An Oxymoron

Matte lip products have been making a serious appearance on the market lately, those and lip laquers. Regardless, I'm liking it! With the imminent release of the Revlon Colourburst Matte lip crayons I was hungering for some matte lippies and with the Revlon display completely empty, I spontaneously checked out the L'oreal stand and stumbled across the Colour Riche Moisture Matte Lipsticks. L'oreal was on 30% off at Target and the shade Cherry Crush jumped out at me. I saw, I swatched, I bought.

First lip swatch ever! Only because I had all my makeup done...

I've heard pretty much nothing about these lipsticks as they are quite new so they caught me by surprise! I'm usually not so frivolous with my purchases, but the colour was stunning and it felt really nice when I swatched it! Firstly though, the packaging is absolutely top notch. It definitely feels like something more high end - although  I do consider L'oreal to be the 'high end' of the drugstore. It's sleek, sturdy and snaps shut. The gunmetal-bronze exterior actually makes it look quite luxurious. I also like the little bubble on the front that shows the shade of the lipstick.

The description provided on the website is pretty spot on, if not a little ambitious. The formula is like none other that I've ever tried though! It has a  velvet matte finish, which isn't totally dry or powdered looking, but doesn't retain much sheen at all. Despite this, the lipstick is so creamy. It glides on without 'skipping' over the lips. The way it feels on the lips is truly lovely. It's almost airy? I find it similar in finish and feel to the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams but lighter - the NYX is a thicker, liquid-cream consistency. The Moisture Matte lipsticks basically feel weightless on the lips. It is pigmented but not like WHAPOW! PIGMENT! Haha, it gives you a bit of leeway to build it to full opacity or a slightly lighter layer. L'oreal does describe the lipstick as having jojoba oil to provide "intense moisture". I wouldn't say it's particularly moisturising but it isn't drying at all, which is unique for a matte lipstick. You might be able to see in the lip swatch that I do have some dryness/slight flakiness but the lipstick doesn't accentuate it badly at all in comparison to even some glossier products! The staying power is definitely there (4+ hours with slight staining) but will need reapplication after eating as you get some wear through the centre of the lips.

The shade Cherry Crush was the only one that really jumped out to me - though they do have a beautiful berry/fuschia and orange! Being a very 'me' colour, Cherry Crush is a warm toned, peach leaning light to medium pink shade. I find it very wearable but still quite bright and youthful. I absolutely adore the shade and can see it becoming a favourite, coupled with its formula!

Seriously, this lipstick has now raised my standard of matte lippies. If the Revlon crayons don't live up to it...I will probably be disappointed! These L'oreal Colour Riche Moisture Matte lipsticks retail for AUD$21.95.

Have you tried these Moisture Matte lipsticks? An oxymoron that actually describes the formula perfectly!