Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm Swatches, Photos, + Review

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm: Quenched, Pink Wink, Grape Vine, and Pink Punch

I think I went a little overboard. After I bought (and became obsessed) with the Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in "Quenched", I knew I wanted more colors. I've done reviews for "Pink Wink" and "Pink Punch" (go check them out) and my review for "Grape Vine" will be up soon but I really wanted to talk about the Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm line as a whole. 

Maybelline Baby Lips: Quenched, Pink Wink, Grape Vine, and Pink Punch

Maybelline Baby Lips

As I have mentioned in all of my past reviews, I think the packaging of the Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balms is fantastic! It's eye-catching, young, bright, playful, and (probably the most significant) it's like nothing else on the market. Each flavor has a different color and they're all so bright (perfect to bright a little light into the upcoming gloomy months as we begin to transition in fall). But my love for the Maybelline Baby Lips isn't pure superficial, I also am in love with the product's formula. Unlike the eos lip balms (which I still use and love), the Baby Lips have a silkier and less waxy consistency. "Quenched", especially, is a chapped lips savior. I need it with me at all times. 

Maybelline Baby Lips: Quenched, Pink Wink, Grape Vine, and Pink Punch

But the Baby Lips aren't just a fantastic lip balm. As you can see from the swatches on my arm, a lot of the flavors are pretty pigmented for a tinted lip balm. "Pink Punch" especially is impressive. It is easily the most pigmented shade I own but "Grape Vine" gives the lips a beautiful, but subtle, purple sheen. "Grape Vine" would easily be my favorite if it didn't have a horrible, horrible medicine grape smell (Maybelline what were you thinking?). It looks gorgeous on the lips and if you can get past the scent, I think it is well worth your money. "Quenched" is another favorite. It doesn't give the lips any color but it is uber moisturizing. If you are looking for a powerful lip balm, pick it up.

Positives
-Bright and youthful packaging
-Price (under $3.00)
-Less waxy than other lip balms
-Wide range of colors

Negatives
-Inversely proportionate relationship between pigmentation and moisturizing power

In conclusion, I think the Baby Lips live up the hype. They're a great tinted lip balm but be aware that the product's pigmentation and moisturizing power are inversely proportionate. If a shade is more pigmented, then they tend to be a little waxier and less moisturizing. The reverse is also true. But, as whole, I was not disappointed with these products. They're a great alternative to eos lip balms (waxier and heavier formulation), softlips (all smell like mint and have tingling sensation), and Burt's Bees (waxier and heavier formulation) with the added bonus of a light wash of color--depending on which flavor you choose.

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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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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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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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CoverGirl LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm Swatches, Photos, + Reviews

CoverGirl LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm: Ballet Twist, Blush Twist,  Watermelon Twist, Coral Twist

After much internal debate and two trips to the drugstore, I finally come to a consensus about the CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balms. In the end I've realized that these products are a frustrating mix of good and bag. I know that might seem anti-climatic but I find that these products can be extremely underwhelming (see my review of "Ballet Twist" and "Coral Twist") or pleasantly surprising (see my review of "Watermelon Twist" and "Blush Twist"). They are extremely hit or miss which makes me hesitant to recommend them as a range.

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm: Ballet Twist, Blush Twist, Watermelon Twist, Coral Twist

I will first address my complaints before getting to my compliments. First, these products are poorly named. I own four out of the sixteen shades and none of them are what I would consider to be a gloss or a balm. They have a lovely sheen when applied to the lips but I would compare the look to a lustre or stain finish--not a gloss. Also, these are called gloss balms which (at least for me personally) induces imagery of an insanely moisturizing product. Who needs their Vaseline or EOS lip balms anymore? This is supposed to be a two in one product ..right? Well...not really. While they do apply smoothly to the lips and they do feel quite moisturizing, don't throw out your lip balm anytime soon. And in my experience, some colors ("Ballet Twist" and "Coral Twist") seem to emphasize the appearance of dry lips rather than fix the problem.

Second, the color pay-off doesn't quite match the caps or even the product in the tube. It isn't a big deal but it is something that is a bit annoying when I was picking out colors to buy. This was especially a problem with  "Ballet Twist" which I thought was a baby pink but ended up being a true nude color. Like I said earlier, it isn't a big problem but it is something to be aware of when shopping.

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm: Ballet Twist, Blush Twist, Watermelon Twist, Coral Twist

Third, the lasting power of these products is not impressive. The sheen will wear off around an hour (sooner if you eat shortly after application) and the color wear off, on average, around one hour. Some of the darker colors ("Coral Twist") can last around three but it does not fade very gracefully (making my lips look patchy and chapped--which is never a good look). "Ballet Twist" lasted for a significantly less amount of time but it still left my lips feeling and looking dry. To be fair, I had no problems with "Watermelon Twist" or "Blush Twist". They faded beautifully and were just fantastic products to wear on an everyday basis.

Fourth, the inconsistency of these products. As I mentioned above, I had very different experiences with each of the shades that I bought. Some I loved, some I hated. This made it extremely hard for me to come to a consensus on the range. It was really hit or miss.

Now onto the things I liked about the products. I love the jumbo lipstick pencils. I think they're so easy to use and can sometimes give consumers better application control than a normal lipstick. And while they weren't glossy balms, they applied smoothly and easily to the lips.

I think that these Jumbo Gloss Balms are an okay product. There is nothing terrible about them but I think some of the shades aren't ideal for the lives of many working women. They aren't long lasting or highly pigmented. In the end, I  think are plenty of products on the market that are better than the CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balms. If you are looking for long-lasting and high pigmentation  check out the CoverGirl LipPerfection Lipsticks. They are fantastic products at a great price. If you are looking for a moisturizing lipstick (without a long shelf life) try a Revlon Lip Butter or a L'oreal Colour Riche Caresse Lipstick. Both feel amazing on the lips but the Lip Butter is very opaque while the L'oreal Lipstick has a very sheer finish.

If you still want to buy a Jumbo Gloss Balm despite reading this review--go for it! These are by no means a horrible product. Like I said at the beginning of the review, these are average products. Some of the shades are fantastic ("Watermelon Twist" or "Blush Twist") but some I regretted buying ("Ballet Twist" or "Coral Twist"). I will not be buying more of products from this range unless I read an excellent review on a specific color from someone that I really trust.

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L'oreal Colour Riche Caresse Lipstick Swatches, Photos, + Reviews

I'm here with another range review--this time featuring the L'oreal Colour Caresse Lipsticks. Weirdly enough, this is the first time I've ever reviewed a L'oreal product on my blog. So, hooray for trying new things! I have being eyeing these bad boys (in addition to the L'oreal Colour Caresse Shine Stain--reviews will be coming shortly) for months now and I finally just took the plunge and bought a few shades of each. 

The L'oreal Colour Riche Caresse Lipsticks are marketed as "vibrantly sheer color, non-cakey, [and] deliver  a feather-light finish without being sticky or heavy". After trying out these lipsticks for a couple weeks I was pleasantly surprised with how accurate the L'oreal's statement was. Both of the colors I purchased are medium to light pigmentation that glides onto the lips without any tugging. I would compare the texture to the new Maybelline Color Whispers but the L'oreal lipsticks feel slightly lighter on the lips and are definitely more of a sheer formulation. 

These aren't designed to be a long-lasting lip product and tend to last for about three hours before fading. When first applied, the lipsticks have a lovely glossy finish. This finish slowly fades to a more matte finish an hour after application. These lipsticks retail for around nine dollars--which is on the higher end of drugstore price range-- and comes with .1 oz of product. 

L'oreal Colour Riche Caresse Lipsticks: Blushing Sequin and Cardinal Plume

L'oreal Colour Riche Caresse Lipsticks: Cardinal Plume + Blushing Sequin

 Here are the colors swatched on my arm. When applied to the lips, the color intensity is variable depending on your natural lip color. On my lips, "Cardinal Plume" appears more like a pinkish-red color rather than the true red color above. "Blushing Sequin" is a fantastic every day color. It isn't a bright or bold color but it gives the lips a beautiful hint of pink. If I could only repurchase one color, I would chose "Blushing Sequins".

In conclusion, these L'oreal Colour Riche Caresse Lipsticks are fantastic for every day wear. They feel almost non-existant when applied to the lips and fade very naturally and beautifully as the day goes on. Their medium to light pigmentation makes application effortless. These lipsticks are perfect for "no-makeup" makeup looks to wear to the office or to school. Plus, the packaging is beautiful--especially for drugstore. I will definitely be buying a few more shades in the future.