M·A·C’S Squirt Plumping Gloss Stick

When VIOLET GREY’s curation team stepped into M·A·C’s stunning SoHo HQ (replete with the glossy, Ruby Woo-red staircase) on a recent visit, Global Creative Director Drew Elliott met us with a thrilling announcement: An iconic, limited edition, ‘90s-inspired lip product that sold out in the blink of an eye was coming back.

The original Squirt Balm Plumping Gloss Stick was a genius product that looked like a stick but wore like a gloss and came in one single shade of green. That green may have looked dubious in the tube, but when applied, it made lips appear as though they had been dipped in honey: super-glossy and plumped with an added depth of color. The new iteration, we were told, would be offered in an expanded color range where each shade would act almost like tinted cellophane, draping lips in a sheer wash of color that looked different on each person—like a mood ring.

Some of us were admittedly skeptical when the candy-colored tubes arrived. The reds and pinks were intuitive enough, but how was one supposed to work a bright purple lip gloss into their everyday look? Turns out, it was easy. Each shade (including the purple and yes, the green) melted onto lips and gave them just the right amount of juicy, natural-looking color. Packed with shea butter, avocado and coconut oils, these glossy sticks truly felt like the most luxurious treatment balm while providing the highest of shines. Between the collectable tubes, fun colors, nourishing formulas, and the sexy, pouty effect they created, we predicted that the Squirt Balm would be the lip of summer. But first, before pulling the trigger, we needed to hear from our Committee of Industry Experts.

“This high-gloss lip plumping balm glides on super-smooth with a non-stick finish. It is translucent, and can be worn alone or over lipstick. Feels amazing on, with just a light tingle.”
—CAROLA GONZALEZ, Makeup Artist

“My favorite M·A·C lip care formula to date! It’s ultra-hydrating and provides a pleasant tingle and glass-like finish to the lips. LOVE!”
—ALANA PALAU, Makeup Artist

“So SHINY, easy to apply, and stays put. Reminds me of the ‘90s!”
—JACQUELINE LOZANO, Aesthetician

With VG insiders keeping these balms in every purse and pocket, M·A·C’s Squirt Balm Plumping Gloss Stick is officially VIOLET CODE APPROVED and has earned a place on THE SHELVES.