What not to buy: Du Wop Prime Venom Lip Plumping balm

Since I have very plump lower lips and very thin upper lip [ a most weird & sad combo] I don't really need any help from a lip plumper to increase the odd effect. However, when I saw this on sale at my local Shoppers Drug Mart, curiosity prompted me to get them to give it a try.

As you already got from the title, I am not a fan of it and let me try to explain why; if this is something you love, don't feel bad, just think of it as bad taste on my part :)

What Du Wop says about Prime Venom:

Plump, prime and condition your lips with DuWop's newest addition, Prime Venom. DuWop has created the first matte finish plumping balm infused with the now famous Lip Venom formula.

Prime Venom is a satin matte lip balm that leaves your lips supple and conditioned while acting as a primer to help lipsticks go on smoother and last longer.

Now you can have the venom tingle and plumping even when you don't want the shine. Worn under lipstick or gloss, Prime Venom leaves the lips conditioned, fuller and smoothes out the fine lines that can stop lip color from looking its best. Prime Venom also flushes the lips with natural color so that you don't have to wear lipstick at all if you choose not to.

Price - Approx $22CAD for 2.2gms.

My Experience:

1st of all, the scent - oh my god! It reminded me of some oil gone bad. Now, to be very honest, there is a chance that the product may have been on the shelf for a longer time to make the scent go putzzz.. but still! Gak!! I tried it on once or twice to see how it worked and have stayed away from it ever since. 

2nd and the last factor - I couldn't see any change except for some tingling sensation on my lips. In fact, its more of a slight burning sensation than a tingle, so may be someone with a more sensitive lips might not like it at all. However, the fact is, I couldn't see any noticeable difference at all. At least nothing to justify a $22 price tag.

If I want a plumper luscious lips, I'd rather load up on a nice lip gloss, than try something like this that feels pretty uncomfortable on lips.

Overall: Du Wop, I love you for being cruelty free; I did like your Private Red lipstick , so I hope that I'd definitely like something a bit more normal from your product range- may be those Lip Styxx.. but so sorry, I didnt like it, I wouldn't recommend it and I am not going to buy it again!

Self Adjusting Lipsticks -Do they work? Testing it out with Du Wop's Private Lipstick in Private Red

When I saw this lipstick at Shoppers Drug Mart for sale, I thought - 'Hey, a nice Red lipstick, but how many can you buy, so nahhh'; then I saw the description - Self Adjusting lipstick. 
Well, like any normal shopaholic , I was lured by the promise of buying something new & may be getting that perfect Red Lips.
Aaaand here is the result...



What Du Wop says - They say a lot, so I am not copying it here.. check it out at their website here
There are 7 shades and it costs around $22 CAD.


Packaging: Totally appreciate the sleek greyish black packaging - Awesome!





My Experience:

I have read reviews where people didn't notice much color change, so I thought I will test it out on 3 surfaces -  a white paper, my hand and my lips.



On the white paper, it appears as a blue-toned coral red shade. I didn't honestly care much for this shade.



On my hands, it appears as an orangey red shade. Loved this effect - I am a fan of orange.







Finally on my bare lips [no lip balm, pigmented lips] with its naturally mauvish tone, this appeared to be a darker red with brown tones. It came out as a warmer shade and I feel that it suits my skin tone -so Muy Contento!

Regarding how it applies- it is very creamy and its red -so beware of feathering. I suggest using a lip liner. You can see in my lip swatches how it has feathered.



It stains my lips but because of its creaminess the staying power is not very high - around 3-4 hours at the max without food or drink.

The intensity can be built upon; I am wearing it with 2-3 swipes which is almost a semi-intense look.

I don't think I would have been so happy with this lipstick if I'd paid the full price, considering that it does bleed and it is not a very long wearing lipstick. Also, another issue I find is, it does some how highlight all the lines on my lips; not a deal breaker for me but I guess it would be for dry skinned ladies.

OVERALL: 
This lipstick does seem to change color so I agree with their claim. I have read a lot of reviews where people didn't find any difference; however, unless my eyes are deceiving me completely, I find some amount of difference in the color.

Of course, the difference is not that wonderful or that significant and I honestly don't think that this lipstick does any magic in turning to the perfect Red. Its a gamble I guess- the lipstick changes color a bit subtly; if it matches you well and good!

I love this lipstick, it applies like a dream, no scent, no irritation, no taste and I dont mind reapplying.

Now the million dollar question or in this case $22 CAD question is - will I buy again for $22CAD? Hmmm...to be honest, I don't think so. It is not that special; I would consider buying Du Wop's Mini collection - check it here

Du Wop is a cruelty free company so here is a huge THUMBS UP!