Introduction
Pink lipstick is having a major moment, gracing runways, red carpets, and everyday makeup looks alike. And within the vast sea of pinks, Anastasia Beverly Hills is serving up a sugary-sweet contender: the Anastasia Beverly Hills Cotton Candy Lipstick. Known for their brow prowess and high-quality lip products, Anastasia Beverly Hills has become a staple in the makeup bags of professionals and beauty enthusiasts worldwide. From liquid lipsticks to bullet lipsticks, their reputation precedes them. But does the Anastasia Beverly Hills Cotton Candy Lipstick live up to the hype? This article delves deep into the specifics of this pastel dream, exploring its formula, color payoff, longevity, and overall appeal to help you decide if it’s the right pink for you. We will examine if this Anastasia Beverly Hills lipstick is truly a sweet treat for your lips or just another addition to the makeup graveyard.
Product Overview and Claims
Anastasia Beverly Hills officially describes the Cotton Candy Lipstick as a full-pigment lip color with a smooth, velvet-matte finish. They claim it delivers long-lasting wear without feathering or fading, all while providing comfortable, non-drying color. It’s positioned as a universally flattering pink, perfect for adding a pop of color to any makeup look.
However, the true magic lies in the actual shade. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Cotton Candy Lipstick is a light, medium pink with noticeable cool undertones. Think of freshly spun cotton candy at a summer fair, a delicate, almost ethereal pink. The slight cool undertones make it unique. It’s not a bubblegum pink that screams for attention, nor a muted rose that blends into the background. It occupies a beautiful middle ground, making it intriguing. This also means it can look slightly different depending on your skin tone, leaning a bit more cool or warm.
The formula appears to be a classic matte bullet lipstick, but it is said to be more comfortable than many matte lipsticks. Information about the ingredients is limited, but the inclusion of moisturizing agents is indicated, contributing to the non-drying claim. The packaging is in line with other Anastasia Beverly Hills lipsticks, featuring a sleek, silver tube with the brand’s logo. The bullet itself is carefully shaped for precise application, which aids in creating a clean and defined lip line.
My Personal Experience: A Cotton Candy Kiss?
Applying the Anastasia Beverly Hills Cotton Candy Lipstick was, at first, surprisingly smooth. The lipstick glided effortlessly across my lips, depositing a significant amount of color in a single swipe. However, I quickly learned that one swipe was almost *too* much. Due to the high pigmentation, it’s best to build up the color gradually to avoid looking too heavy-handed. Using a lip brush helps achieve even more control and precision, especially when lining the lips.
The color payoff is outstanding. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Cotton Candy Lipstick delivers a true-to-tube color. It’s not sheer; it’s a bold, opaque pink that instantly brightens the face. It truly showcases the brand’s expertise in pigment formulation.
The texture is where things get interesting. While Anastasia Beverly Hills claims a comfortable, non-drying formula, I found it to be slightly drier than other satin or cream lipsticks I’ve used. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but I definitely felt the need to apply a lip balm beforehand to ensure my lips were properly hydrated. The feeling is a lightweight one, you barely notice it’s on your lips.
Longevity is impressive. I was able to wear the Anastasia Beverly Hills Cotton Candy Lipstick for several hours with minimal fading. However, it does transfer onto cups and cutlery, so touch-ups are necessary after eating or drinking. The fade is a graceful one; it doesn’t become patchy or uneven, but rather softens into a subtle stain.
There is a faint vanilla scent, which is common for many Anastasia Beverly Hills lip products. It’s not overpowering and dissipates quickly after application.
Overall, my experience with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Cotton Candy Lipstick was positive. The color is gorgeous, the pigmentation is excellent, and the longevity is commendable. However, the slightly drier formula is something to consider, especially if you have naturally dry lips.
Comparisons: Cotton Candy vs. the Competition
Compared to other pink lipsticks in my collection, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Cotton Candy Lipstick stands out due to its unique cool undertones and matte finish. Many pink lipsticks tend to lean warmer or have a creamier, more hydrating formula. For example, I have other pink lipsticks from brands like MAC and ColourPop, but those lipsticks either have warmer hues or satin formulas, making the Anastasia Beverly Hills Cotton Candy Lipstick quite unique.
Compared to other Anastasia Beverly Hills lipsticks I’ve tried, I would say the Cotton Candy Lipstick is on par with their typical matte bullet formula. It’s not as hydrating as their satin lipsticks, but it provides better longevity than their cream formulas.
In terms of dupes, I haven’t found an exact match for the Anastasia Beverly Hills Cotton Candy Lipstick in the drugstore. However, some affordable options, like ColourPop’s ” средство ” lipstick, come close in terms of color, though the formula may differ slightly.
Pros and Cons: The Sweet and Sour
Pros:
- Beautiful, unique cotton candy pink shade
- Excellent pigmentation and color payoff
- Long-lasting wear
- Sleek packaging
- Lightweight formula
Cons:
- Slightly drying formula
- Requires touch-ups after eating or drinking
- May not suit all skin tones, especially those with very warm undertones
- Price point is higher than drugstore options
Who Is This Lipstick For? Skin Tone Considerations
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Cotton Candy Lipstick is most likely to flatter those with fair to medium skin tones with cool or neutral undertones. The cool undertones of the lipstick will complement the cooler tones in the skin, creating a harmonious and balanced look. If you have a warmer skin tone, you may find that the lipstick clashes slightly. However, you can still make it work by pairing it with a warmer blush and bronzer to balance out the coolness.
The color/finish can work well on most lip shapes. The matte finish gives lips more definition.
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Cotton Candy Lipstick is versatile enough for both everyday wear and special occasions. It can be worn as a statement lip for a night out or as a subtle pop of color for a daytime look.
How to Style: Makeup Look Suggestions
To create a natural everyday look, pair the Anastasia Beverly Hills Cotton Candy Lipstick with a light foundation, a touch of blush, and a coat of mascara. Keep the eyeshadow minimal, opting for a neutral shade or a soft brown. For a more glamorous look, pair the lipstick with a smoky eye, winged eyeliner, and a generous dose of highlighter. Consider a silver or grey toned smokey eye to play up the cool tones of the lipstick.
Complementary colors for the Anastasia Beverly Hills Cotton Candy Lipstick include soft browns, greys, silvers, and taupes. Avoid pairing it with overly warm colors, such as oranges or golds, as they may clash with the cool undertones of the lipstick.
Where to Buy and Price
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Cotton Candy Lipstick is available for purchase on the Anastasia Beverly Hills website, at Sephora, Ulta Beauty, and select department stores.
The lipstick typically retails for around $20.
Keep an eye out for sales and promotions, especially during holidays or special events, as you may be able to snag the Anastasia Beverly Hills Cotton Candy Lipstick at a discounted price.
Conclusion: A Sugary-Sweet Verdict?
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Cotton Candy Lipstick is undeniably a beautiful and unique lipstick. The shade is stunning, the pigmentation is impressive, and the longevity is commendable. However, the slightly drier formula is something to consider, especially if you have naturally dry lips. It is a lovely addition to the collection of any makeup enthusiast.
Ultimately, I would recommend this lipstick to those who love cool-toned pinks and are willing to put in a little extra effort to hydrate their lips. If you’re looking for a comfortable, long-lasting lipstick with excellent color payoff, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Cotton Candy Lipstick is definitely worth considering. Whether or not it’s a sweet treat for *your* lips ultimately depends on your personal preferences and skin tone. It might be your next holy grail or not for you at all.
Have you tried the Anastasia Beverly Hills Cotton Candy Lipstick? What are your thoughts? Share your experiences in the comments below! Let’s discuss the sweet (and perhaps slightly tart) aspects of this popular pink lipstick.
