I Tested the New Fenty Gloss Bomb Stix and Rihanna Definitely Nailed It (Again)

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As a beauty editor, there’s something about a lip product that gets me giddy. Whether it's lipstick , gloss or balm , I collect them like Yu-Gi-Oh! cards. The one brand that’s always on the top of my list? Fenty Beauty. After seven years, the OG Gloss Bomb continues to be in my regular rotation (in every color), so I was hyped when the beauty brand launched a whole new collection of lip products: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix . My For You Page (and group chat) can’t stop talking about it, so I had to try it out to see if it lives up to the original. Here’s my honest review of the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix ahead.

How I Tested the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix

I did a wear test to learn more about the texture, longevity and finish of the Stix. I tried all ten shades in the collection to compare their color payoff and how each color complemented my skin tone. I also paid close attention to how the color looked at the end of the day, especially after eating, drinking and chatting up a storm about the House of the Dragon finale .

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What Are the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix?

If you’ve used Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer , then the new Gloss Bomb Stix will feel familiar, as they’re pretty similar. The Stix have a comparable pigment and shine to them, but with a balmier finish. The formula is being compared to the YSL Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick , which has also been in my rotation and I can definitely understand why people have noted their similarities. I already heard about the release, but it was the videos on TikTok that influenced me to actually try them. The swatches looked amazing, and I loved seeing the colors on a variety of skin tones, so I needed to see them on myself.

My Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix Review

Chelsea Candelario/PureWow

Upon unboxing, I found the design of the Stix was very chic and on brand. I love how each bullet matches the shade it comes in, so placing them side-by-side on my dresser looks fantastic. They’re also easy to open and snap shut—plus, twisting the tube up is so smooth.

The brand says it’s a hybrid between a lip gloss and a lipstick, but it reminds me more of a tinted lip balm (more on that later). The oval tip lends itself to a more even application, and I can easily use it to line my lips—though Fenty also has liners that complements each shade, too.

Chelsea Candelario Wearing "Is It Fu$$y"

Why do I think it’s more like a lip balm? Well, for starters, it has a buttery texture that’s slightly sticky, but not enough to be a nuisance on the lips. With key ingredients like vitamin E and shea butter , the formula is nourishing and I can easily rub my lips together without it feeling tacky. Oh, and the finish? It shines bright like a diamond (sorry).

Since it’s a hybrid lip product, it doesn’t dry out like a regular gloss. I don’t have to worry about cracked lips after a long day. The brand claims it can lock in moisture for up to eight hours and I noticed that my lips still felt soft long after the product wore off. That said, it does come off easily, so don’t expect it to last if you blot your lips with a napkin or take a sip of water.

Now, let’s talk about the colors. I was not expecting for them to be so pigmented. After one swipe, I was surprised to see how clearly the color showed up on my lips. For other balms I’ve tried in the past, it takes a couple of layers to get my desired finish. Yes, these sticks are buildable, but honestly, there’s no need to swipe the product multiple times to see results.

The collection comes in 10 shades and I tried them all—even ones I wouldn’t usually wear. For reference, there are browns, nudes, reds and pinks (with one purple hue in the mix). I usually prefer darker colors, so “Hot Chocolit,” (rich brown) “Sp’Ice Cold” (pink brown) and “Fenty Glow” (rose tan) were, unsurprisingly, my favorites. However, I was pleasantly surprised by “The MVP” (bluish red) and “Riri” (rose mauve). They were bold, but flattering against my skin. Although “Blaz’d Donut” (light pink beige) and “Two'Lip Kiss” (light peach) aren’t in my top five, I still appreciate the range. Overall, it’s a great selection of hues that can work well with all complexions—see how each shade looks on me below.

The Nudes (L-R): "Sorta $elfish," "Fenty Glow" and "Two'Lip Kiss"

Chelsea Candelario/PureWow

The Browns and Purples (L-R): "Sp-Ice Cold," "Riri" and "Hot Chocolit"

Chelsea Candelario/PureWow

The Reds & Pinks (L-R): "Blaz'd Donut," "High'Biscus" and "The MVP"

Chelsea Candelario/PureWow

The Bottom Line: Is the Fenty Gloss Bomb Stix Worth It?

Of course. Fenty Beauty hasn’t steered me wrong yet. This latest drop is glossy and moisturizing, while leaving a rich color behind. One or two swipes made my lips look juicy and feel soft, minus any tackiness. While the high shine finish (and slightly high price point) might not be everyone’s cup of tea, and you definitely have to reapply the color once you eat or drink anything, it’s a nice option to have if you want something that’s between a lipgloss and a lipstick. Did I mention the scent is heavenly? It smells like sweet candy, but it doesn’t linger once it’s on your lips. I highly recommend pairing the Gloss Bomb Stix with the matching liners if you want a more precise pout, but they can absolutely stand alone. Ms. Robyn you outdid yourself again.

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