In the Limelight: Essence Cosmetics XXXL Shine Lipgloss - Red Blossom and Nude Kiss Product Review

Are you one of those girls who hate the tacky, sticky, and gritty feeling of some lip glosses? Don't you hate how your hair sticks to your lips when the wind blows and you get a streak or two of gloss on your face? I am one of you then, if you are. These are just some of the reasons why I am not particularly fond of lip gloss. I don't like how gooey and thick some feel on the lips too, and it doesn't help if you have full lips (which I don't have anyway). When I was checking out the Essence Cosmetics counter in SM Cubao, I was looking for the translucent loose powder but it wasn't available (and still is), so decided to browse through their products. Although the selection was incomplete, I found myself enjoying looking and swatching whatever products are available, except for the foundations which I find a little too pink for my liking. The XXXL Shine Glosses caught my attention particularly a red and vibrant one. After a lot of swatching and thinking, I went home with two shades - Red Blossom and Nude Kiss.

Red Blossom is a gorgeous red shade with subtle shimmer that can effortlessly brighten one's face with just a swipe or two.

Nude Kiss, on the other hand, is a pretty nude pink shade with silver shimmers glitters that is perfect for no-makeup or dramatic smokey eyes.

What I like:

• These glosses are quite opaque and pigmented. 
• They have a strong fruity scent that I do not find overwhelming. While I am partial to unscented lip products (and makeup ad skin care in general), I am kinda pleased with the scent and find it nice.
• These glosses feel like jelly but aren't sticky and gooey and actually feels light on the lips.
• It provides a high shine finish that can easily add a little oomph to your matte lipsticks or simply on your bare lips.
• They are non-drying which is a huge plus for me. Who likes drying lip gloss formula anyway?
• No irritation nor allergic reaction on the lips.
• Inexpensive for only Php 139.00.
• Locally available at selected SM department stores.

What I don't like:

• Since these are non-sticky, the staying power isn't very long though they last for a good hour or two, particularly Red Blossom with a few sips in between.
• There's a slight taste in these glosses but they disappear pretty quickly.
• Nude Kiss leaves glitters on my lips once the colour and gloss are gone. That doesn't happen to Red Blossom though.

Overall rating: 4.75/5 I had to take away a few points due to longevity. Overall, I think these are good glosses for a drugstore brand and the inexpensive price tag.

Will I buy again? Yes, especially if they make a coral-pink shade.

Have you tried these glosses? What other product/s would you recommend from this brand? Cheers,