I purchased Maybelline’s Lip Polish to wear to an ‘80s theme party. What could be more ‘80s than thick, wet, slightly sparkly lip color? I liked the color so much that I decided to try to wear it again “in real life.”

Lip Polish is an odd name for a product, but I don’t know what else Maybelline could call it. This lip color in a bottle is far too heavy to be called lip gloss, and far too wet to be called lipstick. Like other bottled lip colors, it comes with an angled sponge applicator. The colors have a slight amount of shimmer or frost – some more others. The shade I chose, “Disco Brown” (appropriate name for an ‘80s party, don’t you think?), was actually a pretty rosy/beigey neutral. It has a rather distinctive, strong “makeup” smell.

For an ‘80s look, I had no problem laying it on pretty thick. But a more subtle, everyday look was harder to achieve. This stuff is pretty thick and sticky, and does not spread easily. I finally found that by applying it to my lower lip only, and then pressing my lips together, I could attain fairly light, even coverage. I still had to use the wand on the edges of my upper lip, but by wiping off most of the goop I was able to accomplish a decent edge.

Once applied, Lip Polish remains sticky. This is the kind of lip color you do not want to be wearing on a windy day if you have long hair, as it will trap any strand that comes in contact with your lips. It also leaves heavy lip prints on cups, glasses, cutlery, and any food you bite into. I would hate to be kissed by someone wearing this stuff.

I felt the Lip Polish sitting on my lips for hours. The feeling is comparable to having a very heavy moisturizer on your hands. If you have very dry lips, it might be comforting.

Considering how much Lip Polish I left on everything my lips touched, I was surprised at how long the color lasted. Three hours later it still looked fairly fresh. But four or five hours later, most had worn away except a narrow band around the outside of my lips. I have no idea why this outline remained, but it resulted in a very unpleasant “too much lipliner, not enough lipstick” look – it reminded me of Joan Collins in her Dynasty days (again, how ‘80s!).

If you want a dramatic look, this might be the perfect product for you. But if you’re used to subtler forms of lipstick, you won’t be happy with it. I still like the color, and until I find a “real” lipstick in a similar shade I will probably give this tube of Lip Polish another try, but I won't buy it again.


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