Bite Beauty Cashmere Lip Cream - Port

I love supporting Canadian-grown companies, especially indie brands. Bite Beauty is an easy one for me to love, as they generally do products with superior formulation and good-for-your-skin ingredients.

That said, I was a little taken aback when I opened up my box of the the Cashmere Lip Cream in the shade Port - the liquid inside appeared to be separating from the sides of the tube, and when I pulled out the wand applicator the consistency seemed oddly dried out. I was concerned that I had received a bad batch, and I attempted to contact the brand (by email and twitter) to see if the appearance of my item was unusual. I waited for about a week, but since I received no response, I'm going ahead with this review as is.

Aside from the issue stated above, I thought the packaging was both sleek and organic-feeling (at least insofar as the exterior packaging).

The Cashmere Lip Creams are supposed to have a much stronger pigment percentage - four times higher, in fact - and a creamy, buttery application that nevertheless becomes matte as the oils evaporate off.

Without a doubt, these are extremely pigmented. My concern about the dried-out texture of the wand was unfounded, as what was on it applied both smoothly, and with faultless payoff.

Despite the intense pigmentation, this didn't looked thick or like it was sitting on top of my lips, and it didn't bleed or collect in the lines of my lips. It felt comfortable on, though not quite the feather-light texture that the copy promises. I could definitely feel that I was wearing something.

The oils and butters are supposed to evaporate at different rates, creating that smooth application and eventual matte finish. It actually stayed looking creamy longer than I expected, and though it dried down, it stayed flexible and didn't turn crackly or parched. When I pressed my lips together I could still feel a touch of creaminess and after about 3 hours, and it didn't make it through my lunch the way long-wearing, truly matte finishes can. I actually don't mind that, as it overall felt a lot easier on the lips than that sort of finish.

I also really liked that I got lipstick level coverage, with the precision of a wand applicator. For a vibrant shade like this, it's a real time-saver to not need a lipliner or lip brush.

Speaking of colour, isn't it gorgeous?? Again, the copy states that this is a deep wine, but once on my lips it was more of a slightly blue-leaned medium-to-deep red. Rich and elegant, but not as dark as I expected. It's the near-perfect red shade for me, making my teeth white and my complexion brighter.

It has a very faint, naturally fruity fragrance that I find pleasant.

Availability: Exclusive to Sephora, for now. Price is 32$ CAD.

Pros: Incredible pigmentation, smooth and creamy texture, comfortable wear. Precise application with the wand, eliminating need for lipliner. No bleeding.

Cons: Average wear-length and general tenacity, whereas I expected more due to the state matte finish. And though this is not a reflection on the product as such, communication with the brand was non-existent, which I find a little off-putting when a brand uses social media and advertises a customer service email.

(I purchased this item from Sephora. This post is not sponsored or compensated.)