So, here’s the thing – I love to complain about matte lip products. Especially liquid lipsticks. But then, like a complete moron, I keep buying them. Is it an occupational hazard? What occupation, you ask? Yeah, well, it doesn’t make sense to me either but let’s just stick with it for now.
THE BACKSTORY: Earlier this year, f(x)’s Krystal moved on to Clio and became their brand-ambassador. Which led to Red Velvet becoming the newest faces of Etude House. I love Red Velvet and am definitely not complaining. The Matte Chic Lip Lacquer is the first product the girls have put their names on – quite literally – from the brand.
Red Velvet’s Irene wearing ‘RD303 Irene Red’.
INGREDIENTS: Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Silica, Polyisobutene, Barium Sulfate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Methyl Hydrogenated Rosinate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Polyethylene, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Lauryl Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone, Propylene Carbonate, Methicone, Rosin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dehydroacetic Acid, Tocopherol, Fragrance [+/- (May Contain) Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Yellow 10 Lake (Ci 47005), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Red 22 Lake (Ci 45380), Red 6(Ci 15850), Red 28 Lake (Ci 45410), Red 7 (Ci 15850), Red 33 Lake (Ci 17200), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090)]
The applicator.
THE PRODUCT: So, this is packaged like your average Liquid Lipstick – it comes housed in a frosted glass component. It has a long, curved doe-foot applicator that hugs your lips as you apply the product onto your lips.
The formula is thin and easy to work with. But it sets fairly quickly and dries down to a paper-like matte finish. There’s no moisture or stickiness whatsoever. That also makes it transfer-proof for the most part.
As one would expect, the liquid lipstick is vividly pigmented and fully opaque in one swipe. It goes on smoothly and doesn’t tug or pull on your lips.
For the most part, it’s comfortable on the lips. It’s weightless and if you’re fine with matte finishes, you’ll fare well. However, I find that this formula emphasises lip-lines and general dryness you might have on your lips.
As far as longevity goes, it does outlast most average lip products. That’s mainly because of what it is – a matte liquid lipstick. It can’t help but be long-wearing. But I find that it wears off easily after meals. What’s more, if you’re someone who talks a lot, you may find it wearing off from the inside of the lips and creating a proper outline where it wore off. That doesn’t look pretty, ever.
It has a nice sweet scent but it does not particularly remind me of anything.
Also, please prep your lips first before you apply any matte lip products. Don’t ask questions, just do it.
I find this eerily similar to the liquid lipstick I have from Huda Beauty. I will have to do a separate Battle post where I put that theory to the test.
Initial application.
Quickly dries down to this.
Dipped in only once for this Lip Swatch. It’s patchy in parts, as you can see. If you want to perfect the application, you’re going to have to apply a second layer.
SWATCHES AND SHADES AVAILABLE: There are currently 12 shades in this collection along with a Clear Lip Topper. The “Top Coat” is for people like me who can’t really stand the feeling of matte lip products, I suppose. All 5 members of Red Velvet have corresponding colours in this line. Joy has a bright grapefruit-orange, Seulgi has a burgundy, Yeri has a pink, Wendy has a pinkish nude and Irene has a red.
- ‘RD303 Irene Red’ – A super pretty poppy red. It has blue undertones which instantly brightens up the face and pulls any look together.
∗The girls also sport their shades in the ‘Power Up’ music video.
QUANTITY AND PRICE: 12,000 KRW for 4 grams of product (approximately 771 INR).
AVAILABILITY: Etude House Global, Cosmetic-Love, Jolse, RoseRoseShop etc.
♥ OVERALL: Thin and weightless formula with some super pretty colours in the range. The price is alright too. What’s more, Etude House products are often on sale. You could just nab a few then, if you’re interested. There’s also a Shine Chic Lip Lacquer now – I’m curious to see if those are going to be what I like.
Etude House Matte Chic Lip Lacquer in 'RD303 Irene Red'.
Pros
- Thin and weightless formula that is easy to apply.
- They are very pigmented and mostly fully opaque with just one dip.
- Vivid colours in the range, very eye-catching and pretty.
- Lasts well on the lips.
- You can layer a gloss on top to make it more comfortable on the lips. The range even carries one!
Cons
- Wears off after meals or if you talk too much.
- Emphasises dry lips and lip-lines.
- Availability is an issue.
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