Etude

Super lightweight, relatively non-drying lip tint that lasts all day and leaves a good stain! The color selection is insane, you are going to find a really flattering color. It dries down to a powdery matte and feels like nothing on the lips. Once it's dry, it does not transfer at all. #lykoreview

Color and aesthetics Cherry Red is a classic, lively cherry red shade that gives the popular "popsicle lips" – like you just ate a popsicle. The formula is a hybrid between water and gel, making it easier to work with than pure water tints but still very sheer. It gives a fresh, glossy finish right upon application that then sinks in and leaves a natural tint (stain) that looks very effortless and youthful. Application and feel Thanks to the gel consistency, the product glides on easily and feels cooling on the lips. It is enriched with fruit extracts that provide short-term hydration, but unlike a lip gloss, it never feels sticky. A big plus is that it smells lovely of sweet berries, which enhances the experience. It also works great to dab on the cheeks for a matching, long-lasting blush. Drawbacks to watch out for Here’s the honest truth: like most water tints, it tends to settle unevenly if your lips are dry, as the color likes to cling to dry patches or settle into the lines on the lower lip. It can also be tricky to get it to adhere properly on the upper lip. The wear time is good against drinks, but it fades quickly if you eat something fatty, and like many other tints, it can feel drying after a few hours if you don’t top with a lip balm.

Color and finish The shade Midnight Mauve is the perfect "your lips but better" color – a muted, natural pink-beige tone that suits most skin tones and occasions. It applies as a light cream and quickly dries down to a velvety, matte finish. The result is a very modern and soft look that doesn’t look cakey but rather blends with your natural lip color. Durability and feel What really impresses is how light the product feels on the lips; you barely notice you’re wearing anything. It is known to be "mask-proof" and minimally smudges once it has dried (which takes about a minute). The durability is good and it survives both drinks and light meals, although it may need to be touched up after a greasier meal. Possible downsides Although the formula is more moisturizing than many other matte liquid lipsticks, it can still feel somewhat drying after several hours of use, especially if you already have dry lips. Therefore, it is important to exfoliate the lips before application so the color doesn’t settle into dry flakes. Additionally, the color may appear somewhat lighter or more orange in some areas than the bottle suggests, so a thin layer is recommended for the best result.