STAFF WRITER: SOPHIE MACHESKY
No one can scroll through social media without seeing a video of someone trying a new makeup product. In my leisure time, I love to watch these videos. I think makeup application is so calming and pleasurable. In particular, I have been increasingly interested in the market of lip products.
Since I was little, I have been collecting lip balms. More recently, I have been getting products like lipsticks, glosses, liners, oils, and more. I don’t even have big, juicy lips, but I still enjoy applying lip products because I find it therapeutic. When searching for a good lip product, I look for are:
- Color pay off and shine
- Hydration and a comfortable lasting effect
- A wearable scent/taste
QUALITIES OF A UNIQUE LIP GLOSS
In recent makeup videos, influencers have been raving about a unique lip gloss formula made by the brand Tower 28 Beauty. This gloss is described as a “shineon lip jelly non-sticky gloss.” According to the product page on Sephora’s website, “this vegan lip jelly, which has the high shine of a gloss, the comfort of a balm, and a touch of juicy sheer color, uses a unique blend of five nurturing oils to soothe and protect lips from drying and peeling.” Each gloss comes in clear, sleek packaging. Tower 28 Beauty offers 11 shades with a high-shine finish and one with a shimmery finish. The colors range from a clear gloss to more nudes, pinks, reds, oranges, and purples. I chose to try the shade called “pistachio,” which is a “semi-sheer, milky nude pink.”
WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK
Out of 3,587 reviews on Sephora’s website, this lip jelly has an average rating of 4.5 stars, with 90% of reviewers recommending the product. Some customers shared their remarks saying “I LOVE this product!! It’s super hydrating and makes my lips so glossy!!! The color is also so good and looks super nice on my skin!” and “This is the first kind of lip gloss used that even after drinking and eating the color still stays on your lips.”
WEAR TEST
I applied this lip gloss right before leaving for my class at 10:35 a.m. The first thing that I noticed upon application was a nice scent, which ironically reminded me of a nut roll. The pigment was very nice, too; I didn’t have to use a lot of product to cover my lips. I was also pleasantly surprised that it didn’t feel sticky, but felt more like a smooth balm. By the time my class ended at 11:50 a.m., I noticed very little deviation in the formula. Sure, there was slightly less product on my lips than when I first put it on, but ultimately, the hydration and feeling of lip gloss lasted. I then reapplied after eating lunch, and again, the formula lasted throughout my next class from 1:35 p.m. to 2:50 p.m.
PROS AND CONS
Pros:
- Beautiful color payoff and shine
- Pleasurable scent
- Non sticky
- Comfortable feeling on lips that lasts
As apparent in the before and after photos, the gloss in the shade pistachio brings a lively, natural color to my otherwise dull lips. I think this product is great for anyone who would like to amp up their makeup. A clear gloss would just put shine on my pale lips, while this shade provides a more vivid color. Even without makeup, one might enjoy applying this gloss to feel better about their look. In terms of the actual product, I can’t foresee any cons. The tests that I previously mentioned (color pay off, shine, hydration, lasting formula, and a wearable scent/taste) were all agreeably met with the Tower 28 lip jelly.
WHERE TO BUY
This product retails for $16. It’s available on many online sites like Tower 28’s website, Amazon, and Sephora. By creating a Sephora account and downloading their app, you can get free shipping.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’re not into wearing lip gloss, this may not be a good product for you. If you value hydration over looks, you might be more interested in a normal lip balm like Aquaphor (an inexpensive, unscented lip balm) or Summer Friday’s (a pricey but effective lip balm that comes in sheer shades with delicious scents). It’s become more common for makeup products to be expensive, but for the price, I think the Tower 28 lip jelly provides good value. I’d rate this product 5 stars because I’ve never before tried a lip gloss that doesn’t feel sticky nor drying on my lips. This gloss feels more like a balm, but also gives incredible color pay off.
