Quick answer

Choose Pavement if you want the lowest upfront cost and a neutral, versatile shade; pick Oblivion for a deeper, moodier result; and choose Libertine if you want a mid-priced shade with the same creamy, conditioning formula. All three are vegan, cruelty-free 118ml semi-permanent dyes that fade beautifully, so the real decision comes down to shade and budget.

What actually differs between the three shades

On the supplied catalog facts, Pavement, Oblivion and Libertine share the same core formula: a creamy consistency that saturates hair easily, natural conditioning that leaves hair soft, and a vibrant shade that fades beautifully. The meaningful differences are the shade names and the price you pay at checkout.

Pavement is the most affordable at USD 5.97 (compared with USD 9.95), making it a low-risk entry point if you are new to semi-permanent color. Oblivion sits at USD 7.16 and Libertine at USD 7.06, so the gap between those two is small. None of the listings state an exact color description beyond the shade name, so use the product images and swatches as your visual guide rather than assuming a specific undertone.

The trade-off: price versus shade certainty

The cheaper Pavement shade is the safest financial choice, but it may not be the tone you actually want. Oblivion and Libertine cost roughly USD 1 to USD 1.20 more per tube, which buys you a different shade rather than a different formula. If you are set on a particular look, paying the small premium is usually worth it; if you are experimenting, start with Pavement.

Because all three are semi-permanent, expect a gradual fade rather than a sharp root line. That makes any of them forgiving for first-time users, but it also means darker or more vivid shades may need more frequent touch-ups to stay saturated.

How to choose without wasting a tube

Match the shade to your starting hair level and the commitment you want. Lighter or more pastel results generally require pre-lightened hair, while deeper shades show more on natural or darker bases. Since the catalog does not list developer requirements or processing times for these products, follow the instructions on the tube and patch-test first.

If you are torn between Oblivion and Libertine, the USD 0.10 price difference is not a deciding factor. Pick based on the swatch that suits your skin tone and wardrobe, and buy one tube to test before committing to a full head.

Key trade-offs to weigh

  • Pavement: lowest price, broadest experimentation: At USD 5.97, Pavement is the cheapest of the three. Choose it if you want to test the formula or you are unsure which shade direction to take. The trade-off is that the lower price does not tell you whether the shade itself suits you. Buy one tube first and check the swatch against your skin tone in daylight.
  • Oblivion: deeper shade at a small premium: Oblivion costs USD 7.16 and shares the same conditioning, creamy formula. Pick it if you want a moodier result and are willing to pay about USD 1.20 more than Pavement. The trade-off is that deeper semi-permanent shades can fade faster in visibility, so plan for touch-ups. If you want a low-maintenance fade, ask yourself whether a lighter shade would serve you better.
  • Libertine: mid-price shade with the same formula: Libertine is USD 7.06, only USD 0.10 less than Oblivion. The trade-off is that the price difference is negligible, so choose Libertine purely on the shade swatch rather than on cost. Compare Libertine and Oblivion swatches side by side before deciding.

Product facts at a glance

Who should choose which

Best for

  • First-time semi-permanent users who want the lowest-cost entry point (Pavement)
  • Anyone seeking a deeper, moodier shade and willing to pay a small premium (Oblivion)
  • Shoppers who want a mid-priced shade with the same creamy, conditioning formula (Libertine)

Not for

  • Shoppers who need a guaranteed exact color match without seeing a swatch in person
  • Anyone looking for a permanent or high-lift color result, since these are semi-permanent dyes