Hello, lovely readers!
Let’s talk about lips. More specifically, let’s talk about the dream of having full, smooth, defined lips without having to step foot in a clinic for needles. If you’re anywhere on beauty TikTok or Instagram, you’ve definitely seen the ads. They’re impossible to miss. Smooth, gliding applicators, promises of a “tingle,” and before-and-after shots that look almost too good to be true.
The brand leading this charge is City Beauty, and their hero product is the City Lips Plumping Lip Gloss. It’s everywhere. And for weeks, my curiosity was building. Was it just clever marketing? Or was this serum actually a miracle in a tube?
As a beauty blogger, it’s my job to find out. So, I decided to take the plunge. I ordered a tube, used it diligently for a full month, and put it through its paces.
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This article is my completely honest, no-filter review of the City Lips Plumping Gloss. I’ll walk you through what it is, how it feels, what it actually does, and whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash—especially here in the UK.
So, let’s settle in and discover if this viral sensation is really worth the hype.
What Exactly is City Beauty and The City Lips Gloss?
Before we get to my review, let’s quickly talk about the brand itself. City Beauty is a US-based skincare company that focuses on creating products that deliver visible results. They’re famous for their “plumping” and “firming” formulas that aim to give you a clinic-like effect without the invasive procedures.
Their most famous product is the City Lips Plumping Lip Gloss. It’s not just a glossy lip product; it’s marketed as a treatment serum. It promises to:
- Visibly plump the lips, making them look fuller.
- Smooth the appearance of lip lines and wrinkles.
- Hydrate and condition the lips with a blend of peptides and hyaluronic acid.
- Provide a high-shine, glossy finish.
The big sell is that it does all this with a clear formula, making it perfect to wear alone or over your favourite lipstick.
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First Impressions: Packaging, Price & The UK Shipping Dilemma
The Unboxing Experience
My order from the City Beauty website arrived from the US within about 10 days, which was quicker than I expected. The product itself comes in a sleek, clinical-looking white box that feels premium.
The gloss tube is surprisingly small (3.2ml) but has a satisfying weight to it because it’s made of glass, not plastic. This immediately makes it feel more like a luxury skincare product than a standard makeup item.
The Cost Breakdown for UK Buyers
This is the biggest hurdle for us, so let’s be upfront. Here’s what I paid:
- City Lips Plumping Gloss: $49 USD ≈ £39
- Standard Shipping to UK: $14.95 USD ≈ £12
- Total Cost: £51
Important Note: I was not charged any additional customs fees or VAT on this order, as the total value was under the £135 threshold. However, this is not guaranteed and can depend on the courier.
The Applicator: A Design Standout
This might seem minor, but it’s a huge part of the experience. The applicator is a soft, velvety silicone paddle—not a traditional doe-foot. This is genius because it’s:
- Hygienic: Silicone is less porous than felt applicators.
- Precise: The flat edge lets you line your lips perfectly.
- Mess-Free: It scoops up the perfect amount of product, preventing gloopy overload.
The Experience: The Science Behind The “Tingle” & How It Feels
This is the moment of truth. Every review talks about the “tingle.” So, I was ready for it. I applied a smooth, even layer across my bare lips.
The Initial Sensation
Yes, there is a definite tingling sensation. It’s not a burn or a sting; it’s a warm, prickly feeling that lets you know something is happening. It’s not painful, but it is noticeable. For me, it lasted for about 2-3 minutes before fading away completely.
What Causes the Tingle?
The sensation is caused by ingredients like Capsaicin (derived from chili peppers) and Ginger Root Extract. These are natural irritants that work by gently increasing blood flow to the lips, causing a temporary swelling or plumping effect. It’s a completely safe and common tactic in plumping products.
The Texture & Wear
The gloss itself is not sticky. At all. This was a huge win for me. There’s nothing worse than a lip gloss that makes your hair stick to your face on a windy day in London. This has a smooth, creamy, and lightweight texture. It feels hydrating, not gloopy.
It wears comfortably for hours. I could sip my tea without leaving a weird film on the mug, and it faded evenly without getting patchy.
The Results: A Week-by-Week Breakdown of What Actually Happens
Now for the big question: did it work? I took before photos and used it consistently for four weeks to give you a fair assessment.
Week 1: The Immediate “Wow” Effect
- The Look: My lips instantly looked shiny, glossy, and more defined. The light reflecting off the gloss made them appear slightly larger.
- The Plump: Did they look like I’d had filler? No. But they did look noticeably fuller and smoother. The fine lines on my lips seemed to blur, creating a more even surface. It was a subtle but definite difference. It’s what I call the “perfect lip day” effect.
- Feel: The hydration was immediate. My often-dry lips felt cushioned and soft.
Week 2-4: The Long-Term Treatment Effects
This is where the product shines as more than just a gloss. I applied it every morning under my lipstick and every night before bed.
- Hydration: My lips were consistently more hydrated. I’m a serial lip biter, especially when I’m working, and I found myself doing it less because my lips just felt better. The blend of Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate is a moisture-binding powerhouse.
- Smoothing: The overall texture of my lips improved. They felt softer and looked smoother, even when I wasn’t wearing the gloss. This is thanks to peptides helping to support the skin’s structure.
- Fullness: I can’t say I woke up with dramatically bigger lips. However, the baseline appearance of my lips improved. They looked healthier and therefore naturally fuller.
The Verdict on Plumping: It’s not a miracle worker, but it is highly effective. Think of it as “lip filler’s little sister.” It gives you a noticeable boost in volume and a stunning glossiness that creates the illusion of much fuller lips. It’s perfect for those who want a significant enhancement without going under the needle.
How to Use It For The Best Results: A Pro Routine
To get the most out of this product, here’s how I incorporated it into my routine:
- Exfoliate First (1-2 times a week): For any plumping product to work best, you need a smooth canvas. I used a gentle lip scrub like the Frank Body Lip Scrub to remove any dry, flaky skin.
- Apply a Thin, Even Layer: You don’t need a huge amount. A smooth swipe across both lips is plenty.
- Let It Do Its Thing: I’d apply it and then leave it alone for a few minutes while I did my hair or picked my clothes. This gave the peptides and plumpers time to work before I applied anything else on top.
- Wear It Alone or Under Lipstick: It’s gorgeous on its own for a clean, glossy look. But it also works brilliantly as a hydrating base under lipstick, preventing colour from settling into fine lines. I loved it under a matte lipstick like MAC Powder Kiss to add comfort and dimension.
The Real Talk: A Balanced Pros and Cons List
After a month of testing, here’s my balanced view.
The Pros (What I Loved):
- Noticeable Plumping: It delivers a real, visible difference in lip volume and smoothness.
- Non-Sticky Formula: This is a massive win. It’s comfortable to wear all day.
- Hydrating: It genuinely conditions your lips and improves their health over time.
- Great Packaging: The glass bottle and hygienic applicator feel high-end.
- Clear Formula: It’s perfect for everyday wear, under lipstick, or for men who want a subtle boost.
The Cons (Things to Consider):
- The Price: With shipping, it’s a £50 gloss. That is a significant investment.
- The Tingle: While I didn’t mind it, the tingling sensation could be too intense for those with extremely sensitive skin.
- Temporary Results: The major plumping effect is temporary. It lasts for a few hours before fading, so you need to reapply to maintain the look (much like any other gloss).
- Size: The tube is very small (3.2ml). With regular use, it will last 6-8 weeks, not months.
Final Thoughts: Is The City Lips Plumping Gloss Worth It?
So, after all that, would I recommend it?
Yes, but with a few caveats.
This is a brilliant product if:
- You are looking for a significant, noticeable lip plump without filler.
- You love a high-shine, non-sticky gloss.
- You don’t mind the tingling sensation.
- You are happy to invest in a luxury product that also works as a treatment.
It might not be for you if:
- You are on a tight budget.
- You have extremely sensitive skin and react to plumping ingredients.
- You are expecting permanent, surgical-level results.
For me, it’s become a staple in my makeup bag. I reach for it on days when I want to look extra polished or when my lips are feeling dry. It’s a product that delivers on its promises and feels like a real treat to use.
Have you tried City Lips? What did you think? Or do you have another favourite plumping gloss? Let me know in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions: City Beauty’s Plumping Lip Serum
Q1: Does the serum actually plump your lips, or is it just an illusion?
A: This is the core of the product, and the answer is twofold. Yes, it creates a genuine, temporary plumping effect, but it’s not from filler-like ingredients. The primary active is a blend of peptides and hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that can draw moisture to the surface, creating a subtle, hydrating swell. The peptides work by stimulating collagen production and improving lip contour over time. The immediate “tingle” comes from ingredients like ginger extract or mild, skin-safe irritants that increase blood flow to the area, causing a natural, temporary flush and fullness. It’s a cosmetic and skincare-driven plump, not a medical one.
Q2: That “tingle” sounds scary. Does it burn or hurt?
A: The sensation is best described as a warm, tingling pulse, not a burn. For most users, it’s strong but tolerable and fades after a minute or two. However, sensitivity varies greatly. If you have extremely sensitive skin or conditions like eczema around your mouth, you might find it uncomfortable. It’s crucial to distinguish between the intended tingle and a true allergic reaction (itching, prolonged redness, swelling beyond the lip line). Always patch test on your arm first if you’re concerned.
Q3: I’ve heard about “plumping” products causing dryness. Is this one moisturizing?
A: This is a key differentiator for City Beauty’s serum. Unlike older-generation plumpers that relied solely on irritation, this product is formulated with hydrating and nourishing ingredients. Alongside the plumping agents, it contains shea butter, vitamin E, and jojoba oil. These ingredients work to condition the lips, seal in moisture, and prevent the dryness that can often follow the initial plumping effect. The result is that your lips feel supple and smooth, not tight or parched.
Q4: How long do the results last?
A: The immediate visual plumping effect from increased blood flow typically lasts for about 2-4 hours. The hydrating and smoothing effects from the hyaluronic acid and emollients will last longer, as long as the product remains on your lips. For sustained results, reapplication is necessary. The long-term benefits, like improved lip contour and hydration from consistent peptide and collagen support, are cumulative and will remain as long as you continue using the product regularly.
Q5: Can I wear lipstick over this serum?
A: Absolutely, and it’s highly recommended! The serum creates a perfectly smooth, hydrated canvas that prevents lipstick from feathering into fine lines and stops matte formulas from looking crusty. Apply the serum, wait a minute for it to set and for the tingling to subside, then apply your lip color as usual. It works brilliantly under both lip liners and lipsticks.
Q6: Is this product a replacement for lip fillers?
A: No, it is not a replacement for medical-grade dermal fillers. Anyone claiming a topical serum can replicate injectable fillers is being misleading. Fillers physically add volume deep beneath the skin. This serum works on the surface and upper layers of the skin through hydration and stimulation. Think of it as a fantastic alternative for those who want noticeable enhancement without needles, or as a complementary product for those with fillers to maintain hydration and skin quality.
Q7: Are the results noticeable to other people?
A: Yes, but subtly. It won’t give you a dramatically different look. The results are more of a “your lips but better” effect. People might notice that your lips look exceptionally full, hydrated, and defined, but they’re unlikely to pinpoint a specific product as the cause. It enhances your natural lip shape rather than transforming it.
Q8: How does it work in the long term? Are there any lasting benefits?
A: This is where the product truly shines beyond a simple plumper. With consistent use, the peptides and supporting nutrients work to improve the overall health of your lips. Long-term benefits can include improved natural collagen production, reduced appearance of vertical lip lines, better hydration retention, and an overall more defined lip contour. You’re essentially treating your lips with a skincare serum, not just a cosmetic quick-fix.
Q9: Is the product cruelty-free and vegan?
A: City Beauty is a certified cruelty-free brand. They do not test on animals. Regarding its vegan status, you would need to check the specific ingredients list on their latest packaging or website, as formulations can change. They are generally known for using synthetic alternatives to animal-derived ingredients, but it’s always best to verify directly with the company for the most current information.
Q10: For the price, is it really worth it?
A: This is subjective but depends on what you value. If you are looking for a simple, cheap tingling gloss, this is not it. If you are investing in a hybrid product—both an effective, immediate lip plumper and a long-term lip treatment serum that improves skin health—then the value proposition is much higher. You are paying for the advanced peptide technology, high-quality hydrators, and the dual-action (immediate and long-term) results. For many, the combination of cosmetic enhancement and skincare benefits justifies the cost.
