ShineOn Lip Gloss Jelly, Cashew (0.13 oz)

I have lived with exfoliative cheilitis for 47 years. My lips peel off in actual sheets of skin. Any lip product—gloss, balm, lipstick, liner—triggers severe peeling, cracking, and bleeding that can last for days or weeks. I have seen multiple doctors, used prescription creams and steroids, tried elimination diets (including long-term carnivore), and spent thousands of dollars testing every over-the-counter lip product I could find. My last dermatologist basically told me it was genetic and I’d just have to live with it. For the past five years the only thing that kept my lips somewhat calm was O’Keeffe’s lip balm. Even then, random flare-ups still happened and I just had to wait them out. Lipstick and liners were completely off-limits. Then I discovered Tower 28 while looking for a replacement for my old Almay color-changing makeup. Their tinted sunscreen felt and looked incredible on my skin, so I thought, “Why not try the lip products? I’ve tried everything else.” I ordered during a full flare-up when my lips were in really bad shape. I wasn’t expecting much. The next morning my lips were already starting to heal. By the following day they were completely healed. After about five days of consistent use, aside from a little gentle scrubbing with a washcloth in the morning, I feel like I’m experiencing normal lip skin for the first time in my life. No peeling sheets. No cracking. No bleeding. Just soft, moisturized and calm lips. I got the XOXO shade and Magic (see photo). I was a little worried about XOXO being too bright since I’m not used to wearing any color but it’s perfect! And considering how much I’ve paid for other products, the price seems reasonable but if you don’t have issues like mine, it may be a little steep. I am still in disbelief. Two other family members have the same condition, so I’m buying Tower 28 lip products for everyone for Christmas and I will tell everyone about this product line! Thank you, Tower 28. This isn’t just makeup—it’s the greatest skincare line I’ve ever found for extremely reactive lips. If you or someone you love deals with exfoliative cheilitis, chronic peeling, or lips that react to absolutely everything, please give these a try. It has been life-changing for me! Maybe I’ll try the liners next!

If you’re here, you’re lucky because I am a lip gloss fanatic and I have tried so many oils to help you decipher some of the best formulas. Of the affordable lip oils, these are my favorites to use (from least to most): Nyx Fat Lip Oil (polar peppermint): Not terribly sticky, but I don’t love to reapply this one for some reason. The formula just isn’t my favorite. It offers a tingly sensation on the lips, but doesn’t give me that minty fresh feeling when I inhale like I’ve experienced with other peppermint lip balms — the mint just kind of “sits” there and tingles on the lips if that makes sense.. I guess it’s better than the C.O. Bungalow peppermint gloss because it doesn’t leave this white residue the way that that one does when reapplying. But I don’t notice any plumping and I don’t love the sheer blue pigment, so it’s on the bottom of my faves. I’d still be curious to try out their clear one. Nyx Butter Gloss (clear): The first near “lip oil” I tried because I hated the tackiness of traditional lip glosses. I don’t have many quarrels with this other than I’ve now tried smoother, non-tacky oils which I prefer because they are more slippery and hardly sticky. This formula gets grainy depending on the weather. It contains a lot of product for the price point, which is wonderful if you’re looking for an honest and affordable gloss. Gingersnap is for the baddies Tower 28 Lip jelly (sesame): This is about tied with the Nyx butter gloss for me in terms of performance. Sesame is a gorgeous everyday color and non-sticky gloss which I’m able to reapply without any white buildup on the lips. Personally, I don’t love the scent — smells like old coconut? Maybe my batch wasn’t fresh. It isn’t an overpowering smell and I can’t taste anything so it doesn’t bother me. I would say it’s mostly on par with the butter gloss texture, but maybe ever so slightly less sticky on the lips which I prefer. Con is it’s on the pricier side. Don’t be fooled by the packaging — you actually get more product in the Nyx butter gloss for way less money. Milani Lip Oil (passion fruit coconut): This lip oil is highly recommended. I like it! Again, don’t love the scent it’s like it wanted to be a pineapple coconut but it just missed the mark for me. I tried the most clear color, but I think I will be trying Coco Cacao as I read it is only a faint brown color that fades over time. It is also moisturizing on the lips and a good price point. Smackers Fruit Glaze Lip Oil (banana): I know this was probably made for children, but can we talk about this ? It is COMPLETELY non-sticky. Oh, I love the formula so much. The scent and taste ? Exact replica of a banana laffy taffy. I mean I’m obsessed! This is my go to for an every day shine. Con? Zero lasting power. Maybe 30-40 mins. However, it’s super cheap and has lasted me 3 months with regular use (+ reapplying through the day). I also wish the packaging were a bit slimmer. If you’re looking for a nighttime lip oil to swipe on before bed without sacrificing one of your fancy oils, I’d say this one’s great! Homebody Liquid Love Lip Oil (by Kali Uchis): My “higher end” lip oil. I LOVE it. The scent is of a sweet rose: divine like Kali. It’s moisturizing, lasts longer than my beloved children’s lip smacker oil. This one’s my go to clear gloss when going out with my boyfriend. I use this in situations where I need something to perform reliably through eat and drink, no residue / white buildup from reapplication, and I can kiss my boyfriend without it getting in the way. It’s pricy, but this is the one for me so far 💋

Really nice formula, feels hydrating on and very sheer color - just enough tint to make it a very natural lip color gloss. Not sticky at all and just enough shine. This will be a gloss that I keep on me throughout the day!

This lip gloss goes on so soft, not sticky at all. I like the Pistachio shade, but it's very neutral. I just ordered a brighter color to add to my collection.

Works great probably the best feeling lip gloss I've tried but the smell was horrible to me I've asked others and they say it smells good so I guess it's to each just warning people!

This is a quality product, as I've come to expect from this brand. I lip gloss goes on smoothly and is very hydrating. I think the Pistachio color is a great neutral, kind of one of those colors that goes well with any skin tone. The tube is a good size for the money also. I definitely recommend trying it.

sooo cute! i love the feeling of it on my lips, not oily, not sticky and it makes my lips so soft, i feel that other lipglosses makes my lips peel but this dose not! beautiful colors, i have oat and its a peachy muted pink

Tower 28 is the Queen!, this brings my lips back to life with a neutral color but amazing coverage and shine, Its comfortable to wear and doesn't have an ugly taste. Tower 28 if you're reading this please send me a care package. I'm obsessed!

حلو

My favorite, vegan and safe. Ordered and i am reordering

Such a nice change to gloss or lipstick, non sticky and gorgeous color, just ordered XOXO - great new addition to my make up bag.

I received an expired one, the shade is beautiful (cashew), looked lighter than in the pictures. But it’s definitely expired, it smells off, like some old crayons or oil that gone bad, and it gives an unpleasant feeling on my lips. Clean beauty gets expired quickly and unlike Korean brands, here the expiration date is not indicated.

I received a used item.