Urban Decay x Jean-Michel Basquiat Vice Lipsticks Reviews, Photos, Swatches
Abstract
Urban Decay Abstract Vice Lipstick ($17.00 for 0.11 oz.) is a light-medium brown with subtle, warm undertones and a lightly glossy, cream finish. It had good color coverage–nearly opaque–that applied evenly across the lips and never tugged. The texture was lightweight, creamy with moderate slip, and comfortable to wear. There was some color that pulled into lip lines, though the coverage and shininess made it less apparent from a normal viewing distance. This shade wore well for four and a half hours and was hydrating.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Bobbi Brown Uber Beige (DC, $37.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Jetsetter (P, $12.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty No Angel (242) (P, $30.00) is darker, warmer, less glossy (90% similar).
- ColourPop Strip (P, $7.00) is darker, less glossy (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Lust Angeles (LE, $40.00) is darker (90% similar).
- MAC Age/Sex/Location (LE, $19.00) is lighter, cooler, less glossy (85% similar).
- Chanel Nude (P, $37.00) is cooler (85% similar).
- Tarte Rum Punch (P, $21.00) is cooler (85% similar).
- MAC Cherish (P, $19.00) is lighter, cooler, less glossy (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Uptight (DC, $18.00) is darker, warmer, less glossy (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$18.00/0.11 oz. - $163.64 Per Ounce
Urban Decay Vice Lipstick ($17.00 for 0.11 oz.) is available in six finishes, which are primarily distinguished by level of sheen, shimmer content, and coverage. I didn't notice any scent or taste. Mega Mattes are the thinnest and have the most “cling” as they are drier and more matte (but most are semi-matte and not a totally flat matte) and can be drying, though they are longer-wearing.
Comfort Mattes are creamier, a little denser, with richer color payoff on average (they are the most pigmented out of the finishes), and have a satin finish that is fairly comfortable to wear, usually lightly hydrating, and longer-wearing.
Creams are usually softer and creamier, though not too soft (they don’t mush or break from the base easily), with some being tackier and stiffer in the tube until they warm up against the lips; they have good color payoff, are hydrating, and are comfortable to wear but have more typical wear (four to six hours–six hours for deeper/richer shades like a red).
Sheers and Sheer Shimmers have a more balm-like consistency that feels a little thinner but is wetter/more emollient than Mega Mattes, so ultimately, they feel quite different applied; they have sheerer coverage, though more semi-sheer to semi-opaque than very sheer, and have the shortest wear time at two to fours with light hydration.
Metallized is the most shimmery of the finishes, though some of the other finishes have shades that are actually as shimmery (to me), but the Metallized formula has a thinner, more emollient base that isn’t as dense or as cream-like as the Creams; they feel more like the Sheers but a bit heavier and more pigmented (but seem to run semi-opaque to opaque, not always fully opaque) with average wear (four to five hours), light hydration.
Browse all of our Urban Decay Vice Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Polyethylene, Octyldodecanol, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Triisostearin, Phenyl Trimethicone, Squalane, Hydrated Silica [Nano] / Hydrated Silica, Cera Microcristallina / Microcrystalline Wax, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Olea Europaea Oil / Olive Fruit Oil, Tribehenin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Olea Europaea Oil Unsaponifiables / Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tocopherol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil / Jojoba Seed Oil, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter / Cocoa Seed Butter, Persea Gratissima Oil / Avocado Oil, Shorea Stenoptera Seed Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter / Shea Butter, Lactic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Silica, Polybutylene Terephthalate, Polylactic Acid, Tin Oxide, Citric Acid. [+/- (May Contain/Peut contenir): CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / Iron Oxides, CI 77891 / Titanium Dioxide, Mica, CI 77120 / Barium Sulfate].
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Abstract
LELimited Edition. $18.00.
Editor’s Note: While Basquiat’s state approached Urban Decay to create the collection, the collection is not without concerns from those who have been drawn in and inspired by Basquiat’s work. Some of the artist’s supporters have expressed concern over the commercialization of the artist’s work (generally) and the lack of a model of color in the collection’s campaign, both said to be inconsistent with some of the themes shown throughout Basquiat’s body of work. A third issue raised is with respect to Urban Decay’s usage of drug-related names (like Junkie, Druggie, Bump, etc.) when Basquiat died of a heroin overdose at 27 years old and how those two can be reconciled. Others who enjoy Basquiat’s work are excited for the collaboration and the acknowledgment of the artist’s influence, along with the possibility of making his work more widely known. As always, we invite thoughtful and critical discussion and debate but ask everyone to be respectful.
Epigram
Urban Decay Epigram Vice Lipstick ($17.00 for 0.11 oz.) is a medium-dark, coppery brown with warm, red undertones and a cream finish. It was richly pigmented and covered the lips with smooth, even color in a single layer. The consistency was lightweight, creamy, and lightly tacky–it adhered exceptionally well to the lips without emphasizing my lip lines while wearing for hours. The formula was lightly hydrating over the six hours it lasted for (and it was still fairly intact after a meal!).
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Backseat (DC, $18.00) is darker (95% similar).
- MAC Royally Riotous (LE, $19.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Besame Chocolate Kiss 1970 (PiP, $22.00) is darker, less glossy (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty J'Adore (230) (PiP, $30.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC MamaStarrr (LE, $19.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Bite Beauty Molasses (DC, $24.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Sandstone (102) (P, $38.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Sheer Plum (DC, $19.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Revlon Mink (P, $8.49) is more muted, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Reign (PiP, $7.00) is cooler (95% similar).
Formula Overview
$18.00/0.11 oz. - $163.64 Per Ounce
Urban Decay Vice Lipstick ($17.00 for 0.11 oz.) is available in six finishes, which are primarily distinguished by level of sheen, shimmer content, and coverage. I didn't notice any scent or taste. Mega Mattes are the thinnest and have the most “cling” as they are drier and more matte (but most are semi-matte and not a totally flat matte) and can be drying, though they are longer-wearing.
Comfort Mattes are creamier, a little denser, with richer color payoff on average (they are the most pigmented out of the finishes), and have a satin finish that is fairly comfortable to wear, usually lightly hydrating, and longer-wearing.
Creams are usually softer and creamier, though not too soft (they don’t mush or break from the base easily), with some being tackier and stiffer in the tube until they warm up against the lips; they have good color payoff, are hydrating, and are comfortable to wear but have more typical wear (four to six hours–six hours for deeper/richer shades like a red).
Sheers and Sheer Shimmers have a more balm-like consistency that feels a little thinner but is wetter/more emollient than Mega Mattes, so ultimately, they feel quite different applied; they have sheerer coverage, though more semi-sheer to semi-opaque than very sheer, and have the shortest wear time at two to fours with light hydration.
Metallized is the most shimmery of the finishes, though some of the other finishes have shades that are actually as shimmery (to me), but the Metallized formula has a thinner, more emollient base that isn’t as dense or as cream-like as the Creams; they feel more like the Sheers but a bit heavier and more pigmented (but seem to run semi-opaque to opaque, not always fully opaque) with average wear (four to five hours), light hydration.
Browse all of our Urban Decay Vice Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Polyethylene, Octyldodecanol, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Triisostearin, Phenyl Trimethicone, Squalane, Hydrated Silica [Nano] / Hydrated Silica, Cera Microcristallina / Microcrystalline Wax, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Olea Europaea Oil / Olive Fruit Oil, Tribehenin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Olea Europaea Oil Unsaponifiables / Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tocopherol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Colophonium / Rosin, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil / Jojoba Seed Oil, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter / Cocoa Seed Butter, Persea Gratissima Oil / Avocado Oil, Shorea Stenoptera Seed Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter / Shea Butter, Lactic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Silica, Polybutylene Terephthalate, Polylactic Acid, Tin Oxide, Citric Acid. [+/- (May Contain/Peut contenir): CI 77491, CI 77499 / Iron Oxides, CI 77891 / Titanium Dioxide, Mica, CI 77120 / Barium Sulfate, CI 15850 / Red 7 Lake].
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Epigram
LELimited Edition. $18.00.
Exhibition
Urban Decay Exhibition Vice Lipstick ($17.00 for 0.11 oz.) is a brighter, medium-dark magenta-purple with warm, pink undertones and a semi-matte finish. The lipstick was nicely pigmented and yielded full, even color coverage when applied directly from the tube. It had a firmer, denser texture in the tube, but it spread easily across the lips and didn’t really tug, though it did not glide on as effortlessly compared to the Cream shades (not surprising!). The color adhered well to my lips, was comfortable to wear, and was still going strong after eight hours and a meal (and two lattes…). I was surprised at how similar the color was to existing shades in the Vice range, though.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay ZZ (P, $18.00) is darker, less glossy (90% similar).
- Buxom Ultraviolet (P, $22.00) is less glossy (95% similar).
- MAC Stylist's Tip (LE, $19.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Party Girl (P, $12.00) is darker, less glossy (90% similar).
- Bite Beauty Orchid (LE, $24.00) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Bittersweet (DC, $18.00) is glossier (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Bittersweet (DC, $22.00) is darker, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Lychee (LE, $6.50) is darker (90% similar).
- MAC RiRi Boy (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Hi Suppose (P, $7.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$18.00/0.11 oz. - $163.64 Per Ounce
Urban Decay Vice Lipstick ($17.00 for 0.11 oz.) is available in six finishes, which are primarily distinguished by level of sheen, shimmer content, and coverage. I didn't notice any scent or taste. Mega Mattes are the thinnest and have the most “cling” as they are drier and more matte (but most are semi-matte and not a totally flat matte) and can be drying, though they are longer-wearing.
Comfort Mattes are creamier, a little denser, with richer color payoff on average (they are the most pigmented out of the finishes), and have a satin finish that is fairly comfortable to wear, usually lightly hydrating, and longer-wearing.
Creams are usually softer and creamier, though not too soft (they don’t mush or break from the base easily), with some being tackier and stiffer in the tube until they warm up against the lips; they have good color payoff, are hydrating, and are comfortable to wear but have more typical wear (four to six hours–six hours for deeper/richer shades like a red).
Sheers and Sheer Shimmers have a more balm-like consistency that feels a little thinner but is wetter/more emollient than Mega Mattes, so ultimately, they feel quite different applied; they have sheerer coverage, though more semi-sheer to semi-opaque than very sheer, and have the shortest wear time at two to fours with light hydration.
Metallized is the most shimmery of the finishes, though some of the other finishes have shades that are actually as shimmery (to me), but the Metallized formula has a thinner, more emollient base that isn’t as dense or as cream-like as the Creams; they feel more like the Sheers but a bit heavier and more pigmented (but seem to run semi-opaque to opaque, not always fully opaque) with average wear (four to five hours), light hydration.
Browse all of our Urban Decay Vice Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Octyldodecanol, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Kaolin, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Butyrospermum Parkii Oil / Shea Oil, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Candelilla Cera / Candelilla Wax, Cetyl Lactate, Cera Alba / Beeswax, Cera Microcristallina / Microcrystalline Wax, Polyethylene, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Aqua / Water, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Alumina, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Silica, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycine Soja Oil / Soybean Oil, Colophonium / Rosin, Squalane, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil / Jojoba Seed Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter / Cocoa Seed Butter, Persea Gratissima Oil / Avocado Oil, Shorea Stenoptera Seed Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter / Shea Butter, Tin Oxide, Aloe Barbadensis Extract / Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Citric Acid, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Polybutylene Terephthalate, Polylactic Acid. [+/- (May Contain/Peut contenir): CI 77891 / Titanium Dioxide, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / Iron Oxides, Mica, CI 15850 / Red 7 Lake, CI 77120 / Barium Sulfate, CI 45410 / Red 28 Lake, CI 15850 / Red 6, CI 19140 / Yellow 5 Lake, CI 15985 / Yellow 6 Lake, CI 42090 / Blue 1 Lake, CI 17200 / Red 33 Lake, CI 75470 / Carmine].
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Exhibition
DCDiscontinued. $18.00.
Urban Decay Abstract Vice Lipstick
Urban Decay Abstract Vice Lipstick
Urban Decay Abstract Vice Lipstick
Urban Decay Abstract Vice Lipstick
Urban Decay Abstract Vice Lipstick
Urban Decay Abstract Vice Lipstick
Urban Decay Epigram Vice Lipstick
Urban Decay Epigram Vice Lipstick
Urban Decay Epigram Vice Lipstick
Urban Decay Epigram Vice Lipstick
Urban Decay Epigram Vice Lipstick
Urban Decay Epigram Vice Lipstick
Urban Decay Exhibition Vice Lipstick
Urban Decay Exhibition Vice Lipstick
Urban Decay Exhibition Vice Lipstick
Urban Decay Exhibition Vice Lipstick
Urban Decay Exhibition Vice Lipstick
Urban Decay Exhibition Vice Lipstick
These all look great! I am excited to see how the rest of the collection performs.
They were!
Ooh, I like Epigram a lot. My first thought was that it reminded me a lot of NARS Jane, which I actually just submitted as a dupe. I might like Epigram even better though.
I’m sorry that I don’t know that much about the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, except in terms of his relationship with Madonna.
Epigram seems to be the fave here!
I want Epigram and Abstract, just for the packaging! I mean, Uptight and Carnal are on my wishlist so it’s not like I don’t like the colours, but I do prefer the comfort matte finish.
It is cool that each shade had its own print!
Love how copper Epigram is and the formula looks amaaazing. I really like this collab.
The color of Epigram was gorgeous!
I guess I now know why I love all 3 shades…I have super close dupes for 2 out of the 3! And because life; of course it would be for the 2 that did extremely well! Epigram=2 tubes of Royally Riotous, and Strip Me Down, Exhibition= Bittersweet, and K-Dub.
Leaving Abstract, whose shade I love for a toasty warm nude, but it appears to not be as impressive in performance as it looks applied.
Too bad UD didn’t go with more unique shades. Then again, how much is unique anymore? But they could have made Epigram a metallic instead of a cream, for starters!
Epigram as a metallic would have been interesting!
Uh oh, wasn’t planning to get anything, but Epigram looks interesting! Hmmmm……
Uh oh! 🙂
None of these colours are for me. But I like that they rated so well!!
Money saved this time around!
I can’t wait to have this line! I ordered it. As a Haitian American like Basquiat, i think the controversy about the lack of diversity in the campaign is a non issue for me. As a Haitian, no one ever celebrates our contributions to the art world by way of artists like Basquiat so the fact that someone LIKE ME, with my heritage is honored to have this honor bestowed upon him, it makes me proud. The colors are very indicative of the haitian culture and i think that people that don’t understand our culture aren’t looking at that. WOC or not, i will support this project. And i think that people causing the stir don’t understand that Haitian American and African American are two different things. Just as Domicians and Haitians are not the same even though we inhabit the same island.
I can’t wait for you to get your goodies, Karen! Enjoy 🙂
I do agree that many people do not understand that Hatian American, African American etc are different things. I personally viewed it as an issue of people of color not just a specific ethnicity and after reading a few articles on the matter, and a response from someone who was involved in making the collaboration, I couldn’t get behind it. I just feel like there was no reason to not have a woman of color as the model because even though I don’t know the artist, I know he felt like people of color deserved more representation. WOC are often being pushed aside for non-WOC when it comes to advertising. I do like that you said that you feel your heritage is being celebrated. That makes me feel better about the whole thing actually, because I am biracial (African american and Hawaiian) and do not share the same ethnicity as the artist. I can be happy that you are being represented! Sorry for being long winded. I just never usually get involved in matters like this lol I don’t care to be dramatic.
I was going to purchase the vault because I felt like some of the colors were unique and the vault was such a good deal. On makeup terms, I feel like the collection is a win because I get disappointed when makeup collections with artists and a big brand are nothing much different than what they already have as permanent items and or lower quality. I am still tempted and will probably end up buying something because I do love UDs quality!
Gorgeous colors! The browns are so 70s and boho. I love a creamy lipstick. The orchid is very 2017 — I can’t recall a time when this color was ever popular before.
Interesting to hear that orchid was never a big thing in the past!
Epigram looks a really lovely lipstick to me.
It was a nice one!
Just caved and ordered Epigram! No dupes in my stash
The level of brightness/richness was harder to dupe in this finish!
Love the finish on these, and Epigram is such a different color, I’d like to try it and see if it works for me.
I think all 3 look really beautiful, and of course the packaging is very interesting. It’s too bad this collection is released just after the Sephora sale because I’m on a no-buy for a month now… hopefully some items will be left when I can spend again!
I didn’t know there was controversy with others until you mentioned it but I thought it when I first saw the collection names myself. I do like the collection so far so I’m torn.
I got Exhibition first thing. It’s absolutely beautiful on.