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.

The Shade Range & When to Wear Them

Fenty Beauty brought us five stunning shades that work overtime

• Fenty Glow – The rose nude you’ll reach for daily. Perfect for those morning client meetings when you need to look polished but not overdone. It’s giving “I woke up like this” energy but better than Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk gloss, which can run a bit pale on deeper skin tones.
• Mauve Wives – A sophisticated rosy mauve that’s become my go-to for dinner dates and networking events. Unlike Tom Ford’s mauve glosses that can read too cool-toned, this shade has the perfect balance of warmth.
• Honey Waffles – The perfect orangey-brown neutral that’s made for Sunday brunches and farmers’ market runs. It’s similar to Pat McGrath’s Divine Rose gloss but with more depth—ideal for those “no-makeup makeup” days.
• Cookie Jar – A rich chocolate caramel that’s become my power move shade for important presentations and after-work cocktails. While similar to Dior’s chocolate gloss shade, this one has better opacity in a single swipe.
• Fruit Snackz – A statement-making berry red that’s my new favorite for gallery openings and date nights. It delivers the same impact as YSL’s red gloss but with better staying power.

What You Need to Know

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 oat milk 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!

Editor’s Note: All products were purchased with my own money, and all opinions are entirely my own. Some of the luxury glosses mentioned for comparison were previous purchases from my personal collection.