Face of Australia's Sheer Gloss Lip Crayon - swatches and review

Dupey, Dupey, Dupe. Something tells me Face of Australia might reconsider selling these babies as a limited edition release.  I first spotted FOA's Sheer Gloss Lip Crayons (set of three) at my local Priceline last week; I was really there to check out Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, alas, they haven't been shipped to Australia yet.  However, I had stars in my eyes when I fixed my gaze on these.  And the price isn't too shabby either.

Always on the pursuit for the next best thing while maintaining some sort of grasp on my purse strings, dupes are definitely a good thing in my book.  Imitation is considered to be the sincerest form of flattery - for lip crayons it started with Clinique's Chubby Stick, then Tarte came a'knocking with Lipsurgence lip tint and now Revlon's coming to the party too.  The four of these options are wind up, goof-proof and super easy to use - but, there's always a but, they vary in price. Chubby Sticks sell for a whopping $35 AUS / $16 USD, Tarte sells their version for $24 USD (I'm guessing they'd hover around the same price as Clinique's if they were to be sold here in Aus.) and Revlon's latest release goes for $8ish USD.

How did Face of Australia's stack up?  While I can only compare based on my personal experience and after reading plenty of other bloggers' reviews for the rest - pretty darn well.  The only thing I didn't enjoy was the sickly sweet scent of vanilla they gave off; the scent is superficial, as it faded away after a minute or so.

FOA Sheer Gloss Lip Crayons

FOA Sheer Gloss Lip Crayons

Sundae, Cupcake and Macaron

Sundae, Cupcake and Macaron

  • Sundae is a warm caramel brown, but makes me think of raisins too.  I'm getting hungry!
  • Cupcake is a light, warm-hued pink; the colour resembles that of Bazooka bubble gum.
  • Macaron reminds me of maraschino cherry juice; drats, your brother left the empty jar in the fridge again!
Wearing Cupcake

Wearing Cupcake

Wearing Macaron

Wearing Macaron

Wearing Sundae

Wearing Sundae

Face of Australia's Sheer Gloss Lip Crayons last for about two hours or so; when the sheen disappeared I was left with a wash of colour.  You don't need a mirror and they can even be applied on the go (which I've been known to do).  

Last, I can't stress this enough, apply chapstick first - my lips have resembled the Arctic Tundra as of late, not v. cute. Hey, it's "winter".

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Face of Australia's Sheer Gloss Lip Crayons:

  • $14.95 AUS for the set

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

  • 9.5 out of 10 bags – I had to take off a little for the scent.  They're now a staple in my purse.

Likelihood to purchase again: