Product Review: Atomic Makeup CBD Liquid Lipstick

CBD is everywhere when it comes to skin care, but it’s only beginning to trickle into the cosmetics market (with the exception of one or two CBD-infused glosses, we really haven’t seen much in the way of CBD makeup). However, all of that is about to change as the CBD industry is poised to reach $16 billion in the U.S. soon, and $25 billion globally. If you’re already feeling overwhelmed by the presence of CBD in beauty products, brace yourself, because it’s only just begun. 

Atomic Makeup is one of the brands at the forefront of CBD makeup. The New York City-based indie company is known for its vegan and cruelty-free products and focus on sustainability. The brand’s newest line is a collection of CBD-enhanced liquid lipsticks and glosses, the purpose of which, according to Atomic Makeup, is to combine the “skin care benefits of CBD with the high-quality finish of a lipstick and lip gloss.” 

Now, I take lipstick pretty seriously. It’s my all-time favorite makeup to the point that I don’t feel like myself if I’m not wearing a red lip. In terms of formula, I usually opt for a long-lasting liquid lipstick, so I was excited to try Atomic Makeup’s new version, which is also infused with cannabidiol. Its CBD Liquid Lipstick comes in 15 different shades — which is impressive. As for the percentage of CBD, each item contains just 10 mg of CBD isolate, low compared to other CBD lip products on the market (for reference, Saint Jane Beauty’s lip gloss contains 50 mg). I was dubious about this CBD value to be honest, but I soldiered on. 

Atomic Makeup CBD Liquid Lipstick: The Good and the Not-So-Good

The shade I chose to try was a classic red, Solo in Soho. My first impression is that the lipstick is super pigmented, which, of course, is crucial for lipstick-wearers like myself. Unlike other matte lipsticks, this didn’t feel drying at all. In fact, my lips felt moisturized the entire day, which was likely due to the presence of hemp oil. Though, it is important to point out that the more velvety and silky a lipstick formula feels, the more possibility of the color transferring, which did occur. The Atomic Makeup version transferred on my coffee mug much more than my go-to liquid lipsticks like Nars, Fenty Beauty, and Kat Von D Beauty. However, it didn’t affect the pigment. The color still looked good as new. 

While I love the intensity of the pigments, the shade range, and how these lipsticks feel and wear, I wouldn’t praise the CBD component. I think it might be too low to really be doing anything, and think the hemp oil is probably contributing more to its overall value. At $26, the lipsticks are close to NARS and Fenty Beauty prices, due to the CBD component, and are more expensive when compared to their non-CBD lipsticks which run $16. In the end, aside from the low amount of CBD, I’d say this is a high-quality liquid lipstick and a good indie brand to support. Find it on the Atomic Makeup website.