Pound Cake Cosmetics has garnered significant attention in the beauty world, even earning a Best of Beauty Award for its liquid lipstick for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022). This Black-owned brand is celebrated for its tone-inclusive range of red lipsticks, specifically its unique Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick. This product line features six shades meticulously crafted to cater to diverse skin tones and undertones.
The Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick: Shades and Pigmentation
The brand's sole product, the Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick, offers a range of six shades designed with specific skin and undertones in mind. The lipsticks are described as "one-swipe wonders," meaning they deliver intense color payoff with a single application. This remarkable pigmentation is a key reason for the product's popularity.
While the reviewer personally favors the "Strawberry" shade, they express genuine admiration for all the shades they have tried. The formula is so intensely pigmented that it often requires wiping off excess product from the applicator before application to achieve the desired look.
Formula and Wearability: Comfort Meets Longevity
A common issue with liquid lipsticks is the discomfort and dryness they can cause after a few hours of wear, often leading to a "crumble" effect. However, Pound Cake's Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick stands apart due to its comfortable formula. This is attributed to the inclusion of moisture-retaining emollients, such as avocado oil and vitamin E, which help to keep the lips hydrated.
Alex Padgett, a cosmetic chemist, explains the science behind the product's longevity. She notes that while oils and emollients alone might not provide lasting wear, Pound Cake incorporates film-formers like trimethylsiloxysilicate, polyhydroxystearic acid, vp/eicosene copolymer, hydrogenated polydicylclopentadiene, and triethoxycaprylylsilane. These ingredients enhance water resistance and ensure the product stays put throughout the day.
While not as hydrating as a lip balm or satin lipstick, the Cake Batter formula remains flake- and texture-free for an entire eight-hour workday. Adding to the appeal is the pleasant vanilla icing scent, fitting for a product named "Cake Batter."
Application Tips for the Perfect Pout
Achieving a flawless liquid lipstick application requires preparation. Makeup artist Manuel Espinoza advises exfoliating the lips to remove any dead skin, ensuring a smooth canvas for the product. While not always adhering to this step, the reviewer recommends using a trusty lip scrub.
For added smoothness, the reviewer often applies a hydrating lip mask for 10 to 20 minutes before blotting it off prior to lipstick application. Another crucial tip for long-lasting wear is to use a lip liner as a base and border. This helps to prevent the liquid lipstick from feathering or migrating.
The Application Process
The applicator for the Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick is noted for its thin and flat design, making it ideal for precisely outlining the cupid's bow and the outer corners of the lips.
The pigmentation is bold, catering to those who aren't afraid of a statement lip. The reviewer has experimented with both a full-coverage application and a more diffused, lip-tint style. The latter involves applying a small amount of product to the center of the bottom lip and then blotting it across the rest of the lips. Adding a touch of lip gloss or oil, like Gisou's Honey-Infused Lip Oil, can further enhance the look and provide additional hydration, creating a finish similar to K-beauty lip tints.
Review - Poundcake Cake Batter Red Velvet Liquid Lipstick
Wear Test: Through Meals and Kisses
The reviewer puts the Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick to the ultimate test by consuming greasy foods, such as oily noodles and pasta, while wearing it. Despite the challenges, the formula holds up remarkably well, with only minor touch-ups needed at the outer corners of the lips.
Surprisingly, the intensely pigmented lipstick is also kiss-proof, though this applies to light-pressure kisses rather than more intense ones.
Where to Purchase and Awards
Pound Cake Cosmetics offers its Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick for $24. It is available for purchase on their official website, poundcakecosmetics.com, and through credo beauty.com.
The brand's commitment to quality and inclusivity has not gone unnoticed. In addition to its Best of Beauty Awards, the Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick was nominated for a 2023 Readers' Choice Award, highlighting its strong appeal among consumers.