I Heard a Rumor...

A couple years ago, I discovered Crazy Rumors brand lip balm through the vegan store Alternative Outfitters. It was love at first application and I've been a loyal fan ever since. I usually keep one in my bag (right now it's Hazelnut from the Perk line) and a store of back-ups at home for when I run out (currently Plum Apricot and Apple Spice from the Brew line). I'm on a mission to try each and every flavor that appeals to me.

I recently visited the Crazy Rumors website and noticed a place where customers can make requests for their products to be carried by local retailers. I wrote in with Follow Your Heart as my retailer of choice (they have an aisle of health and beauty care products). The owner e-mailed me in reply and offered to send me samples to review on this blog. Of course, already loving her products, I agreed!

She sent me 3 flavors: Banana Split from the A La Mode line, Coffee Bean from the Perks line, and Orange Bergamot from the Brew line. Descriptions of all their flavors are on their site.

Starting with the flavors I already had in my own collection, my favorite is the Hazelnut. All Crazy Rumors flavors go on really smoothly without any waxy feeling whatsoever. Hazelnut is no exception. There isn't a strong coffee taste, but more of a perfect hint.

Apple Spice is really lovely. It smells just like the little packets of hot apple cider mix that used to hit the spot on a cold day.

Plum Apricot isn't one that I would buy again. It's flavor isn't distinguishable, but rather is just sweet and fruity. It isn't bad or unpleasant; there are simply better flavors available.

Of the 3 flavors that I received, Orange Bergamot is hands-down the best. I didn't expect to like this because bright citrusy flavors aren't what I want from a lip balm. However, Orange Bergamot's flavor is tempered by the Earl Grey. What results is an incredibly smooth and delicious lip balm.

Banana Split didn't fare so well. I was pretty certain I wouldn't care for this flavor because banana is definitely not something I want to taste on my lips all day long (and I love bananas, so it's not that). Banana is the only flavor that comes through, although the website lists chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, fudge, and cherry as additional components of this flavor. Also, unfortunately, Banana Split is the only Crazy Rumors flavor that goes on a bit waxy. The other A La Mode flavors sound great, though (I haven't tried them), so don't let this dissuade you.

Coffee Bean has a strong coffee scent and goes on extremely smoothly. It's a little bold for my taste, so I'd probably go for a different flavor over this one, but it's a great choice for a real coffee lover.

Crazy Rumors is my first choice in vegan lip balm and with 24 (I hope I counted correctly) flavors available, you're bound to find a bunch you like. Their Candy Cane line is currently on sale and they offer a free tube of any flavor when you spend $24. If you'd rather not order online, there is a store locator on the website.

Oh, and if you don't want to take my word for it, visit the Vegan Beauty Review blog and check out Sunny's review of Crazy Rumors!