So I finally caved and got my hands on that viral Maybelline Lifter Gloss everyone’s been talking about! I’ve been testing the Peach Ring shade for a few weeks now, and I’ve got THOUGHTS.
First Impressions – Packaging and Appearance
Right out of the package, the Lifter Gloss looks pretty sleek for a drugstore product. The tube has a nice weight to it – not too flimsy like some cheap glosses. The applicator is that classic doe-foot type, which picked up a good amount of product without being excessive.
Now let’s talk color! Based on other reviews and my own experience, the Peach Ring shade might surprise you. If you’re expecting a vibrant peachy-pink like in some of the online photos, you might be a bit disappointed. It’s actually more subtle – leaning toward an amber shade with just a hint of pink. Several reviewers mentioned this color discrepancy, and I definitely noticed it too. One mentioned they were “hoping for that pinker tint,” which exactly matches my experience.
Application and Feel
Okay, here’s where this gloss REALLY shines (pun intended!). The texture is AMAZING – smooth, hydrating, and NOT that awful sticky feeling that makes your hair stick to your lips every time there’s a slight breeze.
BUT – and this is important – you NEED to prep your lips first! One reviewer warned, “Just make sure to exfoliate your lips and put on a lip balm first otherwise, every piece of dry skin you didn’t even know you had will make an appearance.” Truer words have never been spoken! I made this mistake the first time, and it wasn’t cute. Now I always make sure to use a lip scrub and balm before applying.
The consistency is on the thicker side without being goopy. Some might find it verging on sticky, but I’d describe it more as cushiony. One reviewer called it “thick, almost sticky,” which is fair, but I think the hydrating benefits outweigh this minor issue.
Scent and Flavor
The scent is interesting! Many mentioned a candy-like smell, and I definitely get that. There’s a sweet vanilla fragrance that most people seem to enjoy. One reviewer specifically mentioned a “faint whiff of cinnamon,” which I caught too – very subtle, but it’s there.
As for taste, there’s a slight peachy flavor according to some reviewers. It’s not overwhelming, just a hint of sweetness that makes it pleasant to wear. One reviewer who wasn’t thrilled with the color still admitted, “It tastes peachy though.”
Wear Time and Performance
For a gloss, the wear time is pretty decent! It’s not going to survive a meal, but I got about 2-3 hours of nice shine before needing to reapply. Several reviewers mentioned it “lasts a good long time too” for a gloss, which matches my experience.
The hydration factor is where this product REALLY delivers. The hyaluronic acid isn’t just marketing hype – my lips genuinely feel more moisturized even after the gloss has worn off. Multiple reviewers commented on how it “hydrates a lot” and leaves lips “juicier.”
One reviewer even mentioned that it “removed age lines in lips” which might be a bit of a stretch, but I can confirm it does make lips look smoother and more plump while wearing it.
Is It Actually a Lip Plumper?
This is where things get a bit confusing. Despite the “Lifter” name, several reviewers pointed out there’s “no burn/sting at all” like you’d expect from a traditional lip plumper. I agree – it doesn’t have that tingling sensation that most plumping products have.
That said, it DOES create the visual effect of fuller lips thanks to the high shine and hydrating formula. One reviewer called it their “favorite lipgloss to date” and said they “don’t trust other plumpers,” suggesting they found the plumping effect satisfactory without the discomfort.
Color Payoff
The color payoff is on the sheer side, which makes it versatile but might disappoint if you’re looking for more pigment. It gives a nice wash of color that enhances your natural lip shade rather than covering it completely.
One Spanish reviewer summed it up perfectly: “aunque tiene un color muy suave, se puede aplicar sobre cualquier color de labios y lo deja muy delicado” (even though it has a very soft color, it can be applied over any lip color and leaves it very delicate).
This makes it great for everyday wear or layering over lipstick for added dimension.
Comparisons to Higher-End Products
Several reviewers mentioned this gloss performs better than more expensive options. One confidently stated it’s “better than glosses that cost twice as much,” while another called it “the right dupe if you don’t wanna pay for the Rihanna gloss” (referring to Fenty Beauty’s popular Gloss Bomb).
After trying both, I can see the comparison. The Lifter Gloss has a similar plumping effect and shine level to the Fenty gloss, though the Maybelline formula is slightly thicker.
Value for Money
At around $8-10 depending where you buy it, this gloss is definitely budget-friendly compared to high-end alternatives that can run $20+. One enthusiastic reviewer mentioned their “goal is to own the whole collection of colors” because they love them so much, which speaks to the value proposition.
The amount of product you get is standard for a lip gloss, and a little goes a long way with this formula, making it an even better deal.
Potential Downsides
Not everything’s perfect, so let’s talk about some drawbacks:
- Color accuracy – as mentioned, the Peach Ring shade appears different in real life than in promotional images
- One reviewer described it as “a little too messy,” which I can understand – the formula can migrate a bit outside the lip line if you’re not careful
- If you’re looking for a true lip plumper with that tingling sensation, this might disappoint
- A few reviewers mentioned issues with products not being sealed when ordering online, so check your packaging
Who Would Love This Gloss?
This gloss would be PERFECT for:
- Anyone who hates sticky glosses but wants that high-shine look
- People with dry or mature lips looking for hydration
- Those who prefer subtle, everyday makeup
- Anyone looking for a budget alternative to high-end glosses
- People who don’t like the burning sensation of traditional lip plumpers
Who Might Want to Skip It?
You might want to pass if:
- You prefer highly pigmented lip products
- You’re looking for a true peach color (this leans more amber/pink)
- You want a traditional lip plumper with that tingling sensation
- Ultra-lightweight formulas are your preference (this is on the thicker side)
Final Thoughts
After weeks of testing, I’m officially a fan! I’ve already picked up two more shades (Ice and Moon), and they’re quickly becoming my go-to glosses for everyday wear.
The Maybelline Lifter Gloss in Peach Ring delivers impressive hydration, comfortable wear, and a beautiful shine that rivals much more expensive products. While the color might not be exactly what you expect from the name or photos, it’s still a flattering shade that works well on various skin tones.
For the price point, it’s definitely worth trying if you’re in the market for a new lip gloss that actually cares for your lips while making them look amazing. One reviewer summed it up perfectly: “Very rarely are they pigmented, not sticky, and smell amazing, but here we are. One of my new all time favorites!”
I completely agree – this little drugstore gem has earned a permanent spot in my makeup bag!
Rating: 4.5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Buy on Amazon: Here
