After experiencing the personal product fiasco that was Maybelline Define-A-Lash Mascara a few months ago, I decided to give the brand another try with a different product. This time, I ventured into the area of lip products, specifically the recent Volume XL Seduction Lip Plumper.
Yes, I know - every cosmetic brand has their own "lip plumper" these days. But why not give it a try? I'm always looking for great multi-purpose products to test. My shade is Seductively Nude, a pretty, coral nude (duh!) with barely a hint of shimmer to it. It seems like a very universal and natural color.
What really caught my eye initially was the packaging (which is unusual for me!). It comes in a sleek, dark metallic tube that is slim and chic. The applicator is genius - an angled plastic tip with a click-up bottom. Unlike with foam and other materials, the product doesn't get stuck in the tip and ultimately get wasted. Great news for wallets!
In the end, though, I just couldn't make myself love this product like I wanted - read on to find out why.
Product Description: "Make you lips up to 30% bigger with Maybelline Volume Seduction Lip Plumper. Feel a tingling effect as active amplifiers instantly plump lips for a visibly fuller pout . Available in 10 seductive shades. Not recommended for sensitive lips." --ulta.com
Price: $8.99
Results: Let's skip past all the fluff and get right to the most important point: it didn't work. Very, very few lip plumpers do, in my experience and research, and those that succeed in doing what they promise usually use ingredients causing a lot of irritation to the lips. While the gloss does have the signature tingle of many plumpers, there was little to no visible difference in the volume or fullness of my lips - aside from what comes with many standard glosses. The effect of a gloss is simply improved light reflection and shine, which give a fuller appearance. A few reviews swore this works, but I didn't see it, even after many applications. Like with many plumpers, the difference is probably pure irritation and inflammation. I also found it a little drying, and that it didn't stick around on my lips long.
Now on to the better points. I love the fresh, fruity scent the gloss has (just don't bother tasting it). The ten colors offered are all beautiful and flattering, worn over or without lipstick. The formula is surprisingly creamy and smooth, not too sticky or thick. The slanted plastic applicator tip allows for concise color and product deposit and good control. Again, the packaging is great, and fits just about anywhere. Finally, you seem to get a decent amount of the gloss, which is nice if you really love it.
While this product has its redeeming qualities, they don't amount to much when you look at the fact that this product touts itself as a lip plumper - and if it doesn't live up to the name, then why buy it? Instead, with these results, you might as well purchase the original Shine Seduction lip glosses for a cheaper price, and similar performance.
I won't be spending my money on this product again, but I'll definitely consider buying a Shine Seduction gloss and comparing the two. I'm moving on from this plumper! Sorry, Maybelline.
You'll like this product if: You're a fan of Shine Seduction, you like tingly glosses, you don't like thick, sticky glosses
You won't like this product if: You're looking for a serious lip plumper
Rating: 2/5
Let me know if you'd like any swatches or result pictures!
Image: maybelline.com
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2 comments:
Thanks for this thorough review! I'm not a big fan of Maybelline lip products. I find them to find them very drying. I was wondering...do you get follow up emails from blogger? I've been having issues.
Glad I'm not the only one who finds them drying!
I haven't been having that problem - maybe contact customer support, or try a different e-mail? It isn't your spam filter, is it?
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