Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipsticks - My Undying Love!

If you’ve seen all but my most recent Favorites posts this year, you’ll have noticed a trend in lip favorites…the Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipsticks! I am absolutely addicted to the little buggers. I have 6 of the 10 shades [hanging head in shame] and they’re all incredible…not to mention they’re also Vegan!!! I feel this is the perfect time to review them as they are also fantastic for Summer. So, if you’d like to learn more about these slim little beauties, keep on readin’! J

The Sheer Revolution Lipsticks are kind of like the slightly tamer sisters of the original Revolution Lipsticks. I actually don’t like the original Revolution Lipsticks that well because they are ultra pigmented. That’s probably why the Sheer version appeals to me so much! Though they’re called “sheer,” they definitely still pack some serious color punch. I wouldn’t call them fully opaque, but they’re actually just as, if not more pigmented than some lipstick brands standard formulas. Though some shades are clearly more colorful than others, these tend to look a bit like a natural stain on the lips. I think that must be where the “sheer” title comes from. It’s not a lack of color like many other sheer formulas, but a translucence that allows just a hint of skin to show through high pigment, resulting in a very natural, though potentially heavily tinted, look to the lips.

Left: Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipstick in Streak
Right: Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Streak

Another difference between the original and Sheer versions of the Revolution Lipsticks is that the Sheer Revolution Lipsticks are intended to have a glossy finish. I have to say that I don’t think I would call it a “glossy” finish, but it’s definitely not matte, and it’s probably a bit shinier than a satin. To me they impart kind of a healthy, youthful appearance that looks natural and pretty. If you’re familiar with Urban Decay’s other lip products, I would say these are probably somewhere between the demi-matte finish of the original Revolution Lipsticks and the sort-of glossy finish of the Super Saturated High Gloss Lip Pencils. A soft gloss we’ll call it. J

Sheer Slowburn, Sheer Anarchy, Sheer Ladyflower, Sheer Streak,
Sheer Rapture & Sheer Liar

Because these offer a lighter coverage, they really are best swatched before choosing a shade. The depth of color can vary quite a bit between shades. For example, the color “Sheer Slowburn” is pretty intense both in the bullet and on the lips, but “Sheer Shame,” which I do not own but have swatched repeatedly in store, is almost black in the tube yet produces a sheer wash of berry on the skin. I would definitely advise looking at the colors in person or searching for online swatches when picking a shade to ensure you have some idea what you’re getting! J And do not be fooled by the streakiness that can occur when swatching on the skin. When applied to the lips, everything evens out and you get an even application. I intend to post lip swatches of all of these shades on Friday, so please check back for that (I hate to break it up like this, but time has not been my friend!).

Sheer Liar, Sheer Rapture, Sheer Streak, Sheer Ladyflower,
Sheer Anarchy & Sheer Slowburn

As far as comfort goes, these are like the pajama pants of lipsticks. J I mean that in the best way possible. I don’t find them at all drying, though I’m not sure I would say they’re hydrating either.  They just have a beautiful creamy consistency that is neither too slippery nor too dragging. Though they don’t stick around as well as their more opaque sisters, most shades do leave behind a subtle stain long after the product itself has left the scene. As the lipstick wears away, it does so evenly without streaking or clinging to dryness. It’s the kind of lipstick that looks good throughout its lifespan on your lips. Touch-ups are pretty much as easy as applying lip balm and, depending on the shade, can be done without a mirror in a pinch. I would recommend a mirror, but you really don’t need it for some of the lighter or more sheer shades.

Sheer Slowburn, Sheer Anarchy, Sheer Ladyflower, Sheer Streak,
Sheer Rapture & Sheer Liar

My verdict was obvious well before I even started writing since I’ve been raving about the Sheer Revolution Lipsticks since they arrived on the scene. Clearly, I love them! J Heading into Summer I would say they’re practically a must-have! With the comfort and ease they provide, plus the beautiful stain-like appearance they create, these are kind of the epitome of a Summer lip. Might I say it? These may be my favorite lipsticks…ever!!!

Sheer Slowburn, Sheer Anarchy, Sheer Ladyflower, Sheer Streak,
Sheer Rapture & Sheer Liar

The Sheer Revolution Lipsticks retail for $22 each and are available wherever Urban Decay products are sold (Sephora, Ulta & Urban Decay’s site). Each tube is distinguishable from the original Revolution Lipsticks by the metallic light purple case and the colors are labeled on the bottom with the name printed on a correspondingly colored sticker. I actually keep mine in their boxes because the boxes have a colored stripe down the entire side, which makes it really easy to differentiate between shades (and because I’m that anal). Each lipstick contains 0.09oz / 2.8g and there are 10 shades available ranging from super sheer nude to classic red to berry.

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick at left; Sheer Revolution Lipstick on right