The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Velvet Stick in "Poppy Rouge" & "Poppy Universal": Review and Swatches

Disclaimer: Product featured was provided for review.

For Spring 2015, The Body Shop has released a line of lip/cheek colors called the Lip & Cheek Velvet Sticks ($16 CAD each). Pigmented, easy-to-use and available in six matte shades, the Velvet Sticks have the same scent as the new Smoky Poppy fragrance from the Body Shop. To see some swatches and my thoughts, click......
Packaging:
The Lip & Cheek Velvet Sticks come in chubby twist-up crayon packages. The stick is initially slightly pointed but the point will most likely flatten with a few uses.

Formulation:
The sticks have a lightweight and smooth formulation. Although the finish is mostly matte, the colors don't feel drying at all and they don't have the unpleasant grainy silicone feel a lot of matte products have. Additionally, the sticks are lightly scented with the spicy floral Smoky Poppy scent.

40 Poppy Rouge: This is a lovely soft red. The crayon is semi-sheer so it provides a natural wash of rouge on the lips and cheeks. I much prefer using these on the lips as I have slightly oily skin and generally prefer powder cheek colors. The color feels hydrating and will last a good four to five hours without heavy eating.

40 Poppy Rouge

50 Poppy Universal: I was initially very confused by this shade because it looks like a dark grey in the tube, with no hints of red or pink. Even when I swatched it on my warms it looked weirdly grey. Alas, I was pleasantly surprised this turned into a cool-tone berry when used on the lips. The shade has a subtle vampy feel, very unique yet easy to wear.

50 Poppy Universal

Below are arm swatches using about five swipes of each color, as you can see, even on the skin, Poppy Universal looks a bit grey so I'm not sure if I'd use it on my cheeks.

Left: 40 Poppy Rouge; Left: 50 Poppy Universal

Overall:
I am genuinely pleased with these Velvet Sticks. The formulation is non-drying and both colors look very natural on the lips. The packaging is adorable and the price is reasonable so if you are a fan of lip/cheek crayons, definitely give these a go!

Availability:
The Body Shop is available online and in stores.