Maybelline Color Elixir Review: Mandarin Rapture

If you caught my last review on the Maybelline Elixir lipgloss in the color Vision in Violet then you know that I really like these lip products. For me that statement says a lot because I am a bit fussy when it comes to gloss. It’s not that I don’t like the extra shiny, pouty look; I just don’t care for overly sticky, transparent formulas. If I am going to purchase a lip gloss I want bright, bold pigment and this line by Maybelline definitely delivers!

Today I will review another great shade from an impressive line-up of 20 “mesmerizing” colors. Orange is trendy this year and one of my favorite hues for the season. From true orange to coral based orange nothing gives the face a bright pop of summer like beautiful bold lips.

I have the Color Elixir gloss in the shade 015 Mandarin Rapture and like Vision in Violet (which is one of my favorite purple glosses), this orange has great color pay-off without being too dramatic or heavy. For those who tend to shy away from solid, bold shades these glosses provide just the right amount of radiant shine and hydration.

Mandarin Rapture

Vision in Violet

The glosses are made to “deliver color, balm and shine while feeling ultra cushiony. The angora brush applies the gloss smoothly for a polished, even application.” 

I like that the gloss is shiny without being too sticky and the formula of Mandarin Rapture contains fine shimmer particles for subtle eye catching sparkle. If you like gloss then you should definitely check these out! Here in Canada you can find them at most drug stores for about $12 (with tax). 

**Disclaimer: The Mandarin Rapture lip gloss was provided for review. I purchased  the Vision in Violet gloss. All opinions stated in this review are my own and based on my experience with the products. Results may vary based on individual use.**

Maybelline Master Hi-Lighting Blush Review

Today I have a review on a wonderful new multipurpose product by Maybelline. I love a radiant highlight and a nice blush for color and contour but it's not always easy finding shades that compliment each other. Applying a gorgeous blush and overshadowing it with a highlight in a different underlying color is redundant so products like the Master Hi-Lighting Blush are quite useful.

Pink Rose

The blush I have is called Rose Pink and it has an interesting woven pattern that is embedded with strips of dark and light shimmery pinks as well as a few strips of silver highlight for good measure. If you apply the pink colors on their own you end up with a pretty frosted pink blush. When the silver color is applied individually there is more highlight than color and the high points of the cheeks are beautifully illuminated.

I swatched the colors separately but they also produce a lovely effect when blended together.

The blushes come in six illuminating combinations including: Light Bronze, Coral, Nude and Deep Bronze. Some of the compacts are more of a highlight-bronzer duo but I prefer my highlight blended with my blush and my bronzer free of shimmer for contouring. The shades are not completely accurate on Maybelline's website, the colors are actually more vibrant and appealing in person.

The blush also comes with a brush that is hidden in a compartment underneath although the flat shape is not idea for application so I don’t use it.

With a fluffy face brush I sweep the blush-highlight duo over my cheeks, down the center of my nose and anywhere light naturally touches the skin. It can also be used as shimmery eye shadow to highlight the brow bone when paired with a good primer. When first applied the color is very subtle but it can be layered and built upon for more saturation.

Pink Rose is a very soft while providing an alluring natural flush that looks lovely for summer. You can find these blushes at most drug stores and they retail  for $7.94 each at Walmart.

**Disclaimer: These products were provided for review courtesy of Maybelline. All opinions stated in this review are my own and based on my experience with the products. Results may vary based on individual use.**