Fenty Gloss Bomb Stix
TL:DR – Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb Stix combines the best of both worlds: the staying power of a lipstick with the shiny, glossy finish of a lip gloss. It gives rich pigmentation in one swipe, glides on smoothly, and has a hydrating, comfortable feel that doesn’t dry out lips. While the formula is not completely transfer-proof and fades after meals, it provides great shine and colour that suits a range of brown skin tones. For a complete look, pair it with lip liner.
The Details
Let’s talk about the Fenty Gloss Bomb Stix—the sleek, balmy cousins to the iconic Gloss Bomb glosses. While they’re inspired by the glossy vibes of the classic Gloss Bomb, these are actually lipsticks with a gloss finish. That means you’re getting the staying power of a lipstick and the shine of a gloss—a rare, best-of-both-worlds combo. Let’s dig into how the whole range performs, especially on brown skin tones.
The Pros
Shade Range That Speaks to Us: The collection has a mix of neutral browns, soft nudes, and playful pops like peach and pink. For brown skin tones, shades like Hot Chocolit and Fenty Glow hit the mark. They’re rich, warm, and enhance natural undertones without washing you out.
Hydration Station: These stix feel more like a lip treatment with their soft, buttery formula. Unlike traditional glosses, which can feel sticky or slide off quickly, the Gloss Bomb Stix deliver a slightly more substantial, balm-like feel. They glide on smoothly and keep your lips hydrated—no crusty aftermath in sight. Perfect for lips that need extra TLC.
On-the-Go Friendly: The twist-up packaging is super convenient. Toss it in your bag, swipe it on without a mirror, and boom—your lips are glossy and cute. Plus, the sleek metallic finish of the tube makes it feel luxe.
A Sheer Glow Moment: The payoff isn’t OTT. It’s a sheer, buildable colour that lets your natural lip tone peek through. Ideal for a casual, no-fuss vibe or layering with a lip liner for a bit more oomph.
The Cons
Shine vs. Staying Power: While they last longer than a traditional gloss, these stix still need reapplication throughout the day, especially after meals or drinks.
Subtle Pigment (Sometimes Too Subtle): The sheer finish is lovely, but if you have darker lips or want bold colour, some shades might not pack the punch you’re looking for.
The Transfer Struggle: Like most glossy products, these stix transfer like nobody’s business. So, be careful with kisses, coffee mugs, or white shirts.
Leans Neutral: While the shades are great for everyday wear, the line could use a few more daring or dramatic options for when you want to turn heads.
Final thoughts
The Gloss Bomb Stix are perfect for anyone who loves a glossy lip but hates the stickiness of traditional glosses. They’re hydrating, lightweight, and give you a polished, “effortlessly chic” vibe.
That said, if you’re a bold-lip lover or need something long-wearing, you might find these a little too subtle or high-maintenance. My pro tip? Pair them with a lip liner to amp up the colour and extend wear time.
Ready to get your hands on some? You can obtain the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix in all colours on the Fenty site for £23/$25 a pop here.
A little extra help
Lipsticks can be a bit of a gamble sometimes. With so many shades to choose from, figuring out where to begin can feel like….a lot! To make things easier, I’ve rounded up some well reviewed recommendations below to get you started.
Hot Chocolit
Why You’ll Love It: A rich, warm brown that gives your lips that sultry, glossy vibe. Perfect for enhancing deeper skin tones.
Best Lip Liner: Try MAC Chestnut—a cult-classic deep brown liner that complements the warmth of this shade beautifully. For a slightly more neutral look, opt for NYX Lip Pencil in Espresso.
Sp’ice Cold
Why You’ll Love It: This warm pinky-brown is universally flattering and creates a soft, polished look ideal for casual and professional settings.
Best Lip Liner: Try MAC Chestnut or NYX Brown lip liners to add depth and balance to your lips.
Fenty Glow
Why You’ll Love It: A rosy nude that’s universally flattering, giving you a soft, everyday glam look.
Best Lip Liner: Pair it with Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk Intense for a nude blend, or go with NYX Lip Pencil in Nutmeg for a more budget-friendly option.
The MVP
Why You’ll Love It: This bold, cool-toned red adds a nice pop of colour while complementing richer skin tones without looking ashy.
Best Lip Liner: Try Fenty Beauty Flypencil in Cherry Punk or MAC’s Ruby Woo Lip Pencil for a clean, defined finish.
Riri
Why You’ll Love It: A soft, muted rose that enhances natural lip tones, making it a great everyday shade for medium to deep skin tones.
Best Lip Liner: Pair with Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle Lip Pencil in I Quit or NYX Mauve for subtle definition.
