Lip gloss can give your lips a perpetually moist and glistening look that takes your makeup to the next level. However, some lip gloss formulas can dry out your lips or make them feel sticky. Some need to be reapplied constantly and others are so sheer, they don’t provide much coverage.
Anastasia Beverly Hills claims to solve these problems with their Lip Gloss. It is formulated to deliver intensity similar to a lip stain, yet with a “mirror-like glossy finish.” The brand promises this full-pigment gloss is weightless and comfortable to wear.
Since this sounded like it checked all the right boxes, we wanted to see if Anastasia Beverly Hills’ claims were true. Could this lip gloss really give your lips great color and shine? We tested the product and here is what we found.
In the past, our tester has used Revlon, NYX and Essence. They have worn both clear gloss and gloss with color, depending on the occasion. Our tester typically chooses lip gloss over lip stain because it can be reapplied more smoothly. Their preference is for a lip gloss that is light in color or clear, goes on easily over lipstick and lip liner, and doesn’t turn sticky.
For this article, our tester used the Anastasia Lip Gloss shade called Kristen, a solid color with no shimmer or shine. They wore it for several occasions to learn how it applied and performed, as well as how easy it was to remove. They took extensive notes on their experience, which were used to compile this review.
Anastasia Lip Gloss is a full-pigment, vegan and cruelty-free lip gloss. It offers the intensity of a lip stain and has a hint of vanilla scent. Anastasia Lip Gloss colors span a wide palette of shades and three finishes.
The eye-appealing packaging of these lip gloss tubes matches the rest of the Anastasia makeup collection. There is an ample supply of product and the color is easily seen through the clear tube.
According to the manufacturer, to get a more natural lip look, simply apply a complementary neutral shade of lip gloss over your bare lips. If you’d like to intensify your look and make your lips appear fuller, apply a matching shade of lip gloss over your favorite color of Anastasia’s Matte Lipstick.
The top tube of the Anastasia Lip Gloss twists off and is attached to the brush applicator. We applied one coat to the top lip and one coat to the bottom lip, and it provided plenty of coverage. The resulting color was a subtle, pinky nude with a high gloss that left our lips feeling hydrated and smooth.
We were happy to discover that the lip gloss Anastasia has formulated does not dry — it remains glossy until it has naturally worn off or been removed. Also, the color lasts as long as the gloss lasts, and no flaking or stickiness resulted from wearing the gloss throughout the day. As with other lip glosses, however, we did have to reapply occasionally.
Removing the Anastasia Lip Gloss was very easy, and there was no residue left behind from the gloss or color.
Anastasia Lip Gloss comes in a sleek, compact tube. There are plenty of colors to choose from to find the best match, and it has a pleasing vanilla scent. There are three finishes: The lacquer finish offers full coverage with a high shine; the metallic finish is a highly pigmented gloss with an intense shimmer; and the sparkle finish is translucent to provide a multidimensional effect.
Here are a few other lip glosses we think are worth a try.
NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss
This cruelty-free, non-sticky lip gloss is available in 31 different colors and offers sheer to medium coverage. Butter Gloss goes on smoothly and hydrates your lips while making them look plump and full with a hint of glistening color.
Maybelline’s nurturing lip gloss is formulated with hyaluronic acid to give your lips long-lasting hydration. You can use the extra-large wand to fully coat your lips with a glistening shine that helps give them a fuller, lifted look.
Lancôme Juicy Tubes Original Lip Gloss
Apply this lip gloss with a press of the tube tip applicator to get the perfect amount of ultra-glossy shine. Formulated with vitamin E, this lip gloss both hydrates and softens lips, making them feel cushiony smooth. It is available in sparkle, creamy and jelly finishes.
Sold by Macy’s, Sephora and Ulta.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss costs $16 for a 0.16-ounce tube.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss is available at Macy’s, Sephora and Ulta.
The pigmentation in the Anastasia Lip Gloss is perfect — bold enough to be visible without being overpowering. This collection offers a wide variety of colors and gloss levels, making it possible for nearly anyone to find a favorite shade. We like that the lip gloss doesn’t turn sticky or flake throughout the day, and it keeps lips feeling hydrated and smooth for hours. This product comes in a larger tube than lip glosses we’ve used in the past and is a good value.
The biggest drawback with this product was the need to reapply. While it works very well and keeps your lips looking hydrated, colored and glossy, within a short period of time, you will need to reapply.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss is perfect for the wearer who wants a daytime lip gloss that is not too overpowering but still provides a polished look. It works with nearly any outfit or skin tone and gives lips great color and shine. If that is what you want from your lip gloss, this is an excellent choice.
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Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
