Mabel was one of four shades I just ordered, and Big Apple nailed EVREY SINGLE SHADE for my dark brown hair, fair skin, and blue eye coloring (forget the shades, nailing the correct color alone is amazingly impressive...actually don't forget the shades, they are too gorgeous). Until I discovered Big Apple a few years back, I was struggling to find shades for my coloring - I wanted a lipstick color with presence, but at the same time didn't want something that felt too dramatic/over the top/clownish? So, I swung to the other side of the pendulum trying to find subtler colors which ultimately only made me look washed out. Mabel is not subtle BUT not clownish. It puts COLOR on my lips and looks amazing! I am TOTALLY comfortable with the color...and I am suspect it is because it is the correct color for me. I feel confident, beautiful and if I draw attention because I am wearing lipstick , I feel it is because I look good and not because I was some eleven year old raiding my mom's cosmetic case (like that blue eyeshadow must have looked in 7th grade! LOL).

I stumbled across Red Apple lipstick a few years ago and after receiving my first lipstick shade that the website said would work for my coloring (and the helpful cool color samples) I was an instant believer! They actually nailed the correct color for my hair/eyes/skin tone! After one too many trips to the cosmetic counter (or local big box cosmetic store), I was amazed that a website, and not a sales attendant (even those in high end department stores) got the color right! So, using the tools on the website and reading the descriptions, I successfully picked four more winners! This is the perfect bold red for me...dark brown hair, fair skin, blue eyes.

As a self described lip balm junkie (have tried/used a ton), my initial reaction to the Rallye Balm is that it definitely sticks out from the pack in all the best ways possible. The balm itself is not thin or slippery, rather "thicker", protective, and comforting. I feel as if I have discovered something special or a secret and am now going to order for my daughter and son's plus ones Christmas stocking in order to spread the wealth!