Lime Crime Velvetines in Red Hot

If you were around the blogging world a decade ago, you might remember how Lime Crime was full of drama and controversies. The ones I remember was how they resold other brand's pigment passing off as their own, credit card fraud and some online fights between the founder and bloggers. All these dramas didn't change my opinion about Lime Crime, as it was a brand I never thought about buying either way. I simply don't wear hyper dramatic statement makeup to shell out $20 per item. 

Fast forward to two years ago, one day while I was picking up an online order from Urban Outfitters, the cashier told me they were running a promotion in store and had some leftover so she put the extra goodies in my bag. Beside the $25 clearance dress, I headed out with a simple tote with "Get Dressed" print, a wooden hanger (???) and a tube of this Lime Crime lip color. For a moment I thought it was a joke but luckily no security alarm was triggered.

The Lime Crime Velvetines I received was in a metallic fire red that looks kind of cool in the tube. The packaging is solid and well constructed, not my usual jam but I appreciate the thought on the design (it certainly doesn't look cheap like other brand by Youtube stars). 

Lime Crime Red Hot and Suqqu Saebara (I think this will forever be an "expensive but looks cheap" control for my other red lip colors) 

Looking at the tube I definitely thought it's a flaming hot  (warm based) red but it also swatches a little Ruby on my skin. It's a highly pigmented formula that settles from liquid to a Catsuit-like film (full coverage not crumbly) in a few minutes. After it dries up, it doesn't transfer and is actually surprisingly comfortable compared to other matte liquid lip color. This actually looks beautiful and shall I say...expensive?

The matching box is kind of nice too.

I totally expected Red Hot to go completely clown red on me but it was actually a wearable bold (it doesn't bleed, smear and this color somehow instantly brights up my skintone, something that Nars couldn't deliver). The tone and finish is so balanced that I just changed my mind a little about the brand. 

Well I still wouldn't spend 20 bucks on other Lime Crime though. As I prefer clear formula that I can reach for everyday.