Review (5/5): Versatile lipstick in a gorgeous shade of red that is just as lovely as a tint
This lipstick, from the well-known Korean beauty brand Amore-Pacific, is almost a two-in-one product, great for people who want to use it as a full-color lipstick, but equally good for people who prefer the Korean-style "gradation" lip look. Of course, technically, any lipstick could also do a "faded" look, but rather than looking like your lipstick just wore off, these were specifically made to look just as good with just a "light" layer. Although I do not do a true gradient lip, I do prefer a lighter, more natural lip during the day, so with this, I can just dab my lips a few times and the color is highly-pigmented enough to leave a perfect shade of mlbb (my lips but better) color. When I use the product that way, my color Maple Red shows up as a very sheer, almost coral color on my lips, which I love for summer months. But I love that if I wanted a different makeup look, like if I were to go out at night, I could use the same lipstick for a true red color. No need to carry multiples! I imagine that if I were inclined, I could even lightly dab some on my cheeks for blush, further increasing the versatility of this product.
I will say that before I ordered this product, I watched a few Youtube reviews (I like to research beauty items before I try them), and while the reviewers did seem to like this item a lot, they did mention that it was important to prep your lips first, so before I used it for the first time, I used a lip exfoliator and a light layer of balm to make sure my lips were not dry or flaky. Even though this product claims to be ultra-moisturizing, I did not find it to be so. My lips did not end up super dry, but dry to a level not personally preferred - perhaps I am not used to a matte feel or just prefer a glossier look, Maybe more product would add some moisture (when you swipe on the lipstick, it is creamy and easily glides), but with just a light layer, the color ends up as sort of a tint, so that might also be part of the reason why - all the "long-lasting" tints I have used in the past have had the same result of leaving my lips on the drier side. To make it work, I apply the lipstick, let it "dry" so the color is set and then simply add a layer of balm over it - problem solved.
Even though I do not find it to be particularly moisturizing, it is not a big deal and I like this lipstick enough to overlook it. The color is flattering and beautiful - it lasts a decent amount of time and still leaves a pretty tint even when it fades (hence the name.) I like the packaging which gives it a more modern, "artsy" aesthetic. And most of all, I like that I only have to carry one lipstick but can create a few different lip looks with it.
RAREKIND Fade Matte Lipstick - 10 Colors, Cruelty-Free Nourishing Lip Stick, Velvety-smooth, Long-Lasting Moisturizing Lipstick - 3.2g by Amorepacific-Maple Road