Pam is perplexed: I read a review about a lipgloss that adapts to your natural lip color. It’s called JK Jemma Kidd Lip ID color adapt gloss. Does this really work?
The Right Brain replies: 
The quick answer is “sort of.” For the detailed response, we’ll have to descend into the Stygian depths of supermodel hell…
JK is for Jemma Kidd, not JK Rowling
For those of you who haven’t graduated from Catwalk College, Jemma Kid is a former runway model who now has her own line of makeup. One of her products is ID Color-Adapt Lip Gloss. Here’s what Target’s website says about this miracle product:
Innovative hitech formula reacts to natural lip PH for a completely individual, perfect color match, Nontacky and hydrating; glides on transparent and colors lips naturally.
This description reminded me of the review we wrote on Smashbox OGlow blush. Sure enough, upon comparing the ingredient lists we see that both products contain a chemical called “Red 27.”
A colorful chemical chameleon
It’s the magic of Red 27 dye that makes both of these products work. This dye is colorless when dissolved in a waterless base, like in the case of both Smashbox OGlow and Jemma Kid Lip Gloss. But when it comes in contact with moisture, the change in solubility and pH turns it a bright pink. There’s enough moisture in your lips (and even in the air) to trigger this reaction.
Despite what Jemma says, this chemical process has nothing to do with your own personal skin chemistry. However, we should give credit where credit is due and point out that Jemma gives a much more honest and technically accurate description of how her product works than Smashbox’s BS about microcirculation and skin energizing.
The Beauty Brains bottom line
Having a product that changes color is a very cool gimmick but you should ask yourself if you need to spend $20 on a tiny tube of lip gloss when you can’t even tell for sure how pink it will make your lips.
What do YOU think? Do you enjoy gimmicks like color changing cosmetics? Leave a comment for the rest of the Beauty Brains community.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Once I read the question, I immediately thought of your expose on Smashbox’s shameful claims for their O’Glow Blush. I think your “bottom line” is spot-on: This product is nothing more than a gimmick.
Thanks, Beauty Brains, for cutting through the hype one more time and making us all smarter consumers.
P.S. LOVE the pic of Harry!
This color-changing gloss has done great things for my lips. First of all, it contains no parabens. The color appears fully saturated within twenty minutes, lasts and lasts, and doesn’t come off when eating butter. I just purchased it last night, and have already received three compliments on the color. Also, when I awoke this morning, the color was still there. The amount needed on the lips is so small, that the price doesn’t seem high over the long run. I’ve had three friends try it, and they are very pleased.
I was just messing around with some of the testers when i happened upon this. I thought it was just a clear gloss, and since I’m not a color kind of girl (never liked gloss enough to take the time to find a good shade), i decided to just leave it. Well, i caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and i loved it. It had done as this review said, developed into a very pretty pink. I bought it straight away and have received many compliments already. I’m excited to try it on some friends and see if the color really varies at all…overall more than satisfied. It does last and is pretty without being tacky or flashy. Brings outs the glow in my cheeks. I found my new favorite lip gloss.
So is Jemma Kidd’s line paraben-free? I don’t see that mentioned on Target’s website.