Maybelline Lifter Gloss review: the €6 gloss I'd actually reorder
A plain-speaking look at a drugstore lip gloss that's been sitting near the top of the bestseller lists for years.
Maybelline Lifter Gloss, shade 003 Moon
4.5 out of 5 from more than 31,000 ratings on Amazon.nl.
Why I looked at it
Lip gloss is one of those things I buy on autopilot at the Kruidvat checkout and then never finish. The Lifter Gloss kept popping up in other people's videos, so I wanted to know whether it's actually good or just well marketed.
Shade 003 Moon is a soft, slightly pink nude. On most skin tones it reads as "your lips, but shinier", which is why it's the shade I'm featuring rather than one of the bolder ones.
What it's like
The wand is wide and flat, so one swipe across each lip is enough. Start in the middle and pull outwards. It's glossy without being sticky enough to catch your hair every time you cycle into the wind (a real problem here).
Maybelline adds hyaluronic acid. I'd treat that as a nice extra rather than a treatment: lips feel comfortable while it's on, and that's about it. Any "fuller" look comes from the shine, not from a plumping effect.
The downsides
It doesn't last. Expect to reapply after coffee or lunch. If you want something that stays put all day, this isn't it.
The tube holds 5.4 ml, which sounds small but lasts months with daily use.
Who it's for
Anyone who wants an easy, low-risk everyday gloss for less than a sandwich. As a gift it's a safe bet for a Secret Santa or Sinterklaas surprise, because Moon suits almost everyone.
Good
- Very easy to apply without a mirror
- Not too sticky
- Shade Moon suits most skin tones
- Cheap
Not so good
- Needs reapplying after eating or drinking
- Hyaluronic acid claim is more marketing than magic
My short video about it (also on TikTok and Instagram).
How I put this together: "Researched pick" means I haven't put it through long-term use myself. I've gone through the product specifications and a large number of buyer reviews, and I compared it with similar products. When I've used something myself, the page says so. Nobody paid for this review. More on how I earn money.