ILIA - Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon (Gala)

Another winner from Ilia. This saturated color hydrating lip crayon is so versatile and has great staying power. The matte finish is great on its own, but its superpower is being the base for the blend of several colors/products (I like to customize). Keeps everything in place longer and harmonizes with other lip products opening up a whole world of lip color creation. Looks better after several hours of wear than lots of long-last lip color. Fades in a way that looks more subtle — less old lady blotchy — than matte color usually offers. Add lip balm over it at the end of the day to bring a more subtle final life to it. After first applying it, let it sit for a couple minutes to melt into your lips and open up the color. Worth the price for solid hydration, great coverage, and smudge resistance after it sets. Easy application and forgiving for first minute, letting you clean up your lines before it clings to the skin.

Color works with every complexion, makes lips softer and stays put.

I am in love with these lip crayons, and I'm a very minimal makeup wearer, so that's saying a lot. I sometimes find myself reaching for these even when I'm just kicking it around the house and my lips feel dry. I have a very distinct cupids bow, so I find this easier to apply neatly than a typical tube lipstick. I love the matte lip look, can't stand wet looking lips, so I was so pleased to see this whole line of beautiful matte colors. My one con is that after buying 5 different colors, the only one that looks good on my cool toned skin is Pink Door. Banquette is ok, but still a little too brownish for me. A lot of these colors have a strong brown undertone that looks great on warm toned skins (you'll notice all the models have warmer skin tones), but doesn't look great on me. But Ilia appears to be adding more colors to the line up, so hopefully they'll bring out more cool toned colors in the future.

Great lip liner that works also as the foundation under clear lip gloss. The color is elegant, it stays on my lips which is surprising while it is smudge resistant. It's well worth the money as it lasts for a long time.

This product is actually terrific. The color I use is Rhyme - just perfect. The only downside, which is why I gave it four stars, is that it needs sharpening fairly frequently. And you must have the large-size sharpener. Other than that, it is great. The need for sharpening does not deter me from purchasing it, however – I think I'm on my fifth pencil at this point.