Clinique has launched a new product that is all about a new way to wear matte on the lips, called Clinique Pop Lip Shadow Cushion Matte Lip Powder. That is a long name for a product, but I assure you that when you see the picture of the packaging below, you will know how beautiful and sleek design it is. The whole idea behind this product is based on the pro tick where the makeup artists dab pressed powder on top of the lipstick to create a unique velvet-like matte lip look.
Clinique Pop Lip Shadow Cushion Matte Lip Powder (CAD $25) is described as to deliver a vibrant burst of plush matte color in a transformative textural experience. The supersaturated creamy pigment glides on effortlessly and transforms into a weightless, powdery finish, giving lips a bright pop of show-stopping color. The sponge tip applicator is anti-bacterial which makes it easy to build the intensity. To use the product, the applicator is untwisted and swept directly onto the lips or over the lip balm. To load more color onto the sponge, the applicator is replaced and twisted closed. It can be either blurred out for a soft wash of color or the whole process can be repeated to create the more intense look.
I have used this product few times and had no issue with the design to apply and to load more product to the sponge applicator. Actually, I have not used anything like this before, like applying lipstick with a sponge. I have used my pressed powder over my lipstick to create that matte kind of lip but not used a lip powder. I thought the sponge applicator won't be a good way to apply and how it can be good for precise application. After using it few times, I feel the application is easy and the product does apply nicely on the lips. The sponge applicator is very soft and the tip can be used to apply the most product as the tip is dipped into the product side and the most product is on the tip. It feels very light, like powder kind of texture on the lips, like nothing is applied.
The color on single swipe gives a good tint and for intensity, two or maximum three coats were enough. I did use it without lip balm on the lips and with lip balm on the lips. Both ways, it was comfortable to wear. The staying power would be more if used with a lip liner. The shades are nice and bright, look great as tints when applied over the lip balm.
The formula did not bleed and scatter around the lips, it stayed in the place and it was noticeable on my lips for over three hours until I felt the need to reply. The sleek packaging looks nice to keep it in your bag and taking it out to reapply. It did not make my lips drier or irritated. If you are matte lover which is light and love the nice packaging, and do not mind twisting up and using the sponge applicator (which is actually fun), then you should give this lip shadow a try.
Clinique Pop Lip Shadow is available at Clinique.ca, Sephora Canada, Nordstrom, Beautyboutique.ca and Hudson's Bay
*DISCLAIMER – These are press samples sent to ‘The Velvet Life', all views and opinions are 100% honest and based purely on my own experience.