Lip Gloss Left Me Blushing... Literally!

Hello everyone!

I picked up the Influence lip gloss with the volumizing effect because, first of all, I love the brand, and secondly, I'm a fan of transparent or natural-looking lip products. To be honest, I didn't pay much attention to the 'volumizing' part, and I went for the 01 shade to get that mirror-like, glossy effect from the product, just like from lip oils or balms.

Influence lip gloss with volumizing effect Influence lip gloss with volumizing effect.

Where I bought it: Magnit Cosmetics

Price: 370 rubles

So, the moisturizing lip gloss with the volumizing effect, 'Volume Shot', reminded me of that lip mask I tried to make in my teenage years - it was basically a mixture of red pepper powder and rich cream (I found the recipe online, but all I got was irritated and red lips). Using the 'Volume Shot' lip gloss from Influence, I relived those same sensations. It's literally a fire on my lips that lasts for at least 20-30 minutes after application.

About the Volume Shot 💜🔥🥵

Product description from the manufacturer:

The super-glossy lip gloss with a lightweight, non-sticky texture is based on the PLUMPINIZER technology. Menthol in the formula stimulates blood circulation and contributes to a visual increase in lip volume. Vitamin E and aloe vera oil care for the skin, moisturizing and protecting it at the same time.

Ingredients (shade 01):

POLYISOBUTENE, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRAISOSTEARATE, OCTYLDODECANOL, DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, SILICA DIMETHYL SILYLATE, CASTOR OIL BIS-HYDROXYPROPYL DIMETHICONE ESTERS, ISOHEXADECANE, PHENOXYETHANOL, VANILLYL BUTYL ETHER, ROSA CANINA FRUIT OIL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, ETHYL MENTHANE CARBOXAMIDE, ETHYLENE/PROPYLENE/STYRENE COPOLYMER, BUTYLENE/ETHYLENE/STYRENE COPOLYMER, SODIUM HYALURONATE, XANTHAN GUM, TRIPEPTIDE-1, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, AQUA, PARFUM, LIMONENE, BENZYL ALCOHOL, HYDROXYCITRONELLAL, BENZYL SALICYLATE, BENZYL BENZOATE, HEXYL CINNAMAL, CI 42090, CI 45410.

Not recommended for eco-fans:

I was a bit surprised to find that the range is offered in six different shades, with 01 being a semi-transparent purple (think lavender or lilac). To be honest, there's not a huge difference between them...

The scent is pleasant, soft, and sweet, with a blend of fruity and fresh cookie notes.

The applicator is made of soft, white velvet, which creates a nice tactile sensation (a welcome change from a gloss).

Influence Lip Gloss with a plumping effect. The applicator

The consistency is rich and thick. The product stays on my lips well, with a moderate level of stickiness. It's easy to apply and spread.

🔥👅 The gloss somehow manages to end up on my tongue, the roof of my mouth, and my throat... and that's when the discomfort kicks in, accompanied by a strong burning sensation. It's only after about 30 minutes that the burning subsides, replaced by a mild tingling. I can still taste the menthol and red pepper combo on my tongue - a potent mix. Even after a few minutes, I could feel the heat radiating... it's like a warm hug, I guess 😂

My lips right after applying the gloss:

Influence Lip Gloss with a plumping effect. My lips right after applying Influence Lip Gloss with a plumping effect. My lips right after applying

While the fire is burning, my blood does rush to the surface, and my lips do take on a noticeable rosy hue and might even puff up a bit. But let's be real, this gloss doesn't actually deliver any real plumping action - that's probably just the oily texture at work, making my lips look bigger due to the shine and reflection.

My lips 20-30 minutes after applying:

Gloss for lips Influence with increasing effect. After 30 minutes Gloss for lips Influence with increasing effect. After half an hour Gloss for lips Influence with increasing effect. After half an hour

Lips a bit more than an hour after application (with remaining product):

Gloss for lips Influence with increasing effect. After an hour

Consumption in my case is very economical, because it's impossible to use this product on a constant basis, unless you want to experience an intense thrill

Pros of the VOLUME SHOT gloss

💧 Creates a glossy effect

💧 Non-sticky consistency

💧 Comfortable application thanks to the soft-bristled applicator

💧 Makes lips look brighter due to increased blood flow

🥵 Burns lips, cheeks, and tongue. Creates significant discomfort during wear and may cause an allergic reaction

🥵 May dry out lips, so it's a good idea to use a balm afterwards

🥵 Due to the intense burning sensation, the gloss is impossible to use on a daily basis as a standalone product

Conclusion. I won't be buying Influence's Volume Shot gloss again, it's just too intense for me. And I wouldn't recommend it either, as it may cause dryness and/or an allergic reaction in women with sensitive lip skin.

Thanks for your time and more quality products in your makeup bag! 🎔

Reviews of lip products:

Lip oil from Influence Beauty in tone 03

LAF Kiss you so much. Melt-in lip oil with a refreshing flavor and a shiny finish

I've gotta say, I've found some amazing lip balms lately, and I'm still obsessed with BelorDesign Shine Bright in Quartz and Sapphire - it's just so shiny and fun! And let's not forget about Avon Ultra in all 12 shades - it's seriously hydrating and looks amazing on. I've also been loving BEAUTY BOMB Color lip balm in 02 and 06 - it's such a great budget-friendly option. But the one that's really caught my eye lately is DIVAGE Nude Balm Lipstick - it's just so natural and gorgeous!