Rouge Dior Ink Lip Liner

I have two of these, in both ye olde 999 Red and the 434 rosewood color. These are 100% a lip stain type of product, so even though it says "ultra-pigmented" you will still be getting a semi-sheer effect. The color is definitely buildable, but make sure to exfoliate well if you are going to apply more than one layer. I store these flat in a tray or in a container that lets the tips point slightly downward, and I haven't had any issues with them drying out. The tip is not wet though, so it may feel dry compared to using regular lip pencils. It's also long and stiff like a felt pen (not like a brush-style tip) so storing it this way seems important for making sure the ink keeps flowing all the way to the end. the 434 is my everyday liner now, but I bought the 999 because I couldn't find another neutral red lip stain I liked - this one doesn't lean pink at all. Both are nice to still provide some color when my lipstick wears off during the day. They don't last to the end of a 9-hour workday, but I'm happy enough with the performance.

I can't remember being more disappointed in a cosmetic item. I read the reviews and thought I would splurge on this very expensive liner thinking it would go on smoothly and last as described. Well, it does go on beautifully but it is gone with a few licks of the lips. And it bleeds. The concept is a good one, but the product is awful and most definitely not worth the price. I don't understand how the other two reviews were so positive. I certainly can't imagine that I didn't apply it correctly; it's a simple liner, after all. Back it goes.