Urban Decay x Jean-Michel Basquiat Vice Lipsticks

Abstract

Urban Decay Abstract Vice Lipstick ($17.00 for 0.11 oz.) is a light-medium brown with subtle, warm undertones and a lightly glossy, cream finish. It had good color coverage–nearly opaque–that applied evenly across the lips and never tugged. The texture was lightweight, creamy with moderate slip, and comfortable to wear. There was some color that pulled into lip lines, though the coverage and shininess made it less apparent from a normal viewing distance. This shade wore well for four and a half hours and was hydrating.

Top Dupes

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Makeup Geek Jetsetter (P, $12.00) is darker (90% similar).
Marc Jacobs Beauty No Angel (242) (P, $30.00) is darker, warmer, less glossy (90% similar).
Colour Pop Strip (LE, $6.00) is darker, less glossy (90% similar).
Bobbi Brown Uber Beige (P, $35.00) is darker (90% similar).
Tarte Rum Punch (P, $21.00) is cooler (85% similar).
Urban Decay Uptight (P, $17.00) is darker, warmer, less glossy (85% similar).
Bite Beauty Honeycomb (P, $26.00) is lighter (85% similar).
Urban Decay Safe Word (P, $17.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
Chanel Nude (P, $37.00) is cooler (85% similar).
MAC Velvet Teddy (P, $17.00) is cooler, less glossy (85% similar).

Urban Decay Vice Lipstick Abstract

Abstract

Temptalia

B+

Limited Edition

8.5

Product

Pigmentation

8.5

Texture

Longevity

Application

89%

Total

Editor’s Note: While Basquiat’s state approached Urban Decay to create the collection, the collection is not without concerns from those who have been drawn in and inspired by Basquiat’s work. Some of the artist’s supporters have expressed concern over the commercialization of the artist’s work (generally) and the lack of a model of color in the collection’s campaign, both said to be inconsistent with some of the themes shown throughout Basquiat’s body of work. A third issue raised is with respect to Urban Decay’s usage of drug-related names (like Junkie, Druggie, Bump, etc.) when Basquiat died of a heroin overdose at 27 years old and how those two can be reconciled. Others who enjoy Basquiat’s work are excited for the collaboration and the acknowledgment of the artist’s influence, along with the possibility of making his work more widely known. As always, we invite thoughtful and critical discussion and debate but ask everyone to be respectful.

Epigram

Urban Decay Epigram Vice Lipstick ($17.00 for 0.11 oz.) is a medium-dark, coppery brown with warm, red undertones and a cream finish. It was richly pigmented and covered the lips with smooth, even color in a single layer. The consistency was lightweight, creamy, and lightly tacky–it adhered exceptionally well to the lips without emphasizing my lip lines while wearing for hours. The formula was lightly hydrating over the six hours it lasted for (and it was still fairly intact after a meal!).

Top Dupes

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MAC Royally Riotous (LE, $17.00) is darker (95% similar).
Besame Chocolate Kiss 1970 (P, $22.00) is darker, less glossy (95% similar).
Urban Decay Carnal (P, $17.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar).
MAC Sheer Plum (DC, $17.00) is darker (90% similar).
Maybelline Nude Nuance (P, $7.99) is lighter, less glossy (85% similar).
MAC Strip Me Down (LE, $17.00) is more muted, less glossy (90% similar).
Maybelline Raw Chocolate (P, $7.99) is darker, more muted, less glossy (85% similar).
Colour Pop Speed Dial (LE, $6.00) is lighter, less glossy (85% similar).
NARS Leslie (P, $32.00) is darker, brighter (85% similar).
Anastasia #3 (Vol. 1) (P) is darker, cooler, less glossy (85% similar).

Urban Decay Vice Lipstick Epigram

Epigram

Temptalia

A+

Limited Edition

Product

Pigmentation

Texture

Longevity

Application

100%

Total

Exhibition

Urban Decay Exhibition Vice Lipstick ($17.00 for 0.11 oz.) is a brighter, medium-dark magenta-purple with warm, pink undertones and a semi-matte finish. The lipstick was nicely pigmented and yielded full, even color coverage when applied directly from the tube. It had a firmer, denser texture in the tube, but it spread easily across the lips and didn’t really tug, though it did not glide on as effortlessly compared to the Cream shades (not surprising!). The color adhered well to my lips, was comfortable to wear, and was still going strong after eight hours and a meal (and two lattes…). I was surprised at how similar the color was to existing shades in the Vice range, though.