Covergirl Exhibitionist Ultra Matte Lipsticks Review & Swatches

What did I tell you? Bullet lipsticks are back, baby! Yet another release of a traditional style lipstick and I’m confident that this is going to be one of the best of 2020 already. The Covergirl Exhibitionist 24 Hour Ultra Matte Lipsticks are everything you want in a drugstore matte lipstick… and more!

These new additions to the Exhibitionist line are probably the best yet. This is a rich formula that claims to be transfer-proof, waterproof, and kiss-proof and increase lip moisture by 40% instantly while setting to a flat matte finish. Sure sounds like a dream, right?

First of all, I love the physical aspects of this lipstick. The round tip makes application easy, especially in the cupid’s bow area, and the edge lets you create clean lip lines. The packaging is also top-knotch. The tube has a soft matte feel to it, and the cap closes super securely, keeping the bullet from drying out and the inside of your purse clean!

Row 1: Hustler / Stay With Me
Row 2: Provocateur / Risky Business
Row 3: Riot / Soloist
Row 4: Thrill Seeker / The Real Thing
Row 5: Gemini / High Roller
Row 6: Watch Me / Come Through

The first thing you’ll notice about the Covergirl Exhibitionist Ultra Matte Lipsticks is how buttery they feel gliding on the lips. They don’t apply like matte lipsticks at all. They start out slick, no tugging, but dry down to a flat matte. If you happen to have chapped lips, you might see a bit of color catch (look darker) on flaky patches, but this is easy to smooth out by layering the lipstick or pressing your lips together.

Each shade is incredibly pigmented with full-coverage color… except one. The dud of the bunch is Come Through, the deep blue which had so much potential. Despite the unique shade, this one applies streaky and doesn’t quite dry down all the way. A major disappointment, but I don’t mind that much since I knew it wasn’t a shade I could see myself wearing often anyway.

Despite being an ultra matte lipstick, these feel like a lip balm when you apply them— moisturizing and comfortable. However, they don’t offer long lasting moisture. As soon as they dry down to their final finish, that feeling goes away completely. Don’t get me wrong, they’re not incredibly drying per se, but they are ultimately matte and feel that way.

Once set, the transfer-proof claim is pretty solid. I found most of the color to wear evenly over 8 hours, with color missing only from the inner portion of my lips. Some of the color gathered in my lip lines, but it wasn’t super noticeable. I never really pay attention to 24 hour wear claims… they’re just not realistic with normal life such as eating and drinking. Considering I had an oily meal the day of my wear test, though, I think these held up pretty dang well. Plus, the buttery formula makes reapplication easy, giving you a flush and smooth appearance when layered. They remain feeling very lightweight throughout the day.

Here’s the thing: if you don’t like most matte lipsticks, you probably still won’t like these because of how they feel once they dry down. While application is a dream, your lips will end up feeling drier as it sets. I wasn’t uncomfortable at all, but I have a pretty good tolerance for matte finishes. At the end of the day, I have really enjoyed wearing these beautiful shades in the chic flat matte finish without an urgent need to touch up throughout the day.

Have you tried any new bullet lipsticks recently?