I haven’t kept up with Hulu’s “The Kardashians,” but I have certainly stayed up to speed on the family’s ever-growing product empire. As I type, I’m wearing a full Skims cozy sweatsuit, and the Skims robe in the exact same fluffy fabric is hanging in my closet. No shame.
So when I got an offer to test Kim Kardashian‘s latest business venture – a take two on the now-defunct KKW Beauty, rebranded as Skkn by Kim – I confirmed at warp speed. It was only when the goods were already in the mail that I realized I’d signed myself up to test a matte lipstick. I’m solidly in my 30s and live with a toddler, which means I’ve become a tinted-lip-balms-only kind of gal, sticking to formulas I can easily apply on the go with no reapplication or double glossing necessary. But in Kim’s product ventures I trust, so I decided to commit to trying out the nude-lipstick queen’s latest take on the matte look.
Whether you’re a devotee of the Kardashian-Jenner industrial complex or just intrigued by a new matte lipstick on the market, here are my honest takeaways on Skkn by Kim’s Soft Matte Lip Color ($32) and Lip Liner ($22) to help you decide for yourself.
About the Soft Matte Lip Color
- The finish is very full-coverage and totally matte. Like, not even a hint of shine.
- It’s formulated with elastomer gel, which is used to create a velvety feel that sits on top of your lips. It’s comfy!
- So far, the color options include 10 nude shades.
What I Like About the Soft Matte Lip Color
Skkn by Kim’s take on matte lipstick is surprisingly featherweight. I quickly forgot I was wearing it, even while talking and chugging coffee through a packed morning schedule. I did need a little touch-up after a greasy lunch to fix some color loss, but that’s par for the course when wearing lipstick through a meal. That is, unless you’re Taylor Swift, whose red lip I’m convinced could outlast an asteroid.
Pairing the Soft Matte Lip Color with the brand’s Lip Liner was my preferred look. Though I’ve never been a lip-pencil person, this one glides on and blends easily; no pencil-on-paper feeling. It added dimension to my lips and created a grippy base for the lipstick to adhere to. Win, win. (Pro tip with the lip liner: keep a sharpener handy. The buttery-smooth formula means the point dulls fast!)
What to Consider Before Trying the Soft Matte Lip Color
Much like her famously near-empty house, Skkn by Kim is committed (. . . kommitted) to a minimalist vibe. As of this writing, there are 10 shades of the Soft Matte Lip Color available, and they’re all nude. If you’re looking for a punchy red lip, you won’t find it here. At least not yet.
Also, $33 is a relatively standard price tag for luxury lipsticks, but that usually entails some luxe-feeling packaging to go along with it. (See: the Pat McGrath Labs iconic gold-lipped tube.) My Skkn by Kim products arrived in simple taupe tubes. I prefer minimal (and ideally refillable!) packaging anyway, but fair warning: if you want $33 to buy you memorable packaging, this isn’t likely to deliver.
Where Is the Soft Matte Lip Color Available?
Ever the savvy businesswoman, all Skkn by Kim is only available for purchase directly through the brand’s website.
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Lisa Robinson is the director of distribution at POPSUGAR, where she oversees social media and newsletter strategy. Prior to focusing on content marketing, Lisa was a freelance culture and style journalist, with her byline appearing in HuffPost, Fashionista, The New York Times, and more. She also writes a shopping newsletter you can find on Substack.
