A Real Product Review from a NON-Consultant
**This post has been updated with new info in 2019! Read all the way through for discount info!**
Okay, so you’ve probably heard all the hype about a product called LipSense that’s making waves across all social media right now. You’ve probably heard people talking about it or even know someone who sells it! To be honest, I come across so many makeup products that I didn’t really give it much of a second thought.
BUT I have a lot of friends that come to me asking about product suggestions, and it seems like at least a few times a week I’ve had someone ask me if I’ve tried it! ALRIGHT THEN. You twisted my arm. My curiosity got the best of me, so I tried it! So here you go friends, a 100% honest LipSense review from someone who does NOT sell it! (This post is NOT sponsored.)
My lovely friend actually started selling SeneGence products (the LipSense parent company) and was kind enough to let me try some out. I had heard that this lip stuff wass supposed to be one of a kind, so of course I wanted to test it!
The LipSense itself is like a little kit. You purchase the colors in a tube of regular-looking lip color, and then you purchase a gloss, which acts as a top coat and sort of seals it. They have tons of different colors ranging from nude to bright and bold. The glosses actually come in different finishes too, including glossy, pearl, opal, etc.
I had no idea what color or “top coat” to choose since I’d never even swatched the stuff. But I knew I wanted to try something bold just to see if it truly had staying power! So I went all out and opted for a shade called Blu-Red!
It’s funny because I do like bold lips, but I usually wear a more subdued color. Red is not a color I own. But I really wanted to see if it could truly last as it claimed! And I opted for the “glossy” gloss for a shiny finish! Might as well go all out!
Directions were very specific: “Apply to clean, dry lips. Clean with witch hazel and a cotton round or a warm washcloth.” I didn’t have any witch hazel around. But I figured I’d better exfoliate before I put it on, so I used my e.l.f. cosmetics lip exfoliant that I mentioned in this post and then patted dry once finished. Then, the directions say: “Apply three layers. With lips parted, place applicator on lip beginning at the outside corner and spread in a fluid sweeping motion to the opposite corner of the lip without lifting the applicator. DO NOT swipe back and forth. Let each layer dry for about 5 seconds before continuing. Do not rub or smack your lips together.”
Okay, so this intimidated me. Not gonna lie. I was afraid that if I did anything wrong that it might never come off, haha. Luckily there’s a remover for it! More on that in a minute. I followed the directions exactly. Upon first layer of application – not gonna lie – it stung a little. It could have been because I’d actually just scrubbed/exfoliated my lips, but I read that it can be typical at first. I actually did not feel it the second time I wore it.
Applying the final coat of the Blu-Red Liquid Lipstick
Time for step 2! Directions say: “Apply Lipsense gloss. Cover entire area of Lipsense color. Now you can rub your lips together as much as you want.”
Applying the “glossy” gloss top coat
Without the gloss, the lip color feels dry and matte, sort of like a stain. The gloss is thick and feels good on. It’s very moisturizing, hence the name “Moisturizing Gloss”.
So now, the real test: How did it hold up? I put the Lipsense on in the late morning – a little before noon – and wore it all day and evening. I was told to apply the gloss often and as needed. But to be honest, I only put more on two more times and I never felt like my lips were too dry because I could always feel the thick gloss still there, even after my meals and everything! I actually wore it until about 11:30p.m., and while the color wasn’t quite as bold (maybe because I hadn’t glossed as often), it still held up wonderfully!
AND…you can actually rub your lips…HARD…with your fingers and it will NOT move. Like at all. Here’s a little video snippet taken at 11:15 p.m. after wearing the color for almost 12 hours! (Note: You may have to log into Vimeo to see it.)
As for the color, it was prettier than I imagined! I was a little scared to wear it out. Honestly, the idea of red lipstick and keeping teeth free from color scared the bajeezles out of me. Also, I like to steer clear of any colors that tend to give the illusion of yellowing teeth. The blue tones in this shade of red actually seemed to make my teeth look whiter, so I absolutely loved that!
I think I may try the Pearl gloss next to tone down the color a smidge, but overall, I thought it was fab!
However, there was one more step to this that freaked me out. With a color this bold that doesn’t budge, how would I get it off? Luckily they have another product called Oops Remover that was quick and painless! I think that there are some other oil-based products that will remove this easily enough, but this product did not disappoint – and left my lips feeling good afterward.
So let’s summarize – my favorite things about this product are:
- Staying power – it truly does what it claims to do! I’ve never seen another product do this before. Super impressive.
- Color was fab and stayed true – gave the illusion of whiter teeth
- Gloss felt great on – always felt moisturized. Didn’t feel the need to over-apply.
- Never had to worry about the bright lipstick rubbing off on my teeth!
So what are my cons/my dislikes of this product overall?
- Not in love with the packaging – no biggie. Who cares because it does what it says it will do?!
- It’s a bit pricey. It’s true. The lip kit isn’t the cheapest. BUT I have regular lipsticks in my collection that could be contenders – and they definitely do not last like this.
Final thoughts – would I purchase this? Yes I would. The main reason I’d purchase would be for a special event or a wedding. If I were getting married, I would absolutely buy LipSense for my wedding day. I wish I had known about this stuff was when I got married ten years ago! Between cake in the face, kissing the groom all night, toasts, food and lots of photo taking, I was worried all night that my naked lips were going to look weird in pics. I would have loved this then! It would also be great to have on vacations or even just to go swimming.
Am I ready to give up all my other lippies for just LipSense? Well, no. I’m a makeup junkie, so I could never give it all up for one brand! But I will say that I will want to reach for this first in the instances mentioned above!
Now that I’ve tried a bold color, I’m going to purchase a more natural-looking color to try for everyday (work and such). So that will be fun to test!
2019 Update to this post: I’ve gotten 2 new LipSense shades recently – one very natural one, and one with more color to show you! I purchased Caramel Apple, and y’all – this one has to be my fave of all three that I own so far! It’s perfect for any occasion, and is the prettiest pink with a hint of red! I am absolutely Loving it!
And my friend Ali gifted me a color called Sugarplum because I wanted something very subtle and neutral to wear to work! How pretty is this color?! It has little flecks of glitter in it! I love it – so subtle!
If you’re curious as to the color selection or want to find a consultant and give it a try, then check out my friend Ali’s Facebook Group, Ali Cat Cosmetics ! She will answer all of your questions if you go to her website right here! She has a FAB Instagram account where you can peep all of her products. Want 5% off your order plus free shipping? Use code “kymakeup5” and she will give you 5% off – but you must order through THIS FORM only. It’s a great deal because this stuff is almost never on sale!
Have you tried LipSense? If so, what’s your favorite color and gloss combo?
I used to sell Senegance and use Lipsense at least twice a week! Glad you liked it đ
Oh that’s awesome! I am excited to try a more subdued color that I’ll actually wear every day!
Jill, LipSense has been around for 19 years. So yes, it was out there for your wedding.
Hi Kristin! I had no idea it was around that long! That’s awesome! I have only heard of it in the last year which is why it was new to me đ Thanks for stopping by!
Loved hearing this from a non-consultant! I had always heard great things but hesitated because of the price. Sounds like it is definitely worth the money and I will have to try it out soon!
I’m so glad you liked it! I was also a little skeptical due to the price – but I definitely think it’s worth it for a special occasion at least!
I’m so glad a non-consultant decided to review these & give us your honest thoughts!! So helpful, I wasn’t too sure how to feel about these, thanks for giving us a heads up!
XO-L
http://agirlnamedlatisha.blogspot.com
I’m so glad you found it helpful, Latisha! Thanks for stopping by!
Great post! I’ve been so curious about this product!!
Hey Lori! Awesome – I’m so glad you liked it! I know a lot of people have been asking me about it so it was time for me to try it! đ
I have a friend that sells it and the way it was presented to me really turned me off. So I’m glad to see your opinion! It does seem pricey but if I have a special event come up I may look into purchasing one. Thanks for sharing!
Yeah it seems like it’s sort of marketed to make you think that you should only wear that stuff from now on to make it be effective – but I have gone back and forth between the LipSense and regular lipsticks just fine!
I’ve been interested in trying it out! I’ve looked at the colors that they offer and there are so many pretty choices!
OMG I know! I REALLY want to purchase a more subdued color – so hard to choose! They have a great selection.
I’m so glad to have found this review. It really is more helpful to have a review from somebody who isn’t trying to sell it to me. I wanted to try the red also because typically when I wear red, which I love it wears off too quickly or it seeps into the fine lines around my lips and then looks awful. I figured red would be best if it was a color stay. I really want to try this lipsense it’s all the range right now. Thanks for this review!
Hi Jen! I know – it seems like we only hear about this stuff from the people that sell it, right? If you like red, then you won’t be disappointed with this one. I was always to scared to wear it because I didn’t want it coming off on my teeth! But I didn’t have that problem with this stuff! And it never left any settling into my fine lines either, which is fab! Thanks so much for stopping by!
So I have some of this stuff and I do really like it! BUT do you feel like it almost burns when you first apply it? and it also has a pretty strong alcohol smell to it too! That being said, it stays on FOREVER so totally worth the slight tingling and smell!
It did burn a little when I first applied it as I added in the review! It kind of threw me off guard! But the second time I applied it, I didn’t feel anything. I guess everyone is different? I actually didn’t notice the smell, but I must admit I have a terrible sense of smell! haha!
I’m SUPER into Lipsense…I was skeptical at first too, but now I’m hooked!
Coming Up Roses
I was so skeptical too! So glad I tried it – there doesn’t seem to be anything like it out there, at least, not that I have found!
I love that you reviewed this because ALL the info I’ve seen on lipsense was purely from the sellers! It’s really nice to know that it really does what it says it does! I’m still hesitant on the price, since the only high end lipsticks I own my friends bought as gifts. But this does sound fantastic for weddings!! I’m sure I’ll be in plenty the next few years!
The price made me hesitate too – but once you buy the kit, then you can just buy the colors if you don’t want to buy different finishes. But I am excited to try all of those too – ha! It’s pretty worth it for the staying power, in my opinion! đ
The funny thing is, SeneGence/LipSense WAS around 10 years ago!! It’s been around since 1999!! It really is amazing stuff. Check out the eye liner and eye shadows!
That is crazy! I wonder why it’s just now getting so popular then? Either way, it’s great stuff! I’ll definitely need to check out their other products for sure! đ
Thank you so much for this review. I know people can be put off by never seeing any everyday peopleâs reviews! Honestly I do sell it, but only after 2 years of scepticism I tried it and with the first application was amazed when I rubbed my lips with Blu Red on and it didnât move. Seriously love at first application but I still have all my old makeup too!
So glad you liked my review! I am always amazed by it also! I love so many brands but I can honestly say that nothing has had the staying power that this stuff does – and especially with a red color, I don’t want to take any chances with it rubbing off on my teeth! Yikes! This stuff is so great! And worth the peace of mind đ Thanks so much for stopping by! XOXO
Iâm not as crazy about mine as I was at first , it seems to come off on the inside of my Lips. But I also tend to chew on my Lips which doesnât mix well with it.
Hi Tracy! One thing I have noticed with wearing mine is that the one time I used it without first exfoliating my lips was a mistake – I noticed it cracked a little bit and wore in on the inside a little bit as well! I always exfoliate first before I wear this stuff – and I just use my cheap like $1 e.l.f. lip exfoliant! Love that stuff! Maybe try that and see if it helps? Thanks so much for stopping by! XOXO
my cousin sells it so six months ago I gave it a try! Now have about 15 colors, 6 glosses and wear it daily! it really is awesome!
HI Karen! Isn’t it fab? I really need some more everyday type of colors – all I have are some boldies! I love subdued too đ I need to get shopping! Thanks so much for reading! XOXO
Love your review! I also sell it, not crazy like some you see. I mostly signed up to purchase at a discount. One thing I will say about it, compare ounce for ounce when comparing prices! The amount in the LipSense container surpasses that found in other brands. I always compare the content in all things – surprising how a âreal valueâ can be the most expensive option when you donât weigh out your options!
Thanks again. Iâve been reading your blog on other posts as well. Really enjoy it!
Hi Debbie! Such a great point! I feel like I rarely go through all my lippies though – but as much as I use this stuff, I’m glad there’s a lot in there! haha! I think it’s totally worth the money even though it’s expensive because I cannot tell you how often I check my lips to see if the color is bleeding or if I need to re-apply! SO annoying! I don’t have to worry about that with Lipsense of course! Thanks so much for reading, friend! XOXO
Honestly Ladies, I currently own 6 different Lipsence shades, & I honestly love them! The reason that I would say that itâs worth the price, is because you literally only have to apply three different coats, then the finish, & it stays on all day. it doesnât come off on your teeth, it doesnât come off on your finger if you accidentally rub your lip, and it doesnât come off on your boyfriends lips when you kiss him… so youâre not having to waste product by constantly reapplying throughout the day. As far as the alcohol, depending on the color of the lipstick, some products might smell a little stronger than others, but once you actually apply the product on your lips, it doesnât smell like alcohol. It tingles a bit when you first put it on, but then the tingle goes away! I have tried lipsense for a year, and I absolutely love it! ??
Hi Christina! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Sounds like you like it as much as I do! XOXO