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Nothing pulls a look together like a classic red lip. However, it can be incredibly difficult to nail down the right shade and finish that flatters your skin tone. Of course, there are plenty of brands that promise to have “The One”: universally-flattering, long-wearing and easy to apply. So, to make things easier for you, we’ve decided to put a few of them to the test. Here’s how it all went down.
What it claims: Lip Maestro Liquid Lipstick is a creamy formula infused with concentrated pigments which results in an incredible depth of color while leaving the lips with a plush velvet matte finish.
Colour payoff (1-5): Super strong colour that doesn’t end up on your teeth at all. We love the high red pigment in this lipstick. Score: 5
Long wear time (1-5): It can endure food and drinks but mainly the outer area. Needed to apply touch-ups to middle of the lip after eating though. Score: 3
Moisturising qualities (1-5): Didn’t really aid moisture to the lips at all. Score: 4
What it claims: The retractable tip twists to reveal a matte, pigmented and vibrant colour. The creamy formula is said to be waterproof and long-lasting.
Colour payoff (1-5): Very vibrant, perfect for a bold red lip. The colour really stands out. Score: 4
Long wear time (1-5): It smudges and wipes off very easily, and comes off when you’re eating, so expect to re-apply often. Score: 2.
Moisturising qualities (1-5): It has a nice light and creamy texture, and didn’t cause flaking on the lips. Score: 4
What it claims: Creamy lipstick that applies like a dream with a luminous finish. The formula is innovated with a glide-on melting texture to apply the colour pigment smoothly and evenly on the lips.
The lips stay luscious and comfortable all day with a protective moisture layer provided by its rich oil concentration. The shades are buildable and can be layered on to transform a sheer wash of color to a vivid pout.
Colour payoff (1-5): Buildable. Can be used lightly for a sheerer finish, or layered on for a more intense colour saturation. Score: 4
Long wear time (1-5): Not as long lasting, did come off on cups and after eating, but leaves a stain on lips. Score: 3
Moisturising qualities (1-5): Very moisturising and feels very lightweight on lips. Score: 4
What it claims: All day, long-lasting matte liquid lipstick. Highly pigmented in one swipe, transfer-proof and non-drying. Pro-sculpt applicator fills lips with precise definition.
Colour payoff (1-5): Very dark and pigmented, perfect for a bold goth lip. The colour really stands out. Score: 4
Long wear time (1-5): Dries very quickly, then stays put pretty much through most things (except a very oily dinner). Kiss proof! Score: 5
Moisturising qualities (1-5): Very matte, no moisturising qualities at all. Towards the end of the day lips felt sahara dry. Score: 2
What it claims: Gold case doubles as a handy mirror unveils an SPF 15 moisturising formula which saturates lips with intense, stay-true colour and medium to full coverage, with a radiant, satin lipstick finish for up to 6 hours.
Colour payoff (1-5): Pretty pigmented, perfect for a bold lip. One swipe is enough for even, strong coverage. Score: 4
Long wear time (1-5): Faded in the centre pretty easily, not very long lasting. Score: 3
Moisturising qualities (1-5): Felt creamy and velvety on lips, did not need to use a lip balm underneath. Score: 4
What it claims: This lip mousse feels like putty to the touch. It has a powdery texture that is similar to that of an eye shadow. The soft whipped formula can be built up to reach your desired level of intensity. It dries down matte and is said to be waterproof.
Colour payoff (1-5): Colour is definitely buildable. If you apply the product with your fingertips, you get that “just-bitten” effect. If you apply the lippy with the sponge applicator that comes with the product, you can dial up the intensity. Score: 3
Long wear time (1-5): Colour fades quite easily. It made it through my morning coffee, but my lunch proved to be too much to handle for it. Score: 2
Moisturising qualities (1-5): Because of its powdery texture, it feels a little dry on the lips. That said, it’s certainly not as drying as other matte lipsticks I’ve tried in the past. Also, it doesn’t accentuate dry flakes or fine lines on the lips but blurs them out. Score: 3
What it claims: This rich red liquid lipstick goes on creamy and leaves a matte velvety finish on your lips.
Colour payoff (1-5): Very pigmented. One swipe is all it takes for an even and strong coverage. Score: 4
Long wear time (1-5): It stays on for about three to four hours. After which, it leaves behind a light stain on the lips. Score: 3
Moisturising qualities (1-5): Despite its very matte finish, it moisturises your lips for long. It didn’t feel uncomfortable even on extremely dry lips. Score: 5
What it claims: This highly pigmented creamy matte liquid lipstick comes in a squeezable tube for easy and even application.
Colour payoff (1-5): The application was patchy. You have to go over my lips a few times to get the intensity that you want. Score: 2
Long wear time (1-5): It offers two to three hours of staying powder, after which it fades without leaving any tint. Score: 2
Moisturising qualities (1-5): You definitely need a chapstick with this one. Towards the end of the day, lips felt extremely dry. Also, it settled in and accentuated the fine lines on the lips. Score: 2
What it claims: This newly released liquid version of the iconic Le Rouge Lipstick is described as a long-lasting, soft velvet matte liquid lipstick. When you twist the case, the lipstick comes through the foam sponge applicator, so that you can deposit the right amount of product on your lips.
Colour payoff (1-5): Buildable. If you want a more intense colour saturated, you will need a few dabs of this product. Score: 3
Long wear time (1-5): I do find that the Le Rouge Liquide transfers onto straws and mugs quite easily. You’d probably need to reapply it after four hours or so or after eating and drinking. Score: 3
Moisturising qualities (1-5): The lipstick is formulated with hyaluronic acid so unlike most matte lippies that tends to sink into dry creases, the Le Rouge Liquide’s velvety texture made them smoother and fuller. Score: 4
What it claims: This satin-to-matte lipstick offers a highly pigmented finish with lasting comfort. Enriched with sea fennel, this long-wearing lippy keeps lips plump, soft and in great condition for up to sixteen hours.
Colour payoff (1-5): Just one swipe is enough to give you a velvety textured orange red colour. Score: 4
Long wear time (1-5): It lasts up to five hours after application.Score: 4
Moisturising qualities (1-5): Felt very creamy and velvety on lips, did not need to use a chapstick underneath. Score: 4
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