Make Up For Ever C601 Artist Rouge Lipstick ($22.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a bright, medium mint green with subtle, warm undertones and a satin sheen. It had semi-opaque pigmentation that went on somewhat evenly, but it did pull into lip lines, and there were a few patchy places. For the type of color it is, the application was still better than usual, but this needs a primer or lip liner underneath to help it apply better. The texture was lightweight, creamy, and felt hydrating over the four and a half hours it lasted. Dior Clover Matte (400) (LE, $35.00) is darker, more muted, lower quality (95% similar). Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Whatever (DC, $17.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). ColourPop Charm (LE, $7.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Make Up For Ever C602 Artist Rouge Lipstick ($22.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a bright, cyan blue with cool undertones and a creamy, lightly glossy finish. It was moderately creamy, and I was surprised to find it still applied rather well, as this type of color paired with so much slip is usually a total disaster! That being said, there was a bit of color that sunk into lip lines, which worsened as the lipstick wore on. I would recommend lightly blotting the shine down with a tissue or the back of your hand, which helps to minimize settling over time. On me, this shade wore well for four and a half hours and was hydrating. It did leave a very subtle bluish stain behind. MAC Dreampot (P, $19.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). MAC Instant Icon (LE, $19.00) is lighter, less pigmented, lower quality (90% similar). NYX Blue Velvet (P, $6.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Mr. Blonde (LE, $6.50) is darker, more muted (90% similar). KVD Beauty Dreamer (P, $20.00) is warmer, less glossy (90% similar). MAC Shockvalue (LE, $19.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Fenty Beauty Motorboat (LE, $20.00) is cooler (80% similar). Urban Decay Control (DC, $18.00) is darker, more muted, cooler (80% similar). Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Pool Boy (DC, $18.00) is lighter (80% similar). Bite Beauty Nearly Neon Blue (LE, $26.00) is darker, cooler (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Make Up For Ever C603 Artist Rouge Lipstick ($22.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a deep, navy blue with subtle, cool undertones and a glossy finish. The texture was moderately creamy but had more slip–it felt wetter and looked that way applied–but went on relatively evenly and with semi-opaque coverage. I think a lip liner underneath this one would help amplify the coverage while minimizing the slip. On me, this shade lasted for four and a half hours but moved around more than ideal, though I did not personally experience feathering/bleeding around the edges, it is something that might be more of a concern for someone who is prone to either. Bite Beauty Squid Ink (DC, $26.00) is darker (90% similar). Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Vain (DC, $18.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Guerlain #333 (P, $36.00) is lighter, more muted (85% similar). Fenty Beauty Clapback (P, $18.00) is darker, more muted, less glossy (85% similar). Illamasqua Disciple (P, $24.00) is more shimmery, less glossy (90% similar). MAC Young Attitude (P, $21.00) is warmer, less glossy (85% similar). KVD Beauty Woolf (P, $20.00) is lighter, less glossy (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

FORMULA OVERVIEW | Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipstick ($22.00 for 0.12 oz.) is supposed to be long-wearing, “extremely pigmented,” and hydrating. It is available in two finishes–Cream and Matte, indicated by the C or M in the beginning of each shade’s name. The Cream formula is richly pigmented, lightly creamy without being too emollient or slippery, and go on smoothly and feel good while worn (wear ranges from four to eight hours, depending on the shade). The Matte formula is thinner and clings somewhat to lips, though it goes on nicely and doesn’t tug, and it doesn’t always look flattering on as it can emphasize imperfections on my lips but really depends on the shade, as some look great on. I found the Cream formula to be moderately hydrating, while the Matte formula was slightly to moderately drying. All shades had a slight, rosy scent to them, though I didn’t notice any taste.

Make Up For Ever C601 Artist Rouge Lipstick

Make Up For Ever C601 Artist Rouge Lipstick

Make Up For Ever C601 Artist Rouge Lipstick

Make Up For Ever C601 Artist Rouge Lipstick

Make Up For Ever C601 Artist Rouge Lipstick

Make Up For Ever C601 Artist Rouge Lipstick

Make Up For Ever C602 Artist Rouge Lipstick

Make Up For Ever C602 Artist Rouge Lipstick

Make Up For Ever C602 Artist Rouge Lipstick

Make Up For Ever C602 Artist Rouge Lipstick

Make Up For Ever C602 Artist Rouge Lipstick

Make Up For Ever C602 Artist Rouge Lipstick

Make Up For Ever C603 Artist Rouge Lipstick

Make Up For Ever C603 Artist Rouge Lipstick

Make Up For Ever C603 Artist Rouge Lipstick

Make Up For Ever C603 Artist Rouge Lipstick

Make Up For Ever C603 Artist Rouge Lipstick

Make Up For Ever C603 Artist Rouge Lipstick