Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipstick in Sheer Obsessed Review & Swatches

It's a little unusual to see a brand like Urban Decay, whose entire makeup line revolves around bold and fully pigmented products, execute anything sheer. I was excited about the launch of their Sheer Revolution Lipstick but I had my initial reluctance for a couple of reasons; (1) most sheer lipsticks are just that — sheer — and don't add much to my pigmented lips and therefore (2) I just don't see the point of spending $22 on them if they are going to look like just another tinted lip balm that I can find anywhere else for much less. But boy, was I wrong! These lipsticks are sheer alright, but they are Urban Decay sheer, which means they have the texture of a sheer, balmy lipstick but pack a great deal of pigment almost like a real lipstick!

Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipstick is basically a spin-off of their ever-so-popular Revolution Lipstick but with a different packaging and sheerer and shinier finish. It comes in a highly reflective, metallic purple tube that feels slightly weightier than most lipstick casings but not as weighty as the more high-end ones. The all-around ripple pattern is a nice touch as well as the brand's logo imprinted on the top and side of the cap. The tip of the bullet features a rather uncommon, blunt oval shape which still applies fairly easily along the edges of the lips.

The Sheer Revolution formula is scent- and taste-free. It is formulated with a nourishing blend of oils such as shea butter, jojoba, olive, and babassu oils as well as antioxidant vitamin E and C for lip-conditioning benefits. It is also infused with what Urban Decay calls Maxi-Lip to give lips definition and hydration while also making them look plumper and fuller (which I find it to be true!).

Sheer Obsessed is a light, baby pink shade that applies like a nude pink on my lips. It has a thick but creamy formula with a slight gel-like consistency that melts into a lightweight cream upon contact with the warmth on the lips. It glides on smoothly and surprisingly does not catch on dry bits or settle in lip lines at all given how creamy it is! It has quite a bit of slip during initial application, though, and tends to go on sheer and slightly uneven on my lips when applied in one coat. Once I build up the intensity, the coverage is then amped up to a smooth and near-opaque finish that covers most of my natural lip color while still maintaining that bit of “translucency” in the final look. It's a bit hard to explain but imagine a formula so highly pigmented but still has some sheerness in it! :)

I also notice the “lip-hugging/gripping” feel during initial wear but it will eventually wear off along with its glossy sheen in a few hours. Yes, I wish it would last a little longer. Sheer Obsessed wears off evenly, though, and softens into a really soft, barely noticeable whitish pink stain on my lips.

Sheer Obsessed really does make my lips look fuller and plumper as seen in the photo below. Notice how it almost covers my lip color? It's so pigmented but it's still sheer! I'd describe it as a traditional nude-pink lipstick on me but with the ease of application of a thick, conditioning lip balm. It's certainly my new nude favorite! :)

It does OK in terms of moisturizing lips. I'm just glad that it doesn't become drying towards the end of wear (most lipsticks do). I don't mind the short wear time at all because you know me, I like to line or prime my lips first to extend the longevity of the lipstick. I suppose you can bring it along for touch-ups to refresh the color and shine but I'm just a little too busy for that! :)

Overall, I dub Sheer Obsessed as a good-coverage, nude-pink lip color that's easy to apply and comfortable to wear. It really is a feel-good, look-good lipstick that I think most nude lip lovers will appreciate. My good blogger friend Agata also has a nice review of this shade on her blog here if you'd like to see how it looks on pale skin. Not a nude lipstick fan? They have 9 other shades in the line-up including some really bright and bold ones. I'm pretty sure you'll find something that you like! :)

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