Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick Swatches, Photos, + Reviews

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks

It's finally time for me to review the Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks! Spoiler alert: they're one of my favorite drugstore lipsticks. Why, you might ask? Well, I'm about to tell you. Reason number one. These lipsticks are a great basic lipstick at a fantastic price. No makeup brand has Maybelline's color range or can beat the price. With over 68 shades to choose from, there is going to be a color to suit everyone. The lipsticks aren't luxurious (nothing comparable in quality to a MAC or YSL or other high end brand lipsticks) but they work excellently for the price. They're highly pigmented and apply smoothly.

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks: Hooked on Pink, Make Me Pink, Fifth Ave. Fuchsia, and Yummy Plummy

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks

Now, onto the things that can be improved. My biggest complaint about Maybelline Lipsticks (I've said it so many times I'm beginning to sound like a broken record) is their lack of safety packaging. It makes me wary that anyone can open the lipstick, get germs all over the product, and I wouldn't even know. I'm sure most of their consumers wouldn't mind a raise in the price if that meant their products were guaranteed to be untouched. I'm also not a big fan of the generic chemical smell. It fades a few minutes after application, so it's not that big a of a deal. But I guess that's one of the luxuries you sacrifice with a smaller price tag. 

My last complaint is about how it is impossible to tell the finish of any of the Maybelline Lipsticks without opening the tube and looking at the actual bullet. This is a real problem because I am deathly afraid of frost or overly glittery finishes-especially when they come from the drugstore. I hope that in any future re-branding efforts, Maybelline will choose to add a section that addresses the finish. It is a big deal but, in the end, it could make a big difference. 

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick: Hooked on Pink, Make Me Pink, Fifth Ave. Fuschia, and Yummy Plummy

Maybelline Lipsticks: Hooked on Pink, Make Me Pink, Fifth Ave. Fuchsia, and Yummy Plummy

Here are the four colors I own swatched on my arm. They all have a cream finish (because I am a firm believer in being safer rather than sorry) and unfortunately cannot speak to the quality of the Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks in other finishes. "Yummy Plummy" and "Make Me Pink" are the colors that I've worn the most over the years. "Yummy Plummy" is probably my favorite just because it the perfect color to get a super subtle purple toned lip look. I cannot recommend it enough. Although I've worn those two colors the most since I purchased these shades, "Hooked on Pink" is quickly becoming one of my recent favorites. It is a bright pink/red that just makes me so excited for summer. "Fifth Ave. Fuchsia" is undeniably a gorgeous color but I'm rarely in the mood to wear a lipstick that is that bold. I normally prefer to go a little subtler with my makeup but if you are looking for a great, inexpensive fuchsia lipstick, definitely check out "Fifth Ave. Fuchsia".

Positives
-Wide range of colors (over 68 to choose from)
-Highly pigmented
-Smooth application
-Price ($7.49)

Negatives
-Generic chemical smell
-No safety packaging in stores
-Finish of lipsticks is not labeled on packaging
-Some colors can be drying

In conclusion, you can't go wrong with buying one of the Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks. Just be sure to take a really hard look at the bullet to make sure that it hasn't been used or tampered with. The product does have a few flaws but, for the price, I think these are an excellent choice. With such a large range of shades to choose from, Maybelline will have a color to suit your needs.

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Tarte "Peaceful" Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss Swatch + Review

Tarte Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss in "Peaceful"

Hello, everyone! Long time, no post. But I promise I have a good excuse. I needed to take a break from blogging life because my school schedule was getting insane. I barely had time to breathe much less put together a blog post. But I have finally defeated my last final on Thursday and after taking a few days to relax, I am back with a bang! What sort of bang you might ask? Well, for the rest of this week I will be publishing a blog post a day! I hope you're as excited about this as I am. But enough about that, let's get into the review! 

Tarte Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss in "Peaceful"

Tarte has recently released their new Maracuja line with products ranging from lip gloss (obviously), cheek tint, self tanner, concealer, and more. But what actually is Maracuja. And more importantly, how do you pronounce it? I'm sure a lot of you will be surprised to hear that Maracuja is the word for passion fruit in Spanish or Portugese. Exotic, but not quite as exotic an ingredient as most of us would have thought. I've tried a few of the Tarte Maracuja products and I honestly believe the whole Maracuja hype is largely a marketing scheme. I find it hard to believe the mysterious ingredient that will give you glossy lips, rosy cheeks, a sunless bronze glow, conceal your every unwanted blemish, and so much more is also the same item you can pick up for under five dollars at your local grocery store. Passion fruit is probably great for your skin but it isn't the miracle product that Tarte is trying to make it out to be. 

But I'm still not sure about the answer to the pronunciation questions, even after spending a half-an-hour playing around with Google Translate. I promise I won't judge not matter how you say it. If you know the proper way to say it, please leave it in a comment below. 

Tarte Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss in "Peaceful"

I received this product as a gift for Christmas and it took me so long to review it because it has one of those clickable brush designs. I hate these things so much. They're a good idea--in theory--but they never seem to work in reality. One) It takes forever for the product to move into the brush--especially when you use it for the first time. The first time I bought one of these types of lip glosses, I ended up breaking in my attempt to get the product out. This is not for the impatient people out there--myself included. Two) The brush isn't great at apply gloss. I had the same problems with this product as I did with the Stila Pomegranate Crush Lip & Cheek Stain. I didn't find it to be as much of a problem because the product is so sheer but I will admit that the packaging's design is annoying. I would have preferred a regular lip gloss container and I know after looking through some reviews online that I'm not the only one. 

Tarte Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss 

 While the functional design of the packaging leaves much to be desired, the Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Glosses are beautiful to look at. Here is an up close look at the floral print wrapped around the product. To be honest, this divine packaging, the Tarte name, and the lack of parabens/sulfates is what you are paying $21.00 for when you purchase this product. And quite honestly, I don't think that it's worth the money. 

Tarte Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss in "Peaceful"

Tarte Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss in "Peaceful" 

Once you get the product on the lips (which can take a while as I mentioned earlier in the review), it has a great consistency. It isn't sticky or gloopy. However, and I wasn't expecting this, but this product does give the lips a tingling sensation. It isn't marketed as a lip plumper but the more I wear it, the more I'm convinced that my lips look a little fuller. Maybe this is just my imagination. The tingling isn't as intense as many of the other lip plumping glosses out on the market but it is definitely noticeable. Honestly, I don't really like the tingling sensation and I see it as a negative but I know that there are a lot of women out there who LOVE it when their lip products tingle. I guess it's just up to personable preference. 

Positives 

-Adorable floral packaging

-Non-sticky and smooth application

-Fresh minty smell 

Negatives

-Price ($21.00)

-Poor functional brush design

-Takes forever to product to move through the tube

-Lack of pigmentation (very, very sheer)

In conclusion I found this product to be sort of meh. There isn't anything that I hate about it (other that the functional design of the product) but there's nothing about it that makes me want to rush out to the nearest Sephora and pick up another color. I will use up the product and when I'm done with it, I'll move on to another lip gloss. The consistency is very similar to a MAC Lip Glass or the NYC Liquid Lip Shines (which are hands down my favorite drugstore lip gloss--no competition) which I think are both awesome alternatives. It is lovely but nothing to go gaga over.

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Maybelline "Make Me Pink" Color Sensational Lipstick Swatch + Review

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in "Make Me Pink"

 The day I posted my review on the Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in "Hooked on Pink", I took a little time and looked back on a few of the reviews I'd posted when I'd first started this blog. The Maybelline  lipstick in "Make Me Pink" was the featured product of one of those reviews. This past Christmas I finally upgraded from my iPhone camera to a Canon Rebel T3i. In the next few months I'm planning on going back through some of the old reviews I've done (the ones with the especially bad photographs), re-shoot the swatches, and re-post the reviews. So if you read my blog way back then (thank you to the people who are still with me) and see a familiar review, don't worry. You're not going crazy but I am running out of new products to post about each week--I am a college student after all. 

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in "Make Me Pink"

"Make Me Pink", like most of the lipsticks I've tried from Maybelline's Color Sensational line, is an excellent bargain at the drugstore, retailing for about $7.00 (depending on where you purchase it). The formulation of this range is very basic. It is smooth but not incredibly creamy. It has a strong generic chemical smell (but don't worry, after a few minutes you'll hardly notice). The darker colors have a very impressive lasting power but lighter shades like this one will require more touch-ups. The packaging is nice but feels inexpensive. These products don't have safety packaging in the store, meaning that anyone can tamper with the product before you purchase it. I remember spending a whole paragraph ranting about that in my last review but I'll spare you. With over 68 shades to choose from, the Maybelline lipsticks are an excellent option for people beginning to experiment with makeup. Plus, the price won't leave you with buyer's remorse. 

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in "Make Me Pink"

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in "Make Me Pink"

"Make Me Pink" is a lovely, natural soft cool-toned pink color. It looks lovely on it's own or with a peach color gloss like Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss in "Peaceful". It isn't the most unique color on the market but I'm almost one hundred percent certain that you won't find a similar color at a better price. 

Positives

-Smooth application

-Highly pigmented

-Price (around $7.49) 

Negatives

-Generic, chemical smell

-No safety packaging for products in store

In conclusion, this product does have a couple major flaws but the price makes these flaws easier to overlook. I cannot emphasize how particular I am about where I purchase my Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks. I try to purchase them from Ulta's or Targets that don't get a lot of traffic because, quite frankly, it makes me nervous that they don't come with safety packaging. They cost a little extra at those locations but I'll just wait for them to go on sale.

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Maybelline 24 Hour Color Tattoo Cream Eye Shadow Swatches, Photos, + Reviews

Maybelline 24 Hour Color Tattoo Cream Shadows: Bad to the Bronze, Tough As Taupe, and Barely Beige

I think it's time to mix things up a little, don't you? Your normally scheduled lip product and nail polish swatches will return next week but today let's talk about the Maybelline 24 Hour color Tattoo Cream Eye Shadows. Long name, I know, but these things are magic in a container. They are the best cream shadows at the drugstore. Period. And I'm not the only one who thinks these bad boys are the bees knees. I actually picked up my first color tattoo--Bad to the Bronze--after hearing MissGlamorazzi and Amarixe rave about it on their YouTube channels. And I was not disappointed. 

Maybelline 24 Hour Color Tattoo Cream Shadows

Now I know some of you might be asking, "What's all the hullabaloo? What makes these cream shadows so special?" Honestly, I think it's because these are MAC quality paint pots on sale at the drugstore for a fraction of the cost. The Maybelline 24 Hour Tattoo Cream Shadows have a smooth but thick formulation that makes it easy to apply to eye with a brush or with a finger. When worn under powder eye shadows, it makes them appear more vibrant. And this stuff is super long lasting. 

Just for reference  MAC paint pots retail for $18.50 while the Maybelline Color Tattoos retail for about 6.99 depending on where you buy them. That is a significant price difference! 

Maybelline 24 Hour Color Tattoo Cream Eye Shadows

 Since I've bought these, I never wear eye makeup without it underneath. It helps make my shadows appear more vibrant and last all day long. I absolutely love sweeping on "Bad to the Bronze" or "Barely Beige" on my lid (these shades look lovely on their own) before I head out the door. These things are no muss, no fuss products and would be perfect addition to a busy woman's makeup bag.

Maybelline 24 Hour Color Tattoo Cream Shadows: Bad to the Bronze, Tough As Taupe, and Barely Beige

Here are the colors swatched on the back of my hand. Are they gorgeous? "Tough As Taupe" has excellent formulation but I'm not a big fan of the color. I find that it requires a bit more work than the other two and I find that it's a bit dark for the types of makeup looks I gravitate towards. It's a fantastic color for a smokey eye. "Bad to the Bronze" and "Barely Beige" are the two colors that I reach for the most. As I mentioned before, I really like wearing them by themselves when I want a simple eye look. 

"bad to the Bronze" and "Tough As Taupe" are both part of the permanent range but unfortunately  "Barely Beige" was a limited edition color. You might be able to find it but I doubt it. That brings me to my biggest complaint about the Maybelline 24 Hour Color Tattoo Cream Shadows. There isn't a great selection of neutral colors. I wish Maybelline would introduce "Barely Beige" and a darker nude color into the permanent range. Only time will tell, I guess. But I am very impressed with the bold, bright colors they do have. It's only a matter of time before I get my hands on "Tenacious Teal" and "Pomegranate Punk". 

Positives

-Long lasting

-Prevent creasing

-Smooth formulation and application

-Sleek and expensive-feeling packaging

-Many bold, bright color options

-Price ($6.99)

Negatives

-Permanent range lacks many neutral options

In conclusion, I think these are a fantastic product. I've been using them for about a year now and haven't had any major problems with the product. Make sure to keep the lid screwed on tight because they will dry out if you're not careful. The Maybelline 24 Hour Color Tattoo Cream Shadows are extremely high quality products at an amazing price point. Don't waste your money on a paint pot if you can find a similar color in this range.

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Maybelline "Hooked on Pink" Color Sensational Lipstick Swatch + Review

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in "Hooked on Pink"

 I have already done a few reviews of colors from the Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick range in the past (click here and here to see those) and my opinion of the range has not changed significantly since I published those blog posts. I think Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks are great basic, inexpensive lipsticks for everyday wear. These aren't the most luxurious product on the drugstore market (the formulation feels a bit waxy on the lips and the packaging feels light and inexpensive) but the color range is large and the color has a pretty good lasting power. 

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in "Hooked on Pink"

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in "Hooked on Pink"

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in "Hooked on Pink"

"Hooked on Pink" is not the name I would've picked for this deep rose, almost red, shade but, none the less, this is a lovely shade. "Hooked on Pink" is a cream shade--no glitter, shimmer, or reflex. I think this would be a wonderful color for women who want to wear a red lip but don't feel comfortable wearing  bold, in-your-face color. This would make a lovely transition lipstick. Wear this for a few weeks and then maybe move onto a lovely red lipstick like the Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in "Romantic" (a sheer red color).

Positives

-Smooth application

-Highly pigmented

-Fades evenly and beautifully

-Price (around $7.49) 

Negatives

-Generic, chemical smell

-No safety packaging for products in store

-Can be drying

In conclusion, this is a great basic lipstick especially for women and men just getting into makeup. I don't think the Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks are the highest quality lipstick at the drugstore (if you're willing to splurge a little more check out the Revlon Lip Butters, the Revlon Super Lustruous Lipsticks, or the CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lipsticks). But I think that for the price (I've seen these retail for four dollars on sale), you won't be disappointed. I was inspired to write this post because I've been wearing this color almost exclusively for the past week or so. It's one of my favorite lipsticks of the moment. 

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My MAC Lipstick Collection: Swatches, Photos, + Reviews

MAC Lipstick: Myth, Mlle, Viva Glam V, Lustering, and Milan Mode

 Happy Monday! Today's blog post has been one that I've been meaning to do (because it has been requested more than a few times) but have never gotten around to doing it. Today, obviously, that changes. I wouldn't consider myself an avid collector of MAC lipsticks (I prefer to spend my time procuring books and nerdy t-shirts) but I do pick up lipstick whenever a color catches my eye. MAC lipsticks are rather pricey ($15.00) and that is the main reason why my collection is so small. They are amazingly high quality but I don't know if they're worth the price tag---especially when drugstore lip products are comparable in quality and extremely affordable. 

My MAC Lipstick Collection

All of my MAC lipsticks have the traditional black, bullet shaped packaging--no fancy limited edition packaging for me--except for one shade, "Viva Glam V". It is part of the Viva Glam range. This range was introduced in 1994 and every cent of the selling price of these lipsticks is donated to the MAC AIDS Fund which supports men, women, and children living with HIV and AIDS. I find it easier to spend my money when I know that it's going to such an awesome cause. 

MAC Lipstick: Myth,  Mlle, Viva Glam V,  Lustering, and Milan Mode

Myth is a satin finish. Mlle is a glaze finish. Viva Glam V, Lustering, and Milan Mode have lustre finishes. And Cream Cup (which is not picture here because it had an unfortunate accident with a girl I used to babysit) is a cream finish--very surprising, I know. 

MAC Lipstick: Myth, Mlle, Viva Glam V, Cream Cup, Lustering, and Milan Mode

Here are the colors all swatched on my arm. If I had to choose my favorites I would say that Cream Cup, Viva Glam V, and Lustering are by far the easiest to wear. Myth is a lovely color but I find that it is a nude that washes me out unless I wear a gloss--Viva Glam V is an easier nude to wear. Mlle is my least favorite shade. It is very pigmented but tends to look very unflattering on me. I'm sure it would look gorgeous on someone with very fair skin tone but with my yellow undertones, it tends to look a little like something a mod clown would wear. Trust me--it's not a good look. And last but not least, Milan Mode. It is the most recent addition to my collection and it's a gorgeous color on a night out but the chunky-monkey glitter makes it a harder sell for an everyday lipstick.

Positives
-Packaging (sleek and timeless)
-Pigmented and smooth application
-Wide range of shades and finishes
-Lovely scent (not the generic makeup smell)

Negatives
-Price ($15.00)
-Not extremely long lasting (needs reapplication around hour two)
 
As I mentioned earlier, MAC lipsticks are expensive. But I have gotten two lipsticks through the Back to MAC program (return six MAC containers and get a free lipstick). It takes a while to get through six MAC products but a chance to save the environment AND get free swag, you would have to be ridiculous to pass up this opportunity.

In conclusion, MAC lipsticks are excellent products if you are willing to splurge. I'm planning to expand my tiny collection one lipstick at a time. I know this review was pretty brief but I've done full reviews on all the colors. Just check those out if you want to know more about what I thought about each shade.
   

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