The long wait is over, finally, my long-awaited Vice Cosmetics review is here! Last week, I published my thoughts on BLK Cosmetics which is owned by Anne Curtis, this time, I'm reviewing another makeup brand that launched last September from another Filipino celebrity (who is coincidentally Anne Curtis' co-host in a popular noon-time variety show).
If you're from the Philippines, you know the name Vice Ganda. But for my non-Filipino readers, Vice is a comedian, television presenter, actor, fashion icon, recording artist, and now, an up and coming beauty mogul? We'll see!
Vice Cosmetics launched with only two products which are named after Vice Ganda's popularized slang words, Phenomenal Liquid Lip Kit and Good Vibes Matte Lipstick. All their products are paraben-free and cruelty-free. They received United States PETA Certification on August 4, 2017.
All lipsticks are designed and formulated in Los Angeles, California which made me think... are they manufactured by the same company that created ColourPop Cosmetics and Kylie Cosmetics? Or maybe the same company that created Jeffree Star Cosmetics? I tried to research about it, meaning did some Google search, but so far, I DON'T REALLY KNOW. So to those who are reading this, don't make assumptions yet based on my curiosity.
The Vice Cosmetics Review
Phenomenal Liquid Lip Kit
WHAT: It's a smudge-proof liquid lipstick that comes with a beautiful matte finish, and paired with a lip liner. Pretty much like Kylie Lip Kit. It claims to have intense color, long-lasting, transfer-proof, creamy, and full coverage in one swipe.
APPLICATION: Line your lips with the ultra smooth glide lip liner before swiping on the Phenomenal Matte Liquid Lipstick for the perfect pout. If you have dry lips, I recommend prepping it with a lip balm.
SCENT: It smells like vanilla buttercream! I don't usually like scented makeups but I like this one. Actually, it's the same scent as NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream! Only the vanilla scent is stronger.
PACKAGING: The box is really big. At first, I thought it was a bit excessive but upon opening it I realize it was necessary because it has some folds inside so the product will stay put and protected. Plus, it has a card inside which has a personal message from Vice Ganda.
The liquid lipstick tube is made of hard plastic with pink chrome cap. It doesn't look luxurious, nothing extraordinary, but it's cute. And hey! This is an affordable lipstick. They have to give up on something to achieve the price point! Anyhow, the wand is actually rounded instead of doe foot which is common on liquid lipsticks. Lastly, the lip liner is a pencil which means you will need a sharper.
RESULT: The moment I applied the liquid lipstick on my lips, I have five words: NYX SOFT MATTE LIP CREAM. and that's not a dis, it's a compliment. This product resembles NYX so much! It's creamy, but it dries fast yet your lips still feel a little moisturized. But if you have dry lips, I highly suggest that you prep it with a lip balm before using this. Because despite having a soft matte formula, you will still end up with flaky-looking lips.
And about the one-swipe full coverage promise, I think it depends on the shades. I bought the Benjamin and Pony shades. When I first applied the Benjamin, I needed to swipe 3 more layers to fully cover my lips, while in the Pony shade, I only needed one swipe. I don't really find it upsetting because I know some pigments don't work the same as other pigments. Some are not as opaque as others.
PROS: Fast-drying yet moisturizing, smudge-proof, transfer-proof, and long-lasting! Only an oil can remove this from my lips... and also ice cream.
CONS: One-swipe promise depends on the shades. And I need to sharpen the lip liner.
PRICE: Php295
Good Vibes Matte Lipstick
WHAT: A creamy and highly pigmented lipstick that goes on matte without drying your lips. It claims to be lightweight and comfortable to wear for your daily dose of Good Vibes.
APPLICATION: Just simply swipe for a creamy yet matte finish. Although, I noticed that you need a little effort on swiping it especially if you have dry lips.
SCENT: It has the same scent as the Phenomenal Liquid Lip Kit.
PACKAGING: The Good Vibes Matte Lipstick is packaged as is, no box, just a plastic wrap. The tube has the same plastic material as the pink chrome cap of the Phenomenal Liquid Lip Kit. Nothing extraordinary, but it is cute.
RESULT: This matte lipstick is not as creamy as I expected. You will need a little effort in swiping it on your lips especially if you have dry lips. So I highly recommended to prep your lips as well before using this lipstick.
PROS: Highly pigmented and can last longer than average matte lipsticks
CONS: It smudges and transfers. Not as creamy as described.
PRICE: Php195
Verdict
When I did an Unboxing of Vice Cosmetics in my Instagram Stories, there were mixed reactions. Many are excited about the review, but there are those who are really nitpicking, from the packaging and even to the font of the logo. But overall, they're really good quality product considering the affordable price tag. Actually, I like their lipsticks better than those from BLK Cosmetics (sorry Anne Curtis!). As you could see from the tests I did above. I love how creamy the Phenomenal Liquid Lip Kit is, yet they last so long and doesn't smudge easily. Only an oil can remove them! While the Good Vibes Matte Lipstick is surprisingly long lasting despite the smudges and transfers, it leaves a tint-like shade.
Where to buy?
You can buy all Vice Cosmetics products on their official website ViceCosmetics.com.ph and in for the same price of Php295 for the Phenomenal Liquid Lip Kit and Php195 for the Good Vibes Matte Lipstick. And you can also buy them in their stores, but so far Trinoma is the only branch I know. If you want to see their full swatches, check out this post from Beauty MNL's Bloom Magazine.
