New York Color Expert Last Lipstick Review

NYC is a brand that I have been using since I was a kid and first began experimenting with makeup. Since then this budget friendly cosmetics line has expanded and enhanced their collection. The brand has recently launched the Expert Last Lipsticks in 20 fun shades ranging from nudes, medium tones and bright hues. These lipsticks are formulated to provide: “6 hours of wear, long-lasting shine, amplified color, and a velvety finish.” They are also made to outline the lips without feathering or bleeding.

The bright colorful tubes caught my attention right away and as soon as I swatched them the makeup addict in me just had to have them! 

For just $1.79 at Target here in Canada I was pleasantly surprised at the rich pigmentation and smooth texture. These lipsticks glide on quite creamy and appear bright and bold! Since I prefer hydrating formulas to keep my lips from drying and chapping I really liked these! They are slightly shiny and the quality is great. The texture does tend to become a bit less moisturizing the longer you wear it but they feel quite comfortable on the lips. 

The lipsticks are developed to match every mood and style, I purchased deep red and a variety of bright pinks with different finishes. 

For the price I was expecting the colors to appear sheer or be difficult to build-up but they provide full, opaque coverage and I like the enticing candy scent. 

Although they are made to last up to 6 hours and the lasting power is decent, (especially with a primer) they don’t hold up quite as long as advertised. I would also recommend not leaving them in the car during the summer and storing them in a cool dry place as they do tend to sweat in the heat.

My favorite shade is Air Kiss which I think is suitable for a wide range of skin tones and as you can see from the swatches below the texture is ultra rich!

At Walmart in the US the lipsticks retail for $1.99 and for that price you can experiment with some fun new shades this summer. To check out the full range of available colors click HERE.  

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.**