I Tried Every Shade of Fenty’s Cream Gloss Bomb—Here’s What No One Tells You
Yes, I’m fashionably late to the Fenty Beauty party. While beauty enthusiasts everywhere were raving about the original Gloss Bomb, I couldn’t justify dropping $22 on what appeared to be just another tinted gloss. But when Fenty dropped their new Cream Color Drip Lip Creams with promises of full pigmentation and zero shimmer? Your girl had to investigate—especially since my collection of Kiko Cosmetics glosses were starting to feel a bit… predictable.
The Packaging
Let’s start with the aesthetics—because we all know that matters. The gloss comes in a thick, clear hexagonal tube that looks incredibly chic on your vanity (or in your designer bag). Compared to the sleek round tubes of YSL’s Glassy Gloss, Fenty’s hexagonal design that can also be found with their powder foundation stands out in the best way possible. The oversized doe-foot applicator is a game-changer, especially if you’re blessed with fuller lips. Its clever design features a slanted edge for quick application and a precise tip for perfecting those edges—because who has time for touch-ups between meetings and brunches? I will say, the applicator is significantly larger than most luxury glosses I’ve tried, which means more product in fewer swipes.
Gloss Bomb Swatches & When to Wear Them
Fenty Beauty brought us five stunning shades that work overtime
Mauve Wives – This frosted mauve is pure 90s nostalgia with a 2024 upgrade – think Mary J. Blige “Real Love” era meets modern-day Doja Cat aesthetics. The milky pink creates that perfectly frosted pout that hits different on melanated skin.
Rock this when you’re channeling your inner R&B star at weekend brunch, heading to that 90s-themed day party, or making your mark at creative meetups. The bold frosted finish is meant to be noticed – it’s for those days when subtle just won’t cut it.
Honey Waffles – This honey-toned nude is like golden hour bottled into a gloss – that perfect peachy-brown that makes melanated skin look like it’s been kissed by the sun. The shade is giving those Aaliyah “Try Again” vibes but with a 2024 twist, hitting that sweet spot between natural and notice-me.
Perfect for those morning meetings when you need to feel confident but not overdone, casual dates where you want to look effortlessly put together, or Sunday brunches with the girls. It’s that everyday gloss that elevates your natural beauty while keeping it completely wearable.
Fruit Snackz – a glossy cherry red that’s giving expensive, effortless glamour from your morning coffee run to dinner with the girls. The way it pops against melanated skin? Pure luxury, like you just stepped off a Vogue cover shoot but you’re just grabbing oat milk lattes.
Wear this when you’re commanding the room in client presentations, heading to a first date at that new rooftop spot everyone’s posting about, or just because your Sunday errands deserve that extra touch of glam. It’s the type of shade that makes people double-tap your coffee selfie asking “what gloss is this?” in the DMs.
Fenty Glow – This iconic shade is a universally flattering rose nude that’s become the beauty standard for “your lips but better”. The creamy, sheer finish gives that perfect amount of gloss – just pure, clean shine that elevates your natural lip color.
For everything from morning meetings and coffee runs to dinner dates and Sunday errands, it’s that one gloss you’ll always reach for because it simply never misses. It’s the gloss equivalent of your favorite pair of jeans – it just works, every single time.
Cookie Jar – This terracotta-tinted gloss is hitting that perfect sweet spot between nude and natural glam – imagine if your favorite 90s brown liner and that sunset-colored gloss had a baby.
Rock this for your morning coffee runs, those team meetings where you want to look polished but not overdone, or weekend errands when you still want to feel put together. It’s your throw-it-in-your-bag essential that works from day to night without trying too hard.
What You Need to Know About Fenty Beauty Cream Gloss Bomb
The brand markets these as medium to full coverage glosses with vitamin A for lip nourishment, and they deliver on the color promise. As someone with deeper skin, I appreciate that these shades are flattering without requiring a lip liner—though feel free to pair with your favorite liner for extra definition. The coverage is notably more impressive than similar luxury offerings; where Pat McGrath’s glosses give a sophisticated sheen with moderate color payoff, these deliver full-on color in one swipe.
The Formula Breakdown
Let’s talk texture. While most luxury glosses like Dior’s Lip Maximizer or Charlotte Tilbury’s Collagen Lip Bath lean into that plumping, slightly tingly sensation, Fenty took a different approach. The formula feels cushiony and substantial without any tingling or plumping effects. It’s definitely thicker than YSL’s Water Stain Glow but not quite as heavy as Pat McGrath’s Lust Gloss.
The Not-So-Great
Real talk: While the peach-vanilla scent isn’t overwhelming, it’s persistent—you’ll notice it throughout wear. Most luxury glosses either go unscented (like Pat McGrath) or opt for a subtle vanilla that fades quickly (like Charlotte Tilbury). The formula has a tendency to migrate into your mouth (not ideal when you’re trying to enjoy your mocha latte). And while Fenty claims these aren’t sticky, there’s a distinct greasy feeling when you press your lips together. Pro tip: resist the urge to rub your lips too much, or you’ll compromise that gorgeous color payoff.
Price vs. Performance
At $22, these glosses sit comfortably below Pat McGrath ($32), Tom Ford ($55), and YSL ($32), making them an accessible entry point into luxury lip products. However, the formula quirks might make you question if the lower price point is worth the compromise in comfort.
TL;DR
Do these glosses deliver stunning colors and luxe packaging? Absolutely. The shade range is inclusive and thoughtfully curated, outperforming many luxury counterparts in terms of pigmentation and shade selection. However, if you’re sensitive to scented products or particular about texture, you might want to swatch these in person first. While they don’t quite reach the formula refinement of Pat McGrath or the comfortable wear of Charlotte Tilbury, they offer impressive color payoff at a more accessible price point.
Would I repurchase? Only if Fenty Beauty comes out with an unique shade I can’t resist. While the colors are beautiful and the packaging feels premium, the formula’s quirks make these glosses occasional players rather than everyday staples in my makeup routine. If you’re looking to invest in a luxury gloss, I’d recommend spending the extra dollars on Pat McGrath’s Lust Gloss for special occasions or Charlotte Tilbury’s Collagen Lip Bath for everyday wear.
Have you tried the Fenty Cream Gloss Bombs? I’d love to know which shade is your go-to for your power moves!
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