October 22, 2013

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm Review & Swatches

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balms

As you know Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm is one of two new chubby lip pencil formulas launched earlier this Fall. Revlon introduced these balm pencils in both a matte and a lacquer formula (btw I didn’t mind the matte so much! They were actual quite lovely! As a self proclaimed matte hater that’s saying something).

Of course, the more appealing of the two formulas for this glossy loving girl was the Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm!

Let’s take a look!

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm

I recently purchased these Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm ($6.99 at Harmons or Bed, Bath, and Beyond) at Harmons but I can’t say I’ve seen them at mass drugstores as of yet but hopefully that will change soon.

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm Coy

Revlon Coy Colorburst Lacquer Balm

Coy

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm Demure

Revlon Demure Colorburst Lacquer Balm

Demure

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm Enticing

Revlon Enticing Colorburst Lacquer Balm

Enticing

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm Ingenue

Revlon Ingenue Colorburst Lacquer Balm

Ingenue

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm Tease

Revlon Tease Colorburst Lacquer Balm

Tease

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm Provocateur

Revlon Provocateur Colorburst Lacquer Balm

Provocateur

This an extensive collection of pencils by Revlon and so soon after they released Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain a short while ago (2012 to be exact). It may seem a bit repetitive considering Revlon already has a balm pencil however, I’m picturing them phasing that formula out at some point and perhaps replacing it with the Colorburst Lacquer and Matte formulas? Seems pointless to keep on all three yes?

The collection is nice because it covers both glossy and matte lovers. If you desire a matte pencil Revlon has an app for that and if you like glossy well there’s one for that too. I personally prefer more glossy finish lip products so I was excited to try the Lacquer Balms.

Due to the limited displays I’ve seen I think you’ll see a bigger push for these in Spring 2014 with some drugstores getting perhaps a special display or two. There isn’t any mention of the products being limited edition so hopefully they aren’t.

I found a display of Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm at my local Harmons drugstore (or Bed, Bath, and Beyond) for $6.99 each pencil but I suspect they�ll be around $8.99 or upwards once they hit mass drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, etc….

These are a swivel up pencil so a sharpener isn’t required. The pencils have a minty flavor and fragrance that’s quite lovely and reminds me of a stick of gum although might not be as pleasant for sensitive types. I hate to say it but they do quite remind me of the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain formula but they have a hint more shine to them with a lighter balmy texture. The two pencils really feel like the same formula overall to me but you might feel the Lacquer Balms are a bit more hydrating versus the dryness some associated with the original Kissable Balms.

I was a little disappointed as I was hoping for a high shine finish with a glossy formula. Instead you get more of a high sheen finish with fairly opaque coverage with some of the lighter shades producing more sheerer results. I can get about four hours of wear from the shades but they do not leave much of a stain behind after they wear away. They keep my lips pleasant moisturized through the wear as well so my lips feel pleasantly soft with it on and well after it wears away. Tarte Lipsurgences have a similar consistency with a lighter texture and Clinique Chubby Balms are heavier with more balminess in comparison.

Revlon Lacquer Balm Swatches

Demre, Tease, Provocateur

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm Swatches

Coy, Ingenue, Enticing

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm are a shy of meeting the Muse Approved mark just because, well, I expected more shine, more gloss, more lacquer! But on a whole they are an excellent formula that give mid-range brands like Tarte and Clinique a run for their money because let’s face it would you rather own several shades of these for $5 or $6 each or would you rather buy just a single shade of Tarte or Clinique’s version? A single Lipsurgence from Tarte is $24 and you can get three shades of these with change left over. Quite a nice bargain!

Tried ’em?

Do share your thoughts!

I purchased this item.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  • cat

    Great post, Muse. I picked up Enticing when I saw it at Harmon’s a few weeks ago. I like it so far but I’m really on the hunt for that dark purple matte lip from the other line. Tease looks quite orange in your arm swatch but much less so on your lips. Is it very orange in person? How does it compare to say… Revlon Rendezvous from the Kissable Balm Stain line? I already own Rendezvous but I’m looking for more of a balm that still reads as orange.

    • the Muse

      not really sure cat as I don’t have Rendezvous in front of me to compare at the moment….it is orange-y on lips (could be lighting that makes it appear different, sorry!).

  • Lisa T

    I’ve seen these at Rite Aid, CVS & Walgreen this past week! I purchased mine weeks ago at BB&B though, but the display at CVS says that they should not throw away to display because the stock is replenish-able, which probably means it’s going to be permanent, er.. might be permanent! 😀

  • don pon

    Personally, I’d rather get several Revlon shades than a single Clinique! The more the merrier, haha! 😛
    Plus, they look so yummy!

  • alma

    I am excited to try these Revlon Colorburst Lacquer, but I have not seem them at my local CVS or Walgreens.

  • moja31

    Spotted these at Right Aid the other day, were part of a BOGO 50% off deal on all revlon as well.

  • charlotte

    Since these are not stains it’s not repetitive, I for one would not bother with the ones that do not stain. That said I never wear my balm stains anymore anyway, I prefer the Jordana ones. Pretty colors, wish they were stains.

  • dia

    🙁 I’m disappointed. I love the balm stains, and I was hoping these would be a high gloss version of those.

    Will you be reviewing the shadow links or parfumerie polishes?

    • the Muse

      I def wanted me glossiness dia! especially for something called lacquer 🙂 shadow links yet, parfumeire polishes maybe!

  • Miranda

    I agree with Charlotte, if they don’t stain then maybe it would be good for them to keep all 3 formulas. These seem like they are basically lip butters in chubby stick form?

    • Kaitlyn

      I find them to be much thinner in consistency than the lip butters and more glossy. They didn’t really remind me of the lip butters at all when applying them. That could just be me though.

    • Laura Renaud

      I just purchased demure. I have honey and it is well loved. I personally did not like demure, its more of a nude pink, Honey is a bit more plummy and a touch darker, more opaque in color. When Demure wore off it left my lips all glittery, and I HATE that, I returned it. not sure if I want to try to other bc of the glitter factory and color pay off was not worth it for me. Ill stick with the original Revlon just bitten stains

      • Erika

        Thank you! I am not a big fan of glitter leftovers. I will stick Honey since it is my favorite!

    • Noon

      I work at Walgreens and we literally JUST got these in today, so have patience, they’ll probably be up soon.

  • Maki

    Spotted these at Walgreens (for the first time) just tonight! Thanks for swatching, I was very interested in these but when I saw them at Harmon some jerk had opened them and ruined them then I wanted to wait for swatches. I know where I’ll be going back to tomorrow!

  • DivaShop

    These look nice. I liked the kissable balm stains, but I did need more hydration, so if these have it I might just get some. 🙂

  • Maggie

    Would rather go for the Clinique in my case I’m afraid–I have sensitive lips unfortunately. Thanks for mentioning that Muse!

    • the Muse

      no prob maggie…the mint is pleasant but strong so understandable if you’re sensitive!

  • Lulle

    I saw a display at my Rite Aid almost 2 weeks, and I bought one of the Mattes. It was surprisingly comfortable to wear and I really like it (hated the kissable balm stains cause they dried out my lips). I definitely want to try one of the Lacquers next.

  • Rebecca

    They’re different than a Lip Butter, and more like the original formula for Clinique Chubby Sticks. I like the balm stains, it’s just most days I don’t want the intense stain they give.

  • Kaitlyn

    I bought Provocateur and Flirtatious(a bright berryish shade) at cvs ($8.99). I like them, but since they don’t really stain, I do prefer the original. I’m not sorry I have these, but I probably won’t pick up more. I am tempted to try the mattes, but I may wait for the spring and a full display! 😉

  • kellly

    Oh the disappointment of living in a flyover state! No sign of these here yet at all. 🙁 BOOOO!!!!

  • Lee

    I finally reviewed some and loved them! Check them out I got different colors!

  • Kahy

    They work nicely layered over a matte/staining lipstick that has been on your lips for a few hours and needs a pick me up.

  • Kathryn

    Does Tease have glitter in it? I’m really interested in getting that one. I’ve been looking for a burnt orange color without shimmer for a while!

  • Jennifer

    These are now at Walmart for $6.29 – they have about half of the collection (if you can find the unopened ones that children have not ruined that is 🙁 Your assumption about them being a lot more pricy at CVS is already true. $9+. However, CVS has all of the colors. JTLYK.

  • Donah @ SJB

    When I saw your swatches for Demure, I knew I just had to get it. It’s such a pretty color. I have Vivacious (just reviewed actually) too, which is much bolder. I have so much bright shades of crayon lately that I’m doing my best to lean more towards neutral or natural ones and Ingenue might be next! Ahh, the prices are ridiculous at CVS, omg.

    x Donah

  • Ally

    So glad I saw your review for these (my wallet isn’t glad). They sell for about $10-$12 in Canada depending where you buy it but it’s completely worth it. I have one of their old ones that’s lasted for over a year with daily use…so I used that as an excuse to buy this whole collection and their new matte collection.
    -shopaholic

  • Angie

    Love those colors! Provocateur looks a bit similar to one of NARS lipsticks in Manhunt.

  • Angie

    Love those colors! Provocateur looks a bit similar to NARS lipstick in Manhunt.

  • Jamie

    I feel exactly the same, I was expecting a much better colour/shine payoff. I prefer the matte balms WAY more than the lacquer balms. They are brilliant. Lovely post, and you look beautiful with provcateur by the way 🙂
    Jamie xox

    • Isabella Muse

      I agree! the matte balms were creamier and just overall nicer! aw thanks Jamie you’re too kind 😀

  • Eleanor

    Thanks for your review! I purchased a Revlon “colorburst balm stain”in the color “Crush” the other day –the first drugstore makeup in many years. I have to say that the formula is BETTER than the Tarte Lipsurgence I purchased. A little more balm to it and the color stays better. I haven’t looked at the ingredients, though. Perhaps the natural formula of Tarte helps explain for the much higher price. I will be going back to purchase two more Balm stains this weekend.