Benefit Lollibop Ultra Plush Lipgloss ($16.00 for 0.50 fl. oz.) is described as a “hot pink.” Squeezed from the tube, it’s a creamy, medium-dark pink with cool undertones. On lips, it’s a barely-there wash of pink; it brightens my natural lip color while amplifying any pink tones to it, but it doesn’t dramatically alter the color. Urban Decay Flushed is slightly more pigmented and more neutral. Guerlain Cherry Pink is slightly pinker and has sparkle. Chanel Pink Pulsion is cooler-toned, more fuchsia. Dolce & Gabbana Candy is comparable–slightly more milky-looking in appearance.

I think this gloss really pushes the boundaries of “sheer” and still describing it as “hot pink.” Benefit says, “from crystal clear to hot pink,” as if the range offers a variety of color/coverages–and this is just so barely-there. It would be clearer and better for customers to see this described as a “sheer hot pink.” I don’t have pigmented lips naturally, but the effect of this gloss is my-lips-but-better balm. Because the formula is only lightly hydrating, this wouldn’t be my first choice for something with such a subtle effect.

I like the consistency of the Ultra Plush formula, because it is not too thin or too thick and feels like a gel-balm hybrid.  It’s slick, lightweight, and comfortable to wear.  It’s moderately glossy, but the glossiness tends to fade within an hour down to a more natural sheen.  The whole product, though, disappears in record time: two hours at the very most, but it tends to wear between an hour and an hour and a half.

Benefit Lollibop Ultra Plush Lipgloss

Benefit Lollibop Ultra Plush Lipgloss

Benefit Lollibop Ultra Plush Lipgloss

Benefit Lollibop Ultra Plush Lipgloss

Benefit Lollibop Ultra Plush Lipgloss

Benefit Lollibop Ultra Plush Lipgloss

Benefit Lollibop Ultra Plush Lipgloss