So.

If you don’t already know, there is plenty of chatter online about the recent fiasco between the tattoo artist Kat Von D, and Internet sensation Jeffree Star.

I don’t want to get into the details of the drama, because I honestly don’t care.

As a consumer, I’m most concerned about what I get when I pay for their products.

Now that Kat Von D Beauty is available in Sephora stores in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand – when it was previously impossible to buy it online in the region – everyone wants to know…so what’s the main difference between Kat Von D’s bestselling Everlasting Liquid Lipstick and Jeffree Star’s Velour Liquid Lipstick?

Which formula is better? Especially when both KVD and JS products are supposedly made in the same factory (just like the rumours about Bourjois and Chanel make-up; and Kylie Cosmetics and Colour Pop Cosmetics)?

I’ve been a fan of Jeffree’s Velour Liquid Lipstick since around the end of last year or so.

I like Kat Von D’s stuff, but never had a chance to try the Everlasting Liquid Lipstick until its recent launch in Singapore where I managed to grab a few.

Here’s what I think of their products.

1. The shades

As you can tell from the picture, many of their bestselling shades look similar.

Such as JS’ Redrum and KVD’s Santa Sangre; JS’ Unicorn Blood and KVD’s Vampira; JS’ Scorpio/ Blowpony and KVD’s Ayesha; JS’ Dominatrix and KVD’s Damned, etc.

But there are very slight differences in their shades; which only make-up junkies and make-up artists will notice and care about.

So if you ask me, I will still buy the shades that I like from the respective brands. None is a real replacement/ dupe for the other.

That said, JS has plenty of crazy bright poppy shades that KVD doesn’t have, like his new sunny yellow Queen Bee, the robin-egg blue Breakfast At Tiffany’s, and limited edition greyish-moss green Dirty Money.

As JS is an independent brand, and Kat Von D’s line was created in collaboration with Kendo (which in turn is owned by French luxury conglomerate LVMH), he gets to churn out quirky shades quicker. But this also brings me to the next point.

 

2. Availability

Because JS is indie, it is infuriatingly frustrating when you are a make-up hoarder and want to collect all his lippies.

They are often sold out within hours and re-stocking take weeks or even months. Each time, only up to three shades are re-stocked.

Plus, the products are launched at 10 am PST, which means if you are in Singapore, you have to set the alarm for 1 am the next day to get your hands on it.

But this exclusivity makes his shades all the more coveted too.

KVD’s? Available at all Sephora stores in selected regions.

 

3. Pigment, texture and long-lasting factor 

Almost all of JS’ and KVD’s lippies are extremely pigmented. One dip and one coat is all you need for full coverage.

Some can be streaky and patchy too, like JS’ pastel coral-pink 714, and KVD’s black Witches. But this all boils down to the formula of that particular shade.

Both dry down in seconds to a velvety matte finish that is not drying; something that so many other brands cannot get right.The colours also do not budge; they can only be removed with waterproof make-up remover (or greasy food).

JS’ is beautiful upon first application. But I find that after I’ve eaten oily food and the colour comes off, it is impossible to re-apply without taking everything off first. If not, the second layer becomes crumbly and flakey.

I don’t have this problem with KVD’s, the second top-up layer after a meal goes on as smoothly and evenly.

 

4. The wand

JS’ lip wand is the best in the market. The applicator tip comes with an ergonomic curve that grips the lips firmly for easy precise application. Its length is just right as well.

KVD’s wand is as long as the slim tube of lipstick, which can make application a little tricky. Maybe I just need to practise more, or use a lip brush instead.

 

5. Size of the tube 

When I take into account the shipping cost when buying JS’ Velour Liquid Lipstick (US$18 each) they cost almost the same as KVD’s Everlasting Liquid Lipstick (S$31).

But while JS’ is around 6ml per tube, KVD’s is 6.6ml.

My verdict: Since it is so hard to choose, just buy both brands. 

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipsticks are available here.

KVD Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks are available at Sephora Ion Orchard B2-09 to 15, and here.