Astra reviews black lipstick

I review black lipstick so you don't have to. All the lipsticks I try are rated on a scale of 1-5 in price, coverage, shade, longevity, texture, and drying, with 1 as the worst and 5 as the best (for drying, 1 is most drying, 5 is most hydrating)

Maybelline Color Sensational Matte Lipstick in Pitch Black

• Price: $7:99; 4/5
• Coverage: 3.2/5
• Shade: 4/5
• Longevity: 2/5
• Texture: 2.7/5
• Drying: 4/5
• My thoughts: Most Maybelline lipsticks are nice, this one is not. It felt very greasepaint-y, and it tried and failed to be full-coverage, with the little bits of the pigment separating and settling in the lines. It also bled a lot and simultaneously required building up but refused to build up after a while. You could sort of see the original color of my lips after multiple coats, and it wasn't intentional. The color was good, but it was slightly too grey. It kept coming off the center of my lips and required frequent reapplication. 3/10.

LA Colors Hydrating Lip Color in Black Velvet

• Price: $1:75; 4.5/5
• Coverage: 3.6/5
• Shade: 5/5
• Longevity: 1/5
• Texture: 2.6/5
• Drying: 5/5
• My thoughts: I got this at Daiso and it's actually kind of good for the price. Feels pretty greasepaint-y but it is really hydrating. I was super hyped because this is the only non-matte black lipstick I've found. If you let the first coat dry down and add a second, it looks really nice. I put some concealer and setting powder beforehand, and a little bit of setting spray after the first coat. 6/10

NYX Lip Lingerie XXL in Naughty Noir

• Price: $10:00; 2.4/5
• Coverage: 5/5
• Shade: 4/5
• Longevity: 5/5
• Texture: 2.1/5
• Drying: 1/5
• My thoughts: It felt like acrylic paint, and smells EXACTLY like vanilla extract (including the alcohol). Super drying (bc it's liquid) and the color looks perfect when wet but lightens up a little too much. Also gets way into the creases in the lips. It is super long lasting and a good gateway black lipstick. 3.4/10