OCC Radiate Lip Tar: Swatch and Review

Can I call myself an official beauty blogger now? I feel like it's almost a rite of passage for any beauty blogger to own at least one lip tar. Honestly, I don't know how I managed to survive this long without one. I went back and forth on what color to pick but I saw this bright watermelon and I had to have it.

(Sorry about using the product picture from OCC, I couldn't capture the right color myself!)
Image source: OCCmakeup.com

Where to purchase: OCC, Sephora* 

Price: The full size is $16.00 for .33 fl oz.

Cruelty Free? They are 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

Packaging: Lip Tars are packaged in a plastic squeeze tube with a thin nozzle. It also comes with a plastic zip bag for travel and a short #010S Short Handled Precision Lip Brush. If you're curious, you get a lip brush with them even if you purchase the Lip Tars from OCC's website. I like the thin nozzle tip but I don't like how they've printed the color name on a sticker as it's already started wearing away on my lip tar. It isn't a huge deal since I only own one but I think as I start amassing a collection, I'm sure it'll get annoying. I do have some round stickers though so I might just start printing my own labels to stick on here.

Product Description: "A stunning new innovation in lip color, OCC Lip Tar combines the longevity of a lipstick, with the ease of application of a gloss. Goes on slick and moist, and dries down to a satin finish. Ultra-saturated in color, Lip Tar contains an unprecedented amount of pigment - a little goes a very, very long way! An intense yet featherweight layer of color that never looks or feels heavy. "

My Thoughts on the Formula/Wear Time:

The formula is quite different from most lip products I've ever tried. It is thin, a little watery but so heavily pigmented. A little truly goes a long way and you have to be careful not too apply too much as it can cause feathering. The included lip brush is perfect and necessary to get a precise line, which you need when the color is so bright and bold. I know Arabelle of FashionPirate uses Q-Tips to apply her lip tars so that's also a disposable option if you don't have a lip brush around.

Wear time is extremely strong, I've gotten six hours+ of wear but I did notice feathering on my lips by the fourth hour of wear. I think lip liner is necessary if you want to prevent feathering (drugstore brands like L'oreal and Maybelline make a clear lip liner and Cargo makes a "Reverse" lip liner specifically for this purpose). Beware, this lip tar stains.

The lip tar has a minty scent (due to the peppermint oil in the formula) and I personally love peppermint so this was a pro for me

Radiate is described as an "electric red/coral" and I definitely agree. I also think that the color is a little reminiscent of a strawberry.

As always, swatched in daylight.

Would I purchase again?

The lip tars do require more work and precision for application but I really liked it and want to purchase more. I didn't like the feathering on my lips but it is something that I can work around. I love that they're making unconventional colors popular and trendy, purple lips have really become commonplace. I'm holding out until IMATS LA in January to pick up more and my next might just be Belladonna.

Disclaimer: I purchased this product for review from the brand. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for the review. The link marked with a * is an affiliate link which gives me a commission based off your use of the link. Feel free to use a nonaffiliate link for your purchase.

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I've got my first grad school application due this week so I'm super super busy trying to make sure everything is together plus working hours at the clinic on campus! 

The news of Urban Decay being purchased by L'oreal came out today. Needless to say, I am disappointed. I definitely don't profess myself to use exclusively cruelty-free products but when Urban Decay has been THE company to tout cruelty-free cosmetics only to join up under one of the major animal-testing companies, their cruelty-free stance rings hollow. Four months after deciding not to enter the Chinese market due to animal-testing, they're joining up with someone who does.

It may be important to consider who was behind the decision to sell. Urban Decay itself is owned by a private equity firm and though the company backed out of expanding into China, I wonder if the sale was out of the hands of the founder of Urban Decay.

What are your thoughts on the issue?