Fenty’s Icon Velvet Lipstick Will Change How You Feel About Liquid Lipsticks

We put Fenty Beauty’s Velvet Icon Liquid Lipstick to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.

After checking out Rihanna’s memorable Super Bowl performance, I’ve been inspired to embrace bolder lip looks. The singer’s show-stopping lip shade was a masterclass on how to rock the classic red.

As it turns out, she was wearing her own creation: Fenty Beauty’s Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick in the shade “The MVP.” It was hardly a surprise that she was the mastermind behind the captivating lipstick, which has since swept the internet. Naturally, I had to try it myself. Keep reading for my detailed review of the liquid lipstick that has content creators raving.

About My Lips: Dry and semi-full

My lips are sensitive and prone to dryness, so I keep my favorite lip oils with me throughout the day. My lip shape is semi-full, and my cupid’s bow is slightly visible without modification. My lips would be considered bottom-heavy, as my top lip is a little thinner than the bottom. Because the natural lining of my lips is not super defined, I have to be very precise with lipstick application. I typically choose to wear a lipliner so that the look pops.

The Packaging: A Shiny, silver tube

Fenty Beauty hit the ball out of the park with the packaging. The Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick is stored in a tiny black box with shiny silver letters that spell “FENTY.” After opening the box, I was immediately drawn to the silver cylinder tube. It’s sleek and soft to the touch, with a fluorescent “FB” on the inside of the clear top. The entire presentation of the product made for an excellent first impression.

How to Apply: Hydrate first

Fenty Beauty recommends hydrating as a prep step and wiping the excess product off the doe-foot applicator before applying the lipstick to help prevent unnecessary buildup. The brand emphasizes that one swipe will achieve a highly pigmented application, and I fully agree. I glided the applicator across one lip, then pressed both lips together to transfer the pigment. Two coats can brighten the color and fill in any unfinished areas to complete your look.

The Results: A Bold, comfortable wear

The lipstick was shockingly smooth upon application, and the pigment was bold after just one swipe. I wore the shade “The MVP” and was satisfied with how the blue-red tone worked with my skin. The formula is lightweight and whipped, making for one of the softest liquid lipsticks I have ever applied. The wand is easy to handle, and the doe-foot applicator is great for precision.

The lipstick measures up to my smudge-free, long-lasting standards. I didn’t reapply one time–even after eating. Matte lipsticks can often feel dry, but underneath this one my lips still felt pillowy soft and hydrated all day long. Because of the velvety formula, I did notice some transferring; However, that was not a huge problem for me because I was such a fan of how the formula preserved my lips’ moisture.

The Value: Worth the buy

Priced at $29, the Fenty Icon Velvet Lipstick is one to add to your collection. Its long-lasting wear and whipped texture are unique qualities that make it stand out from the rest. And a little definitely goes a long way: The “one-swipe application” description is not an exaggeration. It doesn’t take a lot of product to get high pigment, which is why I think one tube of lipstick will last me for a while.

Similar Product: You’ve got options

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Lip Souffle Matte Cream Lipstick: Founded by Selena Gomez, Rare Beauty specializes in makeup that is simple, easy, and effective. The brand’s Lip Souffle Matte Cream Lipstick retails at $20 (making it a little more affordable than Fenty Beauty’s Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick). Rare Beauty’s liquid lipstick comes in 15 shades and is known for its hydrating feel and long, flake-free wear.