Swatches + Review: The New Ever Bilena Matte Lip Ink
Product photography by Perkin Gotohio
If you're a keen beauty fan like me, you've probably noticed the pendulum swinging back to matte from last year’s glossy and shiny lip trends. The new EB Matte Lip Ink is Ever Bilena's nod to this shift, but with a refreshing modern twist. Priced at a budget-friendly P220 for 4.5g, it’s a contender for those looking to explore a matte revival without breaking the bank.
First off, the application is a dream. It starts out almost like a light, watery stain, very different from the heavy, often drying matte lipsticks we might be used to. As it sets, it forms a barely-there film on the lips, achieving an opaque matte finish without the cakey texture. What you get is a lightweight, flexible feel, which is quite revolutionary for a matte product. Did I say this is almost transfer-proof? A bit of pigment will come off if you rub it (of course), but the film will stay solid.
Wearability is impressive as it lasts around 4-5 hours on me, and that includes surviving through meals and drinks, although it does start to fade from the inner corners of the mouth. Even without touch-ups, it holds up fairly well, looking presentably faded even after several hours. For a closer look at its performance throughout the day, check out my TikTok video where I put it to the test!
The scent is another pleasant surprise—there’s a subtle choco-vanilla fragrance that makes the application experience even more enjoyable. However, the shade range could be better. With only five shades, mostly leaning towards corally oranges, options are a bit limited. I find myself wishing for more variety, especially in pinks and deeper reds. That said, the most popular shade, Salmon Nude, is a beautiful warm browny nude that should flatter most skin tones.
Despite its long-lasting formula, removal is a breeze with a simple micellar cleanser, no harsh scrubbing required, which is a huge plus for those who dread the removal process of stubborn lip products.
Overall, the EB Matte Lip Ink is a stellar option for anyone looking to dip their toes into a modern matte lip product. It combines the comfort of a lip stain with the bold look of a matte lipstick, making it a versatile addition to your makeup bag. It’s a good buy, especially for those who cherish the matte aesthetic but crave the comfort of newer formulations.
