Anastasia Insomniac, Cobalt, Midnight Matte Lipsticks Reviews, Photos, Swatches
Insomniac
Anastasia Insomniac Matte Lipstick ($18.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a medium, greenish-teal with subtle, cool undertones and a satin finish. It had good color coverage in a single layer, but it had a bit more slip than other shades and gravitated toward my lip lines. The consistency was still on the firmer side, and while it did not skip, it did tug on my lips as I pulled it across them. It wore well for five hours but did not fade as evenly and more color pulled into my lip lines over time, though the formula felt non-drying.
The formula is supposed to have “full-pigment” with a “smooth, ultra-matte finish.” Since the description was a little light, I also watched the brand’s video, where the formula is also supposed to be comfortable to apply and not settle in lip lines. The best aspects of the formula are how lightweight it felt on–almost like nothing on, so despite being more matte and denser, not heavy or clingy–and that most shades have been non-drying (so far).
There has been some transfer, and the finish is mostly matte but not “ultra-matte” (certainly not as flat or matte as their liquid lipsticks, as an example). Some shades have emphasized my lip lines from a texture standpoint or due to color settling into them, but it depended on the shade. The wear has ranged from four and a half hours to eight hours, and some of the richer shades can survive a moderate meal and definitely drinking coffee. I found the texture to be the drawback; the lipstick is incredibly firm and dense with little to creaminess, which resulted in an application that tugged and pulled on the lips. It was also the type of texture that caught on flakes, so regular exfoliation is key. There were a few shades that were creamier and thicker on the lips, which were more comfortable to apply, but the majority were quite firm. (They also did not get softer with use.)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Raw (LE, $7.00) is lighter, glossier (90% similar).
- Tarte Fairytale (LE, $20.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Scrub (DC, $17.00) is lighter, glossier (85% similar).
- NYX Pistachio (P, $6.00) is lighter, glossier (85% similar).
- MAC Galactic Mint (LE, $18.50) is lighter (80% similar).
- Sephora Ouch (49) (P, $8.00) is more shimmery, less pigmented, glossier (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$18.00/0.12 oz. - $150.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have “full-pigment” with a “smooth, ultra-matte finish.” Since the description was a little light, I also watched the brand’s video, where the formula is also supposed to be comfortable to apply and not settle in lip lines. The best aspects of the formula are how lightweight it felt on–almost like nothing on, so despite being more matte and denser, not heavy or clingy–and that most shades have been non-drying (so far).
There has been some transfer, and the finish is mostly matte but not “ultra-matte” (certainly not as flat or matte as their liquid lipsticks, as an example). Some shades have emphasized my lip lines from a texture standpoint or due to color settling into them, but it depended on the shade. The wear has ranged from four and a half hours to eight hours, and some of the richer shades can survive a moderate meal and definitely drinking coffee.
I found the texture to be the drawback; the lipstick is incredibly firm and dense with little to creaminess, which resulted in an application that tugged and pulled on the lips. It was also the type of texture that caught on flakes, so regular exfoliation is key. There were a few shades that were creamier and thicker on the lips, which were more comfortable to apply, but the majority were quite firm. (They also did not get softer with use.)
Browse all of our Anastasia Matte Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Insomniac
PPermanent. $18.00.
Cobalt
Anastasia Cobalt Matte Lipstick ($18.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a rich, deep bluish purple with cool undertones and a semi-matte finish. There seemed to be something in it that gave off a stronger sheen, almost like shimmer, but it was hard to tell if there was any actual, ultra-fine shimmer in it in the bullet itself. The consistency was firmer, so it tugged on the lips as it applied but applied the color decently and did not skip around. It had good pigmentation, though it was not opaque, and shades I’ve tested so far, it had a stronger tendency to get into my lip lines. It lasted for over six hours and stained my lips a faded plum color (more like an early bruise) but was non-drying.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Maybelline Sapphire Siren (DC, $7.49) is darker (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Wild Child (P, $12.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Midnight Troll (LE, $19.00) is lighter, brighter, glossier (90% similar).
- Too Faced Who's Zoomin' Who (P, $21.00) is less glossy (90% similar).
- ColourPop Climax (P, $6.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar).
- Anastasia Primary #5 (Vol. 1) (PiP, ) is brighter, cooler, glossier (85% similar).
- Sephora Violet Vertigo (103) (P, $14.00) is lighter, less glossy (85% similar).
- KVD Beauty Bruno (LE, $20.00) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC Indigo-go (LE, $19.00) is lighter, more muted (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Echo (P, $20.00) is darker, less glossy (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$18.00/0.12 oz. - $150.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have “full-pigment” with a “smooth, ultra-matte finish.” Since the description was a little light, I also watched the brand’s video, where the formula is also supposed to be comfortable to apply and not settle in lip lines. The best aspects of the formula are how lightweight it felt on–almost like nothing on, so despite being more matte and denser, not heavy or clingy–and that most shades have been non-drying (so far).
There has been some transfer, and the finish is mostly matte but not “ultra-matte” (certainly not as flat or matte as their liquid lipsticks, as an example). Some shades have emphasized my lip lines from a texture standpoint or due to color settling into them, but it depended on the shade. The wear has ranged from four and a half hours to eight hours, and some of the richer shades can survive a moderate meal and definitely drinking coffee.
I found the texture to be the drawback; the lipstick is incredibly firm and dense with little to creaminess, which resulted in an application that tugged and pulled on the lips. It was also the type of texture that caught on flakes, so regular exfoliation is key. There were a few shades that were creamier and thicker on the lips, which were more comfortable to apply, but the majority were quite firm. (They also did not get softer with use.)
Browse all of our Anastasia Matte Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Cobalt
PPermanent. $18.00.
Midnight
Anastasia Midnight Matte Lipstick ($18.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a deep, inky black with neutral undertones and a mostly matte finish. It was richly pigmented with a very lightweight consistency on the lips, though the bullet itself was stiffer and tugged on the lips when applied directly from the tube. The color stayed on well for five and a half hours and was neither drying nor hydrating.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Fenty Beauty Uninvited (P, $24.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Perversion (DC, $18.00) is darker, glossier (95% similar).
- Tarte Naughty (P, $20.00) is glossier (95% similar).
- Anastasia Primary #2 (Vol. 1) (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Anastasia Midnight (P, $20.00) is less glossy (95% similar).
- Fenty Beauty F'n Black (P, $18.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever #50 (DC, $19.00) is glossier (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Blacquer (000) (LE, $30.00) is darker, glossier (90% similar).
- MAC In the Spirit (LE, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Dior Ultra Night (111) (P, $37.00) is lighter, less pigmented, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$18.00/0.12 oz. - $150.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have “full-pigment” with a “smooth, ultra-matte finish.” Since the description was a little light, I also watched the brand’s video, where the formula is also supposed to be comfortable to apply and not settle in lip lines. The best aspects of the formula are how lightweight it felt on–almost like nothing on, so despite being more matte and denser, not heavy or clingy–and that most shades have been non-drying (so far).
There has been some transfer, and the finish is mostly matte but not “ultra-matte” (certainly not as flat or matte as their liquid lipsticks, as an example). Some shades have emphasized my lip lines from a texture standpoint or due to color settling into them, but it depended on the shade. The wear has ranged from four and a half hours to eight hours, and some of the richer shades can survive a moderate meal and definitely drinking coffee.
I found the texture to be the drawback; the lipstick is incredibly firm and dense with little to creaminess, which resulted in an application that tugged and pulled on the lips. It was also the type of texture that caught on flakes, so regular exfoliation is key. There were a few shades that were creamier and thicker on the lips, which were more comfortable to apply, but the majority were quite firm. (They also did not get softer with use.)
Browse all of our Anastasia Matte Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Hey Christine, you rock that black lippie! Thumbs up and the make up goes perfect with it.
The mint one somehow reminds me of 50s or 60s appliance colors? Like a mixer from 50 yrs ago may be that color idk lol:) Not terrible but I think there are better minty lippies out there idk.
I think Norvina from ABH said it reminded me of a vintage car, so I think you are right on the money there!
Mint is tough to do!
Insomniac reminds me of the color of hospital gowns and surgical masks.
Given the amount of time I’ve spent [as a patient] in hospitals the past several years, that isn’t exactly my favorite color.
So I think I’ll pass on that one.
Actually, I’m passing on all of these.
Anastasia is one of my favorite brands, but I just don’t do black lipstick.
I might consider the purple one, but only mixed with a pink, not worn on its own.
There was a Nash Rambler (mini car) in just that shade. She’s right. Elementary school: friend’s older sister had one and decorated it with pastel polka dots. Late 50s, early 60s. Strange times. Stranger autos.
I had an old cast iron sewing machine (Kenmore) that in the same colour family probably from the late 60’d/70’d. I really love the colours they used in appliances and advertising at that time. lol
Alarm clocks from the 50s that are being retroed out even now. My car’s interior looks like an old enamel alarm clock, too. In yellow. As to the lip, at least it wasn’t appliance avocado. I’ll stick with the Stila mint julep liner!
As kjh pointed out, at least the lip isn’t avocado; I guess we can be grateful for that small mercy.
However, I can’t think of any shade of green that I’d want to wear on my lips.
If others want to wear a green lip, by all means, wear it and enjoy it, but I’ll be staying with my reds and and countless variations on pink..
Midnight is stunning! I love black lipstick with a thin line of liquid liner, and lots of lashes!
It’s a very rich shade!
A black lipstick with a good rating is a rarity, and VERY impressive!
Woohoo!
Midnight is bold!
Yes, it’s definitely a statement shade!
Midnight looks so beautiful on you!!!
Thank you, Sonya!
I like Cobalt, but I can’t stand lipsticks that drag and pull the lips with it as you try to move it around the lips. 😀
It’s a bit strange to me that the lipsticks are so firm and yet gathers in the liplines.
But, I really don’t need a blue lipstick, I have, and love Technopagan <3
I hear you, Helene! I’m the same way. Normally, I’d never reach for something like that, but I’ll say they are very lightweight and comfy!
Midnight is quite nice!
It is!
Oh my, they’re for the brave!
Yeah, these are some bold ones 😉
The formula seems quite impressive! It’s more established brands that struggle pulling off a good Formula with these kinds of colors and ABH seems to have nailed it. I’m looking forward to trying one for sure now!
They are better than I expected based on how they felt going on, lol!
While these particular shades are not for me, I’m going to go look at ABH lipsticks in general right now!
I was worried about Insomniac, not because I thought the formula was bad from ABH, but the shade is hard to get right.
Melt’s Blitzed I would say is touch darker and more vibrant as another dupe (I thought of Blitzed when I first saw it.) Now that I own NYX Pistachio and Colour Pop Raw I could make the comparison. 😉
Sad that Insomniac went on harsher and then went all lip liney! Otherwise, it’s a nice shade of teal, or as some have said: Gumby green.
Cobalt is just gorgeous! But not a very flattering shade on me, unfortunately. Or I would! Seems I can only wear shades like this as eyeliner, or as one of several other shades in an article of clothing.
Some interesting colours there; Insomniac has a definite vintage 50s/60s feel (reminds me of some old kitchen cupboards my dad had back in the day!) Cobalt is a real traffic-stopper shade, and Midnight is just amazing! A black lippie with such a high score – you don’t see many of those about (my daughter had the black KVD lipstick which was really awful, dry and patchy).
I was really hoping Insomniac would be better. It’s such a unique shade. I’m still considering it.
i was hoping ‘cobalt’ would me more of a true cobalt like primary #5 from their lip kit . ?
it’s so hard to find blue lip colors that don’t lean purple . closest one i’ve come across is melt cosmetics’ DGAF (which i LOVE) .
‘midnight’ looks awesome !