L'OREAL'S CLAIM

L'Oréal says this is, "First lipstick that adapts uniquely to the moisture of your lips to form a bespoke, individual colour. The result: a tailor-made shade of pink with a subtle finish. The Universal Lip Glow feels light and non-drying on your lips. A natural shade of pink, just for you. Enriched with pomegranate extract, emollient oil and polymers, Universal Lip Glow leaves the lips feeling soft and supple."


MY EXPERIENCE

I bought this product a few months ago, soon after its launch, when I saw it on a shop special offer, and I also had a voucher to put towards it.

It sounded good for someone like me who likes discreet make-up, preferably with added protective benefits.

I found the consistency, straight from the tube, quite hard, and easier to apply in a warmer environment. Although L'Oreal says that it is gel, rather than wax based, I think it tastes slightly waxy. The smell was pleasantly lightly fruity.

I applied it first directly onto my cleansed lips. The colour of my lips was then very slightly darker than my natural "Rosy-Pink" colour. My lips felt like they were protected with a light consistency balm that stayed on the surface, but did not sink in, so did not moisturise beyond the top layer.

I then tried using a moisturiser on my lips, before using this Lip Glow. This resulted in the colour of my lips becoming slightly lighter than my natural colour. They now felt well protected and moisturised. However, L'Oreal does not say that this contains a sunscreen, and the transparent nature of the colour will presumably have little or no effect on filtering harmful rays.

Overall I feel that this is just an over-priced gimmicky type of lip balm. If it were the average price of a lip balm, I would recommend it. However, I do not think it is worth the recommended price of £8.49, especially since I have to use a moisturiser first to get a good finish on my lips. (I should add that when using lipstick that isn't specifically aimed at moisturising as well as colouring, I also use a moisturiser on my lips before application.)


SUMMARY

Lip Glow provides subtle natural looking transparent colour.

When on, and warmed to my skin's natural temperature, the gel-like consistency feels more like a lip balm than a lipstick.

The amount of time the product stays on lips is average for a balm on me, and less than Colour Riche Lipsticks.

I think this is average tinted lip balm quality for an inflated price.


COMPARISON

As L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipsticks are a similar price to their Lip Glow, I would much prefer to buy a subtle shade in Colour Riche. I find L'Oreal's COLOUR RICHE Lipsticks FAR BETTER VALUE for money, slightly longer lasting and much more moisturising than L'Oreal's Lip Glow.


RECOMMENDATION

I would not recommend L'Oreal Lip Glow, unless you get find it at less than half the recommended price of £8.49.