Sneak Peek: Kat Von D Studded Kiss Crème Lipsticks Photos & Swatches
Kat Von D Studded Kiss Crème Lipstick ($19.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a new, 40-shade deep range that just launched on KatVonDBeauty.com and will arrive at Sephora on January 19th. It’s a reformulation of the original Studded Kiss line-up, and the new formula is divided into three finishes (metallic, satin, and shimmer). There is a mix of shades from the original lineup and new shades (and some that colors from the Everlasting Liquid Lipstick range). One big difference is that there aren’t any true, flat mattes in the reformulation, and my guess is that with how deep the Everlasting Liquid Lipstick range is (which are flat, matte) that the more traditional lipstick range is positioned to be a creamier alternative to the liquid lipstick formula. The change in finish did change some of the colors noticeably (comparing original to new).
Per the brand, the new formula is supposed to be “the creamiest, most cushiony and unbelievably pigmented lipstick to ever cross your lips” that is “comfortable” to wear. I don’t know if the brand has actually tried the plethora of other lipsticks on the market, because I can tell you that after swatching all 40 shades back-to-back, these are nowhere near “the creamiest” or “most cushiony” or even “unbelievably pigmented.” They are, on average, much creamier than the original formula, but a fair number of shades were firm and dense enough that short strokes was better for application otherwise there was noticeable tugging. Some shades were pigmented, some shades were uneven or sheer. The mid-tone shades seemed to be the best overall in terms of application, pigmentation, and how they looked on the lips. I think there will be some winners in the range, but there will be several duds, too.
I did not review all shades in the original Studded Kiss formula as it wasn’t feasible for me to purchase all of those at the time, and after trying what I did purchase, they weren’t promising (often very dry, stiff, and painful to use with a drying formula). From what I can tell, some are better (see: LUV (Original) vs. LUV (New); Coven (Original) vs. Coven (New)), some are worse (see: Gold Blooded (Original) vs. Gold Blooded (New); Poe (Original) vs. Poe (New)). The shimmery shades seemed worse for the reformulation, and the glittery shades are like the grittiest sandpaper across one’s lips; I felt like I was ripping my lips off when applying both Gold Blooded and Piaf with Poe not being far behind.
I’m pretty upset that they got rid of my favorite shade, Chula. I bought another one as backup, just in case.
Chula was the ONLY Studded Kiss lipstick shade I was considering getting… and now it’s gone. 🙁
Chula was my fave, too! Gotta check those dupes. LOL
Not too happy Bauhau5 is gone too. I ended up getting a backup when they were on sale. That is it for me and KVD since my shade is no more. I wonder why she changed the formula? Disappointing for me.
I too wonder the same. It sounds like they wanted to ‘improve’ the formula by making the shades creamier. But based on the swatches, I think many of them appear patchier compared to the old version. No matter what, this reformulation will definitely increase their sale, probably the real reason for the new release of the ‘permanent’ products.
UGH, Piaf is so pretty, too! Why are the cool duochrome/shifting colors always so dry and gritty!?
That was my reaction too! PIAF NOOOOO
Wow, some of the darker shades look really patchy. I assume these are scented, like the original formula?
I bought the previous formulation of Vampira because I wanted to own a Kat Von D lipstick and I also loved the packaging. However, it is just a bad lipstick. For the price especially. It’s dry, but this isn’t even the problem. Ruby woo is also dry, maybe drier, and somehow it applies so much better! But this one goes on so patchy, and after an hour or so, it’s all in my lip lines (never happened to see my lip lines so obviously with any other lipstick). I won’t buy any of the new ones, because even many drugstore lipsticks are better. For me it’s a boot!
Just based on that preview blurb I feel like I should start popping the popcorn now for some of the reviews of these! I hope Vampira has a good formula at least, I got a sample of it in her liquid lip color and I love the shade but her liquid lipsticks and my lips just don’t agree with one another.
Nooo! I can’t believe new Poe looks so bad! And they discontinued my favorite shade, Archangel. I do understand it wasn’t the most popular red in the line (although it’s a really nice, muted, warm red with orange undertones – I’d describe the finish as semi-matte) and they aim to go 100% vegan, but why the quality had to drop? Not the best start of the year for the brand.
I loved Archangel as well. So many cool reds on the market, not so many warm, muted ones.
Have you tried Bite Beauty’s Amuse Bouche in “Maple”? It’s a kinda duller/low-key red with warm undertones and a bit of brown, but it (shockingly) is suuuper wearable even on my very fair/very pink complexion. Plus, the Amuse Bouche formula is just *aces* all ’round. <3
I’ll check it out! Thank you!
Not looking so good for the more unique and metallic shades, which is a huge bummer. Makes me wish I had gotten back ups of a few of those colors 🙁
My first thought was “No! No more Wonderchilde, Lullabye or Wolvesmouth!?” I loved those metallic pinks and purples.
Me, too! 🙁
I was able to find these shades for $7 at my local Winners! I picked up Wonderchilde for myself and Lullabye for a friend of mine before I new about the reformulation.
I’ve seen many of the less popular shades there such as Poe & Nayeon as well.
A lot of those dark berry/red shades looks nearly identical! I’d rather see more uncoventional shades than 6 of the same thing from KVD. All in all, it appears to be a mixed bag release.
I was thinking the same thing! Why have so many very similar shades in there? Seems like a waste of everyone’s time.
Apparently a lot of people were complaining about the packaging , it does not seem to have changed …
Oh, no! Poe is so awful now! It used to be one of her best shades. 🙁 I’m glad I have it in the old formula. So many of these look patchy. Kudos to her for making the line vegan, but it doesn’t look so hot.
What a rotten shame. Urban Decay and Zuzu Luxe proved years ago that a high-quality vegan lipstick formula is possible.
I can’t tell if this is a clever gimmick or a foolish endeavor. I have Cathedral from the OG line and I love the color, it’s a go-to for me. It wears fine because the formula is thin and glides over lip balm. But, I am transitioning away from matte formulas and into more hydrating formulas, so my first thought was “Omg I can get the same color in a richer formula.” Then I thought, why would I buy a lipstick that I already have?
But she wouldn’t have discontinued the old line if it was still selling great. I guess her liquid line is still going strong and she thought a creamy line would fill a void… but she would just reuse the same colors…….? I don’t really get it. I’m sure Coven and Zero and the greiges will sell. I can’t believe they let those glitters get by QC. And honestly how hard is it to make the vampy colors with even coverage! KVD should be bomb at that!
Thank you so very much for doing this for us so incredibly quickly! Christine, you are a trooper in the MU world! ?
Poe and Piaf look RUINED. I was really looking forward to trying Piaf in a more comfortable, creamier formula, too. Gold Blooded *looks* gorgeous, but definitely not worth all that pain and misery!
And then I see Sanctuary in this formula. Wow, what a beautiful difference! I think I could wear it in this format! Yes, there certainly are some winning shades here!
I love Sanctuary too. I’m so glad I picked up Gold Blooded in the old formula because it is SO much bolder than the new version!
I get that KVD is all about the not-as-normal shades, but if they’re going to all be poor quality except the “normal” shades, then why bother?
What a mammoth effort Christine and I bet you had a tube of the Clarins lip balm handy after cleaning off some of the glittery shades. Some very pretty shades there – Misfit I like the best, but there are also shades that seem to be replicated too.
LUV was the worst of the ones I ordered but not as bad as yours. In fact, overall for the ones I bought, this time mine look to be better than what you got. Really curious to see what you think of yours.
The disappearance of some of my fave metallic purple/ pinks is a shame – Lullabye, Wolvesmouth and Wonderchilde. And while I’m glad to see all my favourite dark wines are there, even *I’m* thinking there are too many deep reds and berries that look alike.
And some of the gorgeous browns (Hawkwind, Sanctuary) seem to have gotten lost in the translation from liquid to bullet. 🙁
I guess this will a least hope with my low-buy/ no-buy?
I love Lullabye and Wolvesmouth too….I’m glad I got both in the old formula.
Gothica is gone, too. I liked that one.
Looking forward to comparisons with the OG shades. Hope you’ll include the LLs as well. I’ve had 2 whites, one from YSL and one from Revlon UII, in the Kevyn era. Both were infinitely better than this white. Total mixed bag for this collection. I think this offering is kind of like the Tarte shade range fiasco: Because she can. They should have been way better….and clearly, felt better. Many will order these online, without checking. Because it’s squeeee, Kat von D! I’d like to see a feel-comparison to the abh mattes. You always give us just what we are curious about. Thanks.
Kind of looks like a mixed bag. Some are pretty patchy and others look dry and like they collect in lip lines. What’s up with brands creating new formula’s that aren’t as solid as their previous formula? We will have to wait and see after reviews.
I’m very glad to see that cream lipsticks’ shades on your lips look the same as they do in tube. I do love some of the matte KVD lipsticks. Double dare, for instance. But, oh boy, it oxidizes so much on me! Would definitely give a try to some of these lipsticks.
I am quite disappointed! So many unique shades were discontinued (my holy grail being Gothica – if anyone has a dupe let me know) and it looks like what they have come up with here is pretty mediocre. I was hoping these would all at least have an amazing formula since most are quite boring, but it looks like quite a few are awful and these are not even lip swatches!
I liked that one too. You could try Guerlain Forever Brown or Spicy Girl. Definitely not the same level of sparkle, but more comfortable for sure.
The LE Gold Blooded just went bad on me, so I was excited to see her coming out with it in the permanent line. What a bummer on swatch! It doesn’t have that punch that the original had!
Recently I bought four studded kiss lipsticks because they were on sale. It’s the old formula. I actually really like them. They last long on my lips and I like the colors and pigmentation and I like how nicely the lipsticks look. I bought shade loveecraft, becherolette (which is my favorite), miniature lipstick Mother and Lipstick Magick shock is a pink lipstick with golden glitter spakes. Weird thing about shade Magick is that this shade is not on Sephora’s website. At least Sephora’s website in my country. I have two liquid lipsticks by kvd Lolita and miniature mother. Could anyone tell me which ones are better? The new formula studded kiss lipsticks or everlasting liquid lipsticks?
I’m so sad that Bauhaus is gone. My favorite!
It’s still in the Everlasting Liquid range, but you’re right, it’s not exactly the same. I’m glad I bought a Bahau5 back-up last year now.
Some of them I do have my eye on, but I’ll wait to see the reviews.
I am appalled at how bad some of them look, especially the black shades.
Poe used to be so wonderful, didn’t it. And this, ouch! I only have on full size of her lipsticks, and some minis. I do think my Nyleon is a lot better than the new one.
I’ve decided, this year to save for interesting releases and high end expensives like Pat McGrath, Natasha Denina and Viseart and only get replacements if I run out of any of my absolute favourites and if something truely spectacular comes out from other brands.
But it still annoys me when the fix things that aren’t broken and make them worse.
i was originally super bummed that they didn’t bring back thin lizzy (which is my favorite shade in the og lineup for both actual makeup reasons and sentimental reasons) but looking at how poorly the shimmer shades fared in this formula, im kinda glad they didnt ): im gonna scour my local sephoras and see if they have any left, if not im gonna cherish the tube i have
This are very beautiful hues…however…it is too many similarities between the colors.
On a quick scroll through, I’m intruiged by Sanctuary. Not a typical shade for me.. added bonus: it doesn’t look overly warm or cool ?
I ordered the new Bow ‘n Arrow when it was available for a limited time with the liquid lipstick. It is SO dry and difficult to apply, and that really surprised me. Why reformulate only to have a formula this difficult to use? I loved OG Cathedral but skipped the last one and this version looks even darker. Disappointing.
Sanctuary looks great!
From Motorhead to Home girl, the lipsricks are too similar. The remaining colors are just blah… except for lovecraft that seems a dupe for MAC Amorous.
I have the original Poe, Piaf and Nayeon. They are such unique shades and i’m glad I got them in the original formula. I just got Piaf and Nayeon on sale at Sephora. Those were my must haves. The new ones are sooooo disappointing..
Zero looks promising though I prefer true mattes so I’m looking forward to seeing the dupes for that.
Thanks for the preview!
I snagged Nayeon when they were marked down and am in complete love with it, but god-DAMN that formula is dry and “tuggy.” I probably won’t bother with the new formula of lipsticks, as to be honest, there are soooo many “regular” lipstick formulas and colors out there that I’m sort of covered.
ps – for anyone who was considering picking up the lipstick versions of your beloved neutral-ish liquid colors, try putting the liquid lips over a thin layer of Jack Black Lip Balm first and see how you like that. It’s my preferred way to wear Bow n’ Arrow as it makes it more comfortable and sheers out the color a bit for something less intense.