14 DAY TRIAL // Women, it seems, are crazy after Angelina Jolie’s lips, with countless willing to do just about anything for a fuller set than the one nature endowed them with. However, of these, not many are eager to go that extra mile and do something as permanent (and as expensive) as implants or fillers, which is why the market for cheaper alternatives that last for shorter intervals is booming.
The JolieLips Plumping & Enhancement System is one of these products. For $27.95, the kit promises to offer lips that look like Jolie’s (it’s right there, in the name), without having to waste too much time, spend too much money, or be in too much pain. Moreover, it promises to do so with a device that is nothing short of a pump that applies pressure and suction on the lips, making them swell and become redder – using it a few times a day is bound to guarantee the desired result.
“No injections, no pain, no nonsense tingling cream. Most beauty experts agree that plump lips are the most important feature for a young and attractive look. CosmeSearch, Inc, a leader in innovative beauty products, has invented a new lip plumping and enhancing system. Here is how it works: Micro Collagen Plumping Balm will penetrate and hydrate the lips. The Plumping Device gently activates molecules, dramatically increases lip size by plumping up lips naturally. Fuller lips don’t have to cost a fortune.” a note on the official page of the product reads.
While, in theory, this may sound very promising and efficient, in practice, the kit leaves much to be desired. Like, for instance, the fact that it’s as subtle in terms of effects if not used with the utmost precaution as a punch to the mouth, as one health editor for MSNBC has recently learned. Another shortcoming of the product is that its effects last only for a short while and, obviously, carrying it in the purse for outdoor use is not an option. It’s also inconvenient and weird, while also somewhat painful to use, MSNBC has found.
“The [instructions] do not, however, say how to deal with the disgusting amount of slobber that will result from using a suction device on your mouth. […] My lips really did look fuller – and redder – than they normally do. […] But when I looked in the mirror the next morning, my lips looked… odd. To be precise: It looked like I had been punched in the mouth. The center of both my lower and upper lips had turned a deep bluish-purple that refused to be hidden, no many [sic] how many layers of lipstick I slathered on. My lips were visibly bruised that entire weekend, meaning I had to endure hilarious taunts from my friends.” a review of JolieLips on MSNBC reads.
Experts also say that the vacuum for lips relies on a simple fact to return the “revolutionary” results: pressure will cause swelling. It will also change nothing about the lips, though, and it can, as noted above, have unexpected consequences, like bruised lips. Whether that’s something women are willing to risk is, of course, entirely up to them.