The Matte Gloss: Lipstick Queen Oxymoron in Free Ride

Hi, everyone! Sometimes makeup products come along that defy convention: a wearable blue eye shadow, a bold nude, a luminous powder. This is the case with the Lipstick Queen Oxymoron lip and cheek creams. They're described as a Matte Gloss, which is a bit of a head-scratcher. How can something be simultaneously glossy and matte? Hence, the Oxymoron. But somehow Lipstick Queen has created a product that is just that!

Lipstick Queen describes the Oxymoron Matte Glosses as "lip-cheek rouge... designed to be sweet, subtle, and flattering" (from lipstickqueen.com). They are offered to makeup lovers who typically balk at matte formulas, fearing they will be drying and hard to work with. Instead, the Oxymoron range aims to feel as smooth and lightweight as a gloss, yet with the natural finish and long wear of a matte! Lipstick Queen suggests that they are ideal when paired with a bold lipstick, as they are  incredibly fresh and not at all overpowering.

One of my favourite things about the Oxymoron range are the shade names. Each is perfectly cheeky, representing an idea that is wonderfully oxymoronic. For example, there is Honest Politician, Open Secret, and Minor Crisis. Finally, there is the shade that I chose- Free Ride.

Each Oxymoron box is adorned with an illustration that represents the shade name itself. I really, really love the artwork! 

The product itself comes in a sleek, rounded gold compact with a practical smooth rubber material: 

Lipstick Queen describes Free Ride as an "ultimate pretty peach". I'd describe it as more of a muted pinky coral- but it is indeed pretty! 

Here is Free Ride swatched on the back of my  hand (MAC NC15 skin tone):

And here is a demonstration of how Free Ride applies on my cheeks. Here I am wearing foundation and concealer only (i.e., looking pale and pretty washed out)...

... and here I am wearing Free Ride on the apples of my cheeks, blended up to the temples. It really does give the most lovely, natural flush! And as the product name promises, it applies with the ease and lightness of a cream, but quickly sets to a semi-matte finish with no hint of shimmer in sight. 

And here is Free Ride in the context of a completed makeup look. Although it's meant to be paired as a subtle counterpart to bold lip colours, I also applied it on my lips here, which looked very fresh and pretty! 

Wearing Lipstick Queen Oxymoron Matte Gloss in Free Ride (on cheeks and lips) and Milani Bella Violet eye shadow

Overall, I think Lipstick Queen has created an Oxymoron that makes tons of sense. The application is creamy and dreamy and the finish is natural and matte. A wonderful combination, at least for my combination/oily skin. The shade is also right up my alley. I find Free Ride to be a perfectly subtle shade, but with a tiny pop of vibrancy to make me look fresh and healthy. My only minor gripe is that the wear time isn't bullet-proof (it does start to fade after 6-7 hours or so), but otherwise, everything about this product is lovely! Plus, the packaging and product design are totally clever, which always gets a thumbs up from me.

Are you a fan of Lipstick Queen? Is Free Ride a shade you'd reach for? What is your favourite cleverly named makeup item?

Have a wonderful day!