Urban Decay Amulet, Studded, Conspiracy Vice Liquid Lipsticks Reviews, Photos, Swatches
Amulet
Urban Decay Amulet Vice Liquid Lipstick ($18.00 for 0.17 fl. oz.) is a muted, medium-dark rosy plum with subtle, warm undertones and a metallic, “matte” finish. There was a sheen, but there was still the illusion of a more matte finish. It had semi-opaque pigmentation in one layer, and it could be made opaque with a second coat. The consistency was smooth, thin without being watery, and covered very evenly and smoothly. This one was one of the better shades for coverage and application, but it never, ever fully dried down. It took about three minutes for it to mostly dry down, but it remained a little tacky and began breaking down after four and a half hours of wear. The formula was non-drying on me.
The Vice Liquid Lipstick formula is supposed to be “intensely pigmented” with “complete coverage in one coat” and “nondrying wear” that is “comfortable” and “waterproof.” The majority of the Metallized shades are not even close to one-coat coverage–maybe three or four or coats!–and did not layer evenly, plus they had a tendency to lose sparkle/glitter through wear. Whenever a shade wasn’t opaque in one coat, it often looked streaky or uneven. There were some shades that had fantastic, one-coat coverage, while others featured more medium, buildable coverage but several applied uneven, patchy, and didn’t level or improve after drying down even with a second layer.
The consistency of the formula was smooth, lightweight, and comfortable to apply, but the dry down was lengthy and some shades never fully felt dry (instead, lightly tacky). There was a learning curve to applying and wearing these, too, as they were unforgiving if you accidentally press your lips together before the formula has dried down–the formula is quite tacky as it dries down and pressed lips together results in color lifting away. The wear varied from shade to shade (and between finishes) from four to eight hours, and so far, most were true to the nondrying claim, at least. I didn’t notice any scent or taste with them. They were difficult to remove compared to most products; I had the best luck saturating a cotton pad with eye or lip makeup remover (Neutrogena, Lancome, Shiseido, etc.), yet curiously were not that long-wearing on me (relative to liquid lipsticks)–they seemed to develop a little tackiness with any meal or drink (even just water) and degraded from there. Overall, the formula was extremely disappointing after the successful Vice lipstick launch last year.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Rebel (LE, $18.00) is lighter, glossier (85% similar).
- NARS Deep Orgasm (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Send Nudes (300) (P, $26.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Bite Beauty Mauve Marzipan (P, $24.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- NYX Power (P, $6.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Sequin (DC, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Sephora Frosted Rose (61) (P, $14.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Milk Makeup Buffy (P, $24.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Smashbox Mauve Squad (P, $24.00) is lighter, glossier (85% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Snowdon (P, $36.00) is darker, warmer, glossier (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$18.00/0.17 oz. - $105.88 Per Ounce
The Vice Liquid Lipstick formula is supposed to be “intensely pigmented” with “complete coverage in one coat” and “nondrying wear” that is “comfortable” and “waterproof.” The majority of the Metallized shades are not even close to one-coat coverage–maybe three or four or coats!–and did not layer evenly, plus they had a tendency to lose sparkle/glitter through wear. Whenever a shade wasn’t opaque in one coat, it often looked streaky or uneven. There were some shades that had fantastic, one-coat coverage, while others featured more medium, buildable coverage but several applied uneven, patchy, and didn’t level or improve after drying down even with a second layer.
The consistency of the formula was smooth, lightweight, and comfortable to apply, but the dry down was lengthy and some shades never fully felt dry (instead, lightly tacky). There was a learning curve to applying and wearing these, too, as they were unforgiving if you accidentally press your lips together before the formula has dried down–the formula is quite tacky as it dries down and pressed lips together results in color lifting away. The wear varied from shade to shade (and between finishes) from four to eight hours, and so far, most were true to the nondrying claim, at least. I didn’t notice any scent or taste with them.
They were difficult to remove compared to most products; I had the best luck saturating a cotton pad with eye or lip makeup remover (Neutrogena, Lancome, Shiseido, etc.), yet curiously were not that long-wearing on me (relative to liquid lipsticks)–they seemed to develop a little tackiness with any meal or drink (even just water) and degraded from there. Overall, the formula was extremely disappointing after the successful Vice lipstick launch last year.
Browse all of our Urban Decay Vice Liquid Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Bis-Hydroxylauryl Dimethicone/Ipdi Copolymer, Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Nylon-12, Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Propylene Carbonate, Silica [Nano] / Silica, Diisopropyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Ascorbyl Palmitate. [+/- (May Contain/Peut contenir): CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / Iron Oxides, Mica, CI 77891 / Titanium Dioxide, CI 15850 / Red 7 Lake].
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Amulet
PPermanent. $18.00.
Studded
Urban Decay Studded Vice Liquid Lipstick ($18.00 for 0.17 fl. oz.) is a dirty, greenish pewter with olive undertones and a metallic-matte finish. While the color is undeniably cool and unique, the application was terrible. It was patchy and uneven, as the pigmentation was lacking and the texture was watery and hard to control. A second layer made it look marginally better, but unfortunately, it still had patchiness and unevenness. The lipstick started to flake away from the edges of the lips within a few hours, and the total wear was about five hours. The formula was non-drying on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sephora Backstage (60) (P, $8.00) is less shimmery, glossier (90% similar).
- NYX Trickery (P, $6.00) is brighter, warmer (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$18.00/0.17 oz. - $105.88 Per Ounce
The Vice Liquid Lipstick formula is supposed to be “intensely pigmented” with “complete coverage in one coat” and “nondrying wear” that is “comfortable” and “waterproof.” The majority of the Metallized shades are not even close to one-coat coverage–maybe three or four or coats!–and did not layer evenly, plus they had a tendency to lose sparkle/glitter through wear. Whenever a shade wasn’t opaque in one coat, it often looked streaky or uneven. There were some shades that had fantastic, one-coat coverage, while others featured more medium, buildable coverage but several applied uneven, patchy, and didn’t level or improve after drying down even with a second layer.
The consistency of the formula was smooth, lightweight, and comfortable to apply, but the dry down was lengthy and some shades never fully felt dry (instead, lightly tacky). There was a learning curve to applying and wearing these, too, as they were unforgiving if you accidentally press your lips together before the formula has dried down–the formula is quite tacky as it dries down and pressed lips together results in color lifting away. The wear varied from shade to shade (and between finishes) from four to eight hours, and so far, most were true to the nondrying claim, at least. I didn’t notice any scent or taste with them.
They were difficult to remove compared to most products; I had the best luck saturating a cotton pad with eye or lip makeup remover (Neutrogena, Lancome, Shiseido, etc.), yet curiously were not that long-wearing on me (relative to liquid lipsticks)–they seemed to develop a little tackiness with any meal or drink (even just water) and degraded from there. Overall, the formula was extremely disappointing after the successful Vice lipstick launch last year.
Browse all of our Urban Decay Vice Liquid Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Isododecane, Mica, Bis-Hydroxylauryl Dimethicone/Ipdi Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Tridecyl Trimellitate, CI 77891 / Titanium Dioxide, Dimethicone, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / Iron Oxides, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Silica, Cyclohexasiloxane, Nylon-12, Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate, Propylene Carbonate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica [Nano] / Silica, Diisopropyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Ascorbyl Palmitate.
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Studded
PPermanent. $18.00.
Conspiracy
Urban Decay Conspiracy Vice Liquid Lipstick ($18.00 for 0.17 fl. oz.) is a deep, burgundy brown with cool undertones and gold sparkle. It had medium coverage, which applied decently but there were some areas with unevenness despite trying to apply the color very, very carefully. The consistency has a noticeable texture from the amount of sparkle, though it did not feel rough or uncomfortable to me. The sparkle sat more on top of the color, so it was more impactful. The texture was slightly watery, which may have accounted for the more uneven application and the amount of color that sunk into my lip lines. It lasted for five hours before there was noticeable fading and some flaking, though it was non-drying.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Anastasia Chrome Bronze (LE, $20.00) is more shimmery, brighter, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC I Get So OOC (LE, $19.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Diva (200) (P, $38.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Zebra (LE, $6.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Milani Matterialistic (02) (LE, $8.99) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- NYX New Era (P, $7.50) is lighter (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Roach (DC, $18.00) is lighter, warmer, glossier (80% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Aperture (03) (LE, $53.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Stellar Beauty Disco Moon 05 (P, $22.00).
- Maybelline Molten Bronze (P, $7.49).
- MAC Viva Glam Taraji P. Henson 2 (LE, $19.00).
Formula Overview
$18.00/0.17 oz. - $105.88 Per Ounce
The Vice Liquid Lipstick formula is supposed to be “intensely pigmented” with “complete coverage in one coat” and “nondrying wear” that is “comfortable” and “waterproof.” The majority of the Metallized shades are not even close to one-coat coverage–maybe three or four or coats!–and did not layer evenly, plus they had a tendency to lose sparkle/glitter through wear. Whenever a shade wasn’t opaque in one coat, it often looked streaky or uneven. There were some shades that had fantastic, one-coat coverage, while others featured more medium, buildable coverage but several applied uneven, patchy, and didn’t level or improve after drying down even with a second layer.
The consistency of the formula was smooth, lightweight, and comfortable to apply, but the dry down was lengthy and some shades never fully felt dry (instead, lightly tacky). There was a learning curve to applying and wearing these, too, as they were unforgiving if you accidentally press your lips together before the formula has dried down–the formula is quite tacky as it dries down and pressed lips together results in color lifting away. The wear varied from shade to shade (and between finishes) from four to eight hours, and so far, most were true to the nondrying claim, at least. I didn’t notice any scent or taste with them.
They were difficult to remove compared to most products; I had the best luck saturating a cotton pad with eye or lip makeup remover (Neutrogena, Lancome, Shiseido, etc.), yet curiously were not that long-wearing on me (relative to liquid lipsticks)–they seemed to develop a little tackiness with any meal or drink (even just water) and degraded from there. Overall, the formula was extremely disappointing after the successful Vice lipstick launch last year.
Browse all of our Urban Decay Vice Liquid Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Isododecane, Bis-Hydroxylauryl Dimethicone/Ipdi Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Dimethicone, Silica, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Cyclohexasiloxane, Nylon-12, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / Iron Oxides, Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate, Mica, CI 77891 / Titanium Dioxide, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Propylene Carbonate, CI 15850 / Red 7 Lake, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica [Nano] / Silica, Alumina, Diisopropyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Tin Oxide, CI 42090 / Blue 1 Lake, Ascorbyl Palmitate.
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
This is really disappointing. Conspiracy is gorgeous, but the application and wear notes make it a no-go.
Yeah, Conspiracy and Studded are more unique shades, so I’m bummed they aren’t better.
I guess I’m going to have to give the normal Vice lipstick Conspiracy another look.
I really feel like at $18/each, Urban Decay could have provided us with a better formula!
I’m glad you got all these shades to review. It’s a shame on these metals being so tricky to apply. Amulet looks nice though but not metallic enough for me.
(Crossing my fingers some of the other shades behaves better).
I have noticed though most of the full metallic formulas break down faster on the lips because of the larger mica/shimmer pigments they use from the centre of the lips with Sugarpill and Lime Crime formula. The base formula of the LAsplash one is SOOO thick this doesn’t happen unless you over apply it, (my case a rush job left chunks cracking off but the next time I apply a thinner layer it was fine. 😯 )
I’m kind of relieved that these are bad. I don’t need to be tempted by any more liquid lipsticks…
Ha!
I wonder if Studded is what Ruby Rose was wearing on her movie premiere the other day. Such an unflattering shade, eek.
I think it’s a really cool shade!
Yes it was. I liked it, and am disappointed by D review. Thx for saving me the heartache!
This is such a disappointment. Seems like they wanted to jump on the liquid lipstick train as quickly as possible and sacrificed quality along the way.
I had the opposite reaction – I thought they took their time on releasing it, since it is after many other formulas exist, so I expected more.
Bummer, I was hoping Amulet would be a good one. But I have TF Snowdon dupe, so all is well.
It goes on a lot better than some shades, but I wish it had longer wear!
Oh darn! I hope these unique shades won’t be something that occurs throughout the range. I would have loved to see more cool and unique shades that aren’t too patchy to apply!
Studded is SOOO cool in theory!
I’m so upset about studded it’s so beautiful! Bit thank you for saving me the cash as I would DEFINITELY have purchased it…
I know!! It’s really unique, too 🙁
I’m kind of shocked by how different in color and finish Studded and Conspiracy look from their traditional lipstick formulas. It’s too bad the liquid version of Studded isn’t better, as the color itself is really unique.
Yeah, a lot of them have a similar vibe but are ultimately quite different in this form!
So many companies have nearly perfected liquid lipstick formulas… tackiness is a no-no!
Yeah, the tackiness made me more aware of it on, I think – I kept checking to make sure it wasn’t lifting!
Aw boo, Studded and Conspiracy were the two I was thinking of buying, but not if they’re that patchy and hard to work with :/
I know! 🙁
Conspiracy is so gorgeous looking! But sounds like a pain to get it to apply just right. In that case, I’ll just throw on UD Disturbed or MAC Deep Love and apply some of MAC x Mariah Carey I Get So OCC on top for a similar enough vibe.
Studded had me doing a major face palm. What did UD do to that lipstick??? Yikes! ?
It is funny, but I feel like the regular Vice lipsticks are better and you could just add liner or pat on some translucent powder (or silicone primer) to make them more matte!
I ordered Amulet I’m excited to try it!!
Yay!
WOW!!! This is really too bad about the performance, especially since the colors(Amulet and Conspiracy are my favs) look so nice on you. Glad I have the Milani dupes(which I really like).
Conspiracy is a really neat color – it had a lot of depth!
While the watery consistency is a bit worrying, I do think Conspiracy is a nice color. It’s unique but still more wearable than Studded.
Conspiracy is neat – and I think with liner, maybe that’s fixable 🙂
Amulet looks suuuper pretty. I don’t mind the not 100% drying down; that color is totally worth it to me 😀
The color is gorgeous for sure! 🙂
How does Amulet liquid lipstick compare to the “regular” Amulet in colour?
You can compare any two shades you want here: http://www.temptalia.com/swatch-gallery#sbs
WELP you said the magic words that keeps me from buying a product: tacky and hard to come off.
I had high hopes for these but I don’t need it, I wanted it yet not anymore.
Thanks for your honesty as always.
They break down totally fine if you use a lip/eye remover, but oddly, makeup removing wipes totally fail (they normally are just fine for liquid lipsticks for me)!
Studded is my FAVORITE bullet so I was sooooo looking forward to this! Heartbreaking!!!
I know!
This makes me bummed out. Not only did these really unique colors perform poorly, but the dupes are all limited edition or unavailable! I might try these out myself to see if I experience the same thing, but UD really missed the mark here, huh?
Out of curiosity, Christine, do you shake liquid lipsticks before using them? It’s possible they settled or something and became separated. Or do you rate something out of the tube, meaning it shouldn’t have to be finessed to get better results?
If the consistency seems abnormal, then I’ll shake or move the wand to see if it changes. If there is a mixer in the bottle or tube, or if the directions say to, then of course I shake it up (like a nail polish).
These don’t have any mixing component in them, and their texture did not change for me – every pull of product offered the same consistency and the product seemed mixed to me.
Thanks for your quick response and exploration into the issue! That’s a good guideline to have.
I can keep my eye out for other’s opinions, but yours generally ring true when I try things out myself.
You might try looking for other reviews, maybe others had a better experience!
I often wonder what goes through companies’ minds when they release obviously subpar products. Do they hope people won’t notice? Do they not consider that it might negatively impact their brand’s reputation? Do they just figure it’s too late to turn back now?
I do wonder as well, Lisa!
I honestly expected much, much more in terms of quality. As usual, UD has gone and done interesting colours and finishes which I really admire, but too bad they are just not doing it for application and longevity.
Me too, Rebecca. I was surprised that they weren’t crazy pigmented to begin with!
Amulet isn’t bad but it feels so inconsequential comparatively.
I know exactly what you mean!
I’m so sad this line is turning out to be poor quality! I was really looking forward to adding a few to my collection.
You and me both, Melissa… I can’t believe it!
I’ve heard nothing but disappointing things about these! Definitely a skip!
Also, I was wondering if you will be reviewing the new spring shadow singles? Spike and Relish both look nice but I haven’t seen any swatches yet.
I wish these were better!
I adore the colors of Studded and Conspiracy, but the application sounds dreadful! Amulet looks lovely on you, Christine, but it’s that kind of warm plum that usually looks orange on me…
It’s sooo hard for me to see Amulet turning orange, but I believe you when you say it, Fran (I have seen so many dramatic changes in color/undertone of swatches by skin tone)! So crazy how colors can change from person to person.
So disappointed, these were the three I was most interested in. 🙁
Oh no! 🙁
Hmm…Amulet’s on the cusp of what I’m willing to deal with, if I like a color. I have a bunch of Ulta points and will hopefully have a birthday coupon soon, so I may risk it for super cheap/free!
I think it applies and looks good enough to deal with if it’s that type of shade for you! 🙂
Update: I just tried Conspiracy out and while gorgeous, it was EXTREMELY drying for me. Definitely in the KVD liquid lipstick range of dryness. It also required careful application, like Christine mentioned.