Showing posts with label MAYBELLINE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MAYBELLINE. Show all posts

Monday, February 8, 2016

Liquid Lipsticks Extravaganza ft. Kylie Cosmetics, Tarte, The Balm Cosmetics, Maybelline, Gerard and more ... | ChaiTimewithMeesha

Hello, Beauties! Liquid lipsticks, specifically of the matte formulation, have acquired a large cult following of the masses. Cosmetic brands left and right, be they luxury, high-end, or drug-store, are releasing their version or interpretation of the perfect matte liquid lipstick formula.  Over the last few months, I have taken on the quest of testing out these matte liquid lipsticks from several brands for my beautiful Lipstick-Loving-Peeps.  On my YouTube channel and Instagram page, I have reviewed liquid lipsticks (matte and non-matte) from brands such as Kylie Cosmetics, Girlactik, Dose of Colors, Giorgio Armani, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Tarte, Milani, Revlon, Maybelline, NYX, The Balm, Colour Pop, and Dior.  And there is more to follow soon! 

Let us take a slight drive down memory lane, shall we? If y'all prefer to skip ahead to the next paragraph, then please feel free to do so.  My blog is a diary of sorts and I like my posts to be somewhat personal in nature.  Some of you may consider it off-tangent or long-winded... Well, y'all have been warned! Liquid lipsticks were present in the market ever since and even before my curiosity and love for makeup developed. I think I was in the final year of high-school, preparing myself for occasions like senior prom and graduation, when I began experimenting with makeup. Some of my peers had already started wearing a full face of makeup back then, but thanks to my parents (I really do appreciate their strictness today) I did not dare wear anything more than my mother's lipsticks.  Anyway, I fondly remember the evening my mom took me makeup shopping for these two special occasions.  She bought be a coppery gold eyeshadow by L'Oreal and a baby pink blush by Physician's Formula.  My mom's policy was that there is a time and place for everything. She discouraged impulsiveness because she believed that it created insatiable expectations, which ultimately result in dissatisfaction and disdain.  Today, thanks to my mom, I feel very comfortable without makeup and don't feel the need to use it as a guard, but rather to make myself feel dolled-up once in a while for outings, occasions, and filming.  I love you, my Momma Bear.  

I was never a fan of lip gloss because it was too sheer for my liking, but liquid lipsticks - basically glosses with the pigmentation of an opaque lipstick really intrigued me.  Well, there were three types of liquid lipsticks back then: opaque glossy, which didn't stay in place; opaque patent-shine lacquers, which felt too tacky; and matte, ultra drying ones called "stains," which were paired with clear balms to make them feel more comfortable (they really were not the least bit comfortable though).  I shall label these "Originals." The weak points of these opaque glosses and lacquers was that they were not lightweight, felt sticky like honey or oil, and transferred everywhere possible.  The stains, on the other hand, were so drying that my lips look abnormally wrinkly (given my age) and felt itchy, hot, and irritated. Although I do really like some creamy liquid lipsticks at present (ex., Too Faced Chocolate Honey), I prefer the semi-matte liquid lipsticks, which set to a flat, matte finish and are not drying. I don't care to compromise on the staying power and transfer-proof features because I like to remove my lipstick prior to eating anyway.  Even liquid lipsticks that are transfer-proof and long-wearing breakdown near the inner portion of the lips while consuming foods with an oil base and that are generally not dry.  

The first few Originals I tried were from two brands at Kohl's called Flirt and American Beauty and drug-store brands such as Covergirl and Maybelline.  Back then I thought a store like Sephora and makeup counters in department stores, like Macy's were for the high-society people.  Now social media has changed the demographics for brands as a new, fast-paced affordable medium for advertising.  There are so many baby brands on the rise, like Colour Pop, merely two years old and competing with a long time established high-end brand such as MAC Cosmetics.  Now Kohl's carries prestige brands on which coupons cannot be used.  Drugstore prices have sneakily increased, but coupons justify the margin in the minds of the consumer.  Anyway, my point is that I tried what was affordable back then, but the quality might not have been ideal.  

While in college, I recall trying one of the Stila's Stay All Day Liquid Lipsticks (another Original) in the popular shade Patina and it was so drying that I absolutely hated it.  More recently, during law school I had contemplated purchasing the very famous Lolita by Kat Von D and it was also so trying that I decided not to commit to it.  In a nutshell, my impression of liquid lipsticks was bad - a strong dislike! I decided that my lips were simply too delicate for these super drying lipsticks.  I could not fathom why anyone enjoyed wearing them.  

The majority of matte liquid lipsticks that are surfacing today are much better than the "Originals" I described above.  My new perception, "where have you been all my makeup-loving life?"  I am guilty of completely shafting "those regular lipsticks" at the moment.  Most of my lipstick collection is being neglected because I am so intrigued by these liquid lipsticks.  The biggest selling point of liquid lipsticks for me is the way they set into a flat, velvet like, deepened version of the liquid.  So without further ado, I would like to share my reviews of many new Liquid Lipsticks, which I am calling the "Liquid Lipstick Extravaganza" (listed/linked below).  

... ... ...

The "ChaiTimewithMeesha" Menu

Kylie Cosmetics by Kylie Jenner: The Kylie Lip Kit 

Tarte Tarteist Lip Paints 

The Balm Cosmetics Meet Matte Hughes Liquid Lipsticks 

Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Colors 

Gerard Cosmetics Hydra Matte Liquid Lipsticks

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Yours Truly,
The Lipsticks-Ninja
Meesha 

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Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipsticks Review | 2nd Release, New Summer 2015 | ChaiTimewithMeesha

Hey y'all!  Have y'all seen my review of the new Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipsticks - the latest additions to the permanent Creamy Matte line? If you haven't, take a peek! I have also included a special "Dupes" segment to this video.  I think y'all might find it helpful.  


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♥ Yours Truly,
The Lipsticks-Ninja
Meesha 

Social Media 

Monday, March 10, 2014

Radiant Orchid: Pantone Color of the Year 2014 (Beauty Edition)

Hey y'all. Today's post has been inspired by the gradient of shades that fall under the umbrella of Radiant Orchid. When I first heard that Pantone's "Color of the Year" for 2014 was deemed Radiant Orchid, I thought to myself, "I was already rockin' this last year." In fact, for the past two or three years, especially around Spring and Summer, I have been drawn to - with blinders on - lilac, lavender, and fuchsia-purple pastel shades. 

At first I was not planning on doing a post dedicated to the Radiant Orchid theme. I don't find purple based makeup particularly flattering on me. The closest I come to wearing purple based makeup is by wearing deep mauve pink and plum shades. Recently, I tried a lipstick by Cover Girl in the shade Delicious. Although I have plenty of nail colors like the shade Delicious and do think such a shade looks lovely on my hands, I cannot carry off such shades on my lips against my skin-tone. Fortunately, thereafter I purchased another shade by Cover Girl called Tantalize. I believe Tantalize is exactly what I had expected Delicious to look like on me. So, Tantalize, which is the color I am wearing in the picture below, is the better suited version of Delicious for girls with a similar skin-tone as me. 

My research for today's post began with this look below: 

What am I wearing? Cover Girl Bombshell Shine Shadow in Oh La La Lilac on the eyes deepened with a matte plum purple shade in the crease and blended out; Milani Baked Matte Blush in Delizioso Pink; Cover Girl Bombshell Lip Perfection Lipstick in Tantalize. 

However, I did not stop here. I selected two more blushes and plenty of more lip colors as y'all can see from the pictures. I posted one of these images on my Instagram to give a preview, but then I got carried away. 


The picture on the top left corner, first box, are my blush selections: Milani Baked Matte Blush in Delizioso Pink (bottom), Milani Baked Blush in Fantasia Mauve (middle), and Sleek Makeup Blush in Pomegranate (top). 

The picture on the bottom right, fourth box, displays the swatches for four of my top five lipstick "Radiant Orchid" lip color selections are: Cover Girl Bombshell Lip Perfection Lipstick in Tantalize (bottom left), Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Lipstick in #47 L'Amoureuse (top left), Purminerals 
Chateau de Vine Lipstick in Show Off (top right), and Milani Power Lip in Raspberry Tart (bottom right). 


Here are the lip swatches to match the arm swatches above: Cover Girl Bombshell Lip Perfection Lipstick in Tantalize (first), Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Lipstick in #47 L'Amoureuse (second), Purminerals Chateau de Vine Lipstick in Show Off (third), and Milani Power Lip in Raspberry Tart (fourth). Adding Rimmel London Lasting Finish Colour Balm in Viva Violet (fifth) was an afterthought, so I do not have an arm swatch for it.



Y'all may think the inquiry stopped once I added a fifth shade, right? Hereafter, I posted the picture above where I have displayed all of Radiant Orchid selections on Instagram. I think I gravitated towards the products mentioned above because they are all new additions to my makeup collection. 

Once I posted the picture on Instagram, I thought to myself that I must have other colors that might qualify as a Radiant Orchid shade. Indeed, I was right! 

At this point I was overwhelmed by my findings - so many similar shades! What was I thinking when I purchased all of these lipsticks? I was also feeling too exhausted to create more makeup looks or photograph these shades on my lips, so I hope y'all won't mind the arm swatches. I will add links to the review posts for any of these lip colors below that I may have already reviewed. 

Honestly, the way I actually wear makeup in reality does not justify my lipstick collection. Gel eyeliner and lip balm are my staple. I rarely actually wear makeup unless my Beau is taking me out. Sigh! I am glad I had this eye opening experience, however, because now I think I might place a ban on my lipstick shopping as I did with nail polishes last Summer. The nail polish ban was not difficult at all and I continued the ban till January. I am planning on doing a blog sale. I have mixed feelings about it though.

(1) Shiseido Perfect Rouge Lipstick in RS745 Fantasia (2) Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Rapture (3) Estee Lauder Pure Color Lipstick in Deep Lilac (4) Chanel Rouge Allure in #108 Determinee (5) Revlon Super Lustrous Shine Lipstick in Plum Velour (6) Milani Power Lip in Raspberry Tart (7) Rimmel London Lasting Finish Colour Balm in Viva Violet (8) Chanel Rouge Coco in #42 Culte (9) Sonia Kashuk Shine Luxe Sheer Lip Color in Sheer Plum (10) Revlon Super Lustrous Shine Lipstick in Berry Couture (11) Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Lipstick in #47 L'Amoureuse (12) Cover Girl Bombshell Lip Perfection Lipstick in Tantalize (13) MAC Satin Lipstick (LE) in Private Party (14) L'oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire Liquid Lipstick in Purple Prelude (15) Purminerals Chateau de Vine Lipstick in Show Off 


(1) Shiseido Perfect Rouge Lipstick in RS745 Fantasia (2) Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Rapture (3) Estee Lauder Pure Color Lipstick in Deep Lilac (5) Revlon Super Lustrous Shine Lipstick in Plum Velour (8) Chanel Rouge Coco in #42 Culte (9) Sonia Kashuk Shine Luxe Sheer Lip Color in Sheer Plum (10) Revlon Super Lustrous Shine Lipstick in Berry Couture (12) Cover Girl Bombshell Lip Perfection Lipstick in Tantalize (13) MAC Satin Lipstick (LE) in Private Party (14) L'oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire Liquid Lipstick in Purple Prelude

*I decided not to swatch (4) Chanel Rouge Allure in #108 Determinee because it is more of a muted mauve pink with a brown base, so it does not truly come under the Radiant Orchid category. This post took a lot of work. I kept going back and forth, adding more lipsticks, taking more pictures, editing, watermarking, and it all happened in annoying incriminates. At this point it would have driven me nut crackers to take another picture without (4)


(16) Maybelline Color Elixir in Mystic Mauve (17) Maybelline Color Elixir in Amethyst Potion (18) Rimmel London Lasting Finish Colour Balm in Keep Mauving


I hope this post was informative and helpful. Your friendly comments are much appreciated. 
Come back soon. Thanks!
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Monday, February 10, 2014

Maybelline Color Sensational "The Buffs" Lipsticks in Touchable Taupe, Truffle Tease, Stormy Sahara, and Untainted Spice (Part 2)

Hey y'all! 

Yep! Yep! I bought not one more, but four more shades from the Maybelline Color Sensational "The Buffs" collection. I used a $1.25 off Target coupon on each. Originally, these cost $4.99 at Target. 

In this post, I will provide swatches and a brief updated review. Please click here to read my complete in-depth review of these new lipsticks from Maybelline. The first two colors I purchased from this collection are called Sin-a-Mon and Espresso Exposed, which the colors y'all will read about in the in-depth review post. The second time around, I purchased showing Stormy Sahara, Untainted Spice, Truffle Tease, and Touchable Taupe. 


Truffle Tease and Untainted Spice (L-R)
Stormy Sahara and Touchable Taupe (L-R)


Touchable Taupe (taupe-beige, but surprisingly equally gray, but more brown version of Sin-a-Mon) 


Truffle Tease (medium nude, i.e., corpse look for olive/beige skin-tones) 



Stormy Sahara (peachy nude)



Untainted Spice (deep rosy pink with a brown undertone)

Updated Review / Brief Overview
I think my two favorite shade out of the four shades above are Stormy Sahara and Truffle Tease. I really like Sin-a-Mon (see Part 1), so I think I should not have purchased Touchable Taupe as well. The two shades are quite similar, but I like Sin-a-Mon more. Sin-a-Mon is a milkier version of Touchable Taupe, with less brown and equal amount of gray. Sin-a-Mon seems trendier and more unique. 

I definitely did not need Untainted Spice. It is a better version of my natural lip color. Surprisingly, Untainted Spice is also the sheer shade of the bunch because as y'all can see in the picture above, it looks like it has a sheen and is not fully opaque. Unfortunately, I don't see myself reaching out for Untainted Spice at all, so I might return it. 

"The Buffs" is my favorite collection of the Maybelline Color Sensational lipsticks. I am now tempted to try the red-orange shade from "The Vivids" collection. Perhaps, I will exchange Untainted Spice for it. 

I have a tendency to shop for nail polishes in the drug-stores and lip products at more high-end stores, like Sephora, ULTA, and select department stores.    My brain automatically shuts out high-end nail polishes and I really don't know why and vise versa for lip products. Overall, I am a proponent of high-end lip products, unless a drug-store one seems like it deserves a second look. I would much rather buy one lip product I love and cannot stray away from rather than a few for the same price that I like, but can let go of. However, writing a beauty blog focused mainly on reviews has made me more experimental and as a result I have come across a few treasurable lip products at the drugstore. So, what makes "The Buffs"standout to me? 

What do I appreciate about these lipsticks? I appreciate that these nude shades apply so uniformly and opaque on my medium-pigmented lips in two or three swipes. These nude shades have deep brown and gray undertones, which creates a balance between warm and cool tones, making these nudes flattering for warmer, deeper, tanned, olive, and beige skin-tones. 
These lipsticks are creamy, but semi-matte.  I recommend using a dab of gloss to add shine to these shades, but only if you want the sheen effect (except for Untainted Spice). Personally, I would not use a gloss because I think the high-sheen effect would take away from the original charm of these nude shades. 
These lipsticks glide on smoothly, feel creamy on the lips, and are not dehydrating, but do not expect these to add hydration or moisturize your lips. After testing these lipsticks out for about a month now, I have observed that after the product has been on your lips for some time, reapplication might be necessary (per personal preference) for the lipstick to appear creamy again because the product tends to set in place like a semi-matte stain (without the staining power of course as this is not a stain). I am planning to wear a lip balm with these lipsticks because I prefer a creamy semi-matte appearance instead of fully matte nude lips. 
The mild cosmetic scent (i.e., mixture of candy and plastic) of these lipsticks are not bother me. I don't even notice a scent unless I intentionally sniff the tube. The scent is not as overpowering as the scent of the Cover Girl Lip Perfection and Milani Color Statement lipsticks. 
Lastly, I think the staying power of these lipsticks is quite good. Of course eating and drinking will cause color to transfer and wear off. 

Well, this synopsis is not brief at all as I had aimed it to be when I began writing this post, but please do take a look at the Part 1 post as well. Thanks! 

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Monday, January 13, 2014

Maybelline Color Sensational "The Buffs" Lipsticks in Espresso Exposed and Sin-a-Mon (Part 1)

Hey Y'all!!! 

Today, I would like to share my review and a few pictures of the new Maybelline Color Sensational "The Buffs" Lipsticks. I am really looking forward to sharing my opinion with you all because so far I have heard or read a lot of positive reviews on these Buff lipsticks. I think some of you might relate to my review and possibly find yourself an affordable gem in this new collection. 

The Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks are quite popular amongst beauty bloggers and vloggers. A few years ago, I had tried a variety of shades from the original Color Sensational line, but ended up returning or giving them all away. I only had two issues with the ones I had purchased. First, I thought the lipsticks glided on smoothly, but ultimately left my lips dry. Second, none of the colors I chose suited my skin-color. I did like the scent though. I also tried two shades from the Maybelline Color Sensational High Shine Lip Colors. Again, the colors did not suit me. I did like the formula of the High Shine lipsticks, but the staying power was weak. Also, the scent was pleasant. I decided to forego trying the Maybelline Color Sensational "The Vivids" lipsticks. The bright reddish orange and electric purple shades were calling my name, but I did not give in.

Recently, Maybelline released the Color Elixirs. Take a look at my review of the Color Elixirs here. You will like what you see! I surely did!) After my positive experience with the Color Elixirs, I was eagerly awaiting the release of "The Buffs" after seeing a "spotted" or "preview" post on the Nouveau Cheap blog. 

So far I have heard/read two common criticisms regarding the Buffs collection - too nude and too brown. Personally, I was ecstatic to see the light brown base in these lipsticks. I have a fairly light skin-color for being Southeast Asian and do not have particularly deep pigmented lips, but nude lip colors like Urban Decay's Revolution lipsticks in Naked and Native or MAC's Half 'n' Half, Creme Cup, Modesty, and Angel do not suit me. While the rest of world is rocking the NYX Butter Glosses, the deepest shade of the bunch will look transparent on my lips. 

Honestly, it is difficult to gage what suits a particular person. Sometimes I try a product that has received poor reviews, but it ends up being "the one" for me - my hair, complexion, tone, color, whatever. On the other hand, while most people loved the Too Faced La Creme lipsticks, I was not too impressed. 

Either ways reviews are definitely helpful, especially if you have found a beauty blogger/vlogger who you can relate to. I like my introductory chatter, but enough of that! Let us move on my review... 

Packaging 
Even though I am giving these lipsticks full points in all of the categories here, the packaging is definitely one of my favorite features. I really like the transparent soft baby pink tubes. I took a million pictures to carefully capture the exact delicate light pink color of the tubes. The silver rim at the bottom pairs nicely with the pink. What if Maybelline had changed the silver part to rose gold? Oh-ma-gawhd! Yes! I suppose the pink tubes are slightly misleading some folks who might then expect pinky-nude lipsticks rather than beige, taupe, brown, earthy shades. 

Price 
I purchased these lipsticks at Meijer for $5.99. Recently, I found these at my local Walmart, Walgreens, and ULTA. In Walmart, the lipsticks were set up amongst the permanent products in the Maybelline section of the isle. However, in Walgreens, ULTA, and Meijer, the lipsticks were displayed on the outside of the isles, where the limited-edition and seasonal collections are typically displayed. I plan to buy the other shades at ULTA. These lipsticks are original more expensive at ULTA ($7.49), but ULTA is having a BOGO 50% sale right now. ULTA also has additional coupons ($3.50 off of $10, 20% single item, etc.) in their fliers and on their website and a reward-point system, which is an excellent way to save your pennies. 

Color / Pigmentation 
Please take a look at the pictures below to see the colors. These lipsticks have excellent pigmentation. Sin-a-mon is as opaque as Espresso Exposed. I don't have to pack on multiple swipes to receive the look pictured below. Sin-a-mon is a milky, dark beige, with gray and brown undertones. I adore this color! Lighter shades look more age-appropriate on me. I have tried a lot of shades that are similar to Sin-a-Mon, but not one has impressed me as much as this one. It does not affect the natural color of my teeth. I don't think this is a warm or cool toned shade because it has a mix base of brown and gray. My teeth are a natural, healthy shade, but not pearly white, so I avoid certain colors that make your teeth look very yellow even if they really are not. Sin-a-Mon is such a unique shade, a must to try! I adore Espresso Exposed as much, if not more, as Sin-a-Mon. This shade definitely makes my teeth look pearly white. Although not thoroughly captured in the pictures below, Espresso Exposed is another unique shade... Well, unique to my collection at the least. Sin-a-Mon seems like a unique color in general, while some may already own a shade like Espresso Exposed. It is so beautiful in person. In person it looks more like the arm swatch than the lip swatch. It is a blackened plum with red and "espresso shot" brown undertones. The name is quite fitting! 

Formula / Application 
I really liked the formula of these lipsticks. I have mentioned before than I am a formula snob. I openly admit that I discriminate against drug-store lipsticks. I own three times as many high-end lipsticks as drug-store lipsticks. These lipsticks are creamy, but don't have a slip. I am tempted to say that the formula is semi-matte because they look and feel creamy, but dry down and settle on the lips. No, I don't mean to say that these are drying or settle into your lip lines. These lipsticks are much creamier than Revlon Matte Balm Stains and do transfer, unlike the balm stains, because these are lipsticks, not stains. These lipsticks glide on buttery smooth and do not absorb the natural moisture of your lips. These are not by any means hydrating. They apply smoothly and then set to a semi-matte finish, but I would like to emphasize that these lipsticks did not dry out my lips. Espresso Exposed looks a bit patchy at first swipe, but I dab it out a little with my fingers or a napkin, then swipe once more, and I am good to go. Sin-a-Mon just amazes me because I had expected it to look streaky or exaggerate my lip lines or not cover my lips uniformly (meaning the pink of my lips shows through the center), but I had none of these issues. 

Longevity / Staying Power 
The staying power is decent here. These two shades lipstick, especially Espresso Exposed, stayed on even after I ate. Of course the lipsticks did not stay put like stains and required touching-up, but still they did not completely wipe away with my food. 

A+ Overall, I adore these lipsticks and am planning on purchasing four more shades. I will post an update once I buy the other shades this week. The names of these lipsticks receive full points for creativity - implying sweetness and sensuality. Stay tuned because I will post swatches of four additional shades from the Buffs collection once I get them. Also, I am wearing another lovely Maybelline product in the pictures at the end. Can you guess what? I will have a review up on the mystery items soon. 

The Gallery 











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Monday, November 4, 2013

Maybelline Color Elixir by Color Sensational: Caviar Couture, Amethyst Potion, Mystic Mauve, Intoxicating Spice, Caramel Infused, Raspberry Rhapsody, Rose Redefined, and Signature Scarlet.

New Lip Colors by Maybelline: COLOR ELIXIR by COLOR SENSATIONAL 

Caviar Couture, Amethyst Potion, Mystic Mauve, and Signature Scarlet... 


Intoxicating Spice, Caramel Infused, Raspberry Rhapsody, and Rose Redefined...


Signature Scarlet, Mystic Mauve, Amethyst Potion, and Caviar Couture... 




Caramel Infusion, Raspberry Rhapsody, Rose Redefined, and Intoxicating Spice... 


 

Rose Redefined 


Intoxicating Spice 


Caramel Infused 


Raspberry Rhapsody 


Mystic Mauve 


Amethyst Potion 


Signature Scarlet 


Caviar Couture 


REVIEW
The first time I heard of these new Maybelline's Color Elixir lip colors was on Nouveau Cheap and Musings of the Muse (my favorite blog, motivation, and inspiration). I was waiting eagerly for these to arrive at my local drugstores. Some people, who live near a Bed, Bath, & Beyond, were able to get their hands on these fresh out of the "makeup release" oven. However, I don't live near a BBB with a beauty department, so I have been waiting almost two to three weeks since I first heard of these. I finally was able to buy my first round of these at a Walmart ($7) and the second round at Walgreens ($8.99 - BOGO). I cannot express the extent of my admiration for these amazing lip colors. I love these Color Elixirs. 

So, what are Color Elixirs? Maybelline Color Elixir is described by Maybelline as a lipstick, lip gloss, and lip balm, three in one product. Do I agree with Maybelline's description of the Color Elixirs? Yes!!! In my opinion these Color Elixirs have a gel-like formula. What do I mean by gel-like formula? These lip colors are richly pigmented and opaque, yet appear "glassy" on the lips. Yes, glassy as well as glossy. Color Elixirs do not feel heavy or sticky. These lip colors are non-drying and feel pleasant on the lips. I am not sure whether or not this lip product can heal chapped lips like a traditional balm, however, this product definitely does not take the moisture out of your lips. In fact, my lips feel pretty smooth, with a slight balmy feeling, once the color wears off. The color selection is great as you can see above. Of course this product is not long-wearing like a stain, but Color Elixir is not a staining product. I definitely do not feel the need to continuously reapply these, unless I eat a proper meal. So, you can expect the butteriness and pigmentation of a creamy lipstick, subtle shimmer and/or intense sheen of a gloss, and balmy feeling of a not-so-overbearing lip balm. Lastly, the more this product "absorbs" or "sets" into your lips, the better it looks as the glossiness subdues and color becomes richer. 

Although I would never purchase a high-end nail polish and only own drug-store/salon brand nail colors, I am sort of a snob when it comes to lip products. I mostly own high-end lip products because drug-store lip products have been a disappointment most of the time. If you feel the way I do, I encourage you to try a Maybelline Color Elixir. I think this lip product meets and exceeds the standard of almost all of the high-end lipsticks I have tried. For example, these Color Elixirs are far better than the Chanel's lacquer glosses, Bobbi Brown full color glosses, Lancome's lacquer glosses, Marc Jacobs full color glosses, etc. Shall I say more? The just feel and look excellent. 

Packaging: 5/5
Pigmentation: 5/5
Color Range/Selection: 5/5
Formula: 5/5
Application: 5/5
Staying Power: 3/5
Affordability: 5/5 (Almost thought 4, but then again these are most definitely worth every penny!) 
Sunscreen: n/a (If this product contained sunscreen, it would be a miracle product!)

I have two last comment on these amazing lip colors. They have surpassed my admiration for Rimmel's  "Show Off" Lacquers and my only gripe is that there should be a deeper red berry or port-wine shade, somewhere in the middle of Caviar Couture and Signature Scarlet. I think Signature Scarlet is more suitable for lighter skin-toned gals. 

I might update this post if I purchase any more shades or think of more wonderful things to say about these new lip products. I was too eager to post these and let y'all get a sniff of the goods. 

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