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Beauty is a playful and personal mode of expression. There's no wrong way to explore it as long as you're having fun. Enter: Test Mode, a series in which InStyle puts the latest buzzy makeup, nails, skin care, and hair care launches to the test.
If Dame Pat McGrath makes it, I want it. Correction: I need it. That’s because every product the legendary makeup artist drops is innovative, otherworldly, and truly gorgeous. Her latest launch? The Dramatique Mega Lip Pencils. They’re stunning suede-matte pencils that combine a lipstick’s performance with a liner’s convenience.
"Because they're pencils, you can just play," says McGrath. "You can use one color for the outline and fill in with another color. There's so much that you can do. My team and I have so much fun with them."
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Finish: Suede Matte
Shades: 12
Uses: Lipstick and Lip Liner
The formula is super pigmented yet incredibly lightweight and luxuriously comfortable. With these pencils, "you can have that bold, opulent pigment in one stroke," says McGrath. "You're able to define, shade, and shape your lips without caution and there's a beautiful sensorial texture."
I can attest that these lip colors feel like second skin. They genuinely glide on like butter and provide long-lasting color. The texture is creamy and quickly dries down to a semi-matte. Though, note: You'll want to resist the urge to press your lips together the second you apply it. I realized that doing so before the product dries down can lead to a patchy finish.
Because it's a pencil, you can apply it with precision. But it won't leave you with a razor-sharp line like that of a lip liner. Instead, you get this soft yet clean outline that's perfectly diffused. Ahead of the launch, I had the chance to try out seven of the stunning shades. Get to know them and hear my honest thoughts below.
Belle Amour
I nearly squealed at my desk while trying on this perfect punchy raspberry. It's pink with strong purple undertones, creating a yummy berry hue. If I had to pick a shade to wear every single day, it would be this one. It's vibrant without being shocking and looks pretty damn good on me.
Naked Seduction
This is a creamy dusty mauve. On my complexion, it's the perfect your-lips-but-better shade. I'll reach for this anytime I want a subtle yet striking lip.
Divine Rose
This is a bright and rosy pink. It's a bit lighter than I typically go for. However, it's still very wearable, especially because it doesn't skew chalky, which powdery shades like this can. Although this isn't a hue I'd regularly reach for myself, the flattering formulation doesn't wash me out and still complements my skin tone.
Flashbulb Fuchsia
This shade is simply electric. Flashbulb is a true fuchsia in that you really can't tell if it's pink or purple. It has a neon quality without being garish. I'll reach for this shade on a fun night out.
Garnet Glow
This rich and neutral brick red is one of those shades everyone should own. It's giving strong I've-been-sipping-cab-sauv-and-why-yes-of-course-you-can-kiss-me vibes.
Elson
Even if you’re not a Swiftie, you can’t deny Miss Taylor is spot-on for her go-to red lip: Elson, the perfect blue-based red. It’s a stunning cherry crimson that I’ll be reaching for regularly from here on out. The selfie at the top shows a combo of Garnet Glow with Elson for a pretty two-toned look.
Obsessed!
This is a stunning vibrant orange with strong yellow undertones. It's bold and sunny and will have a permanent place in my purse all summer long.