Barry M 52 Shocking Pink Lip Paint: Swatches and Review

Barry M Shocking Pink Lip Paint

This is the last of my Barry M Lip Paint features!

Shocking Pink is THE ultra-hot blue-pink in a matte, opaque texture. You've heard this is a dupe for Candy Yum Yum (which I did not purchase), but a little more pigmented and intense. Shocking Pink is also dryer in texture than Candy Yum Yum or NYX's matte lipsticks, so make sure you pat on some lip balm and then blot off any excess product before applying this. 

 Swatches (L-to-R): NYX Cancun Pink (black label), NYX Louisiana (round), Barry M Shocking Pink, NYX Shocking Pink (matte), Revlon Fuchsia (Colorburst) lipsticks

To better appreciate the brightness and "blue-ness" of the shade, I've swatched it next to a gamut of other "intense pinks". As you can see, NYX Cancun Pink does not even look bright compared to Barry M Shocking Pink. NYX Louisiana, which many consider a hot pink, looks very red beside its strong blue undertones. Revlon's Fuchsia is plummy in comparison, and NYX Shocking Pink looks almost mauve. 

If you are afraid of very blue or very bright pinks, feel free to check out one of the other shades listed depending on what you feel more confident wearing.

The Pros?

I don't find any lip liner necessary as this matte lipstick has not bled. In fact, you'd be hard pressed to find any matching lip liner more intense and pigmented than this anyway. It also applies evenly, lasts for hours without touch-ups, and is one of the most incredibly unapologetic pinks you will find in the market.

The Cons?
I don't like lipsticks staining, and this stains big time. But I experienced this with pretty much all hot pink lipsticks of this intensity. It's also not very moisturizing compared to other matte formulas like MAC Candy Yum Yum or NYX Shocking Pink. Then again, I have to say neither of those is this opaque and intense.

Compared to other Barry M shades in my collection?
I do find the texture of the 3 stronger lipsticks (Sunset, Vibrant Pink, and Shocking Pink) more even and high-quality than the lighter shades (Peachy Pink and Baby Pink) which take a bit more work to apply.

The differences between Shocking Pink and Vibrant Pink are in the undertones (Vibrant Pink is more of a true-pick, and Shocking Pink more blue-based) as well as texture (Vibrant Pink is creamier). If you are afraid of wearing something that is too cool-toned, or don't like a very matte texture, go for 62 Vibrant Pink.

Lime Crime Countessa Fluorescent Dupe: Barry M Vibrant Pink Review and Swatches!

 Barry M Lip Paint 62 Vibrant Pink

I've always considered Lime Crime's Countessa Fluorescent the Queen of Barbie Pinks. It's different from hot electric pinks and fuchsias like MAC's Candy Yum Yum in that it is a truer pink (as opposed to blue-based), not as deep, and almost highlighter-bright on the lips. 


Imagine my delight when my Barry M package included one that was extremely similar in shade. 

 Meet Barry M Vibrant Pink (left) and Lime Crime Countessa Fluorescent (right).

Barry M Vibrant Pink is something of a satin finish (similar to MAC Pink Nouveau), which means it is opaque and tacky, with a muted sheen - which I love. This is my favorite texture of all MAC lipsticks because it imparts great color, lasts really long, but doesn't feel as dry as a full matte lipstick.

Swatch comparison; Lime Crime Countessa Fluorescent (left) and Barry M 62 Vibrant Pink (right)

The right side of my hand is a little more shaded, or the two swatches would look even more similar. I was quite surprised to realize the Barry M was actually more opaque and intense than the Lime Crime, which is more of a creamy Amplified finish. If you like demi-matte finishes that last a long while, get Barry M Vibrant Pink. If you want a bit more moisture, get Lime Crime Countessa Fluorescent.


The other difference is also that if you want to be really picky about it, the Barry M is just a hint deeper and more cool-toned. But just worn on the lips individually, the difference is not visible at all.

Barbie Pink vs Hot Pink: Barry M Lip Paints in 62 Vibrant Pink (left) and 52 Shocking Pink (right).

Just for purposes of comparison, here is Barry M's Vibrant Pink swatched against Barry M  Shocking Pink, the widely-acknowledged Candy Yum Yum dupe. As you can see, Vibrant Pink is more lustrous and reflective, whereas Shocking Pink is a deeper, cooler-based, more intense matte-pink. 


Do note that all the neon pinks do stain the lips, without exception. (If you've found any of these neon pinks that don't stain, let me know!) I believe it's the nature of the liquid dyes needed to get that intense highlighter-pink effect, as more subdued pinks I own, like MAC Pink Nouveau, do not do this.


The main drawback for this lip shade? It can make teeth look dull and yellow, so watch out there!

Barry M Vibrant Pink can be purchased internationally on Barrym.com for £4.49 each.