I spotted this thing wedged between a crusty mascara and some forgotten eyeliner at CVS. Looked like a toy. Almost walked past.
Swatched it on my hand out of spite. Walked to the register. That was three weeks ago and I haven’t touched my Tower 28 since.
It’s Nyx Professional Makeup‘s This Is Juice Gloss — $8.99, 0.16 oz. Claims “juicy, plump-looking lips.” I rolled my eyes. Then I put it on.
The Cushion Factor
First swipe feels like a lip mask that decided to become a gloss.
Shimmer That Doesn’t Scream
It’s fine milled — no chunky glitter floating around your mouth like a disco ball.
Stick? Nope
My hair got caught exactly zero times today. That’s a record.
Photo: pmv chamara / Unsplash
They loaded this with jojoba oil and vitamin E — the usual suspects for hydration. But the real trick? It’s got a peptide complex that gives that temporary plump without the tingle-burn most plumpers use. No minty torture.
- Jojoba Oil: sinks in fast, doesn’t sit greasy
- Vitamin E: basic barrier repair, does the job
- Peptide Complex: the plump without the pain
- Tocopherol: keeps it from going rancid in your bag
Photo: Elsa Olofsson / Unsplash
First swipe: thick but not goopy. Sinks into lip lines in about 10 seconds — no white ring inside the mouth. Smells like a melted Jolly Rancher but fades fast.
Week 2: I started layering it over matte lipstick and it didn’t dissolve the color underneath. That’s rare at this price. Only con? Two hours of wear before you need to reapply. It’s not a fighter — it’s a lover.
Photo: Siora Photography / Unsplash
Lips look fuller, feel softer, zero irritation. Did it change my life? No. Did it replace three glosses in my rotation? Yes. That’s a win.
Photo: Nick Noel / Unsplash
Best drugstore gloss of 2026? Maybe. Best $9 I spent this month? Absolutely. Grab one before the internet wakes up and they’re gone.