It says a lot if I turn on Instagram push notifications for someone. It says even more if that someone is actually a brand, but Fenty Beauty has left me no choice. Rihanna has everyone on the edge of their seats this week, releasing shades of the popular Stunna Lip Paint like they're surprise album drop s.
The long-wear liquid lipstick had originally only been available in red, but three nude shades joined the lineup this week: Unbutton, Uncuffed, and Unveil. And, true to form, it seems that Rihanna has saved the best for last with Uninvited, a jet-black shade that she promises looks good on all skin tones.
We managed to get our hands on the lipstick before its release, and put it to the test on seven R29 staffers in the US office. Is it as universally flattering as Ri-Ri promises? Check out our honest opinions and photos, ahead.
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uninvited, available now on fentybeauty.com.
Nana Agyemang, Associate Content Strategy Editor
"This lipstick was the last I needed to try to prove that all shades can work with dark skin if you find the right one. I always thought I would look a little gothic with black lipstick and that only fair-skinned women could rock this lip but, to my surprise, I pulled this off. After applying two to three coats of the lip stain, I finally got it how I wanted it. It was a little messy to put on and a bit drying, but overall it gave me the confidence in myself to wear black lipstick. Next time, I'll try this with moisturising lip balm underneath to help ease the dryness."
Thatiana Diaz, Beauty Writer
"I had to take a deep breath before trying this on because, honestly, black lipstick scares me. The darkest I've ever gone is a plum purple shade, but never black. Applying this lip was a work of art. I used Q-tips, a Beauty Blender, and concealer to get it just right. Although it wasn't the easiest to paint on, I loved how it looked. It's the perfect addition to my fall collection for those bolder days."
Samantha Sasso, Beauty Writer
"I was under the impression that black lipstick meant you were automatically moody (which I am) and, to some capacity, a fixture in the gothic subculture (which I am not). Then, I put this on and felt.... sexy? As for the formula, it felt like watery black ink that went on as easily as a black lipstick could, but I didn't love how it faded from my inner lip first."
Jessica Cruel, Deputy Beauty Director
"I love a dark lip — brown and berry shades are my go-to — but black is a *mood*. I’m a big fan of the original red Stunna Lip Paint, so I’m well-versed in using the watery formula, but I usually have a lip liner to anchor the colour. RiRi, I’m gonna need you to hit me with a black lip pencil ASAP, because otherwise I can’t get the precise lines I like. I almost resorted to using black eyeliner."
Megan Decker, Beauty Assistant
"Because my upper lip is teetering on non-existent (it completely disappears when I smile with my teeth), I don't wear dark lipstick. My secret to wearing colour — be it bright red or jet-black — is to really sheer it out. Fenty's black liquid lipstick was a lot less intimidating when I used this technique, dabbing a teensy bit in the centre of my lips and rubbing it around so it melted to more of a hazy charcoal."
Michelle Li, Associate Stylist
"I'm not typically a lipstick person, but this felt surprisingly fitting. I liked how it contrasted with my pink hair and I was a fan of the matte black formula. The applicator was easy to use (especially for someone who isn't the best at applying lipstick). The black did smear off slightly, but overall ,I would wear it again — maybe with a really feminine top to rebelliously offset it."
Aimee Simeon, Beauty Writer
"This was my first time ever trying on black lipstick and I was torn. I loved the texture of formula; it did go on a little runny, but then dried into a comfy matte finish that I really enjoyed. Because of its insanely liquidly texture, I had to take my sweet time applying it, because colouring outside of the lines with this one could go very, very wrong. I wasn’t crazy about how the colour looked on me once it dried, but I’m also never used to seeing myself with these lips on the regular. That said, will I hang onto it for Halloween? Heck yes."
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