Bobbi Brown Midnight Violet High Shimmer Lipgloss ($23.00 for 0.24 fl. oz.) is described as a “black orchid with pearl.” It’s a dark brown-red with burgundy, copper, and violet shimmer. MAC Lasting Achievement is redder, more burgundy. MAC Lap of Luxury is more plum. MAC Black Tea is browner, lighter. NYX Vixen is very close, though a little more metallic. MAC RIchly Revered is less brown and doesn’t have shimmer. Illamasqua Hermetic is more metallic, more opaque, and a little browner.

This applies much better than Plum Gold, which is a color I totally love, but it doesn’t apply as evenly. For such a dark gloss that’s not opaque, it really does apply rather evenly. It has semi-opaque color–there’s still some translucency where my natural lip color peeks through, but it adds significant color to my lips. This is a gloss range that seems to go anywhere from ultra sheer to more opaque, and Midnight Violet is on the more opaque end of the spectrum.

What makes this gloss a standout for me is the high shimmer aspect; it’s ultra glossy but so sparkling, dazzling, and gorgeous on. I love that you don’t feel the shimmer; it never feels gritty, and it doesn’t travel while you wear it. The formula is lightweight, moisturizing, and wears well–this particular shade stayed on for five hours. Like other Bobbi Brown glosses, the High Shimmer Lipglosses are scented with mint but have no taste. They’re also non-sticky and come with a tapered doe-foot applicator.

Bobbi Brown Midnight Violet High Shimmer Lipgloss

Bobbi Brown Midnight Violet High Shimmer Lipgloss

Bobbi Brown Midnight Violet High Shimmer Lipgloss (Diffused Flash)

Bobbi Brown Midnight Violet High Shimmer Lipgloss (Studio Lighting)

Bobbi Brown Midnight Violet High Shimmer Lipgloss