Anastasia Orchid, Stargazer, Ruby Matte Lipsticks Reviews, Photos, Swatches
Orchid
Anastasia Orchid Matte Lipstick ($18.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark magenta with cooler undertones and a matte finish. It had rich, opaque pigmentation that applied with even coverage, despite the firmer, denser consistency tugging considerably on the lips. The formula felt thin on the lips without being clingy, so it adhered for hours–it was still going strong after six hours of wear–but was surprisingly comfortable and ultra-lightweight. It did not dry out my lips at all!
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
- Smashbox Talk to Me (P, $21.00) is lighter, brighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Goodie Bag (P, $7.00) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Fake Love (P, $10.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Breathing Fire (P, $19.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Bite Beauty #007 (LE, $36.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Flamboyish (LE, $19.00) is darker (90% similar).
- MAC Peach Blossom Pink (LE, $19.00) is lighter, glossier (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Backstage Bambi (P, $20.00) is darker, brighter (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Backstage Bambi (P, $19.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
- MAC Pink Pigeon (P, $19.00) is lighter, brighter (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
Orchid
PPermanent. $18.00.
Stargazer
Anastasia Stargazer Matte Lipstick ($18.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a bright, medium fuchsia pink with cool, blue undertones and a semi-matte finish. The consistency was smoother and creamier compared to other shades, so it only lightly tugged on my lips as I tried to glide the lipstick across them. However, the color did not apply nearly as smoothly as other shades–it seemed to separate around areas of texture on my lips and was a smidgen streaky on the edges. The lipstick stayed on well for five and a half hours, left a stain behind, and was neither drying nor hydrating.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Good Kisser (P, $19.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Cherry Bomb (P, $7.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Sephora Explosive Game (15) (P, $15.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Bite Beauty Pink Lady (DC, $24.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Sephora Twolips (14) (P, $8.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Bite Beauty Miami (LE, $26.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Tsk Tsk! (LE, $19.00) is cooler (85% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Eccentrico (505) (LE, $38.00) is glossier (90% similar).
- ColourPop Jasmine (LE, $10.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Caliente (DC, $18.00) is glossier (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
Stargazer
PPermanent. $18.00.
Ruby
Anastasia Ruby Matte Lipstick ($18.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a deep red with cool, bluish undertones and a matte finish. It had very nearly opaque pigmentation that covered the lips evenly. The texture felt very lightweight when worn, though the lipstick had a much stiffer consistency as I applied it from the tube to the point where it tugged on my lips. On me, the color was still mostly intact after six hours of wear and left a strong stain behind, and the formula was non-drying.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop La La Land (LE, $6.50) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Lisa Eldridge Velvet Duchess (P, $36.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty LA Woman (P, $60.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Chanel Pivoine Noire (136) (P, $40.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Makeup by Mario Kiana (P, $24.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Strong Chi (LE, $9.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever C404 (DC, $22.00) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Big Bang (P, $9.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- NYX Perfect Red (P, $6.00) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Self Love Club (LE, $6.50) is lighter (95% 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
Ruby is beautiful. I’ve been contemplating buying MAC Ruby Woo for a long time. Now I’m wondering if I should switch my thinking to ABH Ruby instead.
And now a moment of clarity in an otherwise lipstick-crazed mind: I already own MAC Russian Red and Colourpop London Fog, so, I probably don’t really need either ABH Ruby or MAC Ruby Woo. (Heavy sigh.)
They’re both nice – MAC would be a bit cheaper in total cost (and both would go so far it would be hard to finish one).
I just bought Ruby! It’s so pretty.
I will always love colours like Orchid and no matter how overdone these cool magentas can become, they look really good against my complexion. I just picked up a handful of Colour Pop Lippie stix on promo during National Lipstick day (I love this formula) and I think Scandy is quite similar.. perhaps brighter. Stargazer is lovely too, but I can dupe that baby all day long as well.
Lippie Stix are fun – perfect for those of us who have far too many lipsticks especially, lol!
You are tempting me to try Orchid (or something similar like the lippie stix one)
Well I’ll be dipped: Nancy finally loves herself a PINK. Yep. Stargazer. May not have rated an A, but it stole my heart. Not too cool, yet still very vivid and more of a “hot” pink.
Also of note: Could Ruby actually be a better Ruby Woo? Hmmm….?
It’s more comfortable, though I think Ruby Woo is cooler-toned!
I wish these were more hydrating, I like stargazer 🙁
I hear ya 😉
I love Stargazer! It reminds me of UD Crush, only matte.
Ruby is a very pretty shade.
Today I went to several stores (Ulta, Macy’s, Sephora) looking for these lipsticks and none of the stores had ever heard of them. Ant idea when stores will carry them?