I Tried the Sabrina Carpenter-Approved Prada Lip Balms
Samantha is the Retail Marketing Manager for Hair, Makeup and Fragrance at Adore Beauty. Sam has spent the last five years immersed in the beauty world, specialising in makeup and skincare. She grew up in the US and Indonesia, but now calls Melbourne home. Obsessed with all things luxury, Sam's always hunting for her next beauty must-have. Among her favourites are M.A.C, Oribe and YSL.
You’d have to be living under a rock to not have heard Sabrina Carpenter's Manchild. Upbeat, melodic and paired with a video clip that is as tongue-in-cheek as Sabrina herself is, it’s an undeniably catchy tune.
But what had everyone talking was the Prada Beauty teaser, incorporated in the music video, a bag of yellow-coloured banana lollies perched on a car dashboard.
As quickly discovered, this Easter egg was a nod to the upcoming launch of Prada Beauty’s Banana Balm - the newest (yellow!) variation of the coveted Lip Balm.
And in even better news? It’s now available at Adore Beauty. So as a firm Sabrina Carpenter stan and a loyal customer of Prada Beauty, it was not only my job to review this new launch but my civil duty.
Prada Balm Lip Optimizing Care in Universal
I’m already a big fan of the Universal shade of the Prada Beauty Lip Optimizing Care Balm which you can probably tell from the below image.
This lip product takes pride of place on my dresser and is a staple in my handbag. The sweetest shade of green, the balm hydrates and applies sheer, allowing for a very chic post-lunch application that pairs perfectly with a light pink lip liner.
Prada Balm Lip Blushing Care in Astral Pink
There is also a blue variant called Astral Pink - confusing, I’m sure but hear me out.
This version of the Lip Balm is pH-adaptive meaning that it applies clear but will transform into a sheer glowy pink shade that best suits your personal pH levels.
Scented similarly to the Universal version, I hadn’t tried it but was compelled, as it's been a bit of a dark horse here at Adore Beauty and is currently the most popular variant of the Prada Beauty Lip Optimizing Care Balms.
So naturally, with the launch of Banana Balm, I was excited to understand what the key differences were from the other two balms and hopefully, what the similarities were too. And - to answer the question I think everyone wants to know - does it actually smell like bananas?
Review: Prada Balm Lip Frosting Care in Banana Yellow
Inspired by the iconic banana print from the Prada Spring/Summer 2011 collection, this launch is another testament to how intertwined the Prada Beauty line is with the Prada fashion house.
Housed in the glamorous and structural silver lipstick case and completed with a magnetised lid, the Prada Beauty Lip Balm are truly at the upper echelon of the lip balm ladder.
I’m pleased to report the new Banana Balm is just as hydrating and the application is just as smooth. I’d almost say it’s a touch glossier than its predecessors, or appears to give more of a sheen to the lips.
The formula remains consistent with the other two balms, with the inclusion of jojoba oil and bifidus extract providing the hydration and nourishment for the lips.
Lastly, to put everyone at ease, confirming the Banana Balm does not in fact smell like bananas - at least not in the way you might imagine..
There is certainly a scent to the balm, but I would describe it more as a candy-like scent, so more in line with a banana scented lolly rather than the banana scent I associate with Streets Banana Paddle Pops, for instance. I personally find it pleasant and quite inoffensive.
Final Thoughts
So my final verdict? I’m a fan, and knew my girl Sabrina wouldn’t lead me astray.
There’s no denying that Prada Beauty is an investment; and the Lip Balms are no different. To reassure you, I’ve had my Universal Balm for three months now and have barely made a dint, I’m not kidding.
So if you’re looking for a fun and bright addition to your Lip Balm collection ahead of the warmer months, and don’t mind a mildly sweet scent, you definitely need to add the Banana Balm to your collection.
