Moisture surge

The applicator’s shape mimics the natural contour of the lips

Most make-up aficionados have a love-hate relationship with matte liquid lipsticks. Famous for being long-lasting and transfer-proof, these formulas also come with the unfortunate side-effect of being very drying and, in many cases, deliver an uneven, patchy finish. A new range of matte liquid lip colours (Rs 2,075 per tube) by an indie platform claims to flip the script, by infusing their product with hyaluronic acid, whose molecules hold up to 1,000 times their weight in water. The result? A more comfortable wear, and a subtle plumping effect. While the premise sounds excellent in theory, we decided to put these claims to the test ourselves.

Silky smooth application

We tried the buttercream shade - it's a pink-toned nude colour that comes in an elegant bevelled case with gold accents. The colour was flattering on us, but will only suit light-to-medium-toned complexions. We appreciated the transparent tube, which let us see the colour of the product without opening the cap, a must for those with multiple lipsticks in their vanity. The doe-foot applicator is shaped to mimic the natural contour of the lip, enabling easier application.

The writer wearing the matte lipstick

The formula is quite pigmented and goes on very easily, with a single swipe. The lipstick feels lightweight and, true to its claim, does not dry out the lips. In fact, we also noticed a slight plumping effect, which we credit to the presence of the hyaluronic acid. This is a refreshing change from other lip-plumping products that typically contain an irritant to inflame the lips, to create a more luscious pout.

Strong finish

The lipstick wore well through the day, where we sipped on several beverages and munched on a few snacks. It did not smudge, smear, wear off, or even sink into the fine lines of our lips, as many matte formulas tend to do. Our lips felt nourished and soft, despite the soaring daytime temperatures. While the formula isn't completely transfer-proof (a kiss test saw a very light layer affix itself to the back of our hand), the lipstick will not be displaced by a mask, making it ideal for the times we currently live in.

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