Maybelline Lifter Gloss Review

While my personal purchases often lean towards high-end products, I genuinely enjoy using and discovering drugstore beauty items. The Maybelline Lifter Glosses stand out in this regard, offering impressive performance at an accessible price point. These glosses are formulated with hyaluronic acid, which contributes to added hydration and helps to smooth the appearance of lip lines.

Initially, I purchased just a couple of shades to test them out. However, after experiencing their quality, I found myself returning for more, and I now own 12 out of the 15 available shades. Most of my collection was acquired from Ulta, but it's worth noting that five shades-Opal, Brass, Ruby, Heat, and Sand-are exclusive to CVS. The glosses retail for $8.99 on both platforms, and like many drugstore brands, they frequently feature promotions such as buy one, get one 50% off or 3 for 2 deals.

The packaging of these glosses is reminiscent of some higher-end options. Although I find the tubes slightly bulky, the clear, thick plastic gives them a fun and modern look without appearing cheap. The applicator is an oversized wand that efficiently distributes the right amount of product onto the lips.

The scent of these glosses is a sweet, fruity-vanilla blend, which I personally prefer over a straight vanilla fragrance. It feels brighter and less cloying. While the packaging initially attracted me, it is the formula of the glosses that truly keeps me coming back.

They feel incredibly nourishing without being heavy or sticky. They possess the ideal amount of weight-not so lightweight that the product disappears quickly, but not so heavy that it feels like a thick, gloopy gloss. The product glides on beautifully and ultimately feels more like a lip treatment than a gloss that merely sits on the lips.

The formula itself typically lasts on my lips for about 2 hours, though this duration is reduced if I am eating or drinking. The hyaluronic acid in the formula significantly contributes to the gloss's hydrating feel, leaving my lips moisturized even after the gloss has faded.

Most shades applied and wore consistently. However, I did notice that the lighter cream shades, specifically Reef and Amber, tended to cling to dry patches more than other shades. The shimmer present in these shades did not feel gritty on my lips.

Comparisons to Other Lip Gloss Formulas

Upon first impression, I was reminded of the Kosas Lip Oils, as they also contain hyaluronic acid. However, the Kosas formula was not my favorite because it tended to disappear quickly. I was also drawn to comparisons with the Nars Oil-Infused Lip Tints. For instance, the shade Brass bears a resemblance to Nars's Orgasm, though Orgasm develops into more of a pink tint. The Nars Lip Tints feel more like a traditional lip oil-thinner than a gloss and more akin to a treatment.

The shades Amber and Stone are also reminiscent of the now-discontinued Bite French Press Lip Gloss in Dirty Chai, although the Bite glosses were more pigmented. Another gloss I compared these to is the Pat McGrath LUST: Lip Gloss in Flesh Fantasy, which is slightly more pigmented and red-toned than Stone. I have heard that the Maybelline Lifter glosses are similar to Fenty glosses, but I do not own any of those.

Overall Impression

As you might have gathered, I am a huge fan of the Maybelline Lifter glosses. I believe the brand has succeeded in every aspect of this product, from the packaging to the formula, shades, and even the scent. The moisturizing benefits of the gloss make it my go-to for everyday wear, and the variety of shades perfectly suits my preference for neutrals.

I am excited to see a drugstore brand elevate its game and create a product that not only performs well for its affordable price but actually outperforms similar glosses from high-end brands. The product comes in a well-designed, simple, and sturdy tube that looks high-end, complete with an XL wand applicator that evenly disperses the product. One swipe is often sufficient to achieve the desired opacity.

The lips immediately feel smooth and juicy, thanks to the hyaluronic acid. The Lifter Gloss range offers three types of opacity: sheer, medium, and high coverage. While the highest level is often referred to as full coverage, it is more accurate to describe it as high opacity, given its nature as a gloss. The product has garnered significant praise online, evidenced by the brand's continuous introduction of new shades. The color payoff is good, depending on the chosen opacity level, and the lips appear plumped and feel moisturized for a couple of hours before reapplication is needed, as with any other lip gloss.

tags: #maybelline #hyaluronic #lip #gloss