If you're anything like us, you understand the struggle to find a matte lipstick that is both well pigmented and non-drying. Fortunately, after weeks of testing, we're happy to report that Urban Decay's foray into the matte game is one we can enthusiastically recommend. While the shades aren't all true mattes (we'll discuss that point shortly), its marriage of rich pigment and an incredibly moisturizing formula earns Matte Revolution Lipstick our highest rating.

At the time of this review, Matte Revolution Lipstick comes in 11 shades—nine of which are sold at most of the brand's retailers (i.e. Sephora), and two that are exclusive to Urban Decay's site and free-standing stores. The shades include neutrals, brights, and deep colors—so even though 11 shade options isn't as expansive as other brands' collections, there really is something for everyone here.

Each shade boasts incredible pigmentation—we found a single swipe to the lips to be enough to deposit rich, opaque color. However, as mentioned above, some of the shades (such as "Bittersweet") could be considered more of a semi-matte than a true matte. As we wore each of these "semi matte" shades, however, we were pleased to find that they set to a more matte finish the longer we wore them.



Speaking of wear time… Urban Decay did not include a longwearing (or transfer-proof) claim with these lipsticks and rightfully so, as they do transfer slightly and fade a bit after approximately 8-10 hours—but not to the point where reapplication was necessary throughout the workday. You may notice a smudge of color on your coffee mug but the stain remains on your lips without the need to reapply.

For a lipstick that doesn't claim to "stay-put," we were impressed! Even more impressive is the fact that these do not feather, and are true to its claims of being super-creamy and nourishing—all thanks to the inclusion of non-fragrant, antioxidant-containing plant emollients, such as shea butter, avocado oil, and jojoba oil, to name just a few.

Lastly, we have to acknowledge Urban Decay's cleverness in housing each finish of their newest lipstick incarnations in a different color tube—the original Revolution Lipstick is gunmetal, the Sheer Revolution Lipstick is light purple, and the Matte Revolution is pearlescent black. While this in itself isn't as revolutionary as other brands (the color-coded packaging of M.A.C.'s limited edition Giambattista Valli lipsticks, for example, in which each tube's shade corresponds to the lipsticks' actual color), we still appreciate that Urban Decay made it easier to recognize at a glance which formula you're grabbing from your makeup bag.



You may have noticed that this lipstick shares a name with Charlotte Tilbury's Matte Revolution Lipstick. If you're wondering which we would consider the winner of this "revolutionary" war, while Charlotte's version was fairly impressive, we'd declare Urban Decay the winner due to the fact that Urban Decay's is more affordable and able to live up to each of its claims.

Overall, Urban Decay's Matte Revolution Lipstick is a great option for those searching for a matte lipstick without dryness typical with so many on the market. We were dazzled by the inclusion of so many beneficial ingredients which contribute to the lipstick's smooth application and moisturizing aesthetics. Brilliantly pigmented shades and the clever packaging were just the icing on the cake.

PROS:

• Non-drying due to the multiple non-fragrant plant oils, waxes, and butters.
• Contains antioxidants Vitamin C and E.
• An affordable option, considering it glides on smoothly, providing opaque cover in a single swipe (without needing to reapply during the workday.)
• Intelligently packaged in a black tube to differentiate it between the brands other formulas.

CONS:

• Not all shades are truly matte upon initial application.