Buxom Cosmetics Review: How This Cult Brand Stacks Up
As someone who loves playing with makeup, I‘ve tried my fair share of products over the years. And there‘s one brand that always has me coming back for more – Buxom Cosmetics. Known for their plumping lip formulas and cheeky product names, Buxom has earned its cult status in the beauty world.
But how do their products actually perform? And are they worth investing in? I decided to dig deeper into this beloved brand in this extensive Buxom Cosmetics review.
Overview of Buxom Cosmetics
Buxom burst onto the scene in 2007 with one mission – to help women feel confident and sexy in their own skin. Their collection has since grown from the iconic plumping lip glosses to include lipsticks, eyeliners, eyeshadows and more.
While the brand itself is owned by Shiseido, all Buxom products are made in the USA. The majority of items are also vegan and cruelty-free, catering to a wide range of consumers.
Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of shopping with Buxom:
Pros
- Trend-driven, innovative formulas
- Lip plumpers that actually work
- High-performance eyeshadows
- Cruelty-free and mostly vegan
- Generous return policy
Cons
- Limited shade ranges
- Expensive compared to drugstore brands
- Some negative reviews of customer service
Now let’s get into the details on their bestselling products!
Review of Buxom Lip Glosses
Anyone who knows Buxom knows about their lip glosses. Let‘s review some of their top formulas:
Full-On Plumping Lip Polish Gloss
The OG plumping gloss that made the brand famous, these contain a special plumping complex that gently tingles and volumizes lips. With high-shine finishes and non-sticky textures, you‘ll get that coveted bee-stung effect in one easy swipe.
Over 900 reviewers give these glosses a solid 4.7/5 stars for performance. Fans say they make lips appear noticeably fuller while feeling lightweight and comfortable. Available in 40+ buildable shades from sophisticated nudes to scene-stealing metallics.
My rating: 5/5
Gives visible plumping effects without irritation
Ultra-smoothing, cushiony formula
Glass-like shine that lasts for hours
Holographic Plumping Lip Gloss
Take your pout to the next dimension with these prismatic toppers. Each gloss is packed with plumping peptides along with iridescent pearl pigments for a wet, holographic finish. Glides over lips in a single stroke while making them look smoother and plusher.
With a 4.2/5 star average from over 100 reviews, fans love the out-of-this-world reflectivity of these glosses. They give lips a multi-dimensional, fuller appearance and feel nice and slick. However, some say the opaque base mutes natural lip color.
My rating: 4.5/5
Mesmerizing holographic effect
Reflective yet comfortable formula
Gentle plumping action
Full-On Plumping Lip Cream
For those wanting richer, more pigmented color sans shimmer, Buxom‘s lip creams deliver. These luxe, creamy glosses drench lips in buildable, saturated color. Plus, they use the same renowned plumping complex to gently volumize lips. The cocktail-inspired shades give your pout some extra oomph.
Over 380 satisfied reviewers rate these a strong 4.7/5 stars. Fans say you only need one coat for full opacity, and the plumping effect is noticeable but not overpowering. The highly-emollient formula also keeps lips lusciously smooth for hours.
My rating: 5/5
Intense color payoff
Soft, cushiony texture
Leaves lips looking supple and plump
Review of Buxom Lipsticks
While glosses may be their bread and butter, Buxom also offers a suite of rich, pigmented lipsticks:
Full-Force Plumping Lipstick
This is Buxom‘s hero lipstick formula – creamy, shiny, and plumping all in one bullet. Infused with peptides, hyaluronic acid and vitamins, the moisturizing formula helps lips look smoother and fuller. With one effortless glide, you get highly-saturated, buildable color that doesn‘t settle into lines.
Over 500 happy reviewers give this lipstick a 4.5/5 star rating. Users say it leaves behind an even coat of vibrant, lasting color. The plumping effect is gentle yet apparent, making lips appear more defined. While not completely transfer-proof, the formula does wear well for a glossy lipstick.
My rating: 4.5/5
Luscious, shiny finish
Perceptible plumping
Glides on easily without tugging
90‘s Nudes Collection
Channel the most iconic decade for lips with this collection of 90‘s-inspired nudes. With six shades ranging from soft corals to rich browns, finding your perfect nude just got easier. Made with the same plumping technology as the OG, lips not only get a boost of color but also a boost of volume with these.
Fans praise the comfortable, moisturizing feel of these lipsticks along with their precise, pigmented application. The angled tip hugs lips for smooth, wing-free lining. While not as dramatically plumping as other Buxom formulas, the nude colors are universally flattering.
My rating: 4/5
Great everyday nude shades
Smooth, second-skin feel
Minimal transfer
Review of Buxom Mascara
While mostly known for lips, Buxom also churns out a volumizing and lengthening mascara loved by beauty junkies:
Lash Plumping Mascara
This ultra-black mascara loads up lashes with peptides, panthenol, and vitamins for visibly longer, lifted lashes. The sculpted brush deposits product evenly from roots to tips while separating each lash. You‘ll get jet black definition and intense volume with just one swipe.
With over 500 glowing reviews, this mascara earns a solid 4.4/5 stars. Beauty lovers say lashes appear noticeably longer and fuller after application. The flexible, molded wand coats every lash, even tricky lower ones, without clumping. Some note the formula can flake after several hours of wear.
My rating: 4.5/5
Length and volume in one step
Intensely pigmented jet black formula
Easy to layer without clumping
Review of Buxom Eyeshadows
While their lips and lashes tend to steal the show, Buxom eyeshadows deliver rich, buildable pigment:
Single Eyeshadows
Available in a kaleidoscope of finishes from buttery mattes to sparkling metallics, Buxom‘s single shadows let you customize your perfect palette. Each soft, ultra-blendable formula can be worn sheer or built up to full opacity for versatile payoff.
Fans praise the long-lasting, crease-resistant wear along with the finely-milled, velvety textures of these shadows. Many note they‘re on par with prestige brands for much less. Some shades do stain lids, so a primer is recommended to offset this.
My rating: 4.5/5
Exceptional color payoff and blendability
Great for dramatic looks
Professional quality at drugstore prices
Custom Eyeshadow Palettes
One of the most applauded products at Buxom, this palette allows you to handpick six shadows for your own customized mix. Choose from 40+ singles to create the perfect ready-made palette for your desired looks. At $40 for six shades, it‘s an incredible value compared to most all-in-one palettes today.
This palette earns an impressive 4.8/5 star average from over 50 glowing reviews. Users call it their holy grail palette no matter their shadow wardrobe size. The layout makes it easy to take your go-to shades on the go. Some say the included brushes could be better quality.
My rating: 5/5
Personalize your own palette
Huge value – over 85% in savings
Tons of finishes and textures to mix and match
Across Buxom‘s website and third-party review sites like Influenster and Ulta, the vast majority of customers have amazing things to say about the quality and performance of Buxom‘s cosmetics.
While negative reviews are very minimal, some have pointed out slower shipping times and inconsistencies with customer service.
However, the overwhelmingly positive feedback seems to outweigh these isolated complaints for most buyers. Out of over 55,000 ratings collectively, the majority of core products earn impressive 4-5 star averages.
Here’s a breakdown of what fans are saying about popular Buxom offerings:
Full-On Plumping Lip Polish: “These glosses make my lips look full and juicy without stinging. One of my holy grails!"
Holographic Plumping Lip Gloss: "So blinding! Makes your lips the focal point."
Lash Plumping Mascara: "Lengthened and volumized my lashes with just one coat. No clumps!"
Single Eyeshadows: "Highly pigmented and so creamy. Love the selection too."
Custom Palette: "Being able customize my own palette with my most used shades is a game changer. Great value too."
As you can see, Buxom customers genuinely enjoy using the products and seem very satisfied with their purchases.
In my opinion – yes, absolutely! As both a makeup artist and beauty junkie, I think Buxom offers fantastic quality across categories compared to similar brands.
While some products are pricier than drugstore offerings, you‘re paying for top-notch ingredients and innovative technology. Plus, the customizable nature and expanded shade ranges allow you to fine-tune things to your needs.
For gorgeous, plumped lips in the latest finishes, Buxom can’t be beaten. Their glosses and lip creams deliver noticeable plumping coupled with next-level shine and moisture.
While I wish some ranges offered greater diversity for deeper skin tones, they do beauty staples exceptionally well. And the fact most items are vegan and cruelty-free is an added perk.
So if you ask me, investing in Buxom’s lineup is well worth it for glam that makes you feel confident and sexy!
As a relatively prestige brand, Buxom products don‘t come cheap. But here are some ways to save:
Sign up for emails – Get 15% off your first order for joining their list
Check sale section – Shop last chance and value sets for up to 60% off
Buy direct – Ordering from Buxom‘s website nets you free shipping
Use AfterPay – Break up payments over 6 weeks with no interest
Buxom has carved out a unique niche for bombshell beauty essentials. But how do they stack up to competitors like Benefit, theBalm, and NYX?
Benefit is probably closest in terms of prestige quality and quirky personality. But Buxom pulls ahead in diversity of product offerings and having more vegan/cruelty-options. Benefit does have more brick-and-mortar locations however.
theBalm is comparable to Buxom for retro-glam vibes. However, Buxom wins out with higher quality ingredients and more advanced technology like lip plumping complexes. theBalm does have lower price points overall though.
NYX offers similar categories to Buxom but at drugstore price points. So while Buxom is pricier, you tend to get more potency and performance per product. However, NYX does have far greater shade diversity to suit more skin tones.
No matter which brand you choose, focus on finding products that make you feel amazing! But in terms of quality, innovation and stand-out formulas, I believe Buxom leads the pack.
Buxom products are sold at the following nationwide retailers:
- Buxom.com – for the full range
- Sephora
- Ulta
- Nordstrom
- Macys
- Amazon
- Shoppers Drug Mart
You can also find local sellers near year via their store locator. And don’t forget to check out Buxom’s official website for latest product launches and exclusive deals.
Is Buxom cruelty free?
Yes! Buxom does not test any products or ingredients on animals. They are Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free.
Does Buxom test on animals?
Buxom confirms that they are 100% cruelty free and do not test any finished products or individual ingredients on animals.
Is Buxom vegan?
Most Buxom products are vegan, however some contain ingredients like beeswax. Check individual product pages for specifics.
What is Buxom’s return and exchange policy?
You can return gently used products in original packaging up to 30 days from purchase date. Refunds are offered via your original payment method.
I hope this extensive Buxom Cosmetics review gave you lots of helpful info for finding your new faves! Let me know in the comments about your favorite products from them. 🙂
