What do you look for in a lipstick review?
I want to know about the opacity, how it feels on, whether it feathers/settles, and how hydrating (or not) the formula felt.
— Christine
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16 Comments
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The opacity, if it’s drying or not, if it’s long wearing or not, the smell if there is one.
I’d want to know how comfortable it is to apply and wear. I’d also want to know if it bleeds or seeps into lines, especially for a deeper or brighter shade. In other words, how does it perform for the 50-plus crowd. Also, does it make my teeth look more white or more yellow?
The industry definitely needs more swatches on older generations. Unfortunately, after a certain age as wrinkles tend to form around the mouth and become more prominent, most lipsticks that don’t bleed and feather on those 20-30 yo influencers don’t look good.
I agree with what you said Christine. A hydrating lipstick is important to me and if it feathers or settles in lip lines. If it not long lasting , i do not mind re-applying it.
I want to know the ingredients, what it smells and/or tastes like, and whether or not it is drying. The ingredients is the most important, I have a mild sensitivity to castor oil and if that’s the first ingredient it’s automatically a no.
Considering that ricin is a by-product in the extraction of castor oil from the beans, it’s a wonder everyone isn’t reactive to castor derivatives.
I look for lipsticks that are easy to wear–doesn’t dry my lips out, doesn’t migrate after applying, fades evenly, and have packaging that can stand up to being thrown into my purse. I try to be gentle with the makeup I carry around, but accidents happen. Also, the smell or taste of the lipstick cannot be too overwhelming.
I’m interested in the opacity (I prefer semi-sheer or buildable lipsticks), how moisturizing, if it feathers/bleeds, and if it has any scent/taste. Wear time is nice to know, but I’m willing to reapply as I drink a lot during the day to stay hydrated. I have a reaction to jojoba, so seeing the ingredient list to watch for that is a must.
I forgot, but scent is totally important. I don’t want odd or strong scents directly under my nose. 😅
I have different tastes in lipsticks formula than the majority of people, so I mainly look at color swatches in the reviews.
I would want to know that the lipstick doesn’t feather and I can get a clean line without a lip liner (I don’t use them ever).
I would like to know if it’s comfortable to wear, especially since I prefer mate and satin formulas, which sometimes are too drying.
Also, I like to know how well it fades during the day without retouching.
I tend to look for how comfortable and how long lasting the formula is and then I move straight on to the dupes/comparisons for similar shades and formulations. I lean into browns and warm brown-toned reds on myself and I try to be careful not to invest in something too orange/cool toned or if I own something similar already.
I want color swatches and descriptions. I want to know the finish, the formula, ease of application, and opacity. I want to know if it settles in lines, feathers, or bleeds. If it’s a liquid lipstick, does it layer well on top of itself? If a bullet, does the lid stay on when it’s in a makeup bag or purse? It’s also very helpful to know the scent, if there is one.
Lots of things! Wear time, coverage, finish, whether or not it applies smoothly and without feathering/wandering outside ones lipline, do I already have something too close to it, would it look good on me personally. Oh, and more recently, can it endure mask wearing, if necessary.
For me, a lipstick review should contain all the things you listed above Christine. I really want to know the finish – matte, or creamy etc. I want to know how it feels on your lips over time – hydrating or not. Another feature I want to know is if it has a scent or taste – because I find that is offputting to me.
My lips are really sensitive and I need to have a lipstick that is creamy and hydrating. Matte ones tend to dry out my lips too much.
Drying/hydrating, opacity, finish, scent, taste, feathering, easiness of application, coverage, I mean a product can be very opaque but still not apply evenly, not covering the entire lip. How it settles and fades. I also find it fun to have a comparison of actual wear time vs PR wear time.
I have probably forgot something, but I think these are the most important things.
I look at a variety of color swatches to try and get a good idea of the color and texture. I also want to know how comfortable it is to wear. Other info like if it’s patchy, or it feathers also factor into my decisions but color and comfort are my deal breakers.