Westman Atelier released its first lipstick formula called the Lip Suede Matte Lipstick ($50 each) and I couldn’t be more excited to try them out. They are currently available at Westman Atelier for exclusive early release. According to their Instagram, they will be released at other retailers such as Sephora and Nordstrom from March 19.
The Lip Suede Matte lipstick they are encased in a glossy tube with a magnetic closure. The packaging is beautiful, but the magnetic feature makes it difficult to store them next to each other (much like the issue I have with the Baby Cheeks). Based on a poll I did most of you store these alternating (one right side up, one upside down, etc.) if you have more than one shade.
I think the packaging is beautiful (aside from the magnet thing) but I’ve had dozens of messages from you that the packaging is bulky and unflattering. I love the unique look, but I can see how many find it too big. The product-to-package ratio seems excessive, but I also see how it fits with the brand’s aesthetic.
The Lip Suede Matte Lipstick formula is a light cushion matte that feels more like satin. I love that it’s a soft matte. They are smooth and glide perfectly. It’s a one swipe miracle for me, although I do two swipes back and forth to cover the entire lip evenly.
Formula is a classic lipstick – I don’t find it moisturizing but it’s not drying either. There is a very soft scent to these, almost vanilla and almost crayon-like, but I have to smell them very close to detect the scent. I don’t notice anything on my lips.
Lasting power is ok. They stay put as long as I don’t touch my lips to anything, but they aren’t transfer proof. They start to look a bit dry on the lips after several hours due to the matte texture.
Below are swatches of the five shades I picked up:
- Lacquer is a light peach color
- Pique is a gray rose
- Minx is a shimmery hot pink
- Je Reve is a beautiful mauve rose
- Rue is a cool chestnut brown
Also seen wearing:
I generally have mixed feelings. I love the colors except Rue which looks like death to me. The formula is really good for a matte but I still prefer Pat McGrath, Lisa Eldridge or Charlotte Tilbury for their matte lipstick formulas. At $50 a pop I don’t know that I’d say they’re worth the splurge. It seems incredibly steep for what you get. That said, it seems like the prices of everything have gone up to crazy levels. I like them a lot more than the Hourglass mattes I reviewed a few weeks ago, but I don’t think I’d necessarily call them that.
If you’re curious about these and like matte lipsticks, I’d say maybe wait until the Sephora savings event that will lower the price if you’re a Beauty Insider.
Available now at Westman Atelier. Launch at Nordstrom, Sephora etc. from mid-March.
