urban Decay
Retro Makeup Review: Urban Decay Blackmail 👀
**Sorry yall, this is a long one but its my honest opinion! **
Urban Decay Matte Lipstick in Blackmail 🖤🍷
Ohhh, Blackmail… what a beautiful lipstick that is also an absolute challenge to work with! 😂
This is one of those shades where the color is EVERYTHING—a gorgeous, deep blackened berry/wine shade that looks incredibly dramatic and vampy on the lips. And when I first apply it? 😍
It glides on smoothly and easily, with beautiful pigmentation. So you think, “Oh, this is going to be perfect!”
…and then the problems begin. 😩
After application, I find that Blackmail can become patchy and uneven, especially when trying to build up the color. And unfortunately, feathering around my lip line is another major issue. I've tried it with lip balm underneath, with gloss over it, and completely on its own—and I still struggle with the same problems.
And here's the frustrating part: I LOVE THIS COLOR! 🖤🍷 I don't want to give up on it because the shade is absolutely gorgeous, but the application can be such a headache.
Interestingly, I found that other longtime Blackmail users had similar experiences with the shade being patchy, and some recommended using a lip brush, applying thinner layers, and building the color gradually rather than repeatedly going over areas that look uneven. A lip liner was also frequently suggested for helping define and contain these deeper shades.
So now I'm wondering… if you owned or still own Urban Decay Blackmail, how did YOU make it work?! 👀
Did you have a secret application trick? A particular lip liner? Primer? Brush? Setting technique?
Because I would LOVE to bring this beauty back into rotation if I can finally figure out how to tame it! 😂🖤
Beautiful shade: 10/10.
Application: girl… we need to talk. 😂
Have you ever owned Blackmail? Tell me your tips! 👇🏼💄
Retro beauty note: Blackmail was released in multiple Urban Decay lipstick formulas over the years, and the deep shade has been documented as prone to uneven application in some versions.
#makeupcomparison #Lemon8Diary #beautyfinds #retromakeup #oldiebutagoodie
As someone who has experimented with several dark, vampy lipsticks, I can totally relate to the struggle with Urban Decay's Blackmail. The shade is undeniably gorgeous — it instantly elevates any look with its deep blackened berry tone, perfect for bold statement makeup or moody evenings. However, like the article points out, the real challenge lies in making it wear smoothly and evenly. From experience, prep is everything when working with such intense shades. I personally find exfoliating my lips with a gentle scrub beforehand really helps create a smooth canvas. Following that, I apply a lightweight lip balm or a thin layer of hydrating lip primer, waiting a few minutes for it to absorb fully to avoid any sliding or patchiness. Using a lip brush instead of applying directly from the bullet makes a big difference. It allows precise, thin layers which you can build up gradually. This method helps prevent unevenness and feathering around the edges — major issues with deep shades like Blackmail. If you do experience feathering, a dark lip liner close to the lipstick shade can act as a barrier and crisp up the line. My go-to liners are creamy and long-lasting, creating a neat frame for the lipstick. Another tip I’ve learned is to blot lightly between layers with a tissue, then set the lipstick with a translucent powder applied over a single ply of tissue to avoid dulling the color. This sets the pigment and increases longevity without sacrificing vibrancy. Finally, keeping a small brush and some makeup remover or concealer nearby helps fix any smudges quickly and maintains a flawless finish throughout the day. The unique intensity of Blackmail definitely requires some patience and technique, but the payoff is worth it if you love that dramatic, goth-glam look. For anyone struggling with patchiness or feathering, remember that gradual layering, prepping the lips, and using a good liner are key. Don’t give up on this shade—it has a cult following for a reason, and with a bit of trial and error, you can tame it to become your signature lip color!
