Quite a while ago now (so far back that I couldn’t tell you when it was) I owned one of the Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipsticks. And I didn’t like it. For whatever reason the formula just didn’t work on me, didn’t suit me – it just wasn’t a good fit. I’d completely discounted the Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick range until a few short weeks ago a beautiful little Mecca box appeared at my front door with these beauties in it!
As you can see, I was very kindly gifted four of their new Always On Metallic Matte Liquid Lipsticks as well as one of their original formulas. Upon opening the boxes I was pretty darn excited about the shades and knew that I had to get testing them ASAP! The packaging is super cute and simple – the top of the box also shows the shade with both the responding colour and name – not something you see very regularly and something I think is perfect for storing the lipsticks standing up (as is my preference).
Swatches bottom-top: Always On Liquid Lipstick in Fair Game, Always On Metallic Matte in XO VLADA, So Jelly, Vino Noir and Punked Rock.
Whilst I’m yet to try the more ‘out there’ (for this nude lover) shades, unsurprisingly to all of you I’m sure the two I’ve tested out are the Always On Metallic Matte in XO VLADA and the Always on Liquid Lipstick in Fair Game. One thing to point out is that the applicator on these lipsticks is absolutely wonderful – a precise tip to use for lining with a thicker applicator for the rest of the lip – these give the crispest line I’ve found yet without using a lip brush.
The Metallic Matte in XO VLADA is their collaboration with the extremely talented and well-known makeup artist Vlada Haggerty, aka VladaMUA, aka their ‘Lip Editor in Chief’. Vlada is renowned for her incredible lip art so the collaboration couldn’t be any more perfect! This rose gold shade is extremely wearable – it all but melts into your natural lip colour and gives the most beautiful metallic rosey-nudey-gold shade on the lips. I’m equally as obsessed with the formula – while I found that it transferred slightly onto a straw (and all but disappeared when I ate an apple) this is something I find with most lipstick formulas so isn’t something I’m mad about as such, but something worth a mention! It is extremely comfortable to wear throughout the day – I haven’t worn it more than nine hours at a time but for someone with quite dry lips that’s a decent wear time. It doesn’t dry down fully and just slowly and gently fade ever so slightly but is very easy to touch up. I have quite significant lines in my lips – this does settle in slightly but a quick press together of the lips and you’re good as new! In case you can’t tell – this is a winner for me for sure!
The Always On Liquid Lipstick in Fair Game is one of those beautifully flattering pinky-nude shades that I feel would suit just about anybody. I am still however iffy on the formula of this one. It is a little more transfer friendly than its Metallic Matte counterpart but definitely feels a lot more drying when wearing it. It dries down quite quickly and further down than the Metallic Matte – meaning it accentuated any dryness and lines in my lips quite significantly. It lasts really well throughout the day – it’s lasted me through meals, coffees and phone conversations (and Gypsy kisses of course!) and is a really reliable formula in that sense. I had to apply balm over the top a couple of hours in and apart from the initial awkwardness of applying something sticky over something quite dry it felt instantly a lot more comfortable and it didn’t make the lipstick wear off any quicker. If you don’t suffer from dry lips this is definitely a formula that you will love – if you’re anything like me and have dryness or lines in your lips then this one won’t be the most flattering option for you. I’m still wanting to love the Always On Liquid Lipstick formula and will continue testing it in different ways and with different products and will report back!
My first impression of these lipsticks are great. I absolutely adore the Smashbox Always On Metallic Matte formula – I think it is so comfortable, so flattering and so versatile. I cannot wait to wear Vino Noir (looove the name) this weekend out for dinner – finally a shade that I won’t be able to fully eat off! So Jelly and Punked Rock are definitely a lot more out of my comfort zone – I’m going to play with Punked Rock as an eyeliner the next time I have a chance because I have a strong feeling that it will work a treat! The ‘original’ Always On Liquid Lipstick in Fair Game wasn’t my favourite of all time but the shade and lasting power of the product are definitely going to get a second chance to wow me ! If you’re wanting to pick any up (HIGHLY recommend XO VLADA!) they’re available from Mecca Maxima online or in store for $35 – bargain!
So good to hear the results where positive! I’m the same and have dry lips and have little to no luck with liquid lipsticks. Always On looks perfect and I’m also eyeing off Vino Noir.
Isabella | http://www.digyhu.com
I like to try and share true honesty with my review – the good and the bad! Do you mean Fair Game? If so, the shade is absolutely completely my sort of colour and I’m desperate to make the formula work for me! I definitely recommend checking out the metallics because they are incredible!!
They look really good. I haven’t tried this
Definitely one to swatch at the very least!!
I think my inner beauty kween did a little squeal when I saw the swatch of the pink shade OMG!!!
xx Tash / The-happening-collective.com
Hahaha – inner and outer I’m sure! It’s such a pretty shade!!
Love the nudes they look GREAT
Very pretty hey!
I have it in shade bold red colour called: “Bawse” and nude colour in “Stepped out”. I love Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipsticks’ formula. They are long-lasting and quite easy to apply. I love the texture. They are my favorites. I wear the “Stepped out” Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick on my daily routine.
Bawse looks stunning ! They’re such a wonderful formula 🙂 I don’t wear makeup everyday these days but they’re my go-to when I do!
Definitely I love red lipsticks 🙂 I Love your blog keep it up the good work 🙂
Thanks Komal!