We tried everything from KKW Beauty - here’s what’s worth the money
While Kylie Jenner might be the beauty billionaire in the family, Kim Kardashian West's line, KKW Beauty, isn't one to sleep on.
Since its launch in 2017, Kardashian West's made an art form of releasing limited-edition drops that bring in double-digit millions in a single day (no doubt, with some influence from Kylie along the way). But over the past two years, the brand has evolved from contour sticks and fragrance to a full-blown empire, including lipsticks, concealers, and even body makeup. Following in Kylie's footsteps, the line was previously available only on Kim's site, but starting today, most of the collection will also be available at US store Ulta, both online and in store.
As with any celebrity line, though, we've gotten a lot of questions from friends: Are the products actually any good? Or is the fact that they sell out constantly due to Kim's devoted fans? The TL;DR? Honestly, yeah, they're worth your money.
We asked Glamour staffers to test everything from the brand, and while her lipsticks were definitely a standout (the red looks great on everyone), there were rave reviews across the board. Scroll on for our honest thoughts.
KKW BEAUTYKKW Beauty Nude Crème Lipstick in 3.5
Despite loving deep berry or wine lip colours for a good vampy moment, I always eventually return to tried-and-true nudes. I have warm medium-tan skin, so I love muted tones that pair well with bronzer and subtle golden accents on my eyes. This shade reminds me of a deeper version of my longtime favorite discontinued nude, MAC's Liptensity Lipstick in Doe (RIP). The velvety formula and subtle shine have me convinced this may have just claimed the throne as my new number one. —Erin Parker, commerce writer
KKW BEAUTYKKW Beauty Classic Blossom Palette
I'm usually drawn to more shimmery eyeshadow, which this palette does include and are A-plus, but I was most impressed with the matte shades. They practically blend themselves, making them perfect to toss on for an easy everyday eye. Everything in this palette works well together, and the warm pinks and purple tones are great for my pale skin tone. —Madeline Hirsch, senior social media manager
KKW BEAUTYKKW Red Crème Lipstick in Classic Red
I'm not usually someone who's big on red lipstick. But I have to give credit where it’s due. This turned out to be one of the most flattering lightweight lipsticks I’ve ever tried. I’ve never worn a red lipstick around so confidently. Kim definitely formulated the best red for my olive skin and dark hair, and from what I’ve seen so far, it’s a true red that looks good on all skin tones. The lipstick itself is extremely smooth, and I love the subtle satin shine. 10/10 would recommend. —Azadeh Valanejad, social video producer
KKW BEAUTYKKW Beauty Crème Contour and Highlight Set
As someone who scrolls Instagram for hours every day, I've been brainwashed into thinking defined cheekbones are the highest standard of beauty, but sadly, my face has as many angles as a baby's. Despite countless tries, I've never been able to get contouring quite right. It either looks too heavy or muddy, or not noticeable at all. Given Kim's reputation as the queen of contouring, I was expecting this product to be really intense, but it actually delivers a super-natural, subtle contour. It's incredibly creamy and blends out seamlessly for just a hint of shaping. I like how small the sticks are so I can really get under my cheekbones, and the matte highlight is perfect for subtly shaping my nose. —Bella Cacciatore, beauty associate
KKW BEAUTYKKW Beauty Nude Lip Liner
Lip liners are a tough sell for me. I usually find that the waxy consistency is too hard and drying on my lips. But this is like a total 180 from everything I've tried. The colour glides on crazy smooth, and it lasted long after the lipstick and gloss I had on top wore off. It's so creamy, in fact, it works as an allover lip colour in a pinch. Obsessed. —Khaliha Hawkins, producer
KKW BEAUTYKKW Sooo Fire Gloss
I’m not usually a lip gloss person, let alone a glittery lip gloss, so this was far outside my comfort zone. However, it's surprisingly easy to wear, despite my glitter aversion. It goes on smooth, and the colour gives some life to my Casper-level paleness. While it's a little much for the office (for me), I've been wearing it on nights out. —Anna Moeslein, senior editor
KKW BEAUTYKKW Beauty Ultralight Beams Powders
There are few things I appreciate more in a makeup look than a good highlight or eye shimmer, and these loose shimmer powders can help you get both. I've been applying them onto the tops of my cheekbones, and they make me look like I'm shining from within. I wear them on my eyes as well on the weekends when I'm doing my best Euphoria impression, and they're probably one of the best shimmers I've ever tried. —Tara Gonzalez, associate commerce editor
KKW BEAUTYKKW Beauty Skin Perfecting Body Foundation
Let me start this off by saying I'm a sucker for anything Kardashian. Kylie Lip Kit? Yup. Kim's new shapewear? Bought it on preorder. So after a week of watching Kim tease KKW Body all over Instagram Stories this summer, I was dying to try it. I went with the medium/light shade, and when I first put it on, I was immediately impressed. Friends told me I looked airbrushed in a good way. Then I put its staying power to the test. I spent all day bar hopping in the blazing hot sun, and it didn't streak, bleed, or transfer. It almost stayed on a little too well—it took me multiple wipes and a lot of scrubbing to get all of it off. But that's a small price to pay for it not rubbing off on anything. I've been reaching for it every time I wear a short skirt or dress. —Samantha Leach, assistant culture editor
KKW BEAUTYKKW Beauty Nude Crème Lipstick in 2.5
It's hard to find a good nude lipstick, but this one does not disappoint. Not only does it match my lip colour nicely, but the midtone terra-cotta shade doesn’t look washed out on my pale complexion, which is something I always worry about with nudes. This lipstick is creamy enough to wear without lip balm, and it pairs nicely with lip liner for some extra definition. Consider this my new daily lip. —Talia Abbas, commerce writer
KKW BEAUTYKKW x Winnie Eyeshadow Palette
The mix of shades in this palette is great—it's got warm reds, desert sunset plums, and an assortment of golden hues, from marigold to a glittery silver-yellow that’s quickly becoming my go-to inner-tear-duct look. The eyeshadows have a buttery, almost creamy consistency—unsurprising given that a model and a beauty mogul made them together. —Brionna Jimerson, associate social media manager
KKW BEAUTYKKW Beauty Liquid Concealer
I love this concealer. It's really hard to find a formula that works on both blemishes and under my eyes, but this one's creamy texture hides all kinds of discolouration. It provides total coverage for my blemishes, and stays put all day long. —Sarah Yalowitz, video producer
