When it comes to finding a lip product that does more than just add a hint of shine, the City Beauty Lips treatment has made quite a splash.
If you’re like me, searching for a gloss that actually hydrates and smooths out lip lines, this one has probably caught your eye.
Marketed as a “plumping” lip gloss with benefits, City Beauty Lips promises not only a fuller look but also deep hydration, which sounds pretty fantastic.
However, after seeing some mixed reviews and trying it out myself, I want to share my experience with a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to whether it’s worth the investment.
Let’s explore what City Beauty Lips really has to offer, who it might (and might not) work for, and how it compares to other similar products on the market.
What Are City Beauty Lips Supposed to Do?
City Beauty Lips is a clear gloss that claims to offer more than just shine. With promises to:
- Plump up your lips for a fuller look
- Hydrate and smooth out fine lines
- Add a layer of nourishment to protect lips from dryness
The product aims to be a one-stop shop for lip care and beauty. The idea is appealing, especially if you want to skip heavy lip products and instead enhance what you naturally have.
City Lips claims to offer deep, long-lasting moisture thanks to its hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and various oils. The product is meant to combat dryness and chapping, leaving lips feeling soft and supple.
City Lips claims to be a “plumping gloss,” formulated to give lips a fuller look without the tingling or burning sensation commonly associated with other plumpers. Instead, it uses hydrating ingredients and peptides that are meant to add volume to lips gradually.
The idea is to create a fuller lip look over time by improving overall hydration, which can make lips appear naturally plumper.This hydration is a big draw for people looking for a gloss that not only enhances appearance but also nourishes the lips.
Also Read: My Experience With Wonderskin Lip Stain
My First Impressions of City Beauty Lips
I was excited to give City Beauty Lips a go after seeing all the claims and positive comments about its hydrating and smoothing abilities. However, from the first application, a few things stood out to me.
The gloss has a slight stickiness, which may be a turnoff for some users. While some describe the gloss as a “hydrating treatment,” others (myself included) find it doesn’t quite live up to that description.
One major concern: the scent. It smells like coffee—an unusual scent for a lip product. Some users may appreciate the unique fragrance, but I found it a bit distracting.
On the positive side, it’s comfortable to wear without any burning or tingling, which is a plus for anyone sensitive to plumping products.
Pros and Cons of City Beauty Lips
Let’s break down what City Beauty Lips has going for it—and where it falls short.
Pros:
- Non-Irritating Formula: Unlike many plumping glosses, City Beauty Lips doesn’t sting or cause irritation, which is a big plus if you’ve had bad experiences with similar products.
- Subtle Line Smoothing: Some users, myself included, noticed a slight reduction in the appearance of fine lines, making lips look smoother overall.
- Lasting Shine: It does stay on for a decent amount of time, so you’re not constantly reapplying.
- Compact Size: Easy to travel with, and it doesn’t take up too much space in your bag.
Cons:
- Minimal Plumping Effect: It’s worth mentioning that this gloss doesn’t exactly “plump” lips as you’d expect. The volume increase, if any, is extremely subtle and doesn’t create a dramatic change.
- Stickiness: While stickiness may help it last longer, it can also feel unpleasant, especially if your hair tends to stick to your lips.
- High Price Point: This product is on the pricier side, which is fine if it performs, but for many, the results may not justify the cost.
- Fragrance May Be a Drawback: That coffee-like smell lingers, which could be bothersome, especially if you don’t love the scent.
Tips: Get the Most Out of City Beauty Lips
To keep your lips looking their best with City Beauty Lips, maintenance is key. Here are some habits to incorporate:
- Daily Hydration: Use a quality lip balm throughout the day to keep lips soft, as City Beauty Lips may not provide lasting hydration.
- Weekly Exfoliation: Exfoliate with a gentle lip scrub to remove dead skin, allowing the gloss to adhere better and look smoother.
- Avoid Overusing Glosses: If you rely heavily on lip gloss, balance it out by using nourishing treatments or balms that will hydrate without the stickiness.
City Beauty Lips Vs. Other Brands
To put it bluntly, City Beauty Lips didn’t quite measure up to some of the other lip plumpers I’ve tried. Here’s a quick comparison with some popular alternatives.
- City Beauty Lips Vs. Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Cream
Buxom’s Full-On Plumping Lip Cream is well-known for delivering visible plumpness and a satisfying cooling sensation. Unlike City Beauty Lips, Buxom offers more noticeable plumping and a wide range of shades, giving you more options for color and style. However, if you’re looking for a scent-free option, City Beauty Lips might be preferable despite its milder effect.
- City Beauty Lips Vs. Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme
Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme delivers dramatic results in the plumping department. The downside is that it can sting quite a bit, which may deter some users. On the other hand, City Beauty Lips’ no-sting formula offers a more comfortable experience, even if it sacrifices a bit of plumpness in the process.
- City Beauty Lips Vs. Dior Addict Lip Maximizer
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer offers a balance of gloss and hydration similar to City Beauty Lips but with a slightly more luxurious formula. Dior’s product also adds a touch of color, which City Beauty lacks. If you’re just looking for clear, glossy hydration, City Beauty can work well, but for a luxe feel and a bit more pigment, Dior is hard to beat.
How to Get the Most Out of City Beauty Lips
If you decide to give this gloss a try, here are a few tips to help you maximize its benefits:
- Prep Your Lips: Exfoliate and moisturize your lips before applying to create a smooth base, as this gloss works best on a hydrated surface.
- Apply a Thin Layer First: Start with a thin layer to gauge how much you need. Too much product can make it feel overly sticky.
- Use as a Base Layer: If you prefer more color or texture, apply City Beauty Lips first, let it settle, and then layer your favorite lipstick or tinted balm on top.
- Night Use for Extra Hydration: Some users swear by using it before bed as a lip treatment to keep lips smooth and hydrated by morning.
- Apply to Clean, Dry Lips: Before applying City Beauty Lips, make sure your lips are clean and free of any makeup, oils, or residue. Cleansing your lips thoroughly ensures that the product can penetrate better and adhere evenly to your lips. Any remnants of previous products or oils can create a barrier, making it difficult for the gloss to work as intended.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
City Lips may take several days to a week of consistent use before any noticeable difference in lip fullness or line reduction appears. However, results are subtle and may not be dramatic.
Yes, City Lips can help smooth out fine lip lines, giving lips a softer, more even look. This effect is temporary and may vary from person to person.
Yes, City Beauty manufactures City Lips in the USA.
Yes, you can wear lipstick over City Lips. For best results, apply City Lips first, wait a few minutes for it to settle, and then add your favorite lipstick for extra color.
City Beauty Lips may not be the best choice if you’re hoping for a dramatically fuller look. It could be a comfortable option for a slight enhancement in smoothness and shine without the intense tingling of traditional plumpers. While it has some advantages—especially for those who want a gentler, no-sting formula—the results are relatively mild compared to other plumpers on the market.
Final Thoughts
In the end, whether you buy City Beauty Lips depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a lip gloss that offers subtle improvements and a long-lasting gloss, then this could be worth trying.
But if you’re looking for visible plumpness and instant results, you may want to explore other brands. While City Beauty Lips has unique features, like a no-sting formula and lasting wear, the sticky texture and subtle effects may leave some users wanting more.
Ultimately, City Beauty Lips might work well for people seeking a little boost rather than a dramatic change.
