Beauty Review: lipFUEL gloss plumps, adds shine to pout

Kimberly Coppola is a longtime lover of lip gloss -- but she doesn't love toting four or five of them in her purse.  She's also not a fan of how lip plumpers, or glosses that claim to pump up a woman's pout, can tingle or even burn lips. 

So she came up with a solution -- create her own all-in-one gloss and plumper to sell at the accessories store, Serendipity, she owns and operates with her husband Peter in Market Square (pictured above at their store).  About five years ago, Ms. Coppula, formerly of Victoria's Secret Beauty, formulated a gloss containing vitamins A and C for antioxidant protection and vitamin E for locking in moisture. It is fortified with genuine diamond dust to give lips some subtle shine. Like many items sold at Serendipity, the gloss is made in the U.S.

The tube boasts that lipFUEL can increase lip volume, boost hydration and decrease surface lines. I've been using it for a couple months, and it does what it claims.  My lips feel soft and look fuller when I wear it.  It also isn't gooey or sticky like a lot of other glosses I've tried.  The shades are neutrals, but they add just enough tint of color to perk up  your look.  It does have some shine to it, but it's not too glitzy or shimmery so women of any age can feel comfortable wearing it.  More good news -- it doesn't burn or bleed.  A little bit goes a long way, so one tube should last for several months.  

lipFUEL typically retails for $34, but it is on special for $18 per tube.  Keep an eye out for new shades coming soon.  More details at www.serendipity.com. 

Photos: Top, by Larry Roberts/Post-Gazette. Right, provided by Serendipity Accessories.