Thank you Beauty Review for having this in the Rewards Vault, without it I would probably not have tried this liquid lip product.
First the packaging is simple, not overstated and yet sturdy (the courier tried their hardest I am sure). It is a clear sleek liquid lippy tube with shiny gold lid and print. Easy to apply doe foot liquid applicator applies the liquid with ease and it smooths on like butter with great precision.
The colour is a little darker than I thought at first but it looks like a slightly more chocolate nude on my lips with slight grey-ish undertones. I really like how it feels on, not drying but yet it stays put for those kisses, does come off a bit when eating and drinking and it does need re-application after lunch.
I am actually really impressed by this lip product that I am already eyeing up other colours in the range (Tehran and Tokyo are top of my list)
Thank you BR for the opportunity to grab this during the vault, I had been eyeing these lip paints since before they even launched so I am stoked to get my hands on one!
Packaging: Clear acrylic tube with a gold lid and gold lettering. The quality is lovely, it doesn't feel cheap and light in your hands, it has a bit of weight to it. The stopper is brilliant too, sometimes I find that liquid lipstick stoppers are too big and let through a lot of product but this one is perfect (and it doesn't get messy!) I appreciate the fact that they've labelled the name on the bottom of the tube as it's discrete and doesn't take away from the look of the lipstick.
Applicator: This has a traditional doe foot applicator and it's nothing special but boy is it brilliant. It's not overly fluffy or fuzzy which I like because there's no chance of product smearing outside of the lines. It's small and quite hard which allows for perfect precision and picks up a good amount of product.
Formula: Let's get one thing straight, this is NOT a liquid to matte lipstick, it is a matte lip cream. It goes on beautifully, not too thick and not too liquidy, the consistency is just right. It's not fully opaque but it's not thin and watery either, two coats will get you the desired look. Once applied the lipstick is very creamy but has a soft satin feel, it's not so wet that you have to be afraid of it bleeding. As time goes by the product dries a bit and settles into a gorgeous velvet matte, it's not sticky or wet but you can still rub your lips together. This is not transfer proof! The formula is neither drying nor hydrating and it lasted well for 4 hours before I took it off.
Scent & Taste: There is a faint scent, it's lightly sweet but quite chemical, it does not linger once on the lips though. I didn't notice a taste at all but I try not to lick my lips when wearing lip products.
Shade: Puerto Rico is a gorgeous mid tone nude that leans on the cool to neutral side. It's quite taupey brown and is very flattering on my skin tone.
Overall: This was so super comfortable on the lips, it didn't accentuate dry patches or pull into any lines. It wore well, didn't make my lips feel parched and it didn't flake. I love the classy, simplistic packaging and the price is incredible for NZ. Definitely recommend.
Tips: As always, exfoliate and moisturise beforehand to prep the lips. Using a lip liner can help with crisper lines.