February 2, 2017

Lipstick Queen Lipstick Chess Review & Swatches

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

Lipstick Queen Lipstick Chess ($24) is a new collection of lipstick shades inspired by the classic strategic game of chess. A long time ago, when 14.4k modems were all the rage, MSN had dial up online service plans that started at $15.95 and charged you for each additional hour, and mIRC was the underbelly of the world wide web and the place to be, their lived a Muse who loved chess. I remember playing online chess in the early nineties for hours on end, testimony of the geek I was and the one I would become.

But actually, I would guess my obsession with chess probably began even further back than that with my dad who absolutely loved to play it and checkers. You have to know, my dad is a salt of the earth European who isn’t one to sit down and play games. My dad had a ton of patience and took the time to painstakingly teach me to play and to this day we still enjoy a game together. I’ve always butted heads with him as we are so much alike yet we can never agree with each other on anything. But when we play, we sit in absolute silence, enjoying each others company without every even saying more than a few words.

Well, yeah, so, that’s my story about chess…!

I thought the introduction of a chess inspired lipstick collection rather different. Lipstick is beauty, beauty is, well, not necessarily geeky and chess is a bit on the geeky side of the fence. Combining both words seemed quite interesting. Each shade in this collection represents one of the six players on a chess board. The king, the queen, the knight, the bishop, the rook, and of course, the pawn.

Let’s take a look!

I kept thinking up creative ways they could box these lipsticks up into a cute chess inspired set. But sadly, they are available as individual purchases versus a set, with a total of six shades to choose from each of which comes in either a black or white barrel that’s 0.12 oz in size. Even though the shade selection is smaller it does cover a good variety of plums, reds, berries, and nudes.

This formula promises a matte formula with a hydrating, suede-like texture enriched with oils and waxes for a smooth even finish. I’m a strong supporter and fan of Lipstick Queen and truly believe the line does a good job focusing its time and attention on releasing fantastic lipstick products. Chess Lipstick is a thinner matte consistency that initially tugs during application and feels a dry on my already dry lips. The lipstick does have to warm up and the initial layer of “newness” needs to be broken in before you’ll find any joy here. I was disappointed at first but the more I applied these, the better the application I got. Out of the box the formula tugged a lot and dragged across my lips. Not to mention the formula clung to my drier lips and looked a bit patchy. After the formula warms up you’ll get more of a light creaminess and a much easier glide with a smoother finish yet still one that does cling to drier areas so exfoliating is an important step for even, smooth color. I probably goes without saying that these are pigmented and opaque on a single pass. I detected no flavor nor fragrance in the formula. The lipstick wears for a solid six hours but they look a little flakier at around hour five.

Lipstick Queen Lipstick Chess Swatches (Knight, Pawn, Queen)

Lipstick Queen Lipstick Chess (Queen)

Lipstick Queen Lipstick Chess (Pawn)

Lipstick Queen Lipstick Chess (Knight)

If I’m honest, I wouldn’t say Lipstick Queen Lipstick Chess are a stand out collection of lipsticks from an otherwise flawless brand. I’ve tried creamier mattes with better finishes that I didn’t have to work for you if you know what I mean. If you like mattes, if you like Lipstick Queen, hell, if you like chess, maybe you’ll feel compelled to try these but keep in mind they aren’t Lipstick Queen’s best in show.

Lipstick Queen Lipstick Chess is available now at Ulta.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‘.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  • kimkats

    I really like Knight – I could wear that one, I think!!

    Oh, this collex instantly made me start humming “One Night in Bangkok” by Murray Head! 😀 I’d forgotten what a great song it is!

  • Kris

    All 3 of these look great on you! I don’t go for mattes but these don’t look so dry!

    • Isabella Muse

      thank you! I typically avoid mattes too but don’t give up hope, there are actually a lot of good ones out there that aren’t terribly dry or dry looking 😀

  • Christina Tran

    That was a lovely story about your relationship with your dad. Thanks for sharing!

  • Miradan

    I was so interested in these and the colors are lovely (Knight is totally my kind of color!), but yours isn’t the first review I’ve seen saying the formula just isn’t there. I’m not a big matte lover, anyhow, so it’s not a huge deal to skip, but sigh.

    • Isabella Muse

      I love LQ but these just weren’t quite up to her normal formula standards. Interesting idea, just wish it was a little creamier in less dry! Oh well 😀

  • Eraser

    My late father also taught me to play chess but I was never any good at it. Anyway, although I love LQ & the shades are lovely, I also can’t wear matte lipstick any more… sigh… Just too aging!

    • Isabella Muse

      I wasn’t either but over the years I’ve become quite good at it and even beat my dad in a few games which is a rarity considering how dam good he is at thinking like 20 moves ahead lol! 😀

  • Heidi

    Hmmm. I’m interested because it’s LQ and I love the concept, though I don’t really know hos to play chess. (My husband says he’s going to teach me this winter.) But her formulas are known for being comfortable and lasting. Even just something like Jean Queen, I get a good amount of wear from, even though it’s such a moisturizing formula.

  • Jasmine

    HI! I’m just getting started on the whole makeup thing recently and have been on the hunt for a good wearable (not too drying and last more than just a meal lol) lipstick. Could you recommend your some of your absolute favourites, be it creamy lipstick or liquid, drugstore or high end? It would be so helpful to me, thanks Muse! 😀