Kosas Hotliner Hyaluronic Acid Contouring Lip Liner, Review

Naya
1 day ago
3 min read

Kosas Hotliner Hyaluronic Acid Countouring Lip Liner Review

one kiss is all it takes

Foreword

Trends may come and go, but lip liner is here to stay. As we continue discussing Kosas creations, let's focus on a new product - Hotliner. Is it truly plumping, long-wearing, and hydrating? Let's find out.

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About the Product

Kosas Hotliner Hyaluronic Acid Contouring Lip Liner (22 USD; Made in Korea) - is marketed as a hydrating, lip-plumping lip liner that is smooth and long-wearing.

Packaging: a sleek, retractable lip liner containing 0.5g / 0.017 oz worth of product. This Kosas creation includes a built-in tip sharpener and a flat lip brush.

Recyclable ♻️

Formula: the highlighted ingredient is Hyaluronic Acid, which is known for its moisture-retaining, hydrating purposes. Essentially, the Hotliner is a combination of synthetic waxes, texture-enhancers, and pigments. A standard list for a long-wearing formula, however, the high level of solvents and film formers tells us that this liner may feel drying over time with Kaolin potentially accentuating lip texture.

Personally speaking, I did not face any adverse reactions while using the product.

Vegan🌱 Cruelty-free🐇

Scent: no added fragrance.

Texture: the Hotliner has a smooth, creamy consistency that is on a satin-matte, shine-free side.

Kosas Hotliner Hyaluronic Acid Contouring Lip Liner Review

Shade: Infinite

Shades: currently available in eight universally flattering colors. The one you see featured in this review is called Infinite. It is described as a warm pinky brown.

The Hotliner lip liners are opaque and true to color.

Finish: satin-matte.

Application: this formula glides on with ease and creates bold strokes. For ultimate precision you may sharpen the tip of the pencil with the built-in sharpener or blend out the edges with the flat brush. You can also use your fingertips.

The Hotliner sets relatively fast and from that point on it does not budge. You can also level up the intensity by layering it. Ultimately, you will need to work a bit faster if you choose to blend it into the lip line.

Layer the contour of your mouth or fill in your lips with it - it works pretty well both ways.

Wear: while the longevity is excellent (between 5-7 hours), I find that the Hotliner feels quite drying on my lips. Not sure whether it has something to do with the lack of rich emollients or occlusives in the formula or the Hyaluronic Acid drawing moisture from my lips, but shortly after applying it I need a coat of a hydrating lip product.

You can easily define your lip line and draw on a pretty pout with this liner, however, it has no plumping effect (which does not live up to one of the product claims).

Verdict

While I love the thought behind this lip liner and its color range, I must say that with so many alternative products on offer, I would rather choose comfort. The Hotliner is long-lasting and pigmented, however, I find it quite drying and at times unflattering. Perhaps if you prefer more of a satin-matte finish, you may like this formula. As for me, someone who loves longevity and comfort combined, I have comparable (and more affordable) lip pencils and liners in my possession that have that same great hold but they also feel and look great on the lips. I also noticed that this Kosas liner dries out fast. Only a couple of months of having it, and the texture has gone waxy and hard compared to when it was brand new.