The "Mary Zilba" line of cosmetics, recently added to the EF inventory, is yet another quality product brought to us by Principessa Beauty. This lip gloss is in a small clear tube with a white brush applicator which screws/unscrews to open. The brush is for applying the lip gloss. The cap, which hold the brush, is silver colored. The color of the gloss is easily seen through the clear half of the tube.

This truly is a one size fits most kind of item. Although there were 4 colors to choose from, all in different shades and tones of pink, I notice that EF is now only carrying the "nude" shade. I think that EF was wise in choosing only the nude shade to concentrate on and offer for sale. It is, after all, a guessing game when it comes to ordering shades of makeup online. With the nude, you can continue using your tried and true lip color but still add a nice amount of gloss/shine to your lips. If one of the colors suits you, it is a perfect match. This can be used by women (and men if they choose) of all ages and sizes. I would hesitate to give this as a gift (unless someone has been dropping hints) because make up color choices vary from person to person and hour to hour, but now with the nude available, this variable is out of the picture making it a perfect gift for anyone you know that uses lip color/gloss.

The pink color that I have is easy to apply and goes on evenly with no clumping. It is sheer so if you are looking for a heavier lip color, you can prepare your lips with a lip pencil in the color of your choosing. After applying, I blot and then lightly dust with face powder and apply again. I find that the color stays in place with this method and looks more opaque, yet still glossy. I try not to kiss or drink within 30 minutes of application to allow the color to dry a bit and adhere to my lips. Of course, this is not always possible.

This is a thick product, but no thicker than other lip gloss I have used. It is slightly thinner than a matte lip color in a tube and much thinner than a lipstick, which is solid. If you are familiar with using lip gloss, lipstick, lip pencils and other lip colors (cremes, etc), there will be no surprise when this arrives at your door. The only "surprise" I had was the HUGE box that EF uses to mail this!

There is no taste or aroma to this lip gloss, which I appreciate very much. I am not a fan of flavored lip products. To me, they belong to children and young teens, not adult women. But, if you are looking for a cherry or other flavored product, you will not be happy with this purchase.

This product is on par with more expensive lip gloss that I have purchased in mall department stores. I have also used many lip gloss and lip sticks from chain drugstores and been happy with those (usually) less expensive prices. Mary Zilba lip gloss provides good coverage and a long lasting color/shine. The shine is as good or better than other products on the market.

In the recent past few years, some companies have been coming out with longer lasting lip products, which I have found have very good staying power and can be applied and expected to last through the day--even through meals--without much fading. There will be some fading, but you will not have bare lips. Mary Zilba lip gloss is not one of these products, but it will last for several hours and (in my opinion) if you are seeking a high gloss lip product, you can not do better. Reapplying a few times during the normal workday or evening out is not much of a hassle. When I excuse myself to the ladies' room, I take a minute to check myself out in the mirror and make any adjustments.