Rihanna didn't just drop another lipstick when she released the Fenty Icon The Fill Semi Matte Refillable Lipstick. She basically threw a wrench into the whole "luxury is disposable" vibe that’s been dominating the beauty aisles for years. Honestly, we’ve all been there. You find a shade that makes you look like you actually slept eight hours, you use it down to the nub, and then you toss the whole plastic hunk in the trash. It feels wasteful because it is.
This lipstick changes that math.
The concept is simple but surprisingly rare in the high-end market. You buy a chic, Earth-toned case once. Then, you just swap out the bullets. It’s a bit like a high-fashion version of those multi-color pens we all had in third grade, but instead of neon green ink, you’re getting a creamy, pigment-packed formula that feels like velvet.
The Weird Learning Curve of the Refill System
Let’s be real for a second. The first time you try to put this thing together, you might feel a little bit like you’re solving a Rubik’s cube. It isn't just a "plug and play" situation. You have to line up the base of the refill with the case, click it in, and then twist.
If you don't hear that click? It’s going to fly out across the room when you try to apply it. I’ve seen it happen.
But once you get the hang of it, the mechanism is incredibly satisfying. There’s a weight to the rose-gold case that feels expensive. It doesn’t feel like flimsy plastic. It feels like a piece of jewelry. Rihanna famously said she wanted this to be an "accessory," and she actually nailed that part. You want to pull this out of your bag. You want people to see you using it.
Why the "Semi-Matte" Label is Actually Accurate
Most brands use "semi-matte" as a code word for "this will dry your lips out in twenty minutes but it won't look like chalk." Fenty Beauty actually went a different route here. The formula is packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C and E.
👉 See also: BK Breakfast Hours: What Most People Get Wrong
The result? It’s creamy.
It glides on with almost no tugging. If you have dry lips—and let’s face it, who doesn’t in the winter—this is a godsend. It doesn't settle into those tiny cracks or highlight flakes. The finish has a slight sheen when you first put it on, which settles down into a soft, blurred matte after about ten minutes. It’s not "transfer-proof" like the Stunna Lip Paint, so yeah, you’ll leave a mark on your coffee cup. But it fades gracefully. You won't end up with that weird ring of color around the edges of your mouth while the center is bare.
The Shade Range: MVP and Beyond
The standout, obviously, is The MVP. It’s that blue-toned red that supposedly looks good on literally everyone on the planet. Usually, when brands claim a "universal" shade, they’re lying. But Fenty has a track record with this. They tested these pigments on a massive range of skin tones to ensure the undertones don't turn ashy or neon.
👉 See also: Why Most People Get the Best Outdoor Living Spaces Completely Wrong
- Scholar Sister: A muted rose that is basically the "your lips but better" holy grail for medium skin tones.
- Pose Queen: A neutral pink that avoids looking like bubblegum.
- Board Memb'r: A deep, moody burgundy that makes you look like you own a tech company and also a vineyard.
- Grill Mast'r: A maple red that hits that perfect 90s aesthetic without being too brown.
The pigment density is wild. One swipe is usually enough. You don't have to keep layering it to get the color in the tube to show up on your face. That’s a huge plus because it means the refill actually lasts a decent amount of time despite being a bit smaller than a standard bullet.
Sustainability vs. Luxury
Is it truly eco-friendly? Well, it’s a step in the right direction. By reusing the outer shell, you're significantly reducing the amount of high-density plastic that ends up in landfills. However, the refills themselves are still encased in plastic to keep them hygienic. It's not a perfect zero-waste solution, but in the world of prestige beauty, it’s one of the most functional refillable systems out there.
The price point is also worth talking about. The initial investment is higher because you’re buying the case and the fill separately. But once you have the case, the refills are cheaper than a standard high-end lipstick. It’s a "buy once, cry once" situation that eventually saves you money if you’re a loyalist to a specific shade.
What Most People Get Wrong About Fenty Icon
A common complaint you’ll see online is that the lipstick "breaks" or "won't twist up." Nine times out of ten, this is because the refill wasn't pushed all the way into the base before the case was closed. You really have to give it a firm press until you feel that mechanical lock.
Also, don't leave this in a hot car. Because of the high oil content (that’s what makes it so creamy), it has a lower melting point than your average cheap drugstore matte. If it gets soft, it can snap at the base. Treat it like the luxury item it is.
✨ Don't miss: Are the Boxes at USPS Free? What You Need to Know Before Your Next Trip to the Post Office
Real-World Performance
I wore The MVP to a wedding recently. I ate salmon, drank three glasses of champagne, and did an embarrassing amount of dancing. I only had to touch it up once. By the end of the night, my lips didn't feel like they were screaming for chapstick. That’s the real win. Most matte lipsticks feel like a commitment to suffering for the sake of beauty, but this one is actually comfortable.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Refill
If you want the color to stay put for eight-plus hours, you need to prep. Even though it has hyaluronic acid, a quick lip scrub beforehand makes a massive difference.
- Exfoliate: Use a damp washcloth or a sugar scrub.
- Line: Use a matching Fenty lip liner to define the edges. This formula is "slippery" enough that it can migrate if you have fine lines around your mouth.
- The Click: Ensure the bullet is fully seated in the case.
- Blot: Swipe once, blot with a tissue, and swipe again. This "stains" the lips and ensures the color stays even after the top layer wears off.
The Fenty Icon The Fill Semi Matte Refillable Lipstick is for the person who wants the ritual of a beautiful lipstick without the guilt of constant waste. It’s a sophisticated, grown-up version of the Fenty brand that proves Rihanna is still lightyears ahead of the "celebrity beauty" curve. It’s not just a gimmick; it’s a really, really good lipstick that happens to be refillable.
Actionable Steps for New Users
Check your undertones before committing to a shade. If you’re cool-toned, lean toward The MVP or Flaunty Auntie. If you’re warm, Major Magnate or Grill Mast'r will be your best friends. When you receive the package, don't throw away the instructions for the case assembly—watch a quick video if the "click" isn't happening. Once it’s locked in, you’re set for a high-pigment, low-fuss experience that actually respects your wallet and the planet over the long haul.