In my interview with Lipstick Queen creator, Poppy King, we chatted about her Black Tie Optional lip products, which are sheer black products that you layer underneath your normal lip color. Poppy told me that these products work like sheer black stockings that you wear on your legs: they give them shape and definition. I have to admit that I was a tad bit skeptical at first, but I’m actually pretty impressed by the results!

I tested out the Black Tie Optional Shine Gloss under the Lipstick Queen Pop Art Gloss in 13 Minutes, a pretty sheer red gloss. Here’s a picture of the Pop Art Gloss on its own.

The first step in using this product is to start with a clean lip, and apply the Black Tie Optional Shine Gloss. This gloss comes in a pot, so I use a lip brush since I don’t like getting my fingers in my gloss! Don’t be alarmed — this gloss is pretty sticky! Technically, it can be worn on its own, but the color isn’t really suitable for my skin color. Here’s how the black gloss looks on its own.

Then, just apply your color over the black base. I was amazed that the colored gloss went on so smoothly, and my lips didn’t feel tacky at all after the gloss went on. My lips definitely looked more shapely and plump!

The other cool part about this gloss is that it deepens the color of your lip gloss or lipstick. I tried it with one of my bright pink lipsticks by MAC, and it gave it a really nice, subtle darkening! How cool is it that you can transform your existing lip colors with this one? I’d definitely recommend this product to anyone who wants to try something new in their lip product regime. It also comes in a lipstick form, for those who prefer a finger or brush-free application!

Here’s a side-by-side comparison.

Note: These products were generously sent to me by the lovely people at Lipstick Queen, however this review is honest and true to my experience. We are required by FTC law to disclose this information to our readers, but rest assured that our reviews are always truthful!