Anastasia Orchid, Stargazer, Ruby Matte Lipsticks

Orchid

Anastasia Orchid Matte Lipstick ($18.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark magenta with cooler undertones and a matte finish. It had rich, opaque pigmentation that applied with even coverage, despite the firmer, denser consistency tugging considerably on the lips. The formula felt thin on the lips without being clingy, so it adhered for hours–it was still going strong after six hours of wear–but was surprisingly comfortable and ultra-lightweight. It did not dry out my lips at all!

The formula is supposed to have “full-pigment” with a “smooth, ultra-matte finish.” Since the description was a little light, I also watched the brand’s video, where the formula is also supposed to be comfortable to apply and not settle in lip lines. The best aspects of the formula are how lightweight it felt on–almost like nothing on, so despite being more matte and denser, not heavy or clingy–and that most shades have been non-drying (so far).

There has been some transfer, and the finish is mostly matte but not “ultra-matte” (certainly not as flat or matte as their liquid lipsticks, as an example). Some shades have emphasized my lip lines from a texture standpoint or due to color settling into them, but it depended on the shade. The wear has ranged from four and a half hours to eight hours, and some of the richer shades can survive a moderate meal and definitely drinking coffee. I found the texture to be the drawback; the lipstick is incredibly firm and dense with little to creaminess, which resulted in an application that tugged and pulled on the lips. It was also the type of texture that caught on flakes, so regular exfoliation is key. There were a few shades that were creamier and thicker on the lips, which were more comfortable to apply, but the majority were quite firm. (They also did not get softer with use.)

Top Dupes

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Smashbox Talk to Me (P, $21.00) is lighter, brighter (95% similar).
Kat Von D Backstage Bambi (P, $20.00) is darker, brighter (90% similar).
Kat Von D Backstage Bambi (P, $21.00) is brighter (90% similar).
MAC Breathing Fire (LE, $17.00) is darker (90% similar).
Make Up For Ever M202 (P, $22.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (90% similar).
MAC Flamboyish (LE, $17.00) is darker (90% similar).
MAC Candy Yum Yum (P, $17.00) is lighter, brighter, glossier (90% similar).
Bite Beauty Kimchi (P, $26.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
MAC Peach Blossom Pink (LE, $17.00) is lighter, glossier (90% similar).
Kat Von D Crush (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
More dupes -- click to see the full list!

Anastasia Matte Lipstick Orchid

Orchid

Temptalia

A-

Permanent

8.5

Product

Pigmentation

7.5

Texture

Longevity

4.5

Application

90%

Total

Stargazer

Anastasia Stargazer Matte Lipstick ($18.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a bright, medium fuchsia pink with cool, blue undertones and a semi-matte finish. The consistency was smoother and creamier compared to other shades, so it only lightly tugged on my lips as I tried to glide the lipstick across them. However, the color did not apply nearly as smoothly as other shades–it seemed to separate around areas of texture on my lips and was a smidgen streaky on the edges. The lipstick stayed on well for five and a half hours, left a stain behind, and was neither drying nor hydrating.

Top Dupes

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MAC Good Kisser (LE, $17.00) is warmer (95% similar).
Bite Beauty Pink Lady (P, $24.00) is darker (95% similar).
Milani Hot Pink Rage (P, $5.49) is glossier (90% similar).
Hourglass I Always (P, $34.00) is darker, warmer, glossier (90% similar).
Giorgio Armani #505 (LE, $38.00) is glossier (90% similar).
Anastasia Sweet Talker (P, $20.00) is warmer (85% similar).
Chanel L'Indomptable (54) (LE, $37.00) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
More dupes -- click to see the full list!

Anastasia Matte Lipstick Stargazer

Stargazer

Temptalia

B+

Permanent

8.5

Product

9.5

Pigmentation

Texture

9.5

Longevity

Application

88%

Total

Ruby

Anastasia Ruby Matte Lipstick ($18.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a deep red with cool, bluish undertones and a matte finish. It had very nearly opaque pigmentation that covered the lips evenly. The texture felt very lightweight when worn, though the lipstick had a much stiffer consistency as I applied it from the tube to the point where it tugged on my lips. On me, the color was still mostly intact after six hours of wear and left a strong stain behind, and the formula was non-drying.