*That* Viral Zoeva Pout Perfect Lipstick Pencil – Tried and Tested
Main Image – Courtesy of writer
When you keep seeing the same product pop up on your social media feeds and you’re getting some serious FOMO. That’s exactly how I felt about Zoeva’s Pout Perfect Lipstick Pencil in Lea (£18 on the Zoeva UK website/$20 on the Zoeva US website) – a shade I kept seeing videos of people wearing and trying on.
It looked gorgeous online – the perfect pinky nude in a creamy-soft formula, plus I love a crayon – so I had to try it for myself (well done social media and Zoeva, you got me). Did the shade live up to expectations? Was it as creamy as it looks online? Here’s how I got on.
The product details
Described as a 2-in-1 lipstick and liner pencil, this chunky crayon contains hyaluronic acid for extra lip hydration. You can also – apparently – use it as a blush. Watch this space.
Lea was the shade I chose to try however it also comes in Vanessa (a nude beige), Carrie (pink-brown), Melanie (burnt coral-red), Burcu (neutral pink) and Borbala (brown berry).
It also comes with a pencil sharpener exactly the right size which gets serious brownie points from me. There’s nothing worse than buying a lip or eye pencil at vast expense only to be told you have to buy the right sized sharpener separately. I’m looking at you, Charlotte Tilbury.
First impressions
The sharpener was the first thing I saw when I opened the box so obviously this was a very pleasant surprise. It’s a cute pinky colour too (not that it matters… but we all know it matters).
As I pulled the pencil out, I instantly loved how shiny and smooth it was – maybe this is how it would feel on my lips too – and the colour of the lid and crayon of all the shades correlates to the colour that goes on your lips. So far, so good.
I went straight to the mirror and lined my lips with the crayon first. It glided on really smoothly. The nib is quite chunky so I wouldn’t say it was the easiest lip liner I’ve used but what I love is that it’s easy to blend with your finger if you need to.
Next, I filled in both lips with the pigment and it was almost addictive to apply. I actually didn’t need to apply quite as much as I did but I just kept going because of how nice it felt. And the shade wasn’t too bold for me either so I felt I could apply a little more than usual.
And speaking of the shade, warning – it is super nude. I have a medium to fair skin tone and blonde hair, so I love any kind of nude hue on my lips. But I was expecting this to be a little more pinky-nude, if I’m honest.
I call it a natural tanned nude which isn’t a bad thing at all, but I would have enjoyed a slightly prettier finish. Of course, this is just on me. These things always look different on everyone.
I tried some on my cheeks too and my goodness, it blends well. The shade isn’t quite what I want to wear on my cheeks day to day (I go for more vibrant colours) but its creaminess leaves skin feeling comfortable and hydrated and you can mould the shade to wherever you want it to sit.
Image – Courtesy of writer
My ongoing results
The longevity of the lipstick is great. It had gathered slightly in the middle of my mouth a few hours later but I think this was only noticeable to me and I had had a few drinks of water.
The shade itself remained for a good few hours and I felt it was the kind of colour that gave me a put-together look without looking too overdone.
The shape of my mouth, having lined it with the crayon, had been maintained too and my pout looked fuller, only very subtly – just how I like it.
My only criticism is that it feels ever so slightly dry on my lips – which surprised me given that it contains hyaluronic acid and it looks very creamy online. But I cannot stress enough the ‘ever so slightly’ part of that sentence. My advice would be to blot it – not on a tissue but on your hand so that it stays creamy on your lips – and dab a clear balm over the top to reduce the dry feel. Works a treat.
Will I be using this lipstick in the future? Hell yes, I will. Right now, I have a bit of a tan from the summer so I’m thinking the shade will stand out more when I’m paler. So here’s to this – my new favourite autumn lip hue.
Image – Courtesy of writer
What other users are saying
I was surprised to see quite a few negative reviews of this lipstick on the Zoeva website. One by Bonnie L said “was really hoping this would be my new go-to lipstick but unfortunately I didn’t like the texture. I found it a bit patchy and it tends to sit in creases.”
I didn’t experience creases at all – only a little that had gathered in the middle after a few hours of wear. It might be best to apply a clear balm before applying this if you’re worried it’s going to crease.
Ilka R says, “It quickly becomes muddy in the heat and the tip breaks quickly.” Another thing I haven’t experienced but storing lipsticks in a cool, dry area is always advised so that they don’t melt and aren’t prone to breakage.
On the other hand, Sue M writes, “really lovely! Moisturising and good staying power,” whilst Charlotte V says, “beautiful finish on the lips. Beautiful, luscious colour.” It’s not just me then.
Overall value for money
£18/$20 is what I’d usually spend on a good quality lipstick like this. You don’t need to use much with every application so it lasts for a while, and even if you do a ‘me’ and slather it on because it feels nice, the nib doesn’t go down quickly. You could probably get a similar lipstick for less money, but this one comes with a chunky sharpener. Not all brands can say the same.
The takeaway
Soft, easy to apply and simple to sharpen! This lip pencil ticks a lot of my boxes and I’m a happy camper. The shade could be pinker, but I’ve taken to applying it as a base colour then dabbing a tiny bit of my vibrant cream blusher into the middle of my pout and blending it outwards which has given me my pink fix.
Treat yourself if you’re in the market for a new nude and don’t forget to blot it and add a dab of lip balm over the top if it’s feeling a bit dry.
Get Glowing!
