Almay #LipVibes Lip Stick Review & Swatches

Happy Thursday, fam! I’m very excited about today’s post because it’s been a hot second since I did a post all about lipsticks. This is a brand new formula from Almay, a super affordable drugstore brand. I don’t use a TON of Almay products but I was intrigued when I received this collection in the mail and was eager to try out the new colors. I have been getting back into lip stick tubes lately, and trying to give my lips a break from my typical liquid lipsticks – and these promise to be comfortable on lips; non-sticky, non-drying and high-impact color. Let’s dive into this.

SHOP THE POST:

Almay #LipVibes Lip Stick Review & Swatches

LIP SWATCH:

REVIEW:

These lipsticks were exactly what they promised: creamy, high-impact and comfortable on the lips. There is a combination of matte, cream and lip-toppers, so be sure to take a look to see which formula you’re putting on. You may be disappointed if you are looking for an opaque matte and grab a lip topper instead. 

I enjoyed how the color made an impact with two or three swipes (MOST of the time – I had to work a little harder on the more sheer creams) – it has a nice glide to it, and the cream colors are really slippy (which I like) without feathering into the lines around my mouth. They also faded off nicely during the day to a stain-type finish, and I was able to reapply as needed. The matte colors aren’t true mattes – they don’t dry down and I do feel as though they are just more opaque creams vs full on mattes. If that doesn’t bother you and you are looking for more color choices than formula choices, this does the trick. It isn’t kiss-proof, and it doesn’t claim to be, so as long as that doesn’t bother you, it’s a nice opaque, matte formula. 

I also like that they are fragrance-free. Fragrances have been really bothering me – so I am glad they went without this. My final beef with the line is there aren’t many neutral or nude shades. I do wish they had some less loud shades because I really do like the formula.

INGREDIENTS:

I don’t think I’ve gone over very many lipstick ingredients before – because most of the time that I am talking eyeshadow ingredients. There are a lot of differences in these formulas because unlike eyeshadow, lipstick formulas do, in fact, enter your mouths and have more rigorous testing standards according to the FDA.

The main ingredient in the list is Isononyl Isononanoate. It’s a skin conditioning agent – and it is a big part in why the formula is so soft on the lips. The next ingredient is not a surprise: Ozokerite. This is a type of wax made from petroleum. It’s commonly used in tube lipsticks and chapsticks. Neither of these ingredients are cause for concern. Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate is another ingredient high on the list that is an additional lip conditioning agent. An ingredient to be aware of is Silica. While not a HUGE concern, there have been studies that have shown this product to be a respiratory toxin if inhaled. In lip products, there isn’t a big risk for this. There are almost no other ingredients in the list that are cause for concern, which is amazing. They also include Butyrospermum Parkii – which is Shea butter and very conditioning for your lips. Probably 30-35% of the ingredients on this list are conditioning agents.

I really liked these lip products and their diverse colors and formulas. There are so many to choose from – whether you like matte colors, sheer colors or cream colors. They are versatile, and there is bound to be a color that fits your style and personality.

Have you tried this formula before? What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below!