Bite Beauty Burgundy Cashmere Lip Cream ($28.00 for 0.26 fl. oz.) is described as a “berry purple.” It’s a rich, medium-dark berry-purple with cool undertones and a soft shine. MAC Pure Heroine (LE, $16.00) is darker, purpler, less berry. MAC Feel My Pulse (LE, $16.00) is lighter, muted. MAC Violetta (P, $16.00) is shimmery, purpler, brighter. MAC Strong Woman (LE, $16.00) is darker, purpler, more matte. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

I’ve reviewed a few shades from the formula previously (see them here), and when Sephora had their last sale, I couldn’t resist trying a few more. The formula is supposed to be a “cream-to-powder matte lip color” with intense pigmentation. This shade was richly pigmented, applied evenly and smoothly, and wore well for six hours while also leaving behind a stain. It was neither drying nor hydrating on me, and the finish doesn’t wear down to matte for two to three hours. The consistency is light-medium in weight (noticeable but not heavy), lightly creamy, and has a herbal-ish scent that is detectable from the applicator but not really when worn.

Now, something happened with the packaging on this particular tube, because I had it resting on my hallway banister, along with a couple of other shades, and when I went to put it away, it had leaked — there is a berry-stain in the shape of the tube as a result, which I greatly look forward to removing the paint and repainting. I can’t imagine what kind of damage this might have done if it had leaked in a makeup bag, purse, etc. I checked, and the cap was on securely, and it seemed to have stopped leaking color and oil (the two separated during the leaking process). I moved it over clear plastic, and it didn’t seem to leak any more, but the liquid in the tube is much more of a creamy paste as a result. Also, the doe-foot applicator arrived bent/partially snapped. I haven’t had either of these issues with any of the other shades I have (six in all), and I purchased all of mine online at Sephora, which suggests this is unusual, not the norm, but I hope it is very, very rare.

Bite Beauty Burgundy Cashmere Lip Cream

Bite Beauty Burgundy Cashmere Lip Cream

Bite Beauty Burgundy Cashmere Lip Cream

Bite Beauty Burgundy Cashmere Lip Cream

Bite Beauty Burgundy Cashmere Lip Cream

Bite Beauty Burgundy Cashmere Lip Cream