RSSProduct Review : Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick
September 30, 2009
When I find a product I really like, it seems as though all the reviews disagree.
I’ve given up on Makeupalley because the reviews are all over the map for anything you look up. I guess the answer there is to find a reviewer you generally agree with and follow her. There seem to be many negative reviews elsewhere, but I’m going out on a colour limb and saying that I like this product and I like it a whole lot.
Anything that says “fall in love with colour again” and “crisper colour” is going to have me test running it. Color Sensational Lipstick is quite impressive.
The texture is fine. It is not greasy or oily. It is not of that feathery mousse technology that is supposed to feel weightless, but to me is too airy and doesn’t last anyhow. I like lipstick that is thick, fairly creamy, with a decent colour deposit, that lasts.
There were many complaints about the smell and taste. I tried 4 colours. Admittedly, my sense of smell isn’t razor-sharp, but I didn’t find anything other than a mild sweet waxy smell. I guess that’s your honey nectar at work.
Nude lips are bland, though they will have a place. They will always look fresh on a young face where the lip definition is good to begin with. Lighter lips will always balance a dark eye if a makeup artist lives at your house.
By the over 40 years, as the features fade into the face, it’s a brighter, more coloured lip that looks younger. If the colour is right, it is more than anti-aging. It also looks more interesting. More sophisticated. More confident. More creative. More exciting. More fearless. It is less safe and it gets noticed. That takes some getting used to so you don’t begin with the full face on Day 1. But is “Don’t notice me. Don’t make a fuss over me.” , really what you want to tell the world about you?
But, of course, I’m all about colour. This delivers! It is organized! The shades are great! I would venture to say that every person of the 12 Seasonal Colour Analysis groups, regardless of colouring intensity, can find a colour here. Many brands make a good attempt to organize the colour offering but are much stronger in some categories than others. This is fairly even. The colour deposit is significant and true, so the darker shades go on pretty dark, but so opaque as to be Goth.
It’s $10 in Canada, just coming into small-town Ontario now. There are a lot of us who fit the Budget Beauties profile and don’t care about name-dropping. We who have $10, 10 min., 10 things to do, 10 things we forgot to do, 10 things our kids want, and do not have Bobbi Brown for a nextdoor neighbor, can buy several over time.
It lasts outrageously well, in that it leaves a stain. I swiped some on my hand this morning at 10AM. It is 2PM, I’ve washed my hands 3 times, and there is still a (faint) stain. Perhaps my expectations were too low but I’ve been marveling at it all day.
Watch the video of the ad being filmed, on Maybelline’s product page linked above. It’s your slice of cheap thrills today. Wear your lips like that IRL and you look demented, but it’s still fun.
Are the colours crisp, as they say? YES, they are! They know what they are and what they’re not. They’re not trying to please everyone by being pinkish-beige-brown-berry-whatever.
Do the colours look like the tube? WYSIWYG.
The colour pop thing, if that’s what you want? Depends on what colour you buy. If you are of light or low contrast colouring, the mania for colour pops is probably what scared you away from makeup in the first place. There are no pops of colour on your body and they look nuts when applied. If you own any, did you wear them once? Twice? No worries, you have plenty of softer choice here.
Play with the arrows on either side of the colour display to see all the shades. The swatch is a pretty good rendition of the tube. The colour on the tester display is not.
It’s just coming into Canada now so they don’t even have a full range of testers yet, let alone having sales. It goes on the Christmas lists.
Let it help you move to the edge of your look.
Note: I find some controversy about whether this company conducts testing on animals. Does anyone know?
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23 Responses to “Product Review : Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick”
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Hi Christine–sent you an email the other day but it came back. I used empowered attraction-guess that is not for emails or I forgot to go to the site. You and I are going to write the casual cookbook where nothing is measured and the recipe is never made the same way twice!
I don’t think I have seen this new Maybelline lipstick in the drug store. Or maybe I just missed it. I hang out in the drugstore more than the dept store for new stuff! Going to try it since I love the bright colors and cannot wear the brown lipsticks. They had a new Allure best product info on TV the other day- Cover Girl lipstains and Dove Bodywashes among other products. Many of the products were drug store brands which I found interesting.
Rosalie,
The product must be in the US, surely before it would come here. The display case in some stores looks different than the one pictured above. Maybe they’ve added the product in your stores but the display case is just blending into the Maybelline display, or divided up differently.
I keep trying this product and really loving it. It is a creamy enough, but also dry enough to stay put and last. Even the medium colours go on fairly dark if your complexion is light, but really, give it a try.
To everyone,
Between appts at work, I look at Paula Begoun’s Beautypedia. Have they changed it lately? I see there is now a link in the main navigation bar as to whether the product is animal-tested. Also, right beneath each product review, it tells you whether the product is tested on animals.
Maybelline is there as a company that does not test – I assume that means they don’t test the finished lipstick on animals. The controversy about this and other companies may stem from whether raw materials are animal-tested.
The other smart thing I saw at Beautypedia today (though it’s probably been there a long time) is on the What’s New page. If you click on the company, it tells you exactly which new products have been added. This saves SO much time. What a smart company they are.
Off to buy lipstick…sooo much fun and there is no sarcasm in that at all, seriously! I absolutely love it when I get a recommendation from someone I trust! Did you try the Estee Lauder non feathering lipstick that Paula is raving about? I am off to a larger center today (Fredericton) and intend to invest in both the Maybelline and EL and compare.
Gina – I saw Paula’s EL lipstick recommendation on her blog. The feathering thing is not really my biggest issue, though I can see it will soon become so. Paula and I very seldom feel differently about any product except lipstick (where she likes a totally no-wander application) and mascara (we just can’t get on the same page at all on this, though I’ve found some of my favorite mascaras through her, but also have thrown many out). Let me know what you think of the EL. I’m going to test it for sure.
I’m still loving the Maybelline. It’s already on sale at Zellers and they don’t have all their testers in yet.
My latest lipstick thing comes from looking at pictures of myself and deciding that my lipstick is generally too faded and soft. In the pictures of myself and others that I like best, lip colour usually is in balance with the strength of the hair and brows. I’m looking at Summer Sunset, and either Pink Me Up or Let Me Pink for a Dark Winter. The stuff does go on fairly intense.
As usual, there are loads of choices for the Autumn seasons. A Dark Autumn – Cinnamon Stick, Get Nutty, WarmNCozy, Warm Me Up, Blushing Brunette, Crazy For Coffee, Yummy Plummy.
Maybe Madison Mauve on a True Winter?
Enjoy the trip!
omg thank you ….it was too funny yesterday as I stood there in front of the lipstick display with my gorgeous 12 Blueprint color swatches in hand…..Kevin behind me adding his input, none of it very helpful I might add.
Note to self: Never try to multi task when looking for lipstick and if at all possible don’t shop with husband in tow.
We were at the Co-op where I finally succeeded in getting him distracted in the electronics department long enough to realize that I needed to consider which color I wanted more. It is finicky, isn’t it? THANK GOD for those swatches….I could eliminate well over half of the choices immediately. I am narrowing it down to Blushing Brunette and Get Nutty …..may splurge and get both
Never got the chance to see the EL line as we were well spent after groceries, electronics and soccer but I will be back this week and ALONE!
Kev did make the comment as to how handy those ‘color things’ were. Certain he is thinking anything that saves time and money is worth the small investment. At least we agree on that
Little does he know how the swatches have changed my entire shopping experience for the better. Will give an update when I have completed my purchases.
Wish you’d just categorize the color choices by season for us. I’m a cool/true summer with short attention span – need medium intensity appropriate for 60 years.
Oh Christine, thanks so much for the recommendation! I love these lipsticks! I went to the drugstore to try on the colors that you suggested for Dark Winters (I’m 95% sure now that this is what I am) and they worked beautifully! Pink Me Up is a nice, soft everyday pink on me, Let Me Pink is stronger, and Summer Sunset is probably my favorite one: On me, it shows up as a bright pink-red. I wore it to a party last night and several people there told me how well I looked. My eye is becoming adjusted to seeing myself in cooler makeup colors. The standard wisdom often presented in beauty magazines is that pink shades are only for blondes and/or the very light-skinned, and that anyone darker should wear browns and oranges. But the more I wear pink colors, the more I like them.
Gina –
Let me know what you think of the colours. They go on darker than they look, I think. There are a lot of shimmery shades but I don’t think it interferes. I’ve been wondering if I spoke too soon about this lip product, in that I’m still working on a colour for myself. I do like the relative dryness of it, so it lasts, feels fine, leaves a stain, and doesn’t wander about. Those are still true. But the colour now… I look for mid-range mulberry. I’m finding they’re either too blue or too dark. Maybe I’m too critical. Can’t settle on one. Let me know what you choose. I can certainly see Blushing Brunette- but does it go on dark?
I know what you mean about men and shopping with colours. They have a whole different spin on it. For us, we want to look as young and beautiful as we can. For them, they want shopping to become fast and hassle-free, but it’s too big of a leap of imagination for them to go from “having colours done” to “shopping becomes a sure thing”.
Searcy,
You know, I tried to do that. As I said to Gina just above, I tried on a few more shades, but many seemed darkish or too intense to blend into the face without being conspicuous.
I also had the initial impression that all the seasons were reasonably well served, though of course Autumn always has far more choice than anyone. Women feel more comfortable in brownish, nude, flesh-toned shades if they’re not sure just what to wear. And 4 of the 8 Neutral seasons need some brownish tones in makeup. Winter is underserved group. They get the token FireEngine Red, Blue Red, but I’m not sure any of the pinks are the right red-violets and plums that work.
If your attention span is nagging at you, you might look at Pink Quartz and Pink Wink.
I’ll keep working on it. It has my interest now.
Hi, Elizabeth,
I looked at Summer Sunset too. Unlike so many of these colours, this one actually goes on lighter than I expected. I like it too. It has a clarity that works well with Winter. I found it a little orange on me (many colours do that on my skin) and wondered about it for a True Spring, but that didn’t feel quite right. I’m glad it worked for you. Certainly for evening, it would be excellent, a good color statement without the too-dark colours so often worn in the evening.
Let Me Pink is stronger but still good – maybe it’s the deeper colour that makes so many of these pinks good on Winters. Dark Winter is normally a season of brown-red, plum, and especially mulberry makeup. Hard to find a true Mulberry. L’Oreal Colour Riche makes one by that name but it’s for True Winter, a lovely red-violet but not muted enough for Dark Winter.
I looked at Lancome Color Fever 324 lately (name escapes me, maybe Framboise something?). Very pink, but rather lovely I thought. Let me know if you try it.
Darker people in brown or orange is … wrong! Many Summers are dark-haired, Winter is dark, and Spring can be dark, and none of them wears brown or orange.
Christine,
I’m not sure if this is the one you’re talking about, but I found a Color Fever lipstick called Fashion Crave Framboise at the Lancome counter. It is lovely! It looks quite dark in the tube, but not so dark on me. I wonder what blush would match this kind of pink shade. I’ll do some searching!
That sounds right. It is a deep, darkish pink. If you found 324 and Framboise on the same tube, it must be the same. It’s makes a statement for sure, but still a striking and wearable colour. I have not yet found a good Dark Winter blush except M.A.C. Breath Of Plum which I find a little too pink, but could work with this lip. If your search turns up something, puh-leaase let me know first!
Reporting back: I’ve made some good blush discoveries! I don’t know if you have this line in Canada, but Sally Hansen Natural Beauty has a cream blush in a shade called Rosy. It is sold in drugstores here in the States, and it can be found online, too. It is a deep, somewhat muted pink that pairs well with the Lancome lipstick. Also, I found a plum MAC blush called Flirt and Tease. It looks really sparkly in the packaging, but not so much on skin. It’s less pink than Breath of Plum.
Okay I will try this again…I had written a note to tell you what I purchased and it disappeared…
I bought Tinted Taupe from the Maybelline collection…lovely shade and its staying power is quite acceptable. Very little feathering but I did use a MAC undercoater with it and a liner so that could be the reason as well. Still the colour is true and rich. No one can say anything about the cost…. to the point that if you don’t really like the colour you have not spent your child’s education fund, so relax.
The real news here is the EL Stay All Day lipstick…..okay I bought Stay Ruby….I know I am a Deep Autumn but this colour looks fabulous! That being said the texture is not too dry and not too moist ( my hair can still get stuck on it at dance class but that is forgivable). Here’s the kicker…..this stuff does not move….SERIOUSLY it doesn’t feather, bleed, leak, run, walk, saunter, promenade….it is as sedentary as cream cheese on a knife that has gone through the dishwasher. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Paula was so right on this one. Yes it is $30! I don’t care! I want every shade I could possibly wear and maybe the ones I can’t. I mean it Chris …you have to review this one. Tell your readers, tell your friends, tell every woman on the planet who is looking for a lipstick that stays put…. EL has done it. I even wear this without a base or a liner and it doesn’t go anywhere. They could be more inventive with the names and at the moment there are only 12 shades but the EL lady at Sears in SJ (sweet woman) said she was optimistic about expansion of the colour line. Lord have mercy! I am saved!
Elizabeth,
The Sally Hansen sounds lovely. I’m not a huge fan of cream blush, but I could become one. In my little town, there’s no Sally Hansen makeup. I’m not sure about the bigger Canadian cities. I keep a list for when I’m in the US, so I’ll check it out.
When I’m looking for a M.A.C. colour swatch, I go see Christine at Temptalia. I believe she’s swatched every product they make. I found Flirt And Tease, and I agree that it looks lovely (but shiny, as you say).
These were the posts I looked at:
http://www.temptalia.com/mac-cosmetics-products-blushes
and
http://www.temptalia.com/mac-cosmetics-paint-pot-swatches-blush-swatches
Loverush and Plumfoolery look fabulous. Loverush may apply muddy on fair people but it has that elusive mulberry colour I search for. The Plum may be shiny. Still, I feel a purchase coming on.
Breath of Plum is pretty but YES, it is PINK! I’ve been mixing it with Almay Mauve, which I bought hoping it would be good on a True Summer. Alas, too brown, but I’m finding that mixed with the other, it tones the pink down with a touch of brown and deepens it a bit. I think it’s working ok.
THANKS for the info. Makeup is such fun.:)
Hi Christine,
I finally made a Maybelline lipstick purchase and found a place to buy them for about $5.50. I bought Park Avenue peach after looking at lots. I am an Autumn pretty sure but not sure which one. I have a lot of yellow in my skin, natural hair color is middle brown, but now red towards towards copper and green-hazel eyes. I would love to buy one or two more because the consistency is great. I saw your remarks about lots for Autumns but I sure am having a tough time. Browns and pinks are completely out!
I am looking for something to wear with magenta clothes that is toward the purples plums but must have some orange in it. I cannot wear my bright oranges with magenta. With all those colors you might think I can find something. Any suggestions I also like Cinnamon Stick but its pretty similar to what I bought.
I tried Cover Girl Outlast but find it much too drying esp. compared to the Maybelline.
My normal trick is to take a more plummy lipstick and then add an orange over it. I had one I loved but they discontinued it. I dragged it every place to try to match it including Sephora but it seems everything I buy turns darker on me. MAC 3-D Frost I bought but turns much too dark on my lips.
I need you to come to Florida and help we have a guest bedroom on the water! or better yet make suggested tries. Too many colors and I get confused esp since light is usually bad in the stores!
You need to start carrying a line of clothes. I went to a house party for a line called Gabi everything was dark and lots of black and stark white-both of which I know do nothing for me. I am a brown girl and natural linen. Bright colors are great on me and since I am only 5’2″ and 115 I stand out a little more if wearing the brights!.
Can’t wait to see what I should check out. I have really enjoyed some of your latest blogs.
Rosalie
Hi, Rosalie,
Always enjoy hearing from you. I’ve looked at your picture before and wondered about your season. One gets the impression of a warm season and not a really dark one, but that still leaves Soft and True Autumn and Light and True Spring.
I agree about the clothes. How great would it be for women to walk into a store that has wardrobe basics in the key colours of each season. The purses, the reading glasses, the makeup. I understand how complicated it could get but for so many items, and so many women, it would be a dream.
I’m not sure about the perfect lipstick because I don’t know your coloring for certain. My current absolute favorite, either on its own or with something layered over top, is Estee Lauder’s new Double Wear. They make a Ginger that’s lovely but may be too brown. There are 2 pinks and a coral. Ruby is lovely too. This lasts hours, layers perfectly, and never dries or crumbles.
If you are able to take a focused close-up of your eye, send it to me privately. I can often tell some things about season from the lines and colours in the eye. It needs to be VERY focused and VERY close. Took me an hour with my camera to figure it out.
I am definitely a warm season and don’t think I am a spring. I will see if I can get Guy to try the photo. Since I know how to do closeups for jewelry and cats with my camera I will try. Would you believe somewhere in my life my eyes changed color. They used to be brown and now are more green. Sound nuts has nothing to do with lenses! What is the email these days that goes to you directly. Can I blow up a photo of my face to get the green? Do you want the eye photo inside under light or outside in sunlight.
I really like the Maybelline lipsticks at $5.00. I can make mistakes. I have not gone to check out the Estee lipsticks but did look on line. Would try one if Lauder does one of their great gift with purchase thingies but the Maybelline feels great and does seem to have some staying power. A lot of this stuff dries my lips out.
I have a hot filling good for you soup recipe that I made here the other day in sunny 90 degree Fla. and thought of you. Would you like the recipe? It has lentils, split peas barley and leftove r cooked chicken.
My daughter told me that Walgreens takes returns on makeup whether package is opened or not. Never tried it myself but she is a reliable authority on shopping! This might eliminate the need to buy expensive brands just because of their samples at the makeup counter.
Yes, Walgreens is great for that. It was a bear trying to find foundation, but at least at Walgreens, I could take it back if it didn’t work. It’s worth the minor prince increase.
Hi, Rosalie,
I think you’ll need to try to just get the eye. Turn off the flash, do it by a window, set it to macro (close-up), turn the ISO sensitivity on high, look into the lens, hold it about 4 inches from your eye and click. Play with it. It takes practice. Natural light is best. Email it to christine@agreenertea.com. I love these things. In fact, I’ve had to stop doing this before an analysis because it can be so accurate that I feel it may reflect on how I interpret the drapes. I do look after because I think it’s so cool.
Would LOVE the soup recipe. Sounds right up my alley. I love barley and lentils because you can eat a ton of this stuff and still stay very trim.
I’ve been looking at a few things in an attempt to replace my old Deep Autumn makeup now that I am a Clear Winter. I looked at the Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Gloss and loved the colors. The ones I considered for myself were “Wine all Mine” and “Plum-Tastic”. In the end, I thought Plum-Tastic would be too cool for me, but perhaps great for Cool Winter, and decided on Wine all Mine. Beautiful color, more like a deep berry to me. The color payoff is great, it applies almost like lipstick, and also looks great applied more sheerly. Both colors might work well for Dark Winters.
Hi Christine. Reading this article made me wonder what is a brighter lip color that would look good on a 65yr old light spring? TY
These products have a fairly heavy color deposit, so they can go on darker than they seem. Sweet Nectar would be a possibility.
Have you a Merle Norman nearby? Their Cameo Shrimp or Gold Plated Bronze are nice. Both are from the Creamy Lipcolor line that I’ve loved this week for application and long wear.