All Glow-n Up: Review of Tarte LipSurgence Skintuitive Lip Gloss in Energy

I eagerly cashed in my Sephora points for a deluxe sample when I saw the Tarte LipSurgence Skintuitive Lip Gloss. It’s one of those pH-reactive/customized pink products in the same vein as Dior Lip Glow, which you know I’m all about.

My secret hope was that this would be like the long-discontinued Dior Addict Crystal Gloss. Oh man, that was from 2010. It was meant to work much like how Dior Lip Glow does, except that it turned bright fuchsia on my lips (not at all subtle like Dior Lip Glow), which I loved because it was an instantly fun, happy look.

When I applied the Tarte gloss, I was initially disappointed that it wasn’t a replica of my beloved Crystal Gloss. It was far more subtle . . . like my Lip Glow! Yes, the Tarte is just like Dior Lip Glow in gloss form.

Sooooo it sort of looks like I’m just wearing clear lip gloss. But I swear, like Dior Lip Glow, it adds a natural (not bubblegum or hot) pink flush and evens out the color of the lips. The gloss has a thin, goopy texture and an artificial cotton candy scent (not my fave but whatevs). I really like the slanted applicator, which has a dip that acts as a reservoir for the gloss, and the moisturizing, plush feel makes it perfect for wearing alone or as a lipstick topper/reviver.

Strangely, the arm swatch shows the Tarte adjusting to a bright shade of pink while the Dior is almost colorless. But believe me, the effect on my lips is very similar except of course the Tarte has a high gloss finish versus Dior’s soft shine.

Btw, Tarte has a whole line of Skintuitive products: check out the cheek stain and the lip crayon (I have this but don’t like it as much as the Dior because it’s not as slippery).

Pros: Natural, healthy pink color. Moisturizing.

Cons: Artificial scent.