Sonia Kashuk Ultra Luxe Lip Gloss - Fairest Flush and Modern Mauve (Review and Swatches)

Target is finally coming to Quebec! The one nearest to me is opening sometime in the "late" fall, but several have already opened in Laval, Brossard and St-Laurent. Like any beauty junkie, I was most excited about finally being able to access certain hard-to-find and Target-exclusive brands like Sonia Kashuk and Pixi. I was lucky enough to be offered a sampling of products to try out, and now I'm basically stalking the Target page in anticipation of my local store opening.

I've been coveting items from the Sonia Kashuk like for a while now. Lady deserves serious respect for being the only makeup artist - at least at the time - to create a mass-distribution makeup line. As much as the current quality of drugstore makeup owes to the formulations of higher-end sister brands trickling down to their drugstore counterparts, I think a lot of the credit also goes to Sonia Kashuk. She created the template for performance-driven, good quality makeup at a reasonable price.

The Sonia Kashuk Ultra Luxe Lip Glosses certainly exemplify that. (Especially the last part, because unlike some brands, their Canadian prices are pretty much par with the US ones. AWWWW YEAH.)

Sonia Kashuk Ultra Luxe Lip Gloss in Modern Mauve (top) and Fairest Flush (bottom)

First and foremost - I love the packaging. The square tube, the bold logo, the matte black cap - it feels well-executed and on-trend. It doesn't have the heavy-weight feel of a luxury brand, obviously, but neither does it feel cheap. I also really like the brush applicator for getting a nice quantity of product on in a neat manner. I don't love that it has a tendency to catch on the rim going back into the tube, as this has already caused some of the fibres to go a little askew. Also, as the wand comes out it does pick up a fair bit of product, so you might get a glob dripping down if you're not paying attention.

This is a medium-textured gloss that is slightly tacky, particularly as it starts drying down, but not sticky. It has good coverage and feels very comfortable and actually quite hydrating on the lips. Not quite balm-like, but it definitely left my lips feeling smoother and softer, and looking fuller while wearing it.

Lasting power is about average for a gloss, though Modern Mauve left a hint of colour behind as it faded down. These seem to be unscented, at least no masking scent.

Fairest Flush is a super pretty light pink with golden shimmer. It doesn't add much colour to my lips, though that has more to do with the shade than the coverage level, as for a gloss it has medium pigmentation. I like this shade layered over a nude or concealed lip, as it picks up more of the sorbet-pink undertone.

Modern Mauve is that perfect everyday shade for me - a deeper, more polished version of my natural lip colour. I think this is the shade that almost everyone could wear. It has no hint of shimmer, and the creamy finish combined with the conditioning benefits of the formulation really works to add the appearance of fullness and a smoother texture to my lips. Super, super flattering.

Considering how much I like these, I'll be checking out the other shades in this range - I'm feeling the Polished Plum for Fall!

What about you guys? Have you tried anything from Sonia Kashuk or Target that you're thrilled with?

Availability: Currently at Target stores in Canada (no online shopping yet). Price is 8.99$ CAD and 8.99$ USD.

Pros: Comfortable, hydrating, lip-softening wear. Good pigmentation and flattering colours. Modern and classy packaging, and a brush applicator for generous yet precise application.

Cons: The brush can splay out a bit if it catches on the rim of the tube.

(These items were provided by the brand/PR to be considered for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated. Opinions are my own.)