With fall well underway, the chill in the air is noticeable which translates to “dry skin…dry lips”. Sigh. The combo of cold air and indoor heating can do a real number on your pout especially, making them look more lizard-like than kissable. Not a great look.
Matte lipsticks are a fan favourite, with their intense depth of colour and chic finish, but they can sap your lips of moisture too. One of my favourite matte lipsticks is so dry that I actually tore my lips putting it on a little too vigorously. OUCH. Personally, I was sick to death of that Sahara-like formulation, so I tossed it.
In comes Lancôme with their new L’Absolu Rouge Drama Matte Lipsticks (CAD $40) which are changing the game. Soft and easy to apply, they pack a huge punch of colour. True to its name, these colours are dra-ma-tic.
The Application
While L’Absolu Rouge Drama Matte is the most matte and bold lipsticks Lancôme offers, they are smooth and comfortable to wear due to their new light powder technology.
The look these lipsticks provide is soft and powdery – a “blurred effect” if you will. I love the richness of the colours I received which complemented my skin tone nicely. While both colours are quite bold (I received #505 Adoration – a bright and fun red tone and #157 Obsessive Red, a fantastic coral shade), they are very pretty on a multitude of skintones.
The Formulation
These lipsticks contain spherical powders and a silky oil which gives them their smooth and creamy application.
Also, a quarter of the formula contains a light diffusing gel providing that awesome rich matte finish without the terrible dry look so many other matte formulas offer up. In addition, the formula contains jojoba oil to further hydrate and nourish your lippies, which is particularly great as we head into winter.
The Look
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a total sucker for beautiful packaging and these lipsticks deliver! Like the lipstick itself, the case is also matte with goldtone accents. Press the top of the tube and the lipstick pops out…a nice little touch!
Lancôme also provides engraving for these lipsticks which make them a great gift idea for the holiday season (hoping Santa brings me a monogrammed tube of Purple Fascination).
So many of us are looking for a great matte lipstick that feels as good and as comfortable as your favourite lip balm. I can honestly recommend Lancôme’s L’Absolu Rouge Drama Matte Lipsticks to fulfill your matte lip dreams. They’ve taken up permanent residence in my makeup bag…a spot that is not easily earned for this discerning beauty blogger!
*In partnership with Lancôme
Dominique is a Canadian-based fashion and beauty influencer with a strong voice in Ottawa’s black community. Since launching her blog Style Domination in 2015, she has amassed a global fanbase. Dominique shares her life through beautiful imagery and compelling story-telling that speaks to her fans on a personal level. She’s been featured in The Guardian, Flare, The Kit and Cityline. She also hosts events for Dress for Success, the Gem Conference, and has been named a United Way Person 2 Know for the past three years.
Thanks for your review & swatch pics. I really love the look of these lipsticks. I’ actually a MAC matte fan (because of the great colours) but I wanted to try these lipsticks out. So I came across your blog since I was looking for swatches on a mixed or dark skinned person.
I really like 505. It looks good on you.
Author
Hi Angela! Thanks so much! My fave matte lipstick of all time is MAC Ruby Woo. It looks like it glows from the inside!! The 505 is a close match too, such a great red. Happy New Year!