By: Mia Harper
Updated: July 12, 2017
Originally Published: July 9, 2017
A dear friend of mine recently ventured into selling LipSense (surprise!) and invited me into her sales group on Facebook. As a supportive friend, I thought I’d at least check it out.
Makeup has never been my forte; I’m more of a lip gloss and balm enthusiast. Lipstick often feels too bold for my taste, and I usually stick to the most nude or sheer shades I can find. So, when I first heard about LipSense, I wasn’t particularly intrigued. And the starting price? A whopping $55. I couldn’t help but scoff at that.
For someone with only a passing interest in lipstick, that price tag—which includes one lip color and a gloss—felt quite steep. At its core, LipSense operates as a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme, meaning the sellers will likely flood your newsfeed with posts, tutorials, and pictures. If that’s not your cup of tea, I completely get it. Luckily for me, my friend was pretty laid-back about it. She even invited me over to try out the product without any pressure, which made me more open to giving it a whirl.
The main appeal of LipSense is its impressive smudge-proof formula that stays put until you decide to take it off. If you’ve seen those videos of sellers rubbing their lips and showing off clean fingers, you know what I mean. While those clips can be a bit annoying, the product truly lives up to its claims. After going through the application process, which is a bit of a task, it better not budge!
Speaking of the application, it can feel a bit overwhelming at first. You need to apply three layers of color, allowing each one to dry for a few seconds, before sealing everything with the gloss. If you stray outside the lines (which I definitely did), you’ll need to buy their specialized remover—of course, at an additional cost. This isn’t the kind of lipstick you can slap on in a hurry or when you just want a quick touch-up. It requires a conscious commitment to wear it for the day, especially since removing it is just as meticulous as applying it.
Some users report that the color can make your lips feel a bit dry, likely due to the alcohol content. I personally experienced only a slight tingling sensation, but the gloss helped alleviate that dryness. You’ll likely find yourself using the gloss quickly as you’ll want to reapply to combat the parched feeling. Just be cautious, as it’s quite thick. Be ready to repurchase often—though I’m sure some will claim you can make it last for ages.
The color range is vast, with around 36 shades available. Some retired colors can fetch crazy prices on eBay, going for hundreds of dollars. For lipstick! I can’t wrap my head around that, but I’ve certainly splurged on quirky leggings myself, so who am I to judge?
Given my preference for subtler shades, I immediately dismissed about 75% of the colors. However, I did find a nude that I didn’t mind. For someone with brown skin, finding the right nude can be tricky, as many shades can appear chalky or washed out. “Bella,” the brand’s best-seller, wasn’t bad at all. I would have liked it a smidge darker, but I was convinced to try a few more colors for the full LipSense experience. I insisted on promptly removing them after the trial.
“Mauve Ice” was lovely but a tad frosty for my complexion, so we mixed it with “Purple Reign,” the boldest shade they offer. It’s a vibrant purple, and I’m not a fan of strong hues. The combination did tone it down a bit, but I still felt like I’d just finished a grape lollipop (yuck!). It wasn’t horrible, but I definitely reached for that remover as soon as we snapped a picture. Removing it is just as tedious as putting it on—probably best to use coconut oil or something similar for easier removal.
In conclusion, while I won’t be purchasing LipSense anytime soon due to the application process and price, I must say it’s not a bad product. I remain firmly on Team No Lipstick, but I’m grateful my friend was patient and understanding throughout this experience. It’ll be quite a while before I consider a $55 lip kit again, but I’m still on the lookout for my ideal shades!
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Summary:
I recently tried LipSense at the encouragement of a friend who sells it. Initially skeptical due to the price and my general aversion to bold makeup, I was surprised by how well the product performed. The smudge-proof formula and extensive color range impressed me, although the application process is time-consuming and the color can feel drying. While I likely won’t invest in LipSense anytime soon, I appreciate the experience and my friend’s low-pressure approach.