Review: Battle of the Liquid Lipsticks [feat. Kat Von D & Sephora]

Ever since I've discovered the existence of matte liquid lipsticks/lip stains, it's rare you'll see me use an actual lipstick [with the exception of Fly Away, from bareMinerals' Marvelous Moxie line - highly recommend]. They are truly a game changer in the world of lipsticks, and I am completely obsessed. The ones featured in this post are my all-time favourites, but I'll also mention the ones that didn't quite make the cut.

Sephora Cream Lip Stain swatches from top to bottom: 01 Always Red, 14 Blackberry Sorbet, 06 Pink Souffle, 13 Marvelous Mauve, 07 Cherry Blossom, 12 African Violet 

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick swatches from top to bottom: Damned, Lolita, Lovesick, Susperia, Bauhau5, Backstage Bambi

KAT VON D'S EVERLASTING LIQUID LIPSTICK

DAMNED - Pop that cherry with this deep, dark vixen, and you'll conquer fall in style [as seen here]. This darker shade is not for the weak and is similar to Vampira, but the formula and consistency is 10x better.

LOLITA - One of the most sought after lip shades thanks to Miss Kylie Jenners, I've recently fallen back in love with this brown beauty. Rumor has it the more dusty rose Lolita is making a comeback soon. Whichever shade you opt for, this is a must for all you 90s babies. 

LOVESICK - This lovely mauve nude shade is part of Kat Von D's new fall collection. It's the matte sister of bareMineral's Fly away, and y'all know how much I love that shade. It doesn't make your teeth appear yellow either, which is always a win in my books.

SUSPERIA - If you're a loyal reader, you'll remember my dislike for ColourPop's Grind in my review of their Lippie Stix. Another one from the new fall collection, this bright lavender is Grind's arch nemesis, better in every category. 

BAUHAU5 - If you have to choose one shade, it's this one. There was a 2-3 month period where this was my go-to lippie for everything. It's the right amount of pigment, pop, and class that makes it my absolute favorite, and will guarantee compliments all around.

BACKSTAGE BAMBI - Bauhau5 had to learn to share the spotlight when I met Backstage Bambi. You know I'm looking to party when I bring out this vivid hot pink, because I'm actually a 75 year old grandma on the inside. It's a slightly less florescent version of Sephora's 08 Whipped Blush, and I'm already on my second tube.

SEPHORA'S CREAM LIP STAIN

07 CHERRY BLOSSOM - This is an absolutely gorgeous colour for all skin tones, especially for darker complexions. It's super pigmented, so all you need is one coat to last you the entire day.

06 PINK SOUFFLE - A soft muted pink, Pink Souffle not only sounds delicious, but is great for all complexions and perfect if you're going for a more natural look. Of course Vaseline or lip balm is the way to go if you're aiming for a neutral base, but a 'lil touch of pink never hurt anybody.

13 MARVELOUS MAUVE - Lolita's fabulous cousin, this shade has a more dusty pink undertone than brown. You really can't go wrong with a MLBB, nor can you have enough variations of it either.

12 AFRICAN VIOLET - Clearly my kryptonite are blue-toned pinks. Nicki Minaj is my inner spirit animal so I guess that explains why. Whenever I'm feeling vivacious, I like to amp up my lips with this fun, bold colour. 

14 BLACKBERRY SORBET - Another classic must for fall! If the name doesn't entice you enough, how about the fact you can actually eat a sorbet and not have to worry about your lips partitioning into two colours afterwards.

01 ALWAYS RED - I'm very picky with my reds. This is similar to Kat Von D's Studded Kiss Lipstick in Underage Red, my former HG. The difference is you don't need to apply, blot, and apply once more to ensure it lasts all day. Since this is a lip stain, there is little to no transfer.

Unfortunately for some reason, paired with my oily complexion, Underage Red and Outlaw from Kat Von D's Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks would bleed onto my skin by mid-day, and by the end of the day I looked like Ronald McDonald. Always Red is a matte, bold, classic red that will stand the test of time.

Didn't quite make the cut:

- Sephora's 05 Infinite Rose - This is a great shade for some, depending on how dark your natural lip colour is. However, it just looked like I applied a layer of glitter over my bare lips.  

- Sephora's 04 Coral Crush - Awesome nail polish colour, not so much for my lips. I'm all for crazy lip shades, but this was too florescent and coral for my complexion. 

- Kat Von D's Berlin - I personally don't like shades that are in-between red and pink. This made me think of the post make out-with-red-lipstick-on look that I will always avoid.

- Kat Von D's L.U.V. - Love the deep purple, but when pitted against Susperia, Susperia is better for everyday wear due to the hint of pink in it.

SO WHO'S THE WINNER?

Depends what you value most:

Price: Sephora ($18 CDN vs. $24 CDN)

Application: Sephora (1 coat suffices as it's thicker, more pigmented vs. 2+ coats depending on the shade)

Variation in Shades: Kat Von D (25 vs. 14)

Longevity: Kat Von D

I love both brands' liquid lipsticks and would highly recommend trying both to see which one better suits your lips. I don't find either of them drying, even though they are extremely matte. I do put a base of Vaseline before any application, so that may help. You aren't going to go wrong with either brand, so HAPPY LIPPIE HUNTING!

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