ELF Matte Lip Color in Rich Red

My local Target recently started to carry Elf items that were previously only available online. I went crazy and bought a whole haul of things to test and review, but this Matte Lip Color pencil is my favorite item from my haul by far! It's quickly becoming one of my favorite drugstore lip products because of the creamy formula, long lasting color, and affordability.

Elf Matte Lip Color is packaged in a sleek, twist-up pencil applicator, and has a coordinating color swatch on the bottom, which is also a sharpener! The small pencil-like tip gives a precise application, which eliminates the need for a lip brush! 

Rich Red is a bright, blue based matte red. I think that this shade can suit anyone, which is another reason I love it. This swatch is one swipe, the pigmentation is amazing! 

Here's Rich Red on my lips. The finish doesn't look as matte as most matte lipsticks, but I would still consider this matte. It didn't emphasize any lines on my lips, and it feels hydrating! 

Claims: "This convenient jumbo sized lip pencil creates exact color application with twist up ease so you never have to sharpen. The pigment rich color glides on effortlessly and easily to provide long lasting matte color. The enriched Vitamin A, C & E formula moisturizes and hydrates lips for beautiful healthy looking lips."
Pigmentation: This lip pencil is seriously bright and pigmented! I was pleasantly surprised that only one swipe is needed to get full color and opacity. 
Finish/Texture: The finish is matte, but not as matte, for example as MAC Rubywoo. The texture is smooth and creamy. It also felt hydrating on my lips, unlike most mattes which feel dry.
Lasting Power: I had about 4-5 hours of wear with this lip product. 
Scent: This product is unscented.
Packaging: The small lip pencil tip is great for getting a precise application. I was so happy that the bottom includes a sharpener, I can take this everywhere and use it on the go! 
Price/Availability: I paid $3 at Target

Likes:

• Great pigmentation
• Hydrates lips/doesn't feel drying
• Creamy formula
• Inexpensive, only $3 
• Easy to use
• Sleek packaging/comes with built-in sharpener
• Long lasting

Dislikes:

• This matte isn't a traditional matte finish (not as matte looking, but doesn't bother me)
• The tip will need to be sharpened eventually

Overall:
I can't rave enough about this lip pencil! I've been wearing it non stop lately. I even brought it with me on vacation right now! Rich Red is a universally flattering shade that has excellent pigmentation, and a hydrating formula that leaves lips feeling smooth. The packaging is sleek, comes with a sharpener, and has a small tip that allows for easy application. It doesn't have that traditional matte-dry feeling that I'm used to, which is the reason why I love wearing it. The lasting power is just as long as most of my matte finish lipsticks, but it feels like I'm wearing something light and creamy.


This is one of the best e.l.f. products I've ever tried, and it's definitely worth the $3 price tag. I already want to go back and get some of the other colors!