PRODUCT REVIEW: 

RIMMEL LONDON "SHOW OFF" Lip Lacquer

I am huge makeup junkie that likes to test out new products, esp when it comes to lip products. So when I heard about this new lip lacquer from Rimmel London, I cant wait to get my hands on them. When I first spotted them at my local Walgreens, I was super ecstatic that they finally landed in the US.  This is a new line of lip lacquer from Rimmel London that has been out for awhile in the UK but they were just released recently in the US. The UK version is called "APOCALIPS" and the US version is called "SHOW OFF". I only picked up 2 shades at first to try them out. It was definitely a love at first try so I went back and picked up 3 more shades. Now I have a total of 5 shades which I will review for you. These retail for $4.99 at Walgreens. The price might vary by stores. So far, I have only seem them sold in local Walgreens, but not in my local CVS or RiteAide yet.

Here is the claim:

The intense rich colour of a lipstick, enhanced by a satin smooth shine. 

It's neither a lipstick nor a gloss... It's BIGGER than both! 

LONG LIVE THE COLOUR!

  

This is the UK version called "APOCALIPS"

CONSISTENCY:

The consistency of these lip lacquers is similar to the NYX's Lip Cream which gives high coverage liquid lipstick combines intense color and brilliant shine. Compare to the NYX lip cream, it is not as matte looking but has a good balance of opacity and shine that is very smooth. It is very opaque but not sticky or drying or overly shiny. When apply, it glides on very smoothly on the lips and it spreads out easily. In comparison to a lipstick, these are more smooth and moisturizing. In comparison to a lipgloss, these are more opaque and pigmented and last longer than a typical gloss. 

PERFORMANCE:

When applied on lips, it has the look of a lipstick but the feel/texture of a gloss; overall very smooth and moisturizing. After a few hours of wear, colors still stay on and it doesnt feel drying or cracking. Since these are not long lasting or lip stains, so they are not meant to stay on. Whenever you eat or drink anything, it will get transfer but that's like any other typical lipstick or gloss. You will definitely need to touch up or re-apply after eating and drinking. 

  

Here are the 5 shades I picked up from this line:

 From top to bottom: 303 Apocaliptic, 501 Stellar, 102 Nova, 101 Celestial, 500 Luna

From top to bottom: 303 Apocaliptic, 501 Stellar, 102 Nova, 101 Celestial, 500 LunaAdd caption

 Here's another look at the packaging

It has a slanted doe-foot applicator with a hole in the middle

It has a hole in the middle which helps pick up more product 

As you can see, what you see on the tube is exactly what you get in terms of the shades/colors

A closer look at each of the shade on the applicator

From left to right: 500 Luna, 101 Celestial, 102 Nova, 303 Apocaliptic, 501 Stellar

Swatches without flash which showcase the true color

Here are the swatches taken with flash which looks more vibrant and intense

PROS:

2 in 1 type of product (lipstick + lipgloss quality)

Smooth application (with the doe-foot applicator)

Glossy finish

Very opaque (with just one coat)

Nice color selections

Great price (only $4.99)

Sleek packaging

No scent

What you see on tube is what you get on swatch

 

CONS:

Wish it was long lasting, then its the PERFECT lip lacquer

 

FINAL VERDICT:

Overall, I like how this lip lacquer apply and feel on my lips, very smooth and moisturizing which are two key things I look for in a lip product. I also like the color selections they have and definitely loving all the shades I bought. If you want the coverage and opacity/intensity of a lipstick but texture and finish of a lip gloss, then you should definitely give these a try, you won't be disappointed. On the other hand, if you are looking for something long lasting or color-stay lip product, then this is not the match for you.

Do any of you own or try this lip lacquer before? If so, I would love to hear what you think of them and which shades you got.