I'm aware that Halloween has come and gone but dark lips are still in the rage. I have always been intrigue with dark lip colours since 15 years old, but I didn't know how to get my hands on a black coloured lipstick. At that time, I owned only a Silkygirl black eyeliner and pressed powder. I loved lining my eyes just like Avril Lavigne when she was my style model, the 'Sk8er Girl' before she turned.. 'Hello Kitty'. Oyvey. Yes, I did go through a phase where I wore everything black. Ah, those were the days.
Anyway, allow me to present to you my beautiful collection of dark coloured lipsticks!
First up, we have Sleek True Colour Lipstick in Mulberry. Now, this is my very first almost-black coloured lipstick I own.
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| Source : google |
As you can see, it looks almost black in the tube but when swatched, it has that red-purple (plum?) base to it. It isn't entirely pitch black. The given name, Mulberry is suitable for the shade as it may be inspired by the mulberry fruit. I'm glad to share that Mulberry glides on the lips quite effortlessly because I didn't experience any tugging even when I did not prep my lips. Mulberry has a sheen finish, hence the easy application but that's where the pigmentation is questionable. At the first layer of application, it seemed patchy but after layering it, it turned out fine. It's accessible at most online beauty stores such as Luxola, Colours Cosmetics Malaysia, and Mesmerize.
Next up, we have Wet n Wild Megalast Lipcolor Vamp It Up. Vamp It Up has a very obvious purple base to it which reminds me of black grapes. The finish is matte hence it does affect the application but nothing too serious to be peeved about. All you have to do is prep your lips well by exfoilating and moisturizing your lips before applying Vamp It Up. In the pigmentation department, there's no arguement as you can get a full colour in one swipe which means no layering is needed.
If you are looking for a black-ish lipstick that's affordable, do look out for Make up Revolution Black Heart from Vamp Collection. It does not disappoint. Based on the swatch above, it looks black at a glance but if you look closely, it's not entirely jet black. It has purple - red undertones. To be honest, I was expecting it to be waxy or patchy when applied like MUA's but to my surprise, it glided on my lips beautifully without tugging. I didn't even have to use a lipbalm! The finish is in between a cream-sheen finish and it's pigmentation is amazing for it's price. I had always wanted pull off a vampy look and now, I'm able too! Just need to find the courage to work it out without freaking people out.
The lightest among it's peers, MAC Matte Lipstick in Smoked Purple was a gift from a dear friend. I literally squealed with joy when she passed it to me. My second MAC lipstick that I own. As much as I love MAC's lipsticks, it is expensive for a student's budget. Funnily, the colour doesn't really match its name. I was expecting a gorgeous, dark purple but as you can see from the swatch above, it's undertone leans more towards reddish plum - quite similar to Sleek's Mulberry, don't you think? Since its a matte finish, as usual it somehow affects the application. It didn't go on smoothly but if compared with Wet n Wild's Vamp It Up, this applies better but layering it need to achieve a full, even colour.
Another lipstick from Make up Revolution's Vamp Collection, Make up Revolution Lipstick in 100% Vamp is without a doubt - worth every penny. It has a strong purple undertone and it looks pretty similar to Wet n Wild's Vamp It Up but it is definitely much more moisturizing than Vamp It Up. I would say it has a cream-sheen finish and pigmentation is amazing.
Last but not least, Make up Revolution Velvet Matte Lip Lacquer in Vamp. I haven't got the chance to try this out yet but based on the swatch, the colour looks so much better than it's Vamp lipstick peers. It is a beautiful plum colour that looks flattering and has a matte finish. No debate on the pigmentation but I have come across some reviews sharing that it has a tendency to crack throughout the day and it does not look pretty when it does. I haven't got a chance to confirm that yet for myself but will update here when I have tested it out.
Before I sign off, there's one thing you have to know about applying dark lipsticks. Since the colours are dark, there's a high chance of mistakes being obvious. Here's some tips on how to tone down or avoid making lip-stakes (pun intended) :
- Prep your lips. Exfoliate, moisturize, and prime. The lip primers I use are ELF Lip Lock Pencil and Sephora Universal Lip Liner Waterproof.
- Try using a dark-based lip liner as close to your preferred lipstick. It will help reduce the chances of your lipstick feathering or bleeding. Sephora carries NYX has an affordable, wide range of lip liners in various colours at RM19 each.
- Like it or not, a good lip brush does come in handy when applying dark colours. The lip brushes I'm currently using are Real Techniques Retractable Lip Brush, Stage Lip Brush, and Covo Magic 4 Stack Up Brush.
Well, that's all for this post. There will be more post on lipsticks coming up. I hope this post has helped you in any way possible. Enjoy!
Love,
Sarah :)
