November 20, 2014

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Primer Review

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Primer

I recently picked up Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Primer during the Sephora VIB/Rouge Sale as I thought it would be a handy tool to have around to prep lips prior to applying Lip Tar. I’m a complete n00b to the Lip Tar formula so I’ve been experimenting a lot lately and as much as I love these I find some shades tend to migrate or even end up falling into the natural lines of my lips.

My hope was that Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Primer was the solution to making my Lip Tars long wearing as well as perfectly flawless on my lips.

Here’s some thoughts!

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Primer is a hemp oil and vitamin E infused primer to be used under your favorite Lip Tar. It’s actually simply a clear gloss that preps lips prior to applying Lip Tar. Yup, that’s it! Nothing really super special here. I’m not exactly sure what I expected from the formula but a clear gloss wasn’t it.

This has a very light, runny consistency and should be applied using the included lip brush. It leaves lips shiny after the initial application and it sets to more of a lightly moisture sheen finish. It’s actually simply acting to add a little bit of moisture to lips so that Lip Tars apply with an easier glide. It does fill in the natural lines on your lips very slightly as well!

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Primer swatches

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Primer Swatches

Here’s the deal…

It won’t extend the wear of your Lip Tars. It won’t smooth lines due to aging, it will however, smooth smaller, more natural lip lines.

It basically acts as a lightweight moisturizing primer that adheres to lips in a protective layer and allows your Lip Tar to sit a top it for a smoother finish.

Do you need it?

Not really. You can probably get the same type of results from a light clear gloss or even a lip balm. Would I buy it again? Possibly. The consistency is just right to work with Lip Tars and it would probably take some hunting down to get a clear gloss as thin as this! It leaves my lips nice and “wet” and hydrated for Lip Tar so to some effect it is working. However, it is a bit expensive for what it does and it’s more of an indulgence than an actual necessity for wearing under Lip Tars.

Anyone use it regularly or tried it?

Do share your results.

It’s available now at Sephora and Sephora.com.

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • JJ24

    Never tried it, When I work with lip tars I usually apply a little Jack Black lip balm 10 minutes or so before and use a lip liner to line and fill in my lips.

    I also squeeze out a small bead of product on to a palette(usually an empty elf quad) and go in with a brush little by little building up the color. The little palette is also great for mixing and leaves some to reapply with later.

  • Kiss & Make-up

    I spend almost zero time on my lipstick application, so yeah, I wouldn’t use this.

  • auntymaim

    I’ve got a couple tubes of this that came with sets, and I use it when I want to sheer a color out to a gloss-like effect. I love Lip Tars but some of the bold colors bleed like the dickens on me (and I’m not normally prone to feathering) – if I’m using a strong color I go with a clear lip liner rather than this, which is pretty runny.

  • Jackie_Diane

    I bought the neutral lip tar trio set after the holidays last year because I really wanted to try them, and I bought into everything I read about it at the time that I should apply the clear lip tar before the color. So, I bought the clear lip tar thinking I had to have it! A few short months later everything changed to say apply the “Lip Tar Primer” first. I was figuring that they just renamed and repackaged the clear lip tar, but for the longest time they still sold both which kind of confused me (I’m guessing they were just selling up excess stock). Based on your observations of the primer, I’m thinking I’m right about the rename and repackage. I’m not even seeing clear for sale anymore. I’m still curious though. But, I don’t use it enough justify buying the primer to compare; and I totally agree with your review on whether its necessary or not. I’m still curious though. Does anyone know what the difference is,if any, between the clear Lip Tar and the Lip Tar Primer?

    • Isabella Muse

      hi Jackie, thanks for your comment because I didn’t even know they had a clear lip tar, intriguing that maybe the primer might simply be repackaged clear lip tar Hopefully someone replies that has the clear and the primer comparing the two formulas curious minds if they are the same!

  • Anie

    The primer is great for sheering out colors, making the regular colors into stains. Doesn’t work as well with the metallics but most of the regular shades it works.
    Also, the primer is just the clear renamed and repackaged, since they are exactly the same.

    • Jackie_Diane

      Good to know! Now I won’t always secretly debate buying the primer even though I have the clear lip tar. Thank you!

  • Monica

    I actually really like it. I use it under a lot of my matte lipsticks (especially the Maybelline ones) & I think it adds moisture & longevity. However, I can’t get ANY of the colored Lip Tars to last more than an hour on me & I’ve tried several (matte, stained gloss). I even contacted OCC on Instagram & watched all their videos & no luck. I probably won’t ever buy the pigmented ones again, but I use the clear one on a pretty consistent basis.

  • Cicely

    Hey!

    Thanks for this post.
    I’m wondering if you think/know if the lip tar primer will work as a primer for other lipsticks. I ordered it online not realising it was just for lip tar and I wonder if I can use it for any lipstick?

    • Isabella Muse

      liquid lipsticks sure Cicely…but regular lipsticks it could be messy!

    • Michelle (Chelle)

      Monica commented just before you saying she uses it for her regular lippies and not so much for the tars. I’m kinda with her on that, I think this primer is better suited for regular lippie and a thicker base ought to go for the tars.