Color May Not Appear as in the Tube

Bobbi Brown Lip Color ($22.00 for 0.12 oz.) now includes two new shades for fall from the Black Velvet Collection: Black Maple (black red plum) and Black Raspberry (black burgundy).

• Black Maple is a rich burgundy brown. On my lips, it looks nearly opaque with a slight sheen.
• Black Raspberry is a semi-sheer browned red. It’s a different way to wear the red lip–it’s not an in-your-face kind of red, and it’s not incredibly dark either. It has a rather glaze-like finish, where there’s some sheerness up close, but it looks more cohesive and opaque from afar.

There’s a funny thing about these lipsticks/swatches; they don’t look like they line up. Black Maple looks burgundy in the tube, while Black Raspberry looks nearly black–and yet it’s actually much, much lighter. I actually had to swatch them both again as I started to write out the review to make sure I didn’t have it written wrong in my notes!  They both seem to be a little on the cooler side.

Bobbi Brown’s Lipsticks are scent- and taste-free, which is something that can difficult to find high-end lipsticks. With these deeper, darker shades, I find myself getting between four and five hours of wear.   They apply without difficulty, though I do find myself needing to check the application to ensure smooth, even color.  I don’t find them drying, but I think if you have really dry lips, you may not find they’re very moisturizing either.

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• Product: 26/30
• Value: 8/10
• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Packaging: 4/5

RECOMMENDATION: I like these shades, though I’m not in love with them.  They could apply a smidgen more evenly!  Black Maple is surprisingly more wearable than the name would lead you to believe.

AVAILABILITY: Bobbi Brown

See more photos & swatches!

Bobbi Brown Lip Color: Black Maple, Black Raspberry

Bobbi Brown Black Maple Lipstick

Bobbi Brown Black Maple Lipstick

Bobbi Brown Black Raspberry Lipstick

Bobbi Brown Lip Color: Black Raspberry