I have been on a quest this summer to find long lasting
lipsticks. I’ve tried many drugstore brands.
I love to read what other blogger think and LipSense kept
coming up with great reviews.
I usually wear lip gloss but love the colors and look of a
lipstick. I always find Lipstick is a constant struggle to keep it looking
fresh. On a daily basis I bite my lips,
sip tea, snack, etc, to the point that I find myself doing touch-ups or
re-applying almost every hour.
I decided to give LipSense a try – this video shows
my first impression using the LipSense color in Pink Champagne and The LipSense
Gloss in Bougainvillea.
What is LipSense?
LipSense by Senegence is said to be a smear-proof,
water-proof, budge-proof, kiss-proof, long-wear lipstick. Its lasting abilities are a result of
Senegence’s patented super-adhesive lip color formula, a multi-layered lip
color process, and sealing ‘top coats’ (aka glosses).
The Lipsense collection of colors and glosses is quite
expansive. There are so many shades of
the Lipsense Long Lasting Liquid Lip Colors available, plus a number of topcoat
gloss options (including matte, rose, pearl, glitter, and even diamond
finishes). And because of the 2-3 step
layering process, you are able to combine different colors and create completely
unique shades and combos.
Lipsense lip colors also contain cosmetic-grade alcohol,
which has two benefits: it prevents bacteria build-up in the product tubes, and
it exfoliates your lips and removes build-up leftover from other products.
LipSense products are vegan and cruelty-free.
LipSense’s Application Instructions
The key to Lipsense’s long-lasting abilities is partly in
the layering process.
Three coats of lip color is what Senegence recommends. Add the gloss on top to further lock in the
color as well as provide moisture, and you’ve got an application process like this:
- Prep lips by cleansing them – removing any lip balm or
other leftover products. Lips need to be completely clean of anything!
- Begin by applying the Lipsense lip color, in three thin coats
(allowing each layer 5 seconds to dry in between). Swipe the brush from one corner of the lip to
the other without rubbing the applicator back and forth – quick long swipes.
- Finish with a topcoat gloss to seal in the color and also
hydrate the lips.
- Clean up any mistakes with the Ooops! Remover.
When I looked up if the Oops! Remover was absolutely needed,
most reviews stated that regular soap and water or coconut oil will remove any
application mistakes or completely remove the lip color so I opted not to
purchase the remover.
Lips do need to be completely clean, I forgot and ended up with flaky, grainy lips - did not feel or look pleasant...
My Thoughts on The
Application Process
Since I’m more of a lip balm/tint wearer, I found the whole
LipSense application process to be a bit time consuming. It took me some time to get used to drawing
in my lips not only neatly, but also in one quick swipe.
This is important because the lip color starts out sticky,
and if you run the brush over the same spot a second time before it dries, it
can lift off some of the product and create a patchy look.
The good news is that even if you don’t get the first layer
right, most of the lip colors are so opaque that you can easily make
corrections with the next layer, or third layer.
What is the Formula Like?
The formula of the LipSense is that of a liquid lipstick, only
a little thinner.
The Lip Color is quite
sticky until you apply the gloss due to the product’s adhesive
ingredients.
After the full 3 coats (plus a top coat), I was surprised at
how light-weight it felt. It didn’t feel like I had layers of lip product on.
The lip color is also surprisingly flexible, and easily
moves with your lips as your stretch them out without cracking.
You may feel a slight tingling/burning sensation when the lip
color comes in contact with the lips, which typically lasts around 5-10
seconds, this is from the cosmetic grade alcohol to prevent the growth of
bacteria in your tubes and it removes build-up from other products.
To prevent this, it’s important to take extra care of your
lips – that means always keeping your lips moisturized and smooth.
Now the Gloss
The main purpose is to seal in the lip color, but they also
provide hydration that penetrates through the lip color to reach your
lips.
They can even be used alone to add shine and moisturize the
lips, as they’re formulated similar to a lip balm.
LipSense Wear Test
Impressively, upon the initial application, the LipSense lip
color is completely kiss-proof, smudge-proof, and waterproof, just as it
claims.
During the first 3-4 hours of wear, it was bulletproof and
lasted through drinking, talking, and even a few quick smooches – with no
transferring.
Even after 5-6 hours, the color was still looking as fresh
as when I had first applied it. The
gloss, however, had pretty much worn off and I was starting to notice flaking around
the corners and fading around the inner part of the lips after eating.
To avoid this, apply the topcoat/gloss just before eating,
as it helps create a barrier between the food and will minimize fading.
It wasn’t until 8 hours later that the lip color really
started to break down.
After continuing to test out LipSense for a full week, I
learned that the key to making the color last all day is the top coat gloss –
it needs applied frequently – every 3 hours or so. It’s not just there to add shine and
re-hydrate – it really does help to coat and protect the base layers of color
for longer wear.
So Does LipSense Really Last All Day?
You may have come across reviews where they share photos of
their LipSense lasting all day – sometimes going as far as wearing while they
sleep, brush their teeth, and then some, just to prove how long it lasts.
In my case, average wear time is typically anywhere from 6-8
hours, and tends to vary based on a few factors like:
- How often I eat and drink throughout the day
- How often I re-apply the gloss top coat
- How much dry skin, and build-up is on my lips
My Final Thoughts
Overall, LipSense lipstick definitely does rank as one of
the longer-wearing lipsticks currently on the market.
What I found most impressive is that it lasts through
touching, rubbing, chatting, and drinking once it’s initially set, and outlasts
other lipsticks. – see the video above when I
tested it out on a cup right after application.
The only downsides to LipSense, in my opinion, are that:
- Frequent re-glossing is a must.
- The application process can be somewhat lengthy (and also
take some practice, especially if you’re a lip balm-wearer, or swipe-and-go
kinda gal like myself).
- $30 for the Lip Color and $25 for the Gloss it can be
pricey.
I don’t wear LipSense everyday purely because of the
application process - sometimes I just want a ‘swipe-and-go’ lip product,
especially on busy mornings.
However, for special occasions and going out, that’s when
I’ll reach for my LipSense. It performs amazingly well whenever I’m out having
drinks and/or a light meal.
It gives me peace of mind knowing that it’s not going to
smear all over my margarita glass or on my teeth.
To purchase LipSense for yourself, check out their website
at https://www.lipsense.com
Or Follow my
distributor Tracey at Put Your Best Lips Forward on Facebook
And Instagram
Tracey is great at posting application tips and other
helpful LipSense info!!
Thanks for supporting my blog 💕
~Jennifer
