Review: Stila Lip Glaze in Holly

The Stila Lip Glaze is basically a lip gloss with a fancy name and rather fancy packaging. Instead of a classic doe foot applicator, it comes in a tube with an in-buit brush. Product is dispensed onto the brush by twisting the clicking mechanism at the end. The brush allows for more precise application while you're on the go. I think one click is meant to be enough for one application, though I usually find myself using at least four or five for an even finish.

The shade Holly is actually rather gorgeous. It's what I'd describe as a slightly muted candy apple red which instantly brightens up the complexion. It's bold, but the glossy finish makes it casual enough to wear during the day time as well.

The pigmentation is spot on for a strong colour, though it won't completely blot out the natural colour of your lips. As far as glossy lip products go, however, it's definitely on the stronger side.

Stila Lip Glaze in Holly lip swatch

My one criticism is that you really don't get a lot of product in one stick. Like I said above it does take four or five clicks to get an even finish and I'm already more than halfway through mine even though I've barely used it.

The Stila Lip Glazes cost £15 each and are available in a huge array of colours. I can't seem to find this particular one on the Stila website, but the shades strawberry and cranberry look fairly similar.

Review: Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Gloss

Although I'm quite a big Soap and Glory fan, my foray into their make-up range has been limited to this lip gloss which came in a set and a mascara which came as a freebie in a magazine. You've got to hand it to them, though, that as far as product naming goes, Soap and Glory aren't exactly afraid to take risks!

The shade I got here is "Punchbowl" - apologies for the slightly blurry photo above. Punchbowl is a bright magenta pink, but don't let the colour in the tube scare you, as it translates as a slightly sheerer, milkier colour onto the lips.

One thing I didn't know before I tried this, but that I realised VERY, VERY quickly upon application, is that this is a plumping gloss. Yes, one of those that make your lips tingle and sting as soon as they get in contact with your lips. I can't deny that there is a certain plumping effect to my lips. It feels like I'm naturally pushing them out a little more without even realising - just to get rid of that feeling that I'm being stung by nettles. The sensation lasts about 15-20 minutes after application and comes back (albeit a lot weaker) with each re-application.

Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss in Punchbowl - swatch on hand

Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss in Punchbowl - swatch on lips

The swatches above show quite clearly the milkiness that I mentioned earlier. Personally, I find that it adds to the colour and it also makes it a loss more wearable than a full on neon pink.

Stinging sensation aside, I actually really rate this gloss. It's easy to build colour to a desired level which is rare in glosses and it's not overly sticky either. Constant reapplication is unfortunately unavoidable as with every gloss.

If it wasn't for the plumping effect which I really don't like, now that the novelty factor has worn off, I'd be wearing this gloss pretty much all the time. If the stinging of plumping glosses doesn't bother you, then I'd definitely recommend you give this one a try!

A tube of Sexy Mother Pucker gloss costs £9 and you can find it here.