“Only a drop is enough,” many makeup artists say when talking about OCC Lip Tar Makeup. And they mean it. This product was built with professionals in mind, but quickly became a favorite for everyday makeup lovers, too.
Lip Tar offered high pigment in a tiny tube, often stronger than regular lipsticks. Makeup artists loved it because they could blend, mix, and layer shades easily. And since it came with a little brush, it felt more like painting lips than simply swiping on color.
Even though it looked simple, Lip Tar gave serious results. It didn’t bleed outside the lips and didn’t fade easily. And because it was vegan and cruelty-free, it also gained love from those who care about clean beauty.
This guide explains what Lip Tar is, why it’s still popular, and how to apply it like a pro. We will also share swatches, great dupes, and where to find them now.

What Is Lip Tar?

Lip Tar is a highly pigmented liquid lipstick made by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC). It is renowned for its intense color payoff, a tiny amount is sufficient to achieve full, opaque coverage. The product offers a lightweight, long-wearing formula that dries to a matte or satin finish, depending on the variant.
Its composition includes nourishing ingredients like hemp oil, vitamin E, and peppermint oil, providing a moisturizing effect and a soft minty scent. Lip Tar makeup is also vegan and cruelty-free, aligning with ethical beauty standards.
Initially, lip tar occ makeup was packaged in small squeeze tubes, requiring a separate lip brush for application. This method, while effective for precise application, was less convenient for everyday use. To address this, OCC introduced the Lip Tar / RTW (Ready-To-Wear) line, which comes in a cylindrical tube with a built-in doe-foot applicator, making it more user-friendly and suitable for on-the-go application.
The OCC makeup lip tar is available in a wide range of shades, from classic reds and pinks to bold colors like neon green and electric blue, suitable for various preferences and occasions. It can be worn by itself or blended with other shades to create unique colors.
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Exploring Lip Tar Shades
There are many Lip Tar shades, and some have become favorites over the years. Here’s a look at a few well-known ones:
- Black Dahlia Lip Tar (Occ Lip Tar Black Dahlia): A deep, wine-stained shade perfect for bold lips. It offers a stained effect if applied lightly and a vampy look when layered.
- Black Metal Dahlia Lip Tar: A metallic version of Black Dahlia with a shimmer finish. Great for night looks.
- Lip Tar Lydia: A soft, dusty rose that works for everyday wear. It flatters most skin tones.
- Lip Tar Hush: A soft, nude-peach tone that looks natural and clean.
- Lip Tar Vintage: A retro red with a bit of a burgundy base. It’s suitable for classic makeup lovers.
- OCC Lip Tar Anime: A bright, neon pink that really pops.
- OCC Lip Tar Grandma: A coral shade that sits between pink and orange.
- OCC Lip Tar NSFW: A true red that’s bold but wearable.
- OCC Lip Tar Nylon: A hot pink that looks striking on fair to medium skin.
- OCC Lip Tar Technopagan: A bold metallic purple-blue with a strong personality.
- OCC Lip Tar Anita and Divine: Popular with fans of pastel tones and lighter shades.
These OCC cosmetics lip tar colors can be mixed to make new shades, which adds to their appeal. You can also layer them with Lip Tar Clear to give them a glossy finish.
How to Apply OCC Lip Tar?
Obsessive compulsive cosmetics lip tar makeup has a liquid texture and strong pigment, so it should be applied carefully:
1. Start with Lip Prep: Exfoliate your lips and add a bit of balm. You can use the Lip Tar Primer to help the color last longer and apply more smoothly.
2. Use a Lip Brush: The best way to apply Lip Tar is with a lip brush. Since the product is so pigmented, only a small amount is needed.
3. Apply and Build: Start in the center of your lips and work outward. One thin layer is usually enough. Let it dry for a matte finish, or top it with Lip Tar Clear for a shiny look.
4. Clean the Edges: If needed, use concealer around the lips to keep the look sharp.
Lip Tar gives a long-lasting finish, but if you eat oily food, you may need a small touch-up.
Lip Tar Swatches
Here are the swatches for the lip tar makeup. We have included as many shades as we could.








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Lip Tar Dupe & Alternatives
Different OCC Lip Tar makeups were known for their bold colors and rich pigment, but since they’re no longer easy to find, many makeup lovers have been searching for close alternatives. Below are some well-loved dupes and similar options for popular OCC shades, with short notes to help guide the selection.
1. Black Metal Dahlia (metallic burgundy)
- NYX “Biker Babe” – A deep metallic burgundy that captures the drama of Black Metal Dahlia with a slightly more wearable finish.
- Anastasia Beverly Hills “Venom” – Offers a similar bold metallic look with added shine and depth.
- UOMA “Mother” – A touch warmer, but gives the same dark, close color payoff.
Tip: Applying a dark gloss over a deep lipstick can create a metallic sheen effect.
2. Mannequin (cool-toned light pink matte)
- Mac “Saint Germain” – A light, blue-based pink that mirrors Mannequin’s cool tone.
- Mac “Pink Nouveau” – Slightly deeper and brighter but still within the same color family.
- MAC “Raspberry Swirl” – A past limited edition shade, now hard to find, but was once a top match.
3. NSFW / Super NSFW (classic and metallic red)
- CoverGirl “Burn” and “Captivate” – Both previously suggested as good matches; availability may vary.
- Dolce & Gabbana “Ruby” – Leans slightly warmer but mimics the richness and liveliness.
Tip: To recreate Super NSFW’s shimmer, layering a metallic red gloss over a matte red base can offer a close look.
OCC Brand-ish Alternative
- J.Cat Wonder Lip Paint – This can be considered for several lip tar cosmetics shades due to its similar formula and color payoff, although it does not last as long. It may be limited in availability now.
- Modern Alternatives – Brands like Kaleidos, Danessa Myricks, and Mac’s Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolor line offer similar intense pigments and artistry-focused colors.
Where To Buy Lip Tar Makeup?
Lip Tar by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics has been discontinued, so it’s no longer sold in regular stores. However, it can still be found online in a few places. These include:
Important Note: Since Lip Tar is discontinued, some listings may be old stock. Be sure to check product condition, expiration date, and seller reviews before buying.
We’ve also shared some shade dupes and alternatives above in case the original isn’t available or you prefer a fresher option.
Conclusion
What are your thoughts on Lip Tar makeup? While the original line has been discontinued, some shades are still available through third-party sellers. We’ve also provided some excellent alternatives to help you achieve that bold look. We’d love to hear about your experiences and favorite shades. Just be cautious when purchasing from third parties, make sure they’re reputable, or you might end up with a “lip tar” that’s more “lip faux pas.”
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