Sometimes, I wake up to some pretty crazy DMs and e-mails from distributors in the Multi-Level-Marketing business. "You look BEAUTIFUL - buy my product!" "Be a tester for this really crazy trial that we don't mention you get charged for later!" The list goes on and on.. I've heard every speech there is and every excuse to get me to buy, but I continually said no due to the almost repetitive vibe that came off of the distributors. Bottom line, they were focused on making a sale and not speaking to the need of the customer.
Soliciting at its finest, I suppose. As someone studying multi-million dollar business management and seeing the unethical and unprofessional marketing ploys that these distributors held, I became appalled quickly. With the continuous scripts being sent in my direction, I decided it was time to turn away from MLM companies and closet them until another blog decided to take the bait and review the products, get sucked into the scheme, and continue to be hounded about purchases.
Then I met Jodie, who approached me in a way that surpassed any distributor's mannerisms and tactics. She was kind, straightforward, and made me feel like there was no pressure whatsoever in her asking to send me products to review. After hearing a bit about her life as a stay at home mom and her true passion as a LipSense distributor, I couldn't help but feel honored. She's a very hardworking woman who certainly knows how to handle customers and those inquiring about LipSense, so I strongly recommend using her has your distributor too! Her contact information as well as her in-stock album is listed below:
Jodie's Info:
LipSense Distributor ID: 245569
Instagram: @aceofshades.jc
OVERVIEW:
I'm sure the name LipSense has been everywhere from here to Timbuktu at this point, but let's add some profile to the product. LipSense is the top selling brand named product of SeneGence, a MLM company specializing in all things beauty. LipSense is a vegan, cruelty free, gluten, lead, wax, and GMO free product that has gone absolutely viral. If you've ever watched a video of a girl smacking two-toned lips together and revealing no transfer, that's exactly what this is. Allegedly, LipSense is an all-day wear transfer-proof lipstick that is supposed to be comfortable and maintain the same freshness from application to removal time.
So, what's the secret to this magical and seemingly life proof lipstick? Well, it's all in the special sealing gloss that comes with the kit. There are many different types of glosses, but there are two categories these can be listed under - a gloss-like topcoat that has a matte finish, and a continually glossy topper. There's also a special "Oops Remover" lipstick removal product that comes with the kit that is used to break down the product at the end of the day. Overall, the lipstick kit is full of different assurances that the product won't come off when you don't want it to, and will remove when you do.
With all of these bells and whistles, it probably comes as no surprise that the LipSense kit comes with its own instruction manual as well. The instructions give tips and tricks on how to use it, the best way to utilize your gloss, how the natural exfoliation process of the products works over time, how to apply, and how to remove. There's a specific way to apply the LipSense lipstick color itself and of course, the gloss. Also, with different shades comes different techniques and so on to prevent cracking, less wear-time, and the disgusting feeling of caked on product. I was able to pick the color of my choice, and it so happened to be one of the more opaque colors that needs special care.
Finally, let's discuss price: To get a starter kit, it will run $55USD, any additional colors are $25, Glosses are $20, and refills of the Oops Remover cost $10. The kit includes the Oops Remover, the Glossy-Gloss Topcoat, and a LipSense lipstick color of your choice. Thankfully, Jodie was sweet enough to send me one alongside a couple more goodies including a lovely note and a face mask (which honestly has me excited because I'm a face mask addict), so I didn't have to splurge on this rather expensive set. It's also worth mentioning that Jodie let me pick out my own shade, so I chose First Love, a gorgeous neutral-pink nude that I think would suit me for absolutely any occasion.
That's a lot of information, so if there are any new users of LipSense reading this, I'll be sure to include the video Jodie sent me of how to apply the nude-toned/more opaque LipSense lipsticks.
How to Apply Light/Matte LipSense Colors
REVIEW - APPLICATON & WEAR:
DISCLAIMER: LipSense suggests that a Sugar Scrub may help "speed up the exfoliation process." I used my typical Lush lip scrub before applying so I could test this like any liquid lipstick I wear on any other days.
I'm going to start by debunking a couple of things that I think my experience didn't have. First off, a lot of complaints are about the smell; people do not like their lipsticks smelling like alcohol, and I can agree. I don't think that First Love had much of an alcohol smell to it outside of the bottle. On the applicator and while applying it, it was a "barely there" sort of smell that I had the ability to kind of ignore. I think that it's way less potent than Huda Beauty's liquid lipsticks that smell like straight shots of Pinnacle Whipped and linger - and I didn't like Huda's - but it isn't the most scentless lipstick. Overall though, I'm not bothered.
In fact, that was an after-thought while I was applying because it was replaced by my overall impression of the color. I noticed the intense opacity of First Love instantaneously and it made me so happy that so little product could achieve such a bold look. Now, for a nude, that doesn't say much because a lot of nude lipsticks are opaque, but this one is next-level opaque. I personally decided to apply the recommended three coats but I almost feel like this one is easier to get away with the other recommended two. It's also worth mentioning that as someone who is super pale and cool toned throughout, it's very difficult to find a nude lipstick for me that isn't too loud or orange. First Love is a very true-to nude that is just one shade darker than my natural lip color. It doesn't look excessively mauve, it's just a nice natural pink that I can see myself wearing every day.
The second complaint I hear about is the dryness that comes out of wearing this product - this can easily be solved so long as you are frequently applying and reapplying the sealing gloss that came with the kit. I don't just urge it, it's set into the instructions multiple times to assure you know that you NEED to apply the gloss. I totally recommend applying it before and after eating, and if you're doing a lot of talking or showing off how transfer-proof the product is.
The third and final elephant in the room where people have questions and complaints involves the "burning" sensation. Maybe it's because I pre-exfoliated, however, I did not experience the burning that people are so bent on talking about. I'm sorry if it's happened to you, but I didn't have an issue. I can see it burning if you have cracks and chapped lips whichc I totally recommend using a lip scrub for exfoliating dead skin and adding some hydration to the lips. (Or you can use the LipSense gloss in a new way and let it do the repairing for you! It's recommended!) Instead of a burning sensation, I felt the SD40 alcohol evaporating and leaving that "cold" felling across my lips. It lasted for a matter of seconds per application of the lipstick itself and I didn't really think much of it later.
So, overall was the applying process easy? Yes! I spent so little time applying this lipstick and wondering if it was going to bleed through like some of my regular liquid lips do. I would say that LipSense takes no more time than applying a regular liquid lipstick, but I do have a few tips:
I'm very impressed by how wonderfully the gloss product holds up as well. It isn't a gloss that you absolutely need to reapply every twenty minutes or you're SOL with the product's performance. It lingers well to where it's glossy enough and sealed and I won't have to worry about it for a while, but a touch-up doesn't hurt every so often. It does have a slight stick to it, but it's not as sticky as you're probably imagining. It's tacky, but it's not a hot mess on your lips. I also want to say it's not like it's one of those lip glosses that looks collected into the opening of your mouth. That's one of my least favorite parts of lipgloss that I almost can never get over. Usually I'll be removing it the second I see that gross collective gunk. It's a healthy looking hydrating lip gloss that gives off the sexiness of lip gloss but without the disgusting hassles in it.
In fact, that was an after-thought while I was applying because it was replaced by my overall impression of the color. I noticed the intense opacity of First Love instantaneously and it made me so happy that so little product could achieve such a bold look. Now, for a nude, that doesn't say much because a lot of nude lipsticks are opaque, but this one is next-level opaque. I personally decided to apply the recommended three coats but I almost feel like this one is easier to get away with the other recommended two. It's also worth mentioning that as someone who is super pale and cool toned throughout, it's very difficult to find a nude lipstick for me that isn't too loud or orange. First Love is a very true-to nude that is just one shade darker than my natural lip color. It doesn't look excessively mauve, it's just a nice natural pink that I can see myself wearing every day.
The second complaint I hear about is the dryness that comes out of wearing this product - this can easily be solved so long as you are frequently applying and reapplying the sealing gloss that came with the kit. I don't just urge it, it's set into the instructions multiple times to assure you know that you NEED to apply the gloss. I totally recommend applying it before and after eating, and if you're doing a lot of talking or showing off how transfer-proof the product is.
The third and final elephant in the room where people have questions and complaints involves the "burning" sensation. Maybe it's because I pre-exfoliated, however, I did not experience the burning that people are so bent on talking about. I'm sorry if it's happened to you, but I didn't have an issue. I can see it burning if you have cracks and chapped lips whichc I totally recommend using a lip scrub for exfoliating dead skin and adding some hydration to the lips. (Or you can use the LipSense gloss in a new way and let it do the repairing for you! It's recommended!) Instead of a burning sensation, I felt the SD40 alcohol evaporating and leaving that "cold" felling across my lips. It lasted for a matter of seconds per application of the lipstick itself and I didn't really think much of it later.
So, overall was the applying process easy? Yes! I spent so little time applying this lipstick and wondering if it was going to bleed through like some of my regular liquid lips do. I would say that LipSense takes no more time than applying a regular liquid lipstick, but I do have a few tips:
- -I do NOT recommend overlining with this product if you're using a gloss finish topper. Having a gloss overline does not make the lips more full and luscious, it looks like you forgot how to apply lip gloss. This is mostly a matter of opinion, but I have tried, so don't say I didn't warn ya. ;)
- -I certainly recommend keeping the gloss topper on hand when you're wearing this lipstick to prevent drying and cracking throughout the day. It's just as easy and effortless to apply the gloss as any other.
- -If you use a lip scrub, I recommend blotting your lips so that the excess oils of the scrub and remaining sugar product is gone.
I'm very impressed by how wonderfully the gloss product holds up as well. It isn't a gloss that you absolutely need to reapply every twenty minutes or you're SOL with the product's performance. It lingers well to where it's glossy enough and sealed and I won't have to worry about it for a while, but a touch-up doesn't hurt every so often. It does have a slight stick to it, but it's not as sticky as you're probably imagining. It's tacky, but it's not a hot mess on your lips. I also want to say it's not like it's one of those lip glosses that looks collected into the opening of your mouth. That's one of my least favorite parts of lipgloss that I almost can never get over. Usually I'll be removing it the second I see that gross collective gunk. It's a healthy looking hydrating lip gloss that gives off the sexiness of lip gloss but without the disgusting hassles in it.
REVIEW - REMOVAL & POST-REMOVAL
LipSense says that it's a 4-18 hour wear lipstick that is willing to endure kisses, smudging, feathering, water, and any sort of budging or activities that involve moving the product. The key is obviously the gloss, but it's still so life-proof with minimal gloss on, which kind of blows my mind. I've been playing around with attempting to transfer this lipstick for the past five hours and so far there has been absolutely nothing to move it. I've eaten, I've drank coffee, I'm on my third bottle of water, I called my boyfriend, I've done yoga, pilates, and have done various tests on Snapchat for my friends who want to see. There is nothing that will take it off!! Thankfully, SeneGence was smart enough to create a specific remover for LipSense products.
The Oops! Remover is a fatty alcohol (a beneficial and hydrating alcohol) and oil based remover to be used when you're ready to remove your LipSense. Already, I'm very impressed with it and I haven't even applied it. Instead of it smelling like makeup remover, there's a vanilla scent to it that is pleasant and light, not overpowering and alcoholic.
Of course, to LipSense's true nature, there are instructions on how to remove it as well. The remover is to be used generously, you're supposed to let it sit, use warm water to wipe it away and finish with a dry cloth. It says to do this step 2-3 times and then apply the gloss again to rehydrate your lips from the removal process. It does sound like a lot to remove it and I don't know if I'd want to sit there for an excess of time to wipe off my lipstick alone and still not be done with LipSense for the day post-removal, but for the sake of seeing how well it works, I'm absolutely willing to give it a whirl.
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So I'm really impressed with the remover as well - I think it was just as mesmerizing to watch the product break down with the remover applied as it was to play with the application of the LipSense color. The wait wasn't as tedious as I thought it would be - in fact I think it was because I kept myself busy with making the water on my washcloth warm. The remover instructions recommend using the remover 2-3 times, but I only had to use it once and the LipSense was removed. My guess with the removal process and how often you need to use it is with the size of your lips and how much you applied and let the remover sit. I let mine sit for the whole 60 seconds and it took everything off as soon as I went in with the warm watered cloth.
After removing LipSense, my lips don't feel as dry as I've heard from other users. They can totally use some hydration so I will be applying a bit of the gloss but for the most part, there are no cracks, no dead pieces falling off, and no horrific irritation that would steer me away from using the product.
SUMMARY:
After months of turning down distributors left and right, I have to say that Jodie has given me a new impression that not all distributors are bad. I super-duper recommend going through her if you want someone who will provide an excellent service without pressure and someone who wants to truly make you feel confident in yourself and your lipstick. If you're reading this, please go give her some love and support, even if it is just letting her know what a good job she's doing keeping a positive reputation around LipSense and SeneGence. I cannot stress how many times I've received what was essentially a prompted message in my DMs that made me feel less than enthused about their product and caused me to turn them down, but she is certainly an exception with an amazing heart.
Now onto LipSense - I think that the product is approved by me. Every claim in the instructions related to its benefits and transfer-proof ability held true while I wore it, it's an effortless product to apply as well as it is to remove, and nothing really stuck out as a major con to me. I will say that the one thing I could maybe point out as a con would be how quickly the gloss will go because you do have to continually reapply it, but if you want that magical transformation to completely transfer-proof lipstick, that's the price you'd have to pay. I do think that there's a lot of product per bottle so the price is justified with the .25fl oz that arrives to you. I think the remover and color will go much farther, which is also a bonus because you'll probably hardly ever have to stock up unless you want a new color.
This is a very fun lipstick to play with and a really cool invention to show off to your friends. I can see it being used especially for people who work the 9-5 and don't want to worry about their lipstick breaking down during their lunch break, it's an awesome idea for a wedding look especially if you're the bride and doing a lot of kissing, and it's great for those nights clubbing where you need something extra reliable as you party with your friends. I almost don't see a situation where LipSense wouldn't come in handy, which makes me very happy to tell you all about it. I think that there are a lot of instructions that come with the product that turns people away from using it or recommending it. The reality of it is, I don't see these instructions as too much for the results you get. You're about to wear a lipstick all day, and to assure it stays and doesn't give you problems, would you prefer to read the instructions and know how to keep it going? I would.
LipSense is very approved by me - and if you'd like to see me wear it in full action, you can check out my Beauty Instagram @Lys_Glitz.
Thank you for reading! I hope your day or night is lovely!
xoxo,
Lys
You have a heart of gold. Thank you so much for your kind words!
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