COVERGIRL Katy Kat Matte Lipstick by Katy Perry - Pink Paws, 0.12 oz, Long-Lasting Vegan Lip Color for Day & Night Wear (Packaging May Vary) | Perfect for Parties, Dates & Everyday Makeup Looks

Let me preface this review with - I usually only wear lip balm or gloss at most, and then I typically choose very sheer colors. I don't like heavy, I don't like reapplying unless I *want* to and lipstick usually doesn't allow that with the leftover ring around the lip thing it does when you live life, i.e. drink coffee, etc.I don't normally buy into celebrity hype. I am 37 years old. I know all the tricks they use in cosmetic advertising. That said, I think Kary Perry is fun and I've liked matte lipsticks in the past, but they were too drying. I liked some of the colors being offered - bright and fun like Ms. Perry - so, I thought I would give one a whirl. Picked up a pair at RiteAid for BOGO 50% off. And I loved them! My boyfriend liked them, too, so I ordered the rest that I liked the looks of online. In store availability is often limited with these special edition runs.Here is why I love this lipstick:1. Demi Matte Finish!-It looks cool and modern, but it feels great, too. It's kinda like a hyper pigmented, slightly dry lip balm.2. Long Lasting Color!-The matte finish and the strong pigment almost stains the lips. I've worn this at work and although I reapply after eating the staining quality of the pigment means it stays until you do something like eat, pretty much. It lasts through my coffee drinking just great! Sandwiches, not so much, but I have never been left with the dreaded lip liner look. Hooray!3. Fun, but flattering shades!-I've picked up most of them. I admit it! I don't have some of the duller hues, as flattering as they may be to some, and I haven't been ballsy enough to wear black. I am super pale and though I hate to say "too old for" anything - I love cartoons, stuffed animals, toys and games! I am a lady-Peter Pan! - I also just don't see black as being me. Maybe that's it. Not too young, but just not me. That said, all the other colors are so bright, flattering and fun. Here are the shades I have and my thoughts:01 Sphynx - The most natural hue, this is a great nude!02 Pink Paws - This is the second most natural color I have, with a bit more kick. It's a great pretty pink, and it looks great with pale skin!03 Magenta Mynx - This is a more vibrant pink, pretty much a hot pink. It also looks good on pale skin, but probably is vibrant enough for many darker tones, too.04 Coral Cat - This is the peachy version of Magenta Mynx. It is a bright hot coral hue. Also pretty on pale skin and likely also lovely on darker tones.05 Crimson Cat - I love red lips and have never been able to carry them off. I am not sure what it is about red that scares me, but yep, I am scared of red, and in awe, too! So, I got this "to try" and it does look nice, and like something I could pull off. I haven't worn it out yet, but I have hopes! Hopes and dreams are good, right? ;-)07 Kitty Purry - A gorgeous muted plummy pink. Almost a pastel feel, but not quite. If it were pastel it would probably wash me out since I am so pale, but this doesn't. Probably one of my favs of the bunch. This and Pink Paws, though... I love 01 and 03 and 04! >_<08 Cosmic Kitty - This one is a little odd. I think I need to get a lip liner for it. I like the color - a strong lavender shade - but my normal application methods (I outline below) leaves this weird looking as my edges are pink and the middle is purple. I need a lavender lip liner, I think! But that said, this looks like it will be cool with my currently pastel purple tinted hair. :-)To help you out, here is what Cover Girl says about application (I have copy/pasted this from their website, so these aren't my words!)HOW TO APPLYStep 1 - Start with clean, bare lips, then apply lip balm. This will help create a smooth base.Step 2 - Define the shape of your lips with a concealer, like TruBlend FixStick.Step 3 - Fill in your lips with lip liner, like COVERGIRL Lip Perfection. This acts as a base to help lipstick last longer.Step 4 - Apply lipstick either straight from the tube or with a lip brush. Blot, then reapply for a gorgeous, full color lip look.Okay, that's it for Cover Girl official directions!, and I am sure it works great, but here is what I do for a less dramatic, made up look and I like it:HOW I APPLY - For a lighter look1. Apply BB cream to the face - and this will include around my lips for a nice light coverage, comfy look and feel.2. Apply lip balm. Blot so it's not too heavy and too slick for color to hold.3. Apply lip stick, with the stick, mostly at center and gently around cupid's bow, but avoiding the edge of my lips.4. Use finger to pat the color out to the edges for a soft, semi-natural look.5. Reapply as needed! :-)Bottom line: I think I will be sad when these go out and I am hoping they maybe make this a permanent - or semi permanent as make up goes! - line. The colors are flattering, and some are a bit on the fun side. The finish is great, a bit modern and long lasting. I love this lipstick and plan to stock up on my faves - 01 02 03 04 and 07 - before these are gone forever!I hope this review helped! I added some pictures of my lips with Magenta Mynx freshly applied and after a few hours around the house, doing chores and sipping iced coffees! OMG - HD close up / Reality check! I need to wax my lip. Sigh, well, that's "keeping it real" for ya! LOL Hope this helps, too! :-) Best of luck!