The NYX Soft Matte lip cream is a beloved formula by those who favor mattes. I'm just dipping my toes into that pool, but I do have another shade of this lip cream and like it, so I decided to try out two of the newer, more daring shades from the line.
The Soft Matte Lip Creams retail for around $6, but there are always sales at Ulta on NYX where you can snag a Buy One Get One 50% kind of deal. These lip creams smell like vanilla and come with a doe foot applicator.
I picked up Monte Carlo (A bright red that, when layered, can turn slightly darker) and Transylvania (a reddened plum purple). Both formulas were not as easy to work with as my experience with the lighter shades in this range. They were a bit patchy, streaky, and took some layering.
Monte Carlo out-shined Transylvania is application and wear time. If you are careful, this can be applied straight from the tube, using the applicator to trace around the lip line and then fill in. This is two thin layers. It appears slightly creamy for a few moments and then dries to a true matte. If you want a crisper look, use liner and then the lip cream because this does feather slightly.
Transylvania was kind of a mess. It gathered in odd places, was patchy, and just couldn't apply smoothly. This is about three layers on my lips and each layer got a bit streakier.
Transylvania has a cool look to it, but the streakiness is apparent, even from a distance. There are just so many better performing purple lip products out there. I would, however, recommend Monte Carlo if you are looking for a true red matte. It takes patience to apply, but is well worth it. I have heard Monte Carlo is a dupe for the Lime Crime Red Velvet Velvetine. I can't confirm since I haven't tried the Lime Crime, but the end result looks very similar, and at almost a third of the price! Monte Carlo wore well for about 5 hours. I did not test the wear on Transylvania because I just didn't want to wear it with it looking all gross and streaky.
