Dollar Store Darling: L.A. Colors High Shine Shea Butter Lipgloss

You know how easy it is to discount a beauty brand you always see in the dollar store? Well, it’s time to stop thanks to L.A. Colors. I’ve seen their products at my local Dollar Tree and Big Lots for years, but never thought much of them, and should have known better.

I recently took a chance on their High Shine Shea Butter Lipgloss because, why not. They looked gorgeous in the packaging, but I’ll admit I wasn’t expecting a lot out of them. Although I’ve been converted from total lipgloss hater to curious explorer thanks to a few choice formulas, I’m still super apprehensive about trying new ones. But I’m so glad I cracked these babies open!

Also Read: REVIEW: e.l.f. EX-tra Lip Glosses

 

I added five of the glosses to my collection, and there wasn’t one dud in the batch. Let’s jump right into swatches because I have a feeling you’ll be just as surprised as I was.

Dollface

Dollface has been my most-worn of the shades, being a light mauve-y brown that’s a great neutral to work into fall looks

Flaunt

Flaunt is a gorgeous hot pink that is almost neon-bright and will unapologetically add a pop of bold color to any look.

Dynamite

Dynamite is a classic warm red that is perfect for the upcoming holidays or any classic look.

Playful

Playful is an intense frosty metallic pink that lives up to its high shine name. It’s great alone but would look fantastic layered on top of lipstick.

Mingle

Mingle is hands down my favorite— a duochrome purple/pink that shifts in the light. Too freaking gorgeous.

Right off the bat, the pigmentation won me over. So much more than I would expect from any lipgloss, completely opaque in one swipe. While they very much look like liquid lipsticks, they have a very thin glossy formula that is incredibly moisturizing thanks to the shea butter in it. They’re totally great for this upcoming season when our lips need extra love, since they not only look beautiful but feel really comfortable. No stickiness, just cushy and hydrating.

Also Read: REVIEW: NYC Expert Last Lip Lacquers

 
Because the formula is thin, I strongly suggest putting down a lipliner prior to applying, or just be careful about using too much because they are prone to feather outside the lip lines. Being a gloss, there is also transfer, but the deeper shades leave behind a nice even stain.

As a budget beauty blogger, I should have known that an uber affordable brand can still deliver gorgeous products. These lip glosses are going to get a ton of use out of me, and I’m going to be on the look out for the rest of the collection since there are 18 shades in total. Sometimes you can find L.A. Colors at Rite Aid and Walmart as well, so I’ll be searching!