TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Product test: Which lip glosses really shine?

Staff photos by CLIFF McBRIDE

The Beauty Board tested four lip glosses, priced from $3.99 to $26 a tube.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 24, 2009

If you're never quite sure whether the ads for popular beauty products can be believed, relax. Our 4you Beauty Board is made up of veteran testers ready to try the latest when it comes to all things beauty. We'll share what worked and what bombed with the hope of making life a little easier for you.

This week: lip glosses. Did we take a shine to them, or did they make us pout?

Wet n Wild Beauty Benefits Sheer Luster Lip Gloss in Nectar
Available at Wal-Mart and www.wnwbeautybenefits.com; $3.99 for a brush-on tube

"Prismatic pigments create multidimensional shine while the naturally hydrated formula keeps lips conditioned."

Rating: B

Michelle says: In my continuing role as the Beauty Board Budget Watcher, I liked this gloss immediately because of the price. There's a reason for the low cost: It's a line aimed at teens. Remember Yardley? Using this product brought me back to the days when we all followed Twiggy and her pouty lips painted white by that British cosmetic line. This line has lots of cool colors and a splashy ad campaign. For practical purposes, the glistening gloss has staying power, the color stayed true (sassy Nectar is a low-key red), and it delivered on its promise to "infuse" my lips with moisture. For a few brief hours, I felt like a reincarnated Twiggy. At least from the neck up.

Michelle Bearden, 55, is the religion writer for the Tribune and TBO.com.

Revolution Organics Freedom Gloss in Vibe
Available at www.bigelowchemists.com, QVC and www.revolutionorganics.com; $26

"A healthy, good-for-you gloss with all the benefits of a lip treatment. Free of chemicals, mineral oil, synthetics, petroleum, artificial ingredients and parabens."

Rating: B-

Cloe says: Call me a lip gloss addict. I love my lips moisturized with a high-wattage shine that lasts. This gloss contains organic plant proteins and extracts, including shea butter, jojoba oil and aloe vera, that work really well to soften dry lips and keep them protected. It offers smooth application, and it's not sticky or gunky. (There's nothing cute about a breeze blowing by and getting your hair caught in your gloss.) I tried the peachy Vibe, which turned out to be a nice, subtle daytime color. It gave me a "my lips but better" effect, but didn't offer much shine. I still think MAC LipGlass is the undisputed champion when it comes to gloss.

Cloe Cabrera, 42, is the Tribune's fashion and beauty reporter.

Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Swirl Lip Gloss in Ice Teased
Available at Victoria's Secret stores and www.victoriassecret.com; $7

"Six shimmering swirly flavors for the sweetest, shiniest kisses."

Rating: A-

Wendy says: This shimmery, almost sheer gloss pumps up the lip wattage considerably. The hint of color was a nice polishing touch for a light makeup day – most days for me. Other times, I wore it over lipstick to amp up the shine. I generally am not a fan of tube glosses because they often glob, but this one applied smoothly and evenly, and kept my lips moisturized without being tacky. The light berry flavor and scent were a bonus. In addition to the six high-shine swirl varieties, there are 14 non-swirl colors. Both varieties appear to be heavy on shine and light on color. Worn alone or over lipstick, this gloss is a winner.

Wendy Whitt, 43, is the Tribune's Sunday planning editor.

Mally Facets Gemlight Lipgloss in Citrine
Available at www.mallybeauty.com; $20

"Perfect way to highlight lips and indulge in an irresistible shimmer."

Rating: A

Shantae says: A good lip gloss is hard to find. They're usually too sticky, too thick or too shiny. (This would explain why I have a drawer full of them.) This one surprised me. It appears rather thick and dense but applies smoothly and evenly with the applicator brush. Even better, it wasn't sticky. It has a light sweet smell to it. The color is a shimmery gold that works for day or evening wear without making your lips look gaudy while you're on the nine to five. It looks amazing alone or gives that extra pop over your favorite lipstick. It doesn't feel too heavy on the lips and lasts for a couple of hours. The gloss did a great job of leaving my lips feeling lush. Overall, I'd say Mally outshines the rest.

Shantae Brewster, 36, is the Tribune's Readers Desk supervisor.

Share this:

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT