What It Is:
Topshop Gloss Ink in Relentless & Cruel*
Why This Should Be in Your Bag:
Topshop cosmetics are always on the cutting edge of cool; the shades and products that they release are always SO on point and definitely not for the faint of heart. Their new Gloss Ink “provides the high shine finish of a gloss combined with the long lasting color of a stain.” Sounds a bit like YSL Glossy Stain, no? I was excited to try out this version at a much more reasonable price point!
How To Use It:
Topshop recommends wearing Gloss Ink alone or layering to add gloss to other lip products. You can also blot them, which gives you the pigment without shine. I prefer to just apply using the applicator and let the gloss wear off, leaving a gorgeous stain!
CC Rating: B+
I love gloss/stain combo products. Most of my days are extremely busy and I don’t have time to sit down, let alone reapply my lip color. Products that leave a stain are essential if I want to wear anything on my lips past my 10am tea. And both shades I tested are SO flattering. Despite being bold, they brighten up my complexion and are very eye-catching.
Topshop’s Gloss Ink delivers on both promises of gloss and stain; immediately after application you’re left with a gorgeous, pigmented, glossy lip and that shine wears away quickly or slowly depending on if you’re eating or drinking. I found that after about an hour much of the gloss had worn off, but the look was still rather shiny. I had to eat or drink for the stain to go fully matte on its own. The shade of the stain is a less intense version of the color as it initially applies.
The Gloss Ink has quite a heavy, sweet scent that I could still smell as I wore the product. It didn’t bother me, but those with scent sensitivities may be turned off. I also couldn’t manage to apply either shade very neatly; I’m not sure if this is due to the applicator or just my unfamiliarity with the product, but I always required a cotton swab touch-up, so this definitely isn’t “on the go” friendly.
Overall, I like this product. Neither shade has found its way into heavy rotation, but I think these products in general are a good option for busy individuals who don’t have time to keep reapplying lip color. Topshop Gloss Ink is available from their website for a cool $16 each!
[Need some new makeup but not sure what to buy? Check out Alex’s other beauty reviews here.]
* item was provided for review
