Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics’ Lip Tar gives you the pout you’ve been looking for.
I am all for natural and animal-free products and foods. I rarely leave the supermarket without fake meat in my basket, and the Doc Martens I’ve been wearing every week since 2013 are made from vegan leather. So I was excited to try out Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics’ line of vegan and cruelty-free Lip Tars (which are also made from hemp).
With over 40 shades, it was a little hard to pick a few to sample, but in the end I chose Artifact, a coppery bronze; Hollywood, a golden nude; and Black Metal Dahlia, a dark red with metallic undertones. The palette includes normal shades such as pink, red and brown, as well as full glitter blends and exotic and neon colors, à la Urban Decay, such as mint green, black, yellow and white. Regardless of the shade, most Tars have a metallic, glossy sheen that helps to add depth to the lips and make them look fuller.
The Tars, which are gluten, silicone and preservative free, are easy to apply and don’t dry insanely fast like Color Pop’s Ultra Matte Lip or Kylie Jenner’s lip kits. It’s easy to fix and wipe off mistakes, as the liquid is made from vitamin E, hemp, and peppermint oils, which also give it a nourishing, hydrating feel. When applied, it leaves a slight mint flavor and you can feel a slight cooling effect on your lips.
OCC spent two years developing the Lip Tar before it was unveiled in 2009, and chains like Walmart and online boutiques like Dolls Kill are now selling it.
But while it is a great liquid lipstick that comes in many colors and does not dry out your lips, the Tars are far from long lasting. Drink a smoothie or eat an avocado, and you can say “bye, bye” to any color left on your lips. This is also not a good lipstick to wear when sharing drinks, food or joints with others, as you will inevitably leave a stain on everything you touch.
If durability is a deal breaker for you, go for the Smashbox or Kat Von D liquid lipsticks. But if you are someone who likes unique colors and earth and animal friendly products, then a lot of love will come over these Tars.
