Swatches + Review: These Katy Perry x Covergirl Lipsticks are fabulously unique

I remember watching the documentary on Katy Perry some years ago and just literally crying for her. It seems odd to feel bad for a pop star worth millions of dollars, adored and famous all over the world, but I couldn't help it. There she was doing her massive California Dreams World Tour. It was a cornucopia of neon colors and candy-themed costumes, bright and bubbly like Katy's music. In the middle of it, her marriage was falling apart. There was a scene where she received a text message about the divorce but she had to perform mere hours after receiving the news. When she went on stage, she was all smiles and ready to give people the experience of a lifetime.

I found that particularly poignant. I wasn't a Katy Perry fan, but I felt so much respect and love for her during that moment! She'll never know who I am but I find myself rooting for her and all of her ventures.

Recently, Katy Perry released an exciting collaboration with Covergirl called the Katy Kat Collection. It features two volumizing mascaras (a black and blue) and 13 lipsticks with a demi-matte finish. This limited edition line is now available in the Philippines, finally. I will review the mascara separately (spoiler alert: LOVE IT) so for now I've got swatches and my thoughts on the Covergirl Katy Kat Matte Lipsticks (P450 in department stores) for you!

Let's talk about the formula first. These are not true matte lipsticks - they have an initial sheen that dries a little later on to become more of a velvety matte. The bullet goes on creamy and the colors are opaque in a couple of layers (save for Cosmo Kitty, which is streaky). Staying power is average at about three hours sans eating and drinking. Wearing a lip primer or liner should help them stay on much longer.

I have to mention that I am still not a big fan of the smell of CG's lipsticks. It's waxy and sweet in a way I find off-putting. It's not a deal-breaker but I am looking forward to the day when CG improves the scent!

Anyway, when I saw the selection of lipsticks that were sent for my review, I have to confess that I was disappointed at first. I thought that two of the shades would look terrible on me. I also didn't quite dig the reds but once I wore them, I must say that the colors are exceptionally pretty! 

Perry Panther is surprisingly opaque, for a black lipstick. As long as it's applied on completely dry lips, it adheres nicely and does not go on streaky. Maroon Meow is a gorgeous muted maroon, while Crimson Cat is the kind of classic, vampy red your mother and probably your daughter would probably still love. The clincher: Cosmo Kitty, a medium rich lavender, defied my expectations (or lack thereof). I feel it actually looks good on me! It is warmer and a bit deeper in person compared to the photo which makes it wearable even though it's a lavender.

The only catch for Cosmo Kitty is that it's streaky without a base. Make sure to wear a liner that matches your lips or the lipstick color so that it's opaque.

Overall, I really like these Cover Girl Katy Kat Lipsticks and will definitely wear them out often. Perry Panther is such a great find, as it's pretty unique in the drugstore beauty scene both in terms of quality and color. You should get it if you're looking for a good black lipstick! Cosmo Kitty is trickier to wear but has that advantage also of being a unique color.

What do you think? Are any of these lippies calling your name?

Liz Lanuzo

Founder & Editor-in-Chief

I eat makeup for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.

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