Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick Review - The Un-Nudes Collection

Don’t you just hate it when you have a fun evening planned and by the first fistful of popcorn or second sip of sangria your lipstick is smeared all over your food, glass or face? Well say goodbye to constant touch-ups and hello to Maybelline’s Matte Inks. Apply one of these liquid lipsticks and you can party until the sun comes up and smooch to your heart’s content because the color lasts all day! I’ve already reviewed some of my favorite shades from the core collection so today I’m featuring the Un-Nudes range which includes some unconventional colors.

I’ve tested just about every lip trend and popular brand on the market and none can outlast these bold inks. This is the longest lasting formula I’ve ever tried which is why I’m confident enough to leave home without my lipstick (now that’s some serious trust).

To get the most from your color, let the first layer dry before applying a second coat. Don’t be alarmed by the stickiness, it’s a small price to pay for transfer-proof durability and a perfectly painted pout that doesn’t fade.

The vivid pigment glides on creamy and blendable so you have time to shape and define your lips before it dries completely matte. The color clings to the skin like a paint or lacquer (you will definitely feel it) but the finish is intensely saturated for ultimate poutiness. Surprisingly, the texture does not feel extremely dry, there is just enough moisture to keep my lips comfortable and the tightness wears away. If you require more hydration or suffer from chapped skin, try exfoliating first. You can also use primer or balm underneath but that may affect adhesion and longevity.

The Un-Nudes are a bit unusual. I’m not sure if I will wear the light peach tones or concrete grey but they definitely spice-up my makeup collection. I suggest swatching before making a final decision because some shades are more appealing on the skin. The brown tones (Seductress, Amazonian and Fighter) are quite pretty and although they are neutral, the finish isn’t nude.

At the end of a long day my lipstick looks the same as it did when I first applied it but you’re probably wondering how to get it off. Thankfully all it takes is a good makeup remover and a little soaking. The color comes off rather quickly with very little staining. I use an eye cleanser from Flomar Beauty which lifts the color off with minimal rubbing. Unfortunately this brand is not available in the U.S. or Canada but you can find it in Europe, South America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa (I discovered it in Madrid).

The deeper end of the spectrum is pretty! I love the dark red (great on all skin tones) and the vampy blackberry and violet are eccentric (in a good way).

If you can get over the initial texture I definitely think you will like these. The formula is incredible and my obsession seems to have worn off on my family because the women are totally hooked! The lipsticks retail for $11.99 each.

You should also try the new Tattoo Studio Brow Gel ($14.99) – available in 4 shades. My mom told me about this product before the brand sent it to me for review and she was right, the waterproof formula lasts all day with no smudging or transfer. The packaging says it can actually stay on for up to 2 days and the deep brown is perfect for my dark hair without being too ashy.

The kit comes with a Sculpting tip for precise application and a grooming spoolie to tame, neaten and blend. My mom showed me a neat trick – she dips a small angled brush on the sculpting tip to coat it in color and then uses it to shape and fill. I actually prefer this method because it provides more definition and the color payoff is fabulous. 

Maybelline is available at drugstores nationwide

NEW Maybelline Python Metallic Lip Kit Review & Swatches

I love finding innovative new products and I think Maybelline’s Python Lip Kits ($12.99) are a refreshing take on classic lipstick and the ombré effect. If you want to glam-up your pout without spending a ridiculous amount of time perfecting your lip art technique, these small palettes create pretty effects.

There are 4 color combinations available and each cream pigment comes with a matching metallic topcoat. The lipstick has buildable coverage with high color payoff so you can adjust the intensity. Unfortunately the kit does not come with a lip brush for application and you will probably need one to layer, shape and fill neatly. If I use my finger, the vibrant red applies inconsistently and looks more like a faded stain. There is also no mirror on the inside cover which would come in hand for touch-ups on-the-go. Despite having to keep a lip brush in my purse, the metallic - matte cream layered effect is stunning!

The shimmery garnet top coat in this palette looks great with Maybelline’s Color Sensational Lipstick in the shade Cruel Ruby ($9.99). This deep bombshell red has a bold matte finish that flatters all complexions.

Provoked consists of a beautiful nude lipstick paired with a glittery gold top coat. Together this dynamic duo has the perfect balance of elegance and drama for a night out. The moist cream keeps lips supple with a touch of moisture and the metallic pigment stays in place without scattering. The best part – you can also use the shimmer pigments as eye shadow for a coordinated look worthy of the runway.

I’ve also been warming-up to an unconventional shade of lipstick – Concrete Jungle. This cool grey tone is way outside my comfort zone but I decided to take the plunge and try it anyway. With the right eye makeup I can totally pull it off at one of my upcoming makeup events.

Maybelline is available at drugstores nationwide

Maybelline The Burgundy Bar Palette - Review & Swatches + NEW Vivid Hot Lacquers

I know I’ve been featuring a lot of Maybelline makeup recently but that’s because they keep releasing palette after glorious palette and I can’t get enough! When the Burgundy Bar came out I had to have it because burgundy is one of my favorite shades to wear and it looks sexy on every skin tone.

The mesmerizing shades range from soft champagne, bronzy-gold, silvery-grey and even a seductive burgundy-purple that makes your eyes look glamorous! The only thing missing is a gorgeous matte burgundy for crease definition but there is a matte brown and creamy taupe. The applicator is a bit old-school and not very functional but I never use the brushes that come with my palettes so it doesn’t bother me.

Now let’s discuss pigmentation because I am very impressed with the quality! The shadows are soft and velvety with great color payoff and a radiant finish. Even without primer they look magnificent and blend effortlessly with no creasing or fading. I use this palette with the matte hues in my Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette because when you combine the luminous burgundy with burnt red and orange tones they create a smoldering effect! This is definitely a palette you need in your collection, it retails for $17.99.

If you really want to embrace the burgundy trend (which I highly recommend), pair the pretty shadows with Maybelline’s Matte Ink in the shade 50 Voyager ($11.99). These liquid lipsticks are incredible with the longest lasting formula I’ve ever used (the women in my family are addicted). The pigment glides on rich and highly saturated before drying completely shine-free and the color clings to the lips all day like a temporary tattoo (don't worry about the sticky feeling, it doesn’t last). I always wear the Inks to parties and events because I can sip cocktails and eat without any fading or bleeding and after binging on popcorn at the movies I don’t have to reapply! Click HERE to see more shades with swatches.

The Burgundy Bar also goes well with the Vivid Hot Lacquers ($10.99 ea) and if you prefer a glossy finish these are stunning! The wand drenches lips in dramatic, high-impact color with a reflective vinyl finish that is plumping and juicy. 

Shades left to right: 70 So Hot, 72 Classic and 68 Sassy

Maybelline is available at drugstores nationwide

Maybelline The City Kits Eye + Cheek Palette Review

Maybelline has kicked-off 2018 with a beautiful selection of new makeup. I’m addicted to the Matte Ink Lipsticks and the highlighters are stunning! There is also a variety of dazzling palettes inspired by chic urban trends and the City Kits are available in 2 pretty color schemes.

Pink Edge is for everyone and I predict that you will use this palette all the time. The shades are neutral yet glamorous with a mix of shimmery gold, champagne, taupe, brown, mauve and silver hues all infused with subtle pink undertones for a scintillating twist. The creamy mattes are nicely balanced with soft shimmers and silky satins to create elegant contrast and definition. You don’t have to be a makeup artist to make these shades work for you, the shadows, blush and highlighter are expertly coordinated for simplicity and radiance. This is a great everyday palette with enough variety to create smokiness and depth for an evening out.

Not only are the City Kits great for travel they are also nicely pigmented, non-creasing and long-lasting. The intensity is buildable and the texture is velvety so you can go from sheer to bold with a few well placed layers.

Urban Light is subtle and soft - reminiscent of spring pastels. The colors are very unique with an icy effect that gives you a pop of iridescence. These aren’t shades I would normally choose for myself but I absolutely love them! The minty green, multidimensional pink and glittering coral blush looks vibrant on the skin.

Maybelline is available at drugstores nationwide
Click HERE to check out the City Mini Palettes

Maybelline The City Mini Palette Review & NEW Master Holographic Highlighter

Maybelline understands that busy women need great makeup to create effortless looks that are stylish and trendy. The new City Mini Palettes ($14.99) feature 6 dramatic shades that transition from office appropriate to evening glam and they are small enough to slip in your purse for touch-ups on-the-go.

If you like radiant gold, warm neutrals and soft champagne tones then try Rooftop Bronzes. These scintillating shades contrast beautifully and offer the perfect level of intensity and richness for daily wear. There are no mattes in this palette – the finishes range from fun pops of glitter to refined satins with great pigmentation, no creasing and good longevity.

Chill Brunch Neutrals is a bit more subtle yet still quite sultry and chic. This palette has 2 creamy mattes that compliment the smokey purple, taupe and silver beautifully. I recommend using a good primer to enhance the colors even more but they layer well with buildable saturation.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner you may want to try soft pink tones for date night and Downtown Sunrise is a great option. I love the vibrant coral but it may scatter so pat it on instead of swiping for better concentration. You can also mix and match your favorites from each palette. 

Glowing skin is always on-trend so Maybelline has created dazzling new highlighters. My favorite is the Master Chrome Metallic in the shade Molten Gold. For just $12.99 you get gorgeous creamy color for subtle illumination or bold strobing and the silky texture is easy to blend and layer with no chalkiness. I think the brand should have used this formula for the eye shadow palettes as well because the color is highly pigmented and clings to the skin for longer wear and better saturation.

The Holographic Highlighter ($12.99) is silvery with flecks of blue glitter and prismatic shine. The pearl pigments are glamorous and sparkly but the finish is sheer and the particles tend to scatter. I prefer the Chrome formula because the color is consistent, fluid and neat but the holo effect is fun for parties.

Maybelline is available at drugstores nationwide 

Maybelline Total Temptation Makeup Collection: Review & Swatches

I’ve been using Maybelline since I started wearing makeup and over the years their beautiful shadows, trendy lipsticks and lengthening mascaras have helped me perfect my technique. I'm always excited when the brand reveals something new and this January Total Temptation debuted on drugstore shelves. The radiant collection is all about soft, wearable shades that create quick, simple looks to compliment all complexions.

The “hero of the family” is the mascara but being more of an eye shadow girl I had to try the palette first. The shades are expertly coordinated with a variety of finishes that accentuate and define. The radiant shimmers contrast nicely with the soft mattes and pops of glitter add glamorous sparkle for a night out. The texture is quite impressive – the pigments are light and velvety for effortless blending and long-wear without creasing. I always suggest using primer to enhance saturation and longevity but even without one the color payoff is good.

On the golden/neutral side there are champagne tones offset by coral and brown to help shape the eye contour. The highlighter is frosty and illuminating with a full-coverage finish very similar to the eye shadow formula.

The other side of the palette features pink and soft mauve tones which I love! The black is great for creating a smokey effect but the glitter shade (second from the top) has a sheer base. I prefer to use the highlighter on my lids for more coverage but the colors are beautiful! I hope Mayeblline extends this collection to include even more shades because I would love some jewel tones. The palette retails for $17.99 and is suitable for travel.

The Total Temptation Mascara ($11.99) is all about increasing volume, separation and length. The whipped pigment is infused with coconut extract to preserve, protect and moisturize. Traditional waterproof mascaras tend to dry down and bind hair together resulting in lash loss but this washable formula can be removed with just water. You can also apply several layers without much clumping and the jet black color thickens and elongates for a lovely fanned out effect. I think this may be one of my favorite Maybelline mascaras and it smells delicious!

The Total Temptation Brow Definer ($11.99) comes with a retractable crayon and a small spoolie brush. The Deep Brown shade is perfect for my dark hair and I love the shape and angle of the point for creating sharp lines and definition. At first the pigment is a bit dry so you may have to do a few swipes on the back of your hand before it starts gliding smoothly. The pencil fills-in sparse areas for a thicker look and lasts all day without smudging.

The Total Temptation Collection is available at drugstores nationwide
(PR samples provided for review)

NEW Maybelline SuperStay Full Coverage 24 Hour Foundation: Review & Swatches

Finding a foundation that matches my skin tone is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. I’ve tested a wide variety of brands and formulas from high-end to drugstore and everything in-between without much luck. Currently I’m using MAC’s Studio Fix Foundation which I’ve been relying on since I started wearing liquid makeup. It isn’t an exact match and tends to oxidize (deepen/change color) but it is the closest I’ve come to not looking like an Oompa Loompa or Flaming red Cheeto.  

You can imagine how excited I was to try the new SuperStay Full Coverage Foundation by Maybelline. The shade selection is good and the level of concealment is amazing! If you have blemishes that need hiding, the rich liquid blends smoothly and camouflages like a dream. For a natural look and seamless finish don’t cake it on too heavy - less is definitely more. I don’t even need concealer, the foundation dries completely matte clinging to the skin to boost longevity.

I have combination skin (oily in the summer, dry in the winter) and although the formula does not provide a lot of hydration it still feels quite comfortable. If you have dry skin I suggest applying a generous dose of moisturizer first.

This is the kind of foundation that will hold-up on hot summer days and resist fading during perspiration, physical activity and humidity but it was difficult to find the right undertone. The closest shades to my complexion are probably 334 Warm Sun and 330 Caramel Toffee but after testing both I suspect that 320 Honey (lighter than both of these) may actually work better.

In the photos these bottles look very similar but the colors are quite different. On the color spectrum Warm Sun comes after Toffee but actually appears lighter with a golden undertone. At first it seemed like a decent match but after layering and allowing it to dry, the pigment deepened (perhaps a little too much) and developed an orange tinge which was too warm for me. Caramel Toffee also appears lighter when first applied but after drying the foundation darkens substantially and is much deeper than my complexion.

To find your perfect match swatch and wait until the liquid is completely dry for best accuracy. If you find a shade that works grab it because for just $14.99 it provides a flawless finish.

Maybelline is available at major drugstores nationwide

Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick Review

So you’re at the drugstore looking for an awesome new lipstick. Maybe you have a hot date, holiday party or girls night but you need something that makes a statement without breaking the bank. Before jetting off in frustration (because there are like a million lipsticks to choose from) head over to the Maybelline display and swatch one of the new Super Stay Matte Inks – trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

These colourful Inks ($11.99) are super pigmented, bold, rich, bright and show-stopping. They are also very on-trend with the new lip paint craze that has taken over the beauty scene and there are 10 hyper-intense matte shades to chose from.

The pigment glides on smooth and creamy which makes them easy to spread and the pointed applicator helps trace the lip contour to create a sharp, defined pout. One swipe was all it took for me to become totally hooked – the saturated color drenches lips before it dries, sets and stays put for hours of wear (it lasted through an entire work day). Since the color adheres so well, the texture is a bit tacky and I definitely notice the stickiness on my lips.

Although the lipsticks don’t cause peeling or discomfort (not for me at least) you might need a little more moisture during the winter months. I like to prep my lips with a hydrating primer for more suppleness.

Through eating, drinking and partying, the formula resists fading and transfer requiring only minor touch-ups throughout the day. You can also transform the Inks and change the finish by adding a clear gloss on top - the pigment retains its intensity and you get a pop of shine.

I received 4 shades (all pretty) but my favorite is Pioneer – a deep, sexy red that puts me in a festive mood and looks fabulous with sparking gold shadow. The Inks all have vivid packaging but the actual pigment may not match the outside so make use of the testers (FYI- they do stain). Overall I think Maybelline did a fantastic job with this formula. The brand is available at drugstores nationwide. 

Swatches (prior to drying) bottom to top: 30 Romantic, 20 Pioneer, 35 Creator and 25 Heroine

How to Rock Neutral Lipstick – Maybelline Inti-Matte Nudes & Rimmel Oh My Gloss Review

Nude lips have been very popular recently but it took a while for me to warm-up to the trend. Usually I’m drawn to bright, rich hues or deep sultry shades but sometimes simplicity is beautiful and classy. When wearing deep, smokey shadow or bold shimmering pigment, a neutral lip helps balance and tone down bright color so the look doesn’t appear harsh or too dramatic.

When going nude, it’s important to remember that there are neutral tones for every complexion and they aren’t all universal. Lighter tones look great on fair skin and pink, mauve or chocolate undertones compliment deeper complexions. Flesh tones are a bit tricky – if the shade is too bland, it can wash you out and create what I call - the corpse look. To find the best match, it’s best to swatch and sample.

When you find a good nude, you’ll know it. The shade will look just right and go with almost anything you put on your face. Glossy lips are easier to start with and you can layer the shine over most lipstick. The Oh My Gloss Collection by Rimmel offers a decent variety of sheer, comfortable neutrals with a smooth, creamy formula that provides long-lasting moisture and radiance. The texture is more plush and cushiony than the average gloss and the sheer, non-sticky finish provides a subtle hint of color to accentuate your natural lip color.

Top to bottom: 130 Purr Glossy Cat, 140 Glossip Girl, 730 Cosmic and my personal fave – 330 Snog

The color lasts up to 6 hours and glides on quick and precise when glossing-up on-the-go. It also keeps lips chap-free, luminous and plump with a soft wash of shimmer. As the gloss wears away, it leaves skin hydrated and supple - like there is a built-in layer of lip balm underneath for extra dryness relief and protection. They retail for $7.48 ea.

For solid color and better coverage, you can’t go wrong with a matte finish. The Maybelline Inti-Matte Nudes are available in 10 shades and the formula is wonderful! The velvety lipstick glides on effortlessly and with a few quick swipes I can apply the color perfectly.

Along with good pigmentation, the soft, buttery texture is moisturizing and ultra smooth – enriched with nourishing oils that keep lips healthy. Conveniently, there are also matching lip liners available for creating a neat, defined finish and I like the sweet, powdery scent.

My favorite shades are Almond Rose and Raw Chocolate

The lipsticks retail for $7.49 each and both brands are available at drugstores nationwide.