It claims to be a “nutritious, antioxidant smoothie for the lips” packed with vitamin C, pomegranate, and açaí berry extracts. Shea butter and Amazonian cupuaçu butter act as the moisturizing agent. Over time, the concoction is meant to smooth lips and prevent premature aging.
To see if it lives up to its claim, I wore only this lip product for several days.
First impression: Thick formulation. What comes out of the brush is an almost tacky substance that takes a bit of work to spread, creating a drag on the brush. The first time I swiped this on my lips, I was waiting for an elevator at my office. By the time the elevator arrived, I had begun unconsciously smacking my lips. The next day my coworker tried some on her lips—we stood together in the elevator lobby looking like goldfish.
I didn’t know what to make of it. A thin layer is unobtrusive, but as soon as I start smacking my lips I can’t take my mind off how thick it is. It’s moisturizing but not lubricating as most lip colors are. Then it hit me: It’s like the big sister of Almay Pure Tints Protective Lip Care. It’s got that same grainy texture but sheer coverage.
Color payoff: Little to none. Don’t be fooled by the swatches on the Web site—this stuff applies very sheer. Think of it as a tinted lip treatment. But then again, it’s a photographer’s dream. It imparts enough shimmer to give lips dimension without the goo that makes lips look laminated in flash photography. Wear it over a lip stain and it could work as a kiss-proof bridal lip color.
Packaging: Twist tubes are always mess-free. My only complaint is that the cap doesn’t snap onto the back end of the wand for one-handed application.
Application: Work at it. This stuff isn’t meant to glide. It stays on the lips for hours, though.
Scent and taste: Clinique products are all fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, so no yummy flavors here.
Did it improve my lips? I did notice that fine lines were plumped up and lips felt plush by evening. Over time, I think it would deliver what it promises. It’s a great product if you don’t mind a little stickiness.
You can find the lip smoothie on Clinique’s Web site and at counters nationwide for $17.50.
