FRIDA KAHLO x REPUBLIC COSMETICS COLLECTION // REVIEW
Frida Kahlo is one of my favorite artists, so it was so exciting to see a makeup line inspired by her artwork! I randomly came across this brand at CVS near the checkout area in the "beauty-on the go" section. I never heard anything about this collection or the brand Republic Cosmetics prior to purchasing these, so it was fun to try out a completely new brand. There isn't much information available online for this brand, but I'll share everything I was able to find!
Based on the research I've done, Republic Cosmetics is a cruelty free company based in Mexico that sells only in select CVS locations in the United States (there was no information regrading retailers in other countries).
The Frida Kahlo collection features 12 lipsticks and 12 nail polishes - but only about 5 of each are sold in stores at CVS, from what I've seen. Each product has a different design inspired by Frida and her art, which is so innovative and beautiful. The packaging is likely what will draw the buyers in initially, but the product itself is really beautiful and high quality.
Each product retails for $8 each, which is a really great price not only for the design of the packaging, but also for the quality of the product inside. So far from this collection I've tried two of the lipsticks and one nail polish - but in the future I definitely want to check out the other available shades!
Like I said earlier, there really isn't much information available on Republic Cosmetics, but from the little info on their website regarding these lipsticks they're described as having an "exclusive formulation and innovative color" - which I can definitely agree with based on my experience with them. The first ingredient is Castor Oil, which is a very beneficial natural lip moisturizer. It is a dense and rich oil, so it immediately hydrates and plumps the lips - making it the perfect ingredient for a creamy lipstick like this. I don't think I've ever tried a lipstick made primarily of Castor Oil before, but I can definitely feel the difference between others in my collection. It still gives off extreme pigment and longevity- while also feeling comfortable and hydrating on the lips.
There is no artificial fragrance in this product either, but when in the tube and upon first application, it does smell like pure Castor Oil (which isn't a bad scent necessarily, but it is distinct) - but the scent dissipates quickly.
Because of the creamy, moisturizing base, this isn't the most long-wearing lipstick I've tired - but it does last fairly long when compared to other crème lipsticks I've tried. Out of the two shades I've tried, they are both equal in pigment and apply evenly. It also wears off evenly and doesn't look blotchy on the lips.
One of the only downsides I have for these lipsticks is that there isn't any way to tell what the true shade of the product is before you buy it - the sticker at the bottom with the shade name is supposed to be colored to match the lipstick, but it isn't entirely accurate. I do still really love the shades I have, but they aren't what I expected them to be. Also, the names for the lipsticks I have don't match up with the names of the exact same shades on the Republic Cosmetics website, so I'll add a direct link for each product I mention if you were interested in checking them out!
The first shade I have is called "Colibri" (which translates to "Hummingbird"). This is such an interesting shade that is so unique to my makeup collection. It's a deep burgundy with a bronze and plum undertone and a metallic finish. I know that this is going to be my go-to lipstick this fall and winter!
The packaging has a hummingbird on it, which is a recurring image in Frida Kahlo's artwork. In Mexican folklore, the hummingbird is often associated with falling in love and as a symbol of good luck. Most notably, the hummingbird is featured in Self Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird from 1940.
The second shade I have is called "Pasión" (which translates to "Passion"). This is a pinky-nude with a coral undertone. This isn't typically a shade I would gravitate to because it's a lot brighter than what I would usually wear, but I absolutely love it. It's a very flattering shade and perfect for any occasion. It's been one of my favorite lipsticks to wear this summer!
The packaging has an illustration inspired by Frida Kahlo's 1946 painting titled "The Wounded Deer". She painted this after one of her many failed operations to help heal her spine after a near-death bus accident she was in when she was 18. This is a representation of the extreme pain she suffered from for the rest of her life.
The nail polish I have from the collection is called "Clavel" (which translates to "Carnation"). It's a beautiful bright red shade that gives off extreme pigment in just one swipe. The packaging has an illustration of Frida as a traditional Mexican sugar skull.
I don't use a base coat or a top coat for any of my nail polishes, so this polish on it's own lasts about 4-5 days without chipping- which is the standard amount of time a nail polish lasts for me. The longevity of your nail polish is contingent with several different factors, so the wear-time can vary from person to person. I usually apply 2 coats to reach it's full opacity.
Overall, I think this collection from Republic Cosmetics is a beautiful tribute to Frida Kahlo's art and Mexican heritage. The bright colors and modern illustrations inspired by her classic pieces of art truly honor her legacy and doesn't seem like it was just used as a way to make money off her name. Ulta Beauty recently announced a collection inspired by her and I feel that it doesn't accurately represent the person she was and its used as a way to make a quick dollar off of her popularity - which is a shame because Ulta is one of my favorite stores and there was so much potential with it.
If you're interested in learning more about Frida Kahlo's art, personal life, style and makeup techniques, be sure to check out my recent post - Frida Kahlo: Appearances Can Be Deceiving // Brooklyn Museum Exhibition Review - it's one of my favorites! ♡
All three of the specific products I mentioned today are available to buy on the Republic Cosmetics website, as well as a few other shades that may still be in stock - just click on the red links throughout the post to go directly to the pages!
Thanks for reading! I hope you were able to learn a little bit about a little-known brand and some of the Frida Kahlo / cultural references included throughout this collection. Be sure to comment your thoughts below & subscribe so you never miss a post!
-Melissa
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