CAL Los Angeles Envy Pure Color Lipsticks: Review, Swatches

Some time back, I read that many people have been complaining about getting headaches from using Kylie Jenner’s eyeshadow palettes. I imagined how awfully bad the smell must be. But when I bought CAL Los Angeles envy pure color lipsticks, I didn’t had to imagine anymore! Why? One sniff and I was like “Aargh!”. I thought the smell might go after some time after putting on lips, but here’s what happened:

I swiped the color on my lips and things started looking blurry. I fell down and with great strength, I opened my cupboard.  I reached for a cotton swab and makeup remover to remove the color. For a moment, I thought I would never be able to get up again. 

^ Okay! That’s an exaggeration but I have to tell you that removing that color from lips felt like a big relief!

So, I did this:

To cancel the bad smell, I kept the lipsticks open for 2 days. No, the texture did not get dry. When I smelled the bullet after 2 days, the smell had gone quite faint. When I tried it on my lips, I could still detect the smell but luckily, it was gone in 10 minutes. Not fully, but to the extent of at least being tested. That meant I could use the lippies! Yay!

So, here’s what I feel about these CAL Los Angeles envy pure color lipsticks:

Packaging: The lipsticks come packed in a white cardboard packaging with both the shade name and number. The actual lipstick is shiny red with a gold band in the centre. The packaging is flimsy because I can hear the bullet rattle when I shake it a bit and also, the cap has a tendency to come off on its own. The shade number is mentioned in a color coded sticker at the bottom.

Texture: They apply smoothly and evenly on lips but the formula doesn’t feel very light-weight on lips. It feels slightly tacky. They aren’t hydrating but don’t feel dry either. If you have chapped lips, you might feel a strong urge to apply a balm after 3-4 hours. Also, they get pulled into lip lines with passage of time.

Pigmentation: All of these CAL Los Angeles envy pure color lipsticks have a rich color payoff.

Finish: Initially, they verge more on the satin finish side but wear down to a semi-matte finish after an hour.

Staying power: All the shades easily wear for 4-5 hours. With drinks and light meals in between, a lot of color is still left on the lips. After a full meal, they disappear only from the centre of the lips leaving a ring formation. So, an immediate touch-up is required. Also, they don’t stain the lips.

Summary:

At a price of Rs.250, I would have gladly ignored the little bit uncomfortable texture but I just cannot get past the strong smell! Even though it goes away after 10 minutes, it doesn’t disappear completely. It’s a constant reminder that something is sitting on my lips. It’s a pity because the shades are gorgeous!

The CAL Los Angeles intense matte lipsticks are much better!

Price: Rs.250 each

VCB rating: 3/5