Review - e.l.f. Essential EX-tra Lip Gloss

I never really enjoyed wearing lip gloss until I found these bad boys.

These are the (fairly) new glosses from e.l.f.'s Essential line, which retail for $2 on the e.l.f. website: http://www.eyeslipsface.com/elf/lips/gloss/ex-tra_lip_gloss. There are 6 different shades in this collection, and I happen to have 5 of them. 

From Left to Right: Scott, Brian, Marc, Michael, Brett

Here's what the website has to say:

       "This ultra-smooth, rich colored gloss is loaded with extra ingredients to moisturize and condition. Create lips so gorgeous, they'll have your exes wanting you back! Enriched with Vitamins A&E, Cocoa Butter, Sunflower, Avocado, and Grape to nourish and protect the lips. The unique applicator shape applies precise color for a perfectly pouty look."

I have to admit, I didn't expect a lot from these glosses. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how pigmented these glosses are! They do not feel sticky whatsoever (I have a personal hatred for sticky glosses) and feel very thin when you apply them to your lips. They almost remind me of a lip cream, because of their pigmentation and thin texture. The Ex-tra Glosses have a light vanilla scent that I really enjoy. All the shades look like they have a slight shimmer in the package, but appear to be just creamy color on my lips.

The applicator is long and flat on both sides, making it really easy for a precise application.


The Swatches:

Lip Swatch of Scott

Scott Swatched on Hand

 Scott is a very neutral nude gloss. I don't find that I look very good in most nudes, but this gloss has enough color in it to perk up my skin tone. Love!

Lip Swatch of Brian

Brian Swatched on Hand

 Brian is a very light baby pink shade. This is an awesome lip gloss to put over a nude lipstick to make it a little more pink!

Lip Swatch of Marc

Marc Swatched on Hand

These shades keep getting more and more opaque as we get into the deeper shades. Marc is like a medium pink that is very neutral. On myself, I find this to be a "My Lips But Better" kind of shade. Very wearable and pretty!

Lip Swatch of Michael

Michael Swatched on Hand

At first glance, I wasn't crazy about the shade Michael; but when I actually applied it to my lips, I fell in love. It's a beautiful plum/berry color that is a nice statement color when applied on a pale girl like myself. 

Lip Swatch of Brett

Brett Swatched on Hand

Finally, we have the bold Brett shade. This is a very bright red, with a slight blue undertone to it. It's super opaque, shiny, and gorgeous! Great as a Summertime red.

Verdict:

I love the EX-tra Glosses for their pigmentation and texture. They honestly feel like a hybrid between a lip balm and a lip gloss. They have never dried out my lips. I find that a lot of lip products (even glosses) can dry out my lips after wearing them for several hours, but these glosses are an exception.

However, I should note that the longevity of this product is not spectacular. If you're eating or drinking, you will definitely have to reapply or touch up. The lighter shades last around 2 hours on my lips, and the darker shades last slightly longer. The staying power isn't a deal breaker for me though, because they aren't advertised as a long wearing product. 

In conclusion, I definitely recommend these glosses. I was always a newbie to lip gloss, but these seriously changed my opinion on gloss in a positive way. And you can't beat the 2 dollar price tag!