Devotees of Acqua di Parma’s Blu Mediterraneo Capri Orange (formerly Arancia) Eau de Toilette already know that the bergamot, mandarin, lemon and orange fragrance is one of the most pure, bright and happy citrus perfumes around. The matching lip balm carries that same clear sunshiny scent, and applying it to one’s lips is like inhaling the smell of an orange grove in summer. The balm also boasts fabulous moisturizing power — a coconut oil, beeswax and shea butter formula creates a thin but emollient and lasting barrier against dryness. It is supposedly enriched with vitamins for “free radical defense,” and has the far less debatable benefit of broadband UVA and UVB SPF 20 protection as well.
The lip balm comes encased in a turquoise blue metallic tube which certainly looks attractive, but the metal is so thin and light it feels flimsy, and the fact that the balm inside is molded into a narrow sculpted lipstick-wedge instead of a traditional solid cylinder of wax only compounds the impression. The printed white lettering on the outside also chips and rubs off easily. This makes it look cheap, but it is anything but: at $27 – $30 for a 5 ml tube, it is one of the most expensive lip balms you can buy.
The price is somewhat ludicrous, and if you’re the type of person to be satisfied with a 99 cent tube of chapstick, this is probably an unnecessary buy. However, I do like to indulge myself sometimes, and would probably still treat myself to another tube of Capri Orange should I run out. I find it to be one of my winter beauty staples as it protects wonderfully against the harsh winds and cold and can somewhat miraculously evoke the feel of a sunny, sparkling summer in the middle of the most dreadfully gloomy, freezing day, a benefit that is almost priceless.
For buying information, see the listing for Acqua di Parma under Perfume Houses.
12 Comments
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You are not alone, A. I like to spend some change on my lip balm, too, although $27 to $30 does sound a bit ludicrous.
Bottom line: If the feeling hits me, I may actually splurge!
I try to avoid scented lip products, but this one sounds interesting. On the other hand, I am reluctant to spend $27 on lip balm. Thank you for a great review, A!
I can't justify spending that amount on a balm although it does sound yummy!
This fragrance by Acqua Di Parma is one of the nicest brightest citruses I've ever sampled. I'm a real citrus freak, and to me it smelled just like freshly peeled oranges.
Was unaware that Arancia is now Capri Orange! How did I miss that? Adore the scent, however, and if it weren't for the price I'd be off to buy this in a flash. Am slowed down by the price, but it still may happen. Unfortunate about the packaging being on the flimsy side.
The question is, is it flavored? Scented balms are nice, but I love flavored ones. It's all about the taste. I can get scent from perfumes.
:O)
I too wanted to ask if it was flavored! If it is… I think I have a new lip balm!
(I am embarrassed to admit that I have spent more than $30 on lipbalms, and have been teased mercilessly for that fact!)
Thank you for a wonderful review! =)
R., I happened to pick mine up for a steal a long time ago on eBay, otherwise I don't think I would have made the initial splurge on this and even have tested it out! I haven't run through my tube yet, and am dreading when I do, because I know I shall probably feel extreme guilt at repurchasing at such a prohibitive price! My justification though is that I love Arancia, and this is the form I buy it in instead of the perfume…
I understand the reluctance, though I assure you it really is wonderful! This and Fresh Sugar Lip Balm (~ $24, which is what the AdP used to be before the price jump when they revamped the line) are the only high end lip glosses I own, but I love them both.
Isn't it just the best citrus? This, Sage Machado Carnelian and TDC Divine Bergamot share the top spot in my orange-scent hall of fame.
Yes, they revamped the line last spring….narrowed down the range to 3-4 scents, renamed them all (e.g. Mandorlo di Sicilia is now Sicilian Almond)….I think Robin mentioned it in a previous blog posting. A pity, I liked them the old way!!
LOL, unfortunately its not flavored…I don't think anything could beat Candy Kisses for me in the flavored lip blam department anyway!
Miss Koneko, I have not seen your name in so long! A pleasure to hear from you again!! In anycase, if you are a splurger just like me, I think you should definitely try this one out…its fabulous, even if its lacking flavor and I'm sure you will love it.