Add to Cart is a reader interest series that breaks down products and launches in beauty and skincare from your wish list. Has something caught your eye and preoccupied your desires? What products are you curious to learn more about? Let us know what's living on your wish list in the comments - each month, we'll select, buy, and review one product to see if it lives up to the hype!
Welcome to another round of Add to Cart! This month, I chose an item I never would have bought if I was just shopping for myself. I think this is the sort of thing that most of us likely wouldn't buy, but, hey, that is kind of totally appropriate for Add to Cart, right? I stumbled upon it randomly on Tiktok where it was described as "10 out of 10. This will sell out." but really? A $49 balm is going to sell out? Admittedly, I am not a luxury-label kind of girl. I find myself mostly immune to the gravitational pull of logo-covered handbags and things of that variety. That is not to say that I don't love expensive things. I totally do! I just don't find a logo or brand to influence my opinion of quality. With that in mind, strap in for a very honest review of this product.
The Product I Chose: Gucci Multipurpose Hydrating and Nourishing Balm, 0.28 oz - $49
My Subscription Addiction paid for this product. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
For $49, this balm better arrive in style, and it doesn't disappoint. The compact is gold and teal, and has a nice weight to it. It feels very "Gucci" for sure!
The Ingredients
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Here is a closer look at the ingredient list:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Tribehenin, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Candelilla Cera/Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Cire De Candelilla, Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire De Carnauba, Silica, Bisabolol, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Rosa Hybrid Flower Extract, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Flower/Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, [May Contain/Peut Contenir/+/-: Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)].
The Key Players and What They Do
Shea Butter: Soothing moisturizer that is also rich in antioxidants.
Sunflower Seed Oil: Moisturizing, softening, and delightfully fatty.
Vitamin E: Antioxidant that helps prevent premature aging.
Calendula: Soothing properties with more antioxidants.
I mean, this isn't a bad ingredient list. It just isn't anything super special. And with how hyped this balm is, I am kind of surprised by how basic it is.
My Takeaway
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What Does It Smell Like?
Nothing, really. No added fragrance here, and the only noticeable smell is just that general "oil" scent that I feel is common for products with oils like shea inside. Maybe a little calendula? If I try really hard to smell it?
What Does It Feel Like?
I guess for $49 and a Gucci label, I was expecting some sort of earth-shattering luxury experience. But this balm feels like any generic balm, if not weirdly gritty. I was pretty unimpressed. Gucci boasts that this is a multi-purpose balm that you can use wherever you need: lips, face, eyelids, knees, cuticles, wherever. On my lips, it felt weirdly textured and for that reason, I wouldn't ever put it on my eyes. (I am not sure why you would really want to do that anyway?) The most useful spot for me was my cuticles. But, it doesn't hold a candle to a true quality cuticle oil.
When Should I Apply This?
Whenever you want. No real rules here!
Who Is It For?
Fans of Gucci that want a cute (yet non-refillable) compact in their purse? People who love spending a lot of money on a mediocre balm? A gift for your friend who can't splurge on a Gucci belt? I am honestly not sure.
Should You Buy Gucci Multipurpose Hydrating and Nourishing Balm?
Probably not. I wouldn't buy into the social media hype here. Again, I am mostly immune to the power of a Gucci label, so maybe you are different and this will really float your designer boat. But for me, you could take that $49 and have a lot more fun buying other goodies.
Ready to Add to Cart? Get it here!
What's Next?
Here are a few products that I keep hearing about:
1 of 5 | Yves Saint Laurent
NU LIP & CHEEK BALMY TINT with Hyaluronic Acid
What new launch has you wondering if it is worth an Add to Cart? Let me know in the comments below!
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