As American cosmetics brand Kat Von D makes its long-awaited debut on British shores, Beauty Editor Melanie Kruger finds out whether the cult Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks can really live up to expectations.
The launch of Kat Von D’s beauty range into Debenhams was arguably one of the highlights of the beauty calendar this year, with thousands flocking to the flagship Oxford Street store in a desperate bid to get their hands on some Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks before anyone else could beat them to it.
With a cult following in America, the brand’s arrival in the UK has been a long-awaited one, and the liquid lipsticks in particular have been the talk of the town for some while.
There has been a lot of noise around liquid lipsticks over the past couple of years, with the launch of YSL’s offerings kicking things off, swiftly followed by the likes of Bourjois and other high street brands – but for a while there, it seemed that the bubble had burst.
Boldly promising impressive longevity and no flaking or fading, many left a lot to be desired on all counts, so could the Kat Von D Everlasting Lipsticks really hope to impress?
Thick and highly pigmented, each liquid lipstick comes in a transparent plastic tube with a slim doe-foot applicator for ease of application – with the initial impression being more high street than high end. But we’re not ones to judge on appearance, so let’s look at the formula instead.
Each shade is creamy and pigmented, and glides onto the lips easily with the applicator provided. Starting with more neutral shades such as the beautiful Double Dare (cocoa blush) and Lolita 2 (terracotta nude), they go on easily and accurately, without any bleeding or seeping around the edges, and no need for lip liner. But some of the brighter and darker shades – namely Nos Feratu (blood crimson) and Bauhau5 (deep raspberry), are not as easy to work with, and it is difficult to get a smooth line around the cupid’s bow without a little smudging. The key here is to use only a small amount of product, but even then, you may find yourself in need of a small dab of concealer to neaten things up.
On the wear-time front, we’re impressed – although again, the more neutral shades appear to be the better performers. Double Dare and Lolita 2 stay put long beyond several cups of tea and a lunchtime sandwich, with only one touch-up required later that afternoon. The bolder hues, however, can fade somewhat in places when oily food comes into the equation, so it’s worth having a quick look after eating to ensure that your statement lip remains so for the right reasons. We noticed some of the pink shades, like Mother (dusty mauve), tended to flake a little, too – nothing noticeable, but a slight residue on your coffee cup.
Despite the discrepancies between shades, however, overall, we are impressed. The Kat Von D Everlasting Lipsticks are definitely some of the best the beauty world has to offer, and while they’re not quite perfect, they’ve given it a pretty good shot. After trying out Double Dare, Lolita 2 and Beloved (soft coral), we were ready to break out the fanfare – because let’s face it, which other liquid lipsticks can really come through countless beverages and a couple of meals unscathed?
This is a seriously impressive formula, and a game-changer for the low maintenance girl who wants to apply once and then forget all about it – safe in the knowledge that her lips will be on point all day long. All we would wish for is that all shades could measure up to this impeccably high standard.
Kat Von D Beauty is available in the UK exclusively from Debenhams
