Though I’m not a big daily lip gloss wearer (…mainly out of laziness/limited time in the mornings), it’s nice to have something that works for everything just in case. Getting the chance to try out Smashbox’s Lip Enhancing Gloss in Illume, it seemed like a potential good choice for something that could get the job done.

Shade: For Illume, it ended up being a part of the sheer color portion of the Lip Enhancing Gloss line, which was fine since I wasn’t aiming for a colored gloss that much. Though with this formula, it’s filled with “shiny polymers and pearls with a hint of glistening color for three-dimensional shine” - so lots of focus on bringing the glitter, which is never too bad.

The color itself ends up very light, though there is a hint of a gold-champagne that would work pretty much for everyone. Very pretty and brings in a hint of glam alongside the shiny and glittery gloss. I also liked that the glitter in the gloss wasn’t too big as well. It ends up really fine but still makes itself known, very workable for day or night.

Application: As mentioned before, the intent isn’t color for this sheer gloss. So here I layered it over Lancome’s Rouge Attraction in Enigma. The shiny finish is from the lip gloss though. No complaints here, since it glides on pretty much like a dream and the brush applicator makes it very easy to direct it perfectly onto your lips.

Scent: Generally, I don’t really notice the scents of lip glosses, mainly because they don’t really have one. But this one does and it’s not too bad. There’s definitely a very sweet smell that comes from it - I want to call it a mix between vanilla and marshmallow…which sounds like a pretty good combo for a melty s’more…

Overall: With a variety of colors to choose from (and degrees of pigmentation), I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a solid lip gloss. For Illume, it’s a great choice for just a basic, sheer light gold lip gloss that gives your lips the right touch of moisture and shimmer for them to last for a good while. But it’s comfortable enough that you really don’t notice that you have it on after a while. Plus, you avoid that awkward, sticky-feeling that some other lip glosses can put off.

If you’re a fan of sweet scents, you’ll definitely enjoy the vanilla-marshmallow aroma of this gloss as well. Though after it sinks into your lips a bit, you really don’t notice it after that initial application.

In the end, it’s a really nice addition to have as sort of the versatile companion and compatible finishing touch to any lipstick that I feel like sporting for that day or night.

Score: 5/5

(Disclaimer: Smashbox’s Lip Enhancing Gloss in Illume sample was provided to me for review purposes. This review is purely my opinion.)