Honestly, I’ve never been a big fan of liquid lipsticks. Maybe it’s because I’ve had more meh experiences than good. Most formulas feel drying, and since I already have dry lips, it’s usually uncomfortable.
But recently, I gave lip creams a shot, and they weren’t half bad. The small win nudged me to finally try the Nykaa Matte To Last Liquid Lipsticks. I’ve always been drawn to their shade names inspired by Indian cities, and their colors have a certain beauty.
So, I picked up the shade 05, Madras Kaapi, but in the mini size first (just to test the formula without committing to the full version).
So here goes my experience and swatches of the much-loved Nykaa Madras Kaapi Liquid Lipstick.
Contents
About the product
These mini lipsticks make sure your love lasts forever, as our rich cultural heritage inspires these beautiful lip shades. So capture your love for these beautiful shades, celebrating women across our country by picking up your favorites!
- Superior all-day matte formula
- Lightweight and non-drying
- Enriched with vitamin E
- No transfer
This fabulous deep brown shade will leave your mark wherever you go—made just for your taste, strong and absolutely exquisite.
Ingredients
Cyclopentasiloxane, isododecane, trimethyl siloxy silicate, silica dimethyl silylate, paraffin, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Cera alba, disteardimonium hectorite, dimethicone, behenyl methacrylate/T-butyl methacrylate copolymer, parfum, talc, isopropyl titanium tristearate, tocopheryl acetate, pearls & approved colors
Price
₹239 for 1.2 ml / ₹749 for 5 ml | Shop it at Amazon or Nykaa
My Experience with Nykaa Madras Kaapi Liquid Lipstick
The black paper box houses the lipstick and features a cute line illustration of a Madras temple.
Every shade in this range features a monument illustration inspired by the city it’s named after, a detail I absolutely love. However, the mini versions don’t include the ingredient list like the full-sized ones.
First look
Nykaa Matte To Last! Liquid Lipsticks come in a rectangular, see-through glass bottle with a sleek black screw cap.
I picked up the mini size, which is tiny, barely the size of my pinky finger! While that makes it extremely travel-friendly, it’s also easy to misplace. The name and color of the shade are on the bottom of the bottle.
The applicator is a doe-foot wand that picks up a precise amount. One swipe is usually enough, so no need to dip back in.
The shade
Madras Kaapi is a warm-toned, deep brown, the perfect brown nude for my fair skin. I believe it would suit wheatish and dusky skin tones beautifully too, though may not pop as much on deeper complexions.
The shade indicator on the box is a bit darker than the actual shade, and it might look similar to other shades in the range.
I almost bought the shade “Chai” at first, but trying it on in-store showed it was too light for me, so I highly recommend swatching before you buy.
There are 18 shades in the mini series and 26 in the full-size range. I visited a Nykaa Luxe store, and they only had six shades in stock at the time, but the rest were available online.
How pigmented is it?
In a word, strong. The lipstick is highly pigmented, and a single swipe gives full, bold color.
For everyday wear, I like to dot it on my lips and blend with my finger. You generally would not have to go for a second swipe, even with light shades.
The formula
It’s creamy, lightweight, and enriched with Vitamin E. You don’t feel it on your lips at all.
Once applied, it dries down in under a minute into a matte finish. So you know, you can just put it on right before you head out the door!
My biggest concern was that it would dry out my lips, especially if I hadn’t prepped them. But luckily, the formula is hydrating and didn’t burn or irritate like similar lipsticks.
But I wish it blurred out the lines and cracks a bit more, but considering my dry lips, this formula is great.
Staying power
This lipstick has serious staying power. I wore it for 12 hours between coffee, tea, and two meals, but it didn’t budge.
A formula that doesn’t fade after the rich Indian food? Of course, I’m gonna put my money there!
I had to use a strong makeup remover to take it off, so I’m convinced it would’ve lasted even longer if I didn’t take it off.
Plus, it’s transfer-proof. Most lip products fade in the inner part of your lip, especially after eating food. But this one held up impressively well.
No smudges, no lipstick marks on coffee cups (my friends can finally stop teasing me about that!).
Is Madras Kaapi worth it?
If you’re searching for a richly pigmented, coffee-toned brown that won’t smudge or dry your lips out, Madras Kaapi comes out on top.
It’s one of the best liquid lipsticks for Indian skin tones, ideal for daily wear and occasions, especially if you’re into warm-toned lipsticks. For the best finish, exfoliate and prep your lips.
What else?
While the full-size version is reasonably priced, the mini (₹325 for 1.2 ml) does feel a bit steep. Also, since the bottle is made of glass, it feels a bit fragile—just be careful not to drop it!
One more thing I appreciate: it doesn’t have any weird chemical smell. A lot of lipsticks do, and it’s such a turn-off. So, +1 to Nykaa for keeping it clean in that department.
Also, I’m already eyeing more shades: Maharani and Guwa-Hottie, here I come!
Pros
- One swipe gives rich, pigmented color
- Doesn’t feel drying
- No smudges, transfer-proof
- Impressive staying power
- Mini size is very travel-friendly
- Clean formula with zero chemical scent
- Cruelty and paraben-free
- Cute packaging
Cons
- Mini size is a bit pricey for the quantity
- Settles into lip lines
- Shade on the box differs from the actual color—swatch before buying, if possible
Nykaa Matte To Last! Liquid Lipstick – Madras Kaapi (05)
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Rating
Final Word
I’m absolutely buying Nykaa Madras Kaapi lipstick again, and can’t wait to try more shades! The formula is just perfect for dry lips. Sure, I may have to work a bit to smooth out the lines, but it’s worth it. The pigmentation is rich—a single swipe gives deep color, and it literally lasts forever. I’ve never had a lipstick survive coffee like this one did.
If you’re eyeing a long-lasting matte lipstick, I’d recommend it. But try it on first if you can, rather than relying on online swatches. It’s worth a place in your makeup bag!
Have you tried Madras Kaapi or any other shades from the Matte To Last range? Tell us your favorite in the comments—or suggest if there’s one you think I must try next!
