While I’d call myself a fan of bold, bright lipstick looks — namely red — I can also appreciate the look and feel of a subtle lip. Having a little sheen, a little gloss, and just a little bit of color can be excellent for a more subdued overall makeup look or a “no makeup” makeup day. The So Juicy Plumping Gloss Balm With Peptides from ColourPop I think fits into this area of beauty perfectly; it gives me the tint I’m looking for without being too heavy.
Juicy Finish Meets Lip Balm
I’ve now worn the shade “Vaycay Mode” for a few days and my initial impressions so far are quite positive. As I mentioned in my Makeup Haul, this shade is a cross between a light mauve pink and coral and goes on the lip very sheer; not as sheer as a tinted lip balm — I think it still gives the lips a good amount of pigment — but its still transparent with a very juicy and glossy finish. It makes them look full and shiny and like glass.
What I thought was amazing was how this shade really seemed to enhance my natural lips. I know that may sound weird, but I think the slight hint of color really made their natural color shine and the product itself really seemed to glide on flawlessly. I tried putting it on half of my mouth to compare it to the bare half, and it was honestly hard to tell a color difference. “Vaycay Mode” seamlessly covered any dull or uncolored areas and I loved the way it looked; definitely getting the overall juicy effect with the hydration of a traditional lip balm and no stickiness whatsoever.
Even hours after putting it on, I didn’t feel any dryness or the need to put on actual lip balm, even after the product fades. For reference these first impressions are without a lip liner, but I think the overall juicy effect fades after a bit; the color itself remains pretty well (minus a faint outline of color around the lip edges) but the glossy finish seems to dull. This is where I’m thinking a lip liner may have an effect. It’s quite buildable, though, and it;s very easy to apply once you notice the color or juiciness fading. For context on how long this product lasts on the lips, I applied it in the morning around 7 a.m. and didn’t have to reapply until around 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Way Below Too Faced Levels of Plumping
I mentioned before that my only experience with plumping lip products thus far has been the Too Faced Lip Injection Plumping Lip Gloss. While I don’t mind the tinglyness and I like the overall effects of that gloss, I would put it on the more extreme side of the spectrum when compared to the So Juicy.
Upon application, “Vaycay Mode” felt a little warming, almost like a heating pad, but it never went beyond that. The product description says the peppermint in the formula is meant to give it a “cool tingling effect,” and I can definitely tell peppermint is in this one. It’s very mild and not nearly as intense as I’m sure other plumping products are. I think it did have an effect on my lips but it didn’t make them stand out quite as much as the Too Faced would.
Click-Up Packaging for On-the-Go
I just have to talk about the packing for this lippie for a second. Instead of the traditional cap-and-twist tube model or the doe foot applicator model of a lip gloss, the So Juicy takes the same shape as the ColourPop Lippie Stix but you click the bottom. There is a little button at the bottom that you click and it very slowly raises the product until you can access however much you need. I have never seen or owned something like this and I just love how different and unique it is! The clear cap makes it easy for travel and for identifying the color you’re looking for.
My Beauty Review Verdict
I would like to just give myself a round of applause for picking a So Juicy Plumping Gloss Balm With Peptides shade that honestly was perfect for my lips. Nailed that on the first try! But overall I am very pleased with this product. I would recommend it if you’re looking for a simple lip to have just a little bit of pigment or if you really want that namesake juicy finish; that comes through 100% and I adore it. It’s very hydrating and smooth and it’s great to keep around (and I will likely do) as a purse or desk lippie.
If you typically wear lip liners (which I do not) I would say try this with a lip liner just to see if that enhances its staying power. But I don’t think it’s absolutely essential to get the matching So Juicy lip liner. I’m not sure if this will make it into my hypothetical Project Pan but to be honest, I don’t think I’d have trouble getting through it!
