Smashbox Be Legendary Lip Gloss in Black Tied: Swatches and Review

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.

Rimmel Stay Glossy Lip Gloss in Black Diva: Swatches and Review

Hi Pandas! I have seen a lot of black lipstick being used in editorials lately and with some different makeup looks, so when I came across Rimmel's Stay Glossy Lip Gloss ($6), I though a black gloss might be interesting and maybe easier to wear.

 

Black Diva is an interesting gloss. The packaging is okay; I wouldn't call it the most aesthetically pleasing but it does the job, and you can see the dark black color through the clear tube. The gloss has a medium rose scent, so be warned if florals aren't your thing. The gloss isn't sticky and feels nice on the lips, but it applies kinda patchy.

 

The wand may be the cause of the patchiness. I have never really encountered a wand like this before. This is a side profile of the wand. From a front view it just looks like an elongated doe foot, and even though the tapered tip is good for precision, the long applicator almost spreads the gloss too much, making it patchy.

 

 

Here is a swatch of the gloss. You can see it has a black/grey color and is very shiny. This is one pass of the wand.

 

 

Here it is on my lips. I tried hard to even it out, but even with precise and layered application, you can still see my natural lip color (which is quite dark) shine through. I will admit, it is an interesting look, but not something I would wear out and about. I was hoping for a more opaque black look, but I think I will have to turn to an actual black lipstick for that.

 

Overall, although I find the formula pleasing to wear, Black Diva is patchy and hard to work with. Unless you are looking for a mixing medium to turn other lip gloss shades darker, I would stay away. Try some of Rimmel's other glosses instead.

Rimmel Stay Glossy Lip Gloss in Black Diva: Swatches and Review

Hi Pandas! I have seen a lot of black lipstick being used in editorials lately and with some different makeup looks, so when I came across Rimmel's Stay Glossy Lip Gloss ($6), I though a black gloss might be interesting and maybe easier to wear.

 

Black Diva is an interesting gloss. The packaging is okay; I wouldn't call it the most aesthetically pleasing but it does the job, and you can see the dark black color through the clear tube. The gloss has a medium rose scent, so be warned if florals aren't your thing. The gloss isn't sticky and feels nice on the lips, but it applies kinda patchy.

 

The wand may be the cause of the patchiness. I have never really encountered a wand like this before. This is a side profile of the wand. From a front view it just looks like an elongated doe foot, and even though the tapered tip is good for precision, the long applicator almost spreads the gloss too much, making it patchy.

 

 

Here is a swatch of the gloss. You can see it has a black/grey color and is very shiny. This is one pass of the wand.

 

 

Here it is on my lips. I tried hard to even it out, but even with precise and layered application, you can still see my natural lip color (which is quite dark) shine through. I will admit, it is an interesting look, but not something I would wear out and about. I was hoping for a more opaque black look, but I think I will have to turn to an actual black lipstick for that.

 

Overall, although I find the formula pleasing to wear, Black Diva is patchy and hard to work with. Unless you are looking for a mixing medium to turn other lip gloss shades darker, I would stay away. Try some of Rimmel's other glosses instead.