The applicator is quite strange and unique. It's more of a paddle style than doe-foot, which again is hit and miss. For filling in the bottom lip, it's brilliant, but for the more intricate cupids bow, it's a little awkward. However, I imagine that's something you get used to working with. The applicator holds a good amount of product, even with the excess wiped off, and one "dip" is plenty for your lips. 

The pigmentation of these bad boys is absolutely ridiculous. We're talking opaque in one swipe! These are definitely a one-coat lipstick. Heavenly. Drying time is around a minute, perhaps a little less, and when the lipstick dries down it really is a matte finish - almost bordering on ultra matte - but I personally don't find them excessively drying on the lips.

As for staying power? These things don't budge! Even after eating a full meal, Ghoulish was still firmly on my lips except for a little wear in the middle. No crumbling, no flaking, it just slightly faded without a fuss. I was able, though, to pop another coat on over the top with no issue after eating. Something oily is definite must to remove these lipsticks, and even then they don't part with your face easily! Something to be mindful of during application because once these are on, they're staying exactly where they are until some serious removal work is put in.

Onto the swatches!