Hi, everyone. The OCC Lip Tars are becoming more and more popular as we speak. They were already popular internationally to begin with, but people in my country are also finally trying to wrap their heads around the concept of a lip tar.
THE BACKSTORY: I was always curious about lip tars ever since I saw them while browsing Sephora. What made it possible for me to get one for my own was when Beautybay (they ship worldwide) started stocking Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics. I originally wanted the shade Anime but it wasn’t in stock. Then, I happened to see the shade Black Dahlia. I love a dark lip a little too much; since my sisters are always telling me I am too young to wear such colours. I know they’re looking out for me and everything, but a neon lip never excited me as much as dark lip. (Also, I was requested to re-shoot this product by a friend of mine, but I just wanted to get this review up, so, I refused to do so. It’s okay, right?)
THE PRODUCT: OCC Lip Tars are available in different versions that offer different finishes. This one is a Matte Lip Tar. It isn’t a true matte finish – like MAC’s iconic Ruby Woo – but that’s mostly because of the presence of hemp oil and ‘soy-derived’ Vitamin E. The intensity of the pigment is incomparable. It comes with a tiny little lip brush that will help you achieve precision. With darker colours, it is important to get a clean and crisp line, which is where the lip brush plays its part. The application process takes a little time and patience, but once you wrap your head around it, you’ll fare well. There is also peppermint oil in the product, which makes it a delight to apply. The product has a minty fragrance thanks to that, but not much of a tingling sensation that usually arises with the presence of peppermint. Lip Tars usually have a shelf life of a year or so; you definitely cannot finish up a whole tube, even with regular use. You need just the tiniest dot to paint your lips; a little more than a dot can cover up your whole face. Long-wearing and lightweight, it doesn’t pose much of a problem even if you talk for hours on end and eat/drink. They easily last for about 6 hours. On the later hours, the pigment won’t be as rich but it’ll still be very apparent.
‘Black Dahlia’ is a blackened red. It reminds me of MAC’s Media in a liquid form. The shade is very dark and sultry and while it looks intimidating in the tube, it isn’t as dark on the lips.
(I personally do not own any other lip products that match up to its pigmentation and longevity, but I feel like the Clio Lipnicures could give the Lip Tar a run for its money. The thing is, the Clio Lipnicure is easier to apply while the Lip Tar feels better on the lips. I’d recommend you get a shade you’ll use on a regular basis. That way you’ll be able to justify its price.)
‘Black Dahlia’ without a lipliner/lipstick underneath. I promise I’ll get better with the lip swatches. I know, I know. I am nowhere near pro bloggers. *sad face*
QUANTITY: 10 ml/0.33 oz
PRICE: 18 USD (approx. 1148 INR; I paid 1248 INR for mine)
AVAILABILITY: Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Beautybay, Beautylish etc
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Matte in 'Black Dahlia'.
Pros
- The pigmentation and opcaity are incredible.
- It is available in a variety of shades, including the three primary colours as well as basic black and white. You can lighten/darken/mix shades as you please.
- It lasts a long time and feels weightless.
- You need the tiniest amount to get the most intense pigmentation.
Cons
- The application process is a hurdle; it requires time and patience.
- It has a shelf life of about a year.
- It has peppermint oil in it, which may irritate people with sensitive noses. It is quite mild, though.
