Which Matte-rs most? Kylie Cosmetics Vs. Huda Beauty
For some time, the 'matte lip' trend has taken the beauty world by storm and continues to be the talking point of make-up brands with the very likes of Anastasia Beverly Hills, Kat Von D, Giorgio Armani and now M.A.C releasing their own take on the matte liquid lip varying in texture, pigmentation and longevity.
If it isn't enough that your favourite celebrity appears on a press release introducing their new shade of lipstick through collaboration with a brand, they've now introduced a whole new different ball game: establishing their own cosmetics line. Both hugely successful, Kylie Jenner, socialite and sibling to the Kardashian clan and Instagram/blogging queen Huda Kattan have done just that: invented, if you like, their own liquid lipsticks. Drawing in an astoundingly largely online audience, it is no doubt these social media fiends will once again be the trending topic on microblogging platforms such as Instagram and Twitter ranking in the popular reviews.
Giving into the pressure, we decided to test-run these bad boys on the basis of four categories: Formula/Texture, Pigmentation, Longevity and Price point.
Let's be honest, it would only be fair to bring to attention whether they are really worth your hard buck.
Disclaimer: We've decided to exclude the lip liner and focused on how well the liquid lipstick performed instead.
Up first, Kylie Cosmetics.
Packaging: 8/10
The box is simplistic yet eye-catching - its bold capitals spelling out, 'KYLIE' is the first thing you notice, second is the graphics which is cleverly depicting a pair of lips with what appears to be the chosen colour dripping down with the delightful appearance of a metal grill peaking through which can be seen when moving the box. It also helps that the box appears to have the shade on the sides of the box making it difficult to muddle between shades. That ticks all the boxes (ha, get it).
Top Left: Candy K, Top Right: Dolce K, Bottom: Exposed by Kylie Cosmetics
Now onto the product(s).
On initial first thought, the glossy black tubes failed to impress but as time progressed the design of the bottle itself was actually quite nice. The glossy tube makes the overall look of the product appealing and is fitting to its simplistic, edgy design taken from the box.
Formula/Texture: 6/10
Apart from the uplifting, delightful cupcake scent, to which may throw some off, this application overall disappoints and here's why.
This formula is well and truly matte, there is no doubt about that. If you are looking for something hydrating and not sucking the life out of your lips - avoid this product. Upon application, it is smooth; thanks to the soft, spongy doe foot applicator allowing you to get into the finer crevices of your lips. The drying time for this liquid lipstick is estimated around 30 secs - it is pretty quick and only needs one thin layer. Due to the thin, water-like application, it feels almost weightless on the lips. Tick. Despite this, however, this is let down by the crumbling which occurred with all three lipsticks over a long period of time evidently making the product sit uncomfortably.
Tip: The best way to wear this lipstick is to wear a satin/semi-matte lipstick underneath. Preferably it would be best to wear a similar shade to the liquid lipstick to keep it lasting for longer and to make it comfortable on the lips. It's worked for us so why wouldn't it work for you!
'Soft, spongy doe-foot applicator': Exposed by Kylie Cosmetics
Pigmentation: 9/10
There is no faulting the pigmentation of this product, it is full of pigment. One swipe and you're all set! All three shades (Dolce K, Candy K and Exposed) did not have any streaking and one coat of liquid lipstick was enough. Of course, with every product, colour pigment does tend to vary i.e. darker shades are harder to create without streaking. Just something to bear in mind.
Swatches (L-R): Dolce K, Candy K, Exposed.
Longevity: 10/10
Despite the dryness that comes with this formula, the longevity well and truly deserves an A*. The wear time for all three lipsticks were an impressive 9-10 hours (including eating and drinking). Liquid lipsticks are notorious for their hate for oily foods and oil in general. When wearing these, avoid oil at all costs if you want to keep these on all day. Take our word, it's important.
Price point: £££
Taking into consideration the price of this product ($29 per lip kit) plus the cost of international shipping ($10.95) this is an expensive product. If your curiousity outweighs your sensibility, then of course gives these a go. But are these a must-have product? Not necessarily. On a joint decision, we could probably live without these. Sorry Kylie.
Next to contend, Huda Beauty.
These are introduced as the Liquid Matte, a straight-forward, blunt name which is fitting to its title. With first impressions, the packaging stuck to its household concept of the original Huda Beauty lashes encapsulated with an image of eyes likewise to this stand point.
Packaging: 9/10
Despite the cardboard/plastic compact, which does feel slightly cheap for the price you pay, the packaging ticks almost all the boxes. Famous for her Huda Beauty lashes with an image of eyes, real and life-like to your own, Huda has kept this design scheme flowing with an image of larger-than-life lips holding the lipstick product between the lips and wearing the colour. Like the Kylie Lip Kit, on top and bottom of the box, the colour shade is present with the name of the liquid lipstick, i.e. Venus.
The bottle design:
Once again, comparing both the two brands, this liquid lipstick comes in the form of a frosted finish bottle - still elegant and visibly pleasing its rectangular circumference is a bold statement. Holding more product than Kylie, this liquid lipstick contains 5ml/ 0.17 fl.oz 2ml more than Kylie's (3.25ml).
Formula/Texture: 10/10
We believe it is fair to say that this product is the complete opposite of the Kylie Cosmetics liquid lipsticks, completely and truthfully to say the least. Imagine the thin, water-like, easy to glide on application with the plushy, velvet comfortable matte aftermath that lasts a good few hours and not minutes. This is it. And that is exactly why this is rated a 10 out of 10, it does exactly what is says. A comfortable matte. The doe-foot applicator is slightly longer than the Kylie Cosmetics liquid lipstick applicator and is more sturdy, making it easier to achieve a sharp, perfect pout on the lips. Like the Kylie liquid lipstick, its weightless formula makes this a dream to wear. Without the use of a lip liner nor lipstick underneath, it retains its moisture and wears nicely throughout the day. It must also be said that this is the first liquid lipstick that can be worn without a lip balm/lipstick underneath to keep its moisture (yes!). If this sounds aesthetically pleasing in any way, don't pass this product up!
Pigmentation: 8/10
We'll be giving this a B for effort. The pigmentation, in comparison to Kylie's ranks in at last place. Although it proves promising on the lips, the formula does dry down slightly darker than of the colour originally swatched and if application is uneven, this can show up on the lips (see photo below for reference).
Longevity: 6/10
Unlike the Kylie Cosmetics liquid lipsticks, the wear time does not last as long, unfortunately bringing this to a rating of 6 out of 10. As you can see from the photo (above) there is evidence of slight streaking (the middle had less product) but this is not as noticeable on the lips, presumably due to the natural pigmentation of the natural lip hiding this and also from the colour choice (a muted beige, pink brown nude). Commending it for its efforts, the longevity of this product is not as impressive but instead is 'meh' for its 'long-lasting' claim. After a 4-5hr wear time, the product did lift from the top (cupid's bow) of the lip and sides with eating and drinking. It does not look bad but re application may be needed.
Price point: ££
Unlike its pricey rival, the Huda Beauty Liquid Matte ranks in at an affordable £18 (Cult Beauty) making it first in line with its price point match. Is this worth purchasing? ABSOLUTELY. With a large selection of 16 shades, it is hard to say no and there is a wide variety in the choice of shades ranging from nudes to deep purples - WOC friendly too, Milk News certified.
Overall thoughts:
Breaking down and taking into consideration all four major concepts, it is fair to say both brands have their own unique qualities and will be great for some and terrible for others. In our own views, however, by comparing the performance of both liquid lipsticks we believe it is fair to say that the Huda Beauty Liquid Matte in Venus wins this review by a long shot, far and wide. Ultimately, for us it was down to the formula; comfortability in a liquid lipstick is a must. After a 4-5hr wear time the lipstick still held up well and had enough moisture to avoid cracking in the lips and skin peeling. You might have to carry this around if you're looking to keep this on all day - re applying may be necessary. Kylie Cosmetics? This is a C- and therefore is a miss. For the £30+ you pay (Lip Kit and shipping) it just simply is not worth the money. Disappointing in its ability to live up to the hype, this product's downfall is the dry, crumbly formula making it a pass on all occasions.
Have you tried the Kylie Lip Kit and/or the Huda Beauty Liquid Matte? Lets us know what you think @MilknewsLDN
* All photos were taken in natural lighting, no artificial lighting was used nor necessary for the purpose of this review.