3/18/2021

The Crimson Pout... Pat Mcgrath Labs Crimson Couture Lip Kit

It's said, Never judge a book by its cover. But with makeup, the "cover" is what causes me to buy the product.

The gorgeous red box along with the crown, gold feathers, and pink lotus flowers really lured me in. I'm such a sucker for the artwork of Pat McGrath Labs exterior packaging.

Pat Mcgrath's Crimson Couture Lip Kit comes with the PermaGel Ultra Lip Pencil in Blood Lust (permanent), and the exclusive to the set, limited edition MatteTrance Lipstick in Elson 3.

The PermaGel Ultra Lip Pencils have a soft formula that glides on the lips with ease. They wear comfortably for a substantial amount of time (as long as you don't eat anything complicated or oily) without feathering or bleeding. I own several of the PermaGel Ultra Lip Pencils, and I like them. I wouldn't say they're the "end all be all" in lip pencils, but I will continue to buy more shades.

The main reason I got the lip Kit was for Elson 3, and it's a welcomed addition. Elson 3 has the same creamy, richly pigmented formula as all my other MatteTrance lipsticks. I'm going to save my thoughts on the line for a comprehensive post swatching of all the MatteTrance lipsticks in my collection.

From left to right: Blood Lust PermaGel Ultra Lip Pencil, Elson 3 MatteTrance Lipstick.

Blood Lust: a deep, yet vibrant, slightly pink-leaning ruby red.

Elson 3: a deep, yet vibrant, neutral ruby red, with a hint of pink.

Look Breakdown:

Face:

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup (3W0 Warm Creme).

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder.

Kat Von D Shade + Light Face Contour Palette (contoured with Shadowplay).

M.A.C Powder Blush in Buff.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Smoky Quartz (highlighter).

Eyes:

B & C Browlash EX Water Strong W Eyebrow in Grey Brown.
Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer in Custard.

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'R Amplifying Eye Primer.
M.A.C Powder Blush in Buff (in the crease as well as along the lower lashline).

M.A.C Eyeshadow in Bold & Brazen (on the lid).

M.A.C Eyeshadow in Modest Tone (brow bone and inner corner).

M.A.C Technakohl Liner in Plank (waterline).

NARS Climax Extreme Mascara.

By Terry Lash-Expert Twist Brush Mascara.

Lips:

Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Ultra Lip Pencil in Blood Lust.

Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Elson 3.

In closing, do I own other red lipsticks similar to, if not the same as, Elson 3? Probably yes... a hundred times over, yes. But, did that stop me from getting the Crimson Couture Lip Kit? No, not a darn bit!