I've spent years trying to find two things - the perfect red lippy, and a matte lipstick that doesn't leave my lips looking dehydrated. This lipstick achieved both.
The packaging I enjoyed - a chic matte black tube with the colour (Love 35) at the bottom, making it easy to fish out from a sea of lipsticks. The lipstick itself has the classic Max Factor X etched on the side.
I used this lipstick two ways - one with the universal lip liner, and then without. With the universal lip liner (which I love that it's clear so it doesn't matter if your lips aren't lined perfectly) it lasted beautifully. Through a cup of tea, morning tea and lunch. Four hours easily, and then it began to fade into a nice berry stain as opposed to a ring of red around my lips and a weird nude lip look in the middle. Without the liner it lasted a couple of hours, but once again it faded into a stain and was nice to reapply.
The only thing I'd say is that it's not a true matte lipstick, there is a hint of shine going on. But I actually like this - and prefer it to having my lips become dry as husks over the course of a day. I also suspect that slight shine is what provides the moisture and makes it easier to reapply.
All in all I'm so sold on this range and will definitely add more shades (that nude!) to my collection.
I saw this on BR and decided to pick it up from Farmers as a wee treat for myself. I chose the Rose shade.
It's gorgeously packaged, looks very classy.
I don't use a brush to apply it, straight from the tube, and it applies smoothly and evenly. Two coats and you're left with an opaque colour with a pretty matte finish.
I found it lasted a little longer than my average lipstick, it definitely lasted through drinking, no marks on the cup, but it needed touching up after eating.
It didn't bleed, smear or smudge when wearing off which is always a good thing.
Tips: Use a lip liner for a crisp finish.