Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor

Last week a friend showed me a new Maybelline lipstick she bought. One look at the shade and I knew I had to have it! I had also been impressed by other Maybelline Maybe It's Me products so far. So I decided to give Color Sensational a go. Here is my review on Maybelline's Color Sensational Lipcolor in the shade number 215 - Totally Toffee.

WHAT MAYBELLINE SAYS: Fall in love with color all over again:

Crisper color from pure pigments

Creamier feel from nourishing honey nectar

Lipcolor so rich, so stunning... it's sensational

33 captivating shades

PRICE: Rs. 299 (incl. of tax).

PACKAGING: The lipstick comes in a chunky, rectangular case. The cover is shaded brown (as I bought one of the Natural shades). The colour of the cover varies according to the shade group (Pinks, Reds, Plums, Naturals). The 4.2g of lipstick is inside a glossy, silver case. I really liked the chunky case, quite different from what you usually get. And I love how the cover colour changes according to the shade group!

TEXTURE: The lipstick is really creamy and smooth. It does not feel dry on your lips. It is also quite light weighted. Does not feel cake-y at all. So yes, it is definitely creamy like Maybelline claims. But I did not find any remarkable moisturizing effects.

COLOUR: The shade of my lipstick is 'Totally Toffee'. It is a nude colour, with a very, very slight bit of pink. The lipstick looks darker than it really is. It's more on the brown side, but when you apply it, you get a very pretty nude shade. It looks quite natural and does not pale you out. I loved the colour on sight, but like it even more on application!

SMELL & FLAVOUR: The lipstick does not have any flavour at all. However, it has a very sweet toffee fragrance. The lipstick is also said to have honey nectar. So it definitely is sweet smelling. I don't mind sweet smells, but I have found out that not everyone seems to like the fragrance of this lipstick!

LASTING POWER: I found the lipstick to be quite long lasting. Eating or drinking does not seem to affect it much. It lasted on me for about 3 hours, during which I did eat and drink. Though the creaminess of the lipstick does seem to go down after a while, it does not make your lips go chalky.

SOMETHING EXTRA: There are neither any extra nor any special features in this lipstick.

CONCLUSION: I love the colour as well as the packaging of this lipstick. The texture is good, but there isn't anything outstanding about it. If you're looking for something cheap and efficient, this lipstick does the trick! Maybelline Color Sensational does have some really pretty shades. I could have used with some sheen though.

RATING: 3.5 out of 5

Make Up For Ever Liquid Lip Color

Today I'm reviewing a lip colour by a brand I've never used before. The first time I actually came across Make Up For Ever was when a store opened at a mall nearby. Later on I found out that it is a major French brand, especially with make-up professionals. In the mood for some impulsive shopping, I just popped into Make Up For Ever and bought their Liquid Lip Color in shade number 14 - Old Pink.

WHAT MAKE UP FOR EVER SAYS: Liquid Lip Color combines the intensity and coverage of a lipstick with the shine of a gloss. Its formula, rich in active ingredients (Maxi-Lip) contains an active care ingredient which improves hydration of the lips and makes them look fuller (after one month of regular use).

PRICE: Rs.1180 (incl. of tax).

PACKAGING: The lip colour comes in a glossy, black standard box. Make Up For Ever's logo, the product name and all the other details are typed on in neat white font. There is no shade name mentioned anywhere, only the shade number. The lip colour comes in a clear plastic 9ml tube, with a soft brush applicator. So there is no mess when you apply the colour.

However, when I got home and took the tube out of the box, I noticed that some of the colour had gone crusty on the tube. Maybe this was because this was the last tube left of Number 14. I should learn to check next time!

TEXTURE: Irresistibly soft and smooth! The consistency is just as they say - liquid. So be careful while applying, as you don't want too much of it on your lips in just one go! I just used a little bit and it still gave my lips a wonderful colour. Not at all sticky and does not dry out your lips.

COLOUR: The shade I bought is called 'Old Pink' (I checked MUFE's website). It is a dull, rosy pink, mixed with a little nude. It looks really pretty in the tube and even prettier when you apply it! Like I mentioned, I just used a little bit of colour and it still coated my lips wonderfully. The colour makes my lips look so soft and natural! It's perfect for every occasion, every day wear or someplace special! There are 10 shades available in Liquid Lip Color, each one as lovely as the rest.

SMELL & FLAVOUR: There is no special fragrance or flavour to this product. It has a slight smell and taste of your typical 'lipstick', but that's barely noticeable.

LASTING POWER: Considering its liquid consistency, Liquid Lip Color is very long lasting! It lasted for about 4 hours with the same colour intensity and softness from the time I had applied it. After that the color started dulling down slightly, but the smoothness remained.

SOMETHING EXTRA: The lip colour has some lip pumping properties. I have not yet used it for a month, so I don't know the exact results. But I did get a tingly feeling on my lips when I applied it, just like the shop assistant had said I would.

CONCLUSION: For someone who is not used to lipsticks, this is a great product. Gloss and lip colour in the same thing, Liquid Lip Color can act like a beginner's lipstick! One of the prettiest pinks I've come across,  perfect amount of intensity and texture, long lasting power - Make Up For Ever has made a fan out of me for life! I cannot wait to try out their other products!

RATING: 5 out of 5

Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss

Clinique is my most favourite skincare brand. All of their products are allergy tested as well as 100% fragrance free. Although Clinique is known as a skincare line, their make-up is very popular too. Since I absolutely love Clinique's skincare range, I thought about trying out their make-up as well. So here is a review of Clinique's Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in the shade 'Raspberry'.

WHAT CLINIQUE SAYS: Lip balm with a colourful twist. Luscious, high-gloss shades treat your most undermoisturized skin to soothing shine. Instantly relieve dryness, protect with antioxidants and more. Dip in.

PRICE: Rs.950 (incl. of tax).

PACKAGING: The lip gloss comes in a pretty peach, yellow and white box with floral graphics on it. Inside the box is a 15ml tube of lip gloss. The tube is not something I would except out of a vintage looking box. It is a clear plastic squeeze tube with a slanted tip applicator and a shiny, silver cap.

TEXTURE: Since this is a lip gloss and a lip balm offered in one product, the texture is on the thicker side. However the gloss is not at all sticky and does not weigh down your lips. Your lips feel really soft on application. The gloss definitely does moisturize and soften up your lips instantly.

COLOUR: I bought the shade Raspberry, which looks like a bright, darker pink in the tube. But when you apply the lip gloss it gives more of a sheer tint in the subtlest of pinks, while giving your lips a glossy shine at the same time. It's the perfect amount of shine and colour for everyday use. The other shades available are Ginger, Grapefruit, Lilac, Apricot, Mango, Current and Rootbeer. All of the shades were so pretty that I really didn't feel like buying just one!

SMELL & FLAVOUR: Since Clinique tries its best to keep the products allergy free, the lip gloss does not have any smell or flavour. Even though all the shades are given fruity names, the gloss is fragrance and flavour free.

LASTING POWER: The lip gloss lasts for about 2 hours after application, if you do not plan to eat or drink during that time. So you have to keep reapplying the lip gloss throughout the day. But since it also keeps my lips nice and soft, I really don't mind! If you're looking for a more lasting lip gloss, you might want to try Clinique's Long Last Glosswear.

SOMETHING EXTRA: The lip gloss has antioxidants, so your lips can be protected at all times!

CONCLUSION: A lip balm, gloss and tint all in one! What more could I ask for? This is a great product, if you don't mind reapplying it after every few hours. That is the only con of this lip gloss. I really liked this product and cannot to wait to try it out again in the shade 'Ginger'!

RATING: 4.5 out of 5

The Body Shop Born Lippy

The Body Shop is known world over for the excellent natural ingredients in their products, be it make-up or skin care. They are the second largest cosmetic franchise in the world. The unique thing about The Body Shop is their social activism, like their Policy Against Animal Testing, Community Fair Trade and The Body Shop Foundation. Today I will be reviewing the most basic lip balm from them, that is Born Lippy in 'Raspberry'.

WHAT THE BODY SHOP SAYS: A glossy and moisturising lip balm with a sweet berry flavour, that leaves lips looking and feeling soft, smooth and kissable. Main ingredients are Raspberry extract, Organic beeswax and Lanolin.

PRICE: Rs.195 (incl. of tax).

PACKAGING: The lip balm comes in transparent little 10ml tub with a screw-on lid. On the lid is a sticker with the product's name printed in neat white font, as well as the logo of The Body Shop. The background of the sticker is a squiggle of something that looks like a raspberry drawn by a child. Hence it is more of a fun, convenient product, rather than something luxurious. The small sized lip balm tub can be popped into even the smallest of bags, so it's very travel-friendly.

TEXTURE: The texture of the balm is smooth, but a bit sticky at the same time (as opposed to Born Lippy in Watermelon, which is on the creamy side). Because of the gooey-ness of the balm, you need to wipe your finger every time you dunk it into the tub. However, once you apply it on your lips the balm is extremely smooth and makes your lips feel super soft.

COLOUR: The colour of the lip balm inside the tub is bright pink, as it is a Raspberry lip balm. But the colour does not transform onto your lips. So this is a colourless lip balm, but gives a really high shine and gloss. You can use it as a lip balm as well as a clear gloss. Other variants available are Watermelon, Strawberry, Satsuma and Pink Guava.

SMELL & FLAVOUR: The balm gives a very sweet fragrance, like all other products with berries in them. People who don't like fruity, sickly sweet smells might not like the smell this lip balm gives, but I personally love it. The flavour of the balm is also sweet and berry-like. It's very hard to stop yourself from licking your lips!

LASTING POWER: The gloss as well as the moisture of Born Lippy lasts for quite a while, about 2 hours. The Lanolin is absorbed by the skin readily and hence it keeps your lips perfectly soft and moisturised.

SOMETHING EXTRA: The beeswax contained in the lip balm has been produced in remote forests of Zambia, as part of The Body Shop's Fair Trade Community. So do your little bit for world by buying this product and helping the families of beekeepers in Zambia!

CONCLUSION: This is one of the basic lip balms that I usually use. It's a perfect treatment and care product for your lips. Your lips stay soft, smooth, shiny without any traces of dryness. The only con of this product is the finger dipping into sticky raspberry balm. Other than that, this is a great, extremely economical product!

RATING: 4 out of 5

MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15

Let me begin with a lip balm from one of my favourite cosmetic brands, MAC. Often cited as one of the most popular cosmetic brands, MAC has a lip care range offering a basic Lip Conditioner (in a variety of packaging) as well as a range of tinted ones. I will be reviewing a Tinted Lip Conditioner in the shade 'Fuchsia Fix'.

WHAT MAC SAYS: A protective emollient balm formulated with SPF 15, a sheer wash of colour and an all-natural sheen. Conditions lips, locks in moisture. Contains Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Avocado Extract, Wheat Germ Oil, vitamins A and E.

PRICE: Rs. 870 (incl. of tax).

PACKAGING: The lip conditioner comes in a chic white box with the logo of MAC embossed all over it. Inside the box is a 15ml tub of lip balm. It's a very sleek and stylish looking tub, with a black screw-on lid and transparent bottom with MAC's logo printed on the side. The tub is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and you can easily carry it in your purse or bag.

TEXTURE: The texture of the balm is incredibly smooth and buttery. You can glide your finger easily on it. The balm is creamy and non-sticky, which is a major plus. It does not feel heavy on your lips and is extremely moisturising. It truly is a 'conditioner' for your lips.

COLOUR: I bought the shade Fuchsia Fix, which looks like a bright pink in the tub. However, as the name of the product suggests, it only gives a tint of pink sheen on your lips. So it is very natural looking, giving you the perfect tinge of colour. Other shades available are Petting Pink and Gentle Coral.

SMELL & FLAVOUR: It smells very vanilla, candy-ish. I personally love the way it smells, all sweet and yummy. The balm does not have any flavour (to me), which is a good thing because that way one can resist the urge to keep licking it off.

LASTING POWER: Since it is a very light balm, you cannot expect it to last for a really long time. If you don't eat or drink a lot while you have applied the lip conditioner, it lasts up to 2 to 3 hours. But it does keep your lips all soft and conditioned while it lasts.

SOMETHING EXTRA: The lip conditioner contains SPF 15, so your lips have some protection from the sun, while looking pretty at the same time.

CONCLUSION: This is one of my favourite lip balms. Although you have to use your finger to apply it, it is not at all sticky. A balm which moisturises your lip while giving you a natural colour too, it's perfect for every day use. Also, it is totally worth the cost. Love it!

RATING: 4.5 out of 5

The Story

It all started with my mum's tubes of ChapSticks. As a kid I hated lipsticks, but loved the idea of this wonderful type of 'make-up' that I could apply on my lips without smearing them with any bright colour. Thus, I got my first tube of ChapStick. Later on I discovered Lip Smackers and their colourful, fun tubes made me instantly forget all about ChapStick. Years have passed since then and I have moved on to 'greener pastures'. I've picked up and tried a million of lip balms, glosses and have even learnt to appreciate lipstick. So now, a self-confessed lip balm and gloss addict, I would love to share my views on the various lip products with everyone here on the virtual world!