I caved and picked up the Smashbox Be Legendary Lip Gloss in Black Tied ($20) because I couldn't resist the idea of black gloss with multi-color sparkle in a gorgeous formula.
In my experience, black gloss can be tricky. I much prefer straight up black lipstick or liner if you really want that goth chic look that is trending right now. I wasn't expecting this to be all that pigmented and mostly wanted it for layering.
This is also described my Smashbox as 'sheer', so there are no illusions going into this gloss. The formula is the same as Coraline, nice on the lips, smooth, and non-sticky.
The sparkles, black base, and minimalist packaging make this a really stunning piece on any vanity, but do you really need this black gloss?
Here is a swatch of Black Tied. It looks kind of like dirty water on the hand. The sparkles are so minuscule and very hard to capture without blurring the photo and adding flash, but are more apparent in person.
Above is Black Tied on lips in artificial lighting. What this gloss does is bring out the pink/cool undertones in your lips very well. So, if you are looking for a very basic gloss that will enhance your lip color for cool-toned looks, this is a good choice. Although, I know that many reading this will want/expect more of a punch out of a color like this.
Above is a more natural lighting scenario. You can see my lips appear cooler, pinker, and slightly gray. This gloss will in no way give you any 'goth' look. I tried layering this over other glosses/lipsticks and it cools them down a bit and adds plumpness and a slight sparkle to my lips.
You are not going to get much pigmentation out of Black Tied, no matter how much you layer it, so for $20, pass on this black gloss, no matter how pretty it looks in the tube, UNLESS you are looking for an easy to wear, comfortable formula for a my lips but cooler (toned) look. I personally like the way it gives my lips a finished look when I am just wearing black liner and mascara, but it is more of a frivolous un-necessity.
I think YSL has a black gloss, too, but it is more opaque...and also more expensive, haha.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind the expense as long as it is more opaque! But I think I will just opt for a black lipstick :)
DeleteIt looked so pretty in the tube! But doesn't do very much too bad. Did you try over lipsticks?
ReplyDeleteI did. I tried it over various pinks and reds, but there wasn't so much a noticeable difference to warrant swatches. It just cools various colors.
DeleteThis is my biggest gripe with glosses, especially high end ones-- if it's not going to deliver anything out of the ordinary, then what is the point, regardless of how truthful the marketing is? Give me Butter London's Union Jack Black Lippy any day. And goth is trending right now? Why did I not know this?! lol. This is really pretty on you ♥
ReplyDeleteYes, everyone is bringing the black lips back!! I am totally loving it! Does the Union Jack Black lippy work well?
Deletethe pigmentation is pretty disappointing, it looks amazing in the tube
ReplyDeleteI agree Natalye, never judge a book by its cover!
DeleteIn the tube it looks gorgeous!! I totally expected more pigment before I saw your swatches! It does look nice on it's own too :)
ReplyDeleteI expected more as well, it is a great formula, but this one is going back!
Deletegreat review. i will pass on this one...
ReplyDeletewww.simplymee89.blogspot.com
I think that's a good idea!
DeleteI really thought this was going to deliver pigmentation! Too bad it was disappointing! Thanks for sharing your honest opinion Margo!
ReplyDeleteNo problem Pilar!! I really expected so much more!
Deletei'll def skip this one!!
ReplyDeleteGood idea!
DeleteOh, sad to know it was a miss. Thank you for your honest review :-)
ReplyDeletehttp://naturelbellefemme.blogspot.com
Anytime for you guys!
DeleteGreat swatches and It's disappointing knowing this wasn't good :)
ReplyDeleteSensitive Epidermis | Rainbow
xxx
it looks good in the tube too bad the pigmentation wasn't that good ... Thanks for your honest review my dear :)
ReplyDelete