A Promising New Release from a Beloved Belarusian Brand Falls Flat: Reluvi's Cool Addiction
Hello everyone!
I have to admit, I was really looking forward to trying out the Relouis Cool Addiction Lip Plumper when it first came out. The gorgeous swatches really caught my eye, and I was eager to get my hands on it. Luckily, I didn't end up buying multiple shades, and I'm glad I didn't.
I'm a big fan of light shades of lip gloss and balm, but I know it can be tough to get them right. Usually, they either slide off or get stuck in lip folds. In this review, I'll share my thoughts and show you exactly what didn't work for me about this lip plumper.
First, let's talk about the packaging. The package didn't come with tamper-evident protection, and the lip gloss itself wasn't packaged in a separate box. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for Belarusian cosmetics brands to skimp on packaging. I would've liked to see some basic tamper-proofing, like a sticker or a seal. Instead, we get a matte plastic casing that shows the color of the lip gloss inside. I like the design, though - it's simple and understated.
All product information is printed on the label, including the ingredients on the reverse side. The color code is duplicated on the lid of the lip gloss. The applicator is a medium-sized felt tip, which is nice for creating a precise lip line. However, it tends to pick up too much product, and I wish it had a more constraining tip.
I really like the color options in this series - there are six shades to choose from, and they all have a beautiful, nuanced quality. Unfortunately, I think I chose the worst one. I went with the 03 Ideal Nude (cool pink), which is a bit too light for my taste. I like light shades, but this one is almost too pale. To my surprise, it's not completely matte - under certain lighting conditions, I can see a very subtle blue shimmer that gives it a bit of shine. It's a nice touch, but it's not what I was expecting.
Here are some swatches of the lip gloss in different lighting conditions:
Sunlight:
In the shade:
Artificial cold light:
Now, let's talk about the visuals and why I'm so underwhelmed by this plumper. Aside from its gentle hue and nice gloss, I'm hard-pressed to find anything else to like. It's like I've applied a thick, dense lip color and then slapped a glossy topcoat on – the textures clash.
Trying to apply it thinly is a lost cause – it still settles unevenly, seeps into creases, and highlights the texture:
The finish on this lip gloss is a bit of a letdown, to be honest. There's a white streak where my lips meet, and I'm not sure if it's just the formula or if I'm applying it too thickly.
On the plus side, it doesn't feather around my lip line, and it doesn't dry them out either.
The white streak on my lips is really noticeable:
This lip gloss doesn't wear off nicely - it settles into fine lines and leaves behind patchy pigment, as you can see from the photo taken an hour ago.
Overall, it's not the worst-looking thing, thanks to its shiny finish and soft color. It looks a bit like Givenchy's lip balm, which I reviewed recently here, but the feel and performance are completely different.
Now, let's talk about the pros and cons of this lip plumper.
Pros:
Feels cool on my lips6 nice shades to choose fromShiny finish looks greatDoesn't feather around my lip lineNot drying or irritatingGood value for the price
Cons:
Feels thick and heavy on my lipsLeaves a sticky residueAccentuates lip textureApplies unevenly and can look streakySinks into fine linesLeaves a white streak on my lipsNot the prettiest wear-offNot protected from the first openingUnfortunately, this lip gloss has been a major disappointment for me, and I'm usually a fan of Belarusian cosmetics - I think they often offer great value for the price. Maybe the beige shades are less problematic, but I just can't bring myself to give it more than two stars.
Thanks for reading! I hope you found it helpful!