!

How does the original Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask stack up?? 

Love it just as much!! I ordered the original because I didn't like having little pinky/champagne spots on my face when I went to bed. Plus I do appreciate that it's not quite as thick. Otherwise, I really find no difference in performance or effectiveness, and am very happy to have both in my arsenal! 

The main difference I can tell from the ingredient lists (besides color) is that the Champagne one has shea butter. Maybe that's why it's a little thicker?? 

Pictures taken in daylight. Here you can see the original (top) leaves no color. Champagne(bottom), on the other hand, is different depending on the light. 

I'm very happy and excited for my wallet to have found a new HG lip balm LOL!! Have you tried either of these yet? What's your current favorite and/or HG lip balm? 

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask in Champagne, $26/.52oz @ Sephora

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask (original), $26/.52oz @ Sephora