EXPLORE MORE ABOUT LIPSTICK FORMULATIONS:
Detailed Insights into the Formula Overview
for an in-depth look at performance attributes and scent characteristics.
Here are the selected lipstick dupes that the editor has identified but has yet to officially evaluate and rate.
- NARS Firework (LE, $26.00).
- NARS Call Me (P, $26.00).
- Bobbi Brown Bitten Peach (P, $37.00).
- L’Oreal Le Nude Independant (P, $13.99).
- L’Oreal Le Coral Irreverent (P, $13.99).
- ColourPop Paparazzi (P, $7.00).
- Lisa Eldridge Velvet Rain (P, $36.00).
- NARS Rouge Palatin (LE, $27.00).
- ColourPop Usagi (LE, $6.00).
- ColourPop Mesmerize (P, $10.00).
In-Depth Analysis of the Lipstick Formula
$15.00/0.12 oz. – $125.00 Per Ounce
This innovative formula promises to deliver intense color paired with a matte texture that remains intact—meaning it won’t crack, fade, or bleed throughout the day. With an impressive claim of providing “8 hours of hydration,” the shades in this lineup are highly pigmented, offering mostly opaque color payoff even with a single layer application, just as marketed.
Upon testing, the lipstick’s texture appeared denser and more “firm” in the tube, yet it offered sufficient slip for a smooth and comfortable application across the lips without any tugging sensation. Surprisingly, they felt creamier than their appearance suggested when viewed in the tube.
For most shades in this collection, the application was even, and they did not accentuate the natural texture of the lips or any fine lines. However, there were a few exceptions that tended to settle into lip lines or did not apply as evenly as others.
Lightweight and transfer-resistant, these lipsticks were surprisingly comfortable to wear throughout their impressive six-hour wear time. While a few lighter shades lasted about four hours, the majority of the range, being mid-tone to deeper hues, showcased exceptional longevity. These lipsticks offered a light hydrating effect over time and featured a subtle, sweet scent without any noticeable taste.
In terms of comparison, these lipsticks reminded me of Pat McGrath’s Matte Trance Lipsticks, albeit with a less creamy texture and a more authentic matte finish.
Dive into our complete collection of Sephora Matte Velvet Lipstick swatches for more options.
Comprehensive Ingredient Breakdown
Isononyl Isononanoate, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, CI 77492 (Iron Oxides), Dimethicone, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, CI 15850 (Red 7 Lake), Synthetic Beeswax, Lauroyl Lysine, Squalane, Synthetic Wax, Dicalcium Phosphate, Candelilla Cera (Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax), CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cellulose, Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium Hyaluronate, CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyhydroxystearic Acid.
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are provided based on the information available from the brand (or retailer)
at the time of publication. Always verify the product packaging, if available, for the applicable ingredient list that corresponds to your purchase, or check the brand or retailer’s website for the most current ingredient information.
Sephora Try Harder Matte Velvet Lipstick ($15.00 for 0.12 oz.) presents a striking, medium-dark pink with delicate warm undertones, delivering a true matte finish. My experience indicates that neon-inspired shades of pink and coral generally have a tendency to apply less uniformly, which was also observed in this particular case.
EXPLORE MORE ABOUT LIPSTICK FORMULATIONS:
Detailed Insights into the Formula Overview
for an in-depth look at performance attributes and scent characteristics.
Here are the selected lipstick dupes that the editor has identified but has yet to officially evaluate and rate.
- Revlon Your Majesty (P, $10.99).
- ColourPop Most Curious (LE, $10.00).
- ColourPop Barely There (P, $6.00).
- Melt Cosmetics Alma Gemela (LE, $19.00).
- Chanel Pivoine (832) (P, $45.00).
- Melt Cosmetics Fiesta (P, $19.00).
- Make Up For Ever C305 (DC, $22.00).
- MAC Bing Bang Boom (LE, $21.00).
- ColourPop After Shock (P, $6.00).
- NARS Low Rider (P, $26.00).
In-Depth Analysis of the Lipstick Formula
$15.00/0.12 oz. – $125.00 Per Ounce
This innovative formula promises to deliver intense color paired with a matte texture that remains intact—meaning it won’t crack, fade, or bleed throughout the day. With an impressive claim of providing “8 hours of hydration,” the shades in this lineup are highly pigmented, offering mostly opaque color payoff even with a single layer application, just as marketed.
Upon testing, the lipstick’s texture appeared denser and more “firm” in the tube, yet it offered sufficient slip for a smooth and comfortable application across the lips without any tugging sensation. Surprisingly, they felt creamier than their appearance suggested when viewed in the tube.
For most shades in this collection, the application was even, and they did not accentuate the natural texture of the lips or any fine lines. However, there were a few exceptions that tended to settle into lip lines or did not apply as evenly as others.
Lightweight and transfer-resistant, these lipsticks were surprisingly comfortable to wear throughout their impressive six-hour wear time. While a few lighter shades lasted about four hours, the majority of the range, being mid-tone to deeper hues, showcased exceptional longevity. These lipsticks offered a light hydrating effect over time and featured a subtle, sweet scent without any noticeable taste.
In terms of comparison, these lipsticks reminded me of Pat McGrath’s Matte Trance Lipsticks, albeit with a less creamy texture and a more authentic matte finish.
Dive into our complete collection of Sephora Matte Velvet Lipstick swatches for more options.
Comprehensive Ingredient Breakdown
Isononyl Isononanoate, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, CI 77492 (Iron Oxides), Dimethicone, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, CI 15850 (Red 7 Lake), Synthetic Beeswax, Lauroyl Lysine, Squalane, Synthetic Wax, Dicalcium Phosphate, Candelilla Cera (Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax), CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cellulose, Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium Hyaluronate, CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyhydroxystearic Acid.
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are provided based on the information available from the brand (or retailer)
at the time of publication. Always verify the product packaging, if available, for the applicable ingredient list that corresponds to your purchase, or check the brand or retailer’s website for the most current ingredient information.
