Maybelline Color Elixir Liquid Color Balm by Color Sensational Review & Swatches
Maybelline Color Elixir Liquid Color Balm by Color Sensational is a new lipstick slash lipgloss slash lip balm hybrid that just launched for Winter 2013 in twenty different shades.
Maybelline Color Elixir Liquid Color Balm ($6.79) delivers the color of a lipstick, the hydrating cushy feel of a balm, and the shine of a gloss. Although the idea of a color liquid lip balm may sound revolutionary it really isn’t as Almay Color + Care Liquid Lip Balm released a few short months ago. None the less these sounds VERY interesting…
What did I think?
If anything at all I think Maybelline Color Elixir Liquid Color Balm by Color Sensational remind me of the L’Oreal Colour Caresse Shine Stain formula but with a much better texture.
These come in a small chubby 0.17 oz square tube with a flexible flocked applicator. The applicator is excellent as it saturates well with product and applies it evenly and smoothly to lips. The balm has a creme brulee, vanilla perfume taste that isn’t terribly pleasant to my mouth so just beware of this if you’re sensitive to scented/flavored lip product.
The texture is indeed a liquid balm as it’s almost as if they melted down a luxuriously formulated lip balm and poured it into a tube. It has a cushy texture on lips and leaves them feeling pleasantly hydrated. The formula is known on lips…another words this isn’t completely weightless or lightweight on my mouth. The texture is a bit heavier which isn’t unpleasant but it is there so to speak. The balminess feels very nice and close to L’Oreal’s Colour Caresse Shine Stain texture but less watery and far thicker. Where as Almay Liquid Balm applied strangely and slightly patchy these have a smooth, even finish on my lips. Color isn’t completely opaque without layering however, they do provide a fairly nice tint once built up. I like how shiny they look after they are applied as well as they give my lips a nice glossiness.
I think the first application is a little disappointing as the color is sheer and the texture feels a bit old. However, after I built the product up I got more intensity to the shades and the formula on a whole looks incredible with a few layers. They do indeed provide the subtle color of a lipstick, the glossiness of a lipgloss, and have the hydrating texture and cushy feel of a balm so the marketing here is spot on. I can get a four hour wear out of them with a subtle hint of tint after they wear away…I think the first to go is the glossiness and soon after the color fades.
Intoxicating Spice
Caramel Infused
Celestial Coral
Celestial Coral, Caramel Infused, Intoxicating Spice
With 20 shades to choose from a fairly inexpensive price tag I’d say Maybelline Color Elixir Liquid Color Balm by Color Sensational are a win and worth indulging in. I really liked these….! I wasn’t terribly in love with L’Oreal’s version nor did I like Almay’s but Maybelline improves upon the formula and makes it rather perfect. The flavor may be an issue for some but aside from that this little balm gloss is a winner!
Muse Approved.
I located a display at Bed, Bath, and Beyond but I’m sure they’ll pop up in other drugstores soon.
Tried ’em?
Do share!