Make Up For Ever C503, C506, C600 Artist Rouge Lipsticks

Make Up For Ever C503 Artist Rouge Lipstick

Make Up For Ever C503 Artist Rouge Lipstick ($22.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a bright pop of medium lavender with subtle, cool undertones and a creamy finish with a light sheen. The texture was lightweight, moderately creamy with noticeable slip, but applied fairly evenly overall–though not as smoothly as other shades in the Cream range. This shade wore well nearly five hours but had some color settled into lip lines, though the formula was lightly hydrating. Urban Decay Vanity Kills (P, $17.00) is darker, more muted (85% similar). MAC Courting Seduction (LE, $17.00) is more muted, warmer (85% similar). MAC Lavender Jade (P, $17.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). MAC Fresh Amour (LE, $19.00) is lighter, more muted (80% similar). MAC Lured In (LE, $17.00) is darker (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Make Up For Ever C506 Artist Rouge Lipstick ($22.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a deep berry with subtle, cool undertones and a lightly glossy finish. The texture was very smooth, creamy, and easy to apply as the color went on evenly and smoothly without tugging on the lips. It did feel wetter and more emollient than the majority of the Cream shades, though. I did not experience feathering or bleeding along the edges of my lips, but neither is something that I experience frequently so your mileage may vary. It lasted for over six hours, left behind a pink-hued stain, and was hydrating over time. Charlotte Tilbury Hel's Bells (P, $32.00) is lighter (90% similar). Tarte Wet Suit (P, $22.00) is less glossy (90% similar). Smashbox Femme Fatale (P, $21.00) is lighter (85% similar). Urban Decay Mosh Pit (P, $17.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). MAC Babes and Balls (LE, $17.00) is lighter (85% similar). MAC Rebel (P, $17.00) is lighter, brighter (80% similar). Maybelline Berry Bossy (P, $7.49) is lighter, less glossy (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Make Up For Ever C600 Artist Rouge Lipstick ($22.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a light white with cooler undertones and a satin finish. It had semi-opaque pigmentation with a lightweight, creamy consistency that applied unevenly and with noticeable streaks. I was surprised that while the brand nailed their black-hued lipstick, they really left a lot to be desired with this shade. Due to the texture and how it appears alone, it is likely better for mixing and layering than as a standalone shade, so it is not as versatile other shades in the range. The color lasted for four hours and was lightly hydrating, but I noticed some color pulled into lip lines after two and a half hours of wear. Maybelline Wickedly White (P, $7.49) is warmer (90% similar). NYX Coconut (P, $6.00) is warmer (90% similar). Bite Beauty Blanc (P, $24.00) is warmer (90% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

FORMULA OVERVIEW | Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipstick ($22.00 for 0.12 oz.) is supposed to be long-wearing, “extremely pigmented,” and hydrating. It is available in two finishes–Cream and Matte, indicated by the C or M in the beginning of each shade’s name. The Cream formula is richly pigmented, lightly creamy without being too emollient or slippery, and go on smoothly and feel good while worn (wear ranges from four to eight hours, depending on the shade). The Matte formula is thinner and clings somewhat to lips, though it goes on nicely and doesn’t tug, and it doesn’t always look flattering on as it can emphasize imperfections on my lips but really depends on the shade, as some look great on. I found the Cream formula to be moderately hydrating, while the Matte formula was slightly to moderately drying. All shades had a slight, rosy scent to them, though I didn’t notice any taste.