L'Oreal Limited Edition Spring 2013 Colour Riche Balms

L'oreal recently launched the Versailles Romance Collection for Spring 2013! The collection features new, limited edition pastel Coulour Riche Balms and nail polishes. I was so excited when I first saw the photos of the collection on Nouveau Cheap. I already knew that I had to try at least a few of the Colour Riche Balms, since the pastel shades looked so pretty in the packaging. Unfortunately,  these balms turned out to be quite sheer.

The pretty pastel casings immediately caught my eye!

The blue balm is called Sundays by the Seine and the purple is Legally Regal.

 Legally Regal swatched on the bottom and Sundays by the Seine on top

Legally Regal is a cool lilac shade that is sheer. Sundays by the Seine is absolutely clear, but it does have a bit of white shimmer. I found that both formulas were slippery, which made building color difficult. I was unimpressed with the formula, and the shades didn't wow me at all.

Claims: "This tinted lip balm provides a hint of luscious, kissable color, smoothing lips instantly and for a full 8 hours of continuous hydration. Lips are softer and more supple all day long—and keeps conditioning even after it’s been removed."

Pigmentation: I knew that these are balms, and that the colors would be tinted. With that said, I was still shocked that Sundays by the Seine was clear! Legally Regal has ok pigmentation.

Finish/Texture: The finish is shiny, and the texture is slippery- almost like a lipgloss. 

Lasting Power: I had maybe an hour at most. These balms slide all over the place.

Scent: These are unscented. (what a plus! I hate the smell of L'oreal lipsticks)

Packaging: The packaging is very pretty. The plastic caps coordinate with the color of the balm, and the lipstick holder is a gold tube. The lipsticks twist up/down easily and are labeled. 

Price/Availability: I paid $8.50 for each at Walgreens

Likes:

• Pretty/functional packaging
• Unscented

Dislikes:

• Colors aren't true to packaging
• Pigmentation is lacking
• Lips don't feel moisturized at all before/during/after wear
• Pricey, almost $9 each!
• Low quality
• No lasting power
• Formula feels greasy

Overall:

This was my first time trying the L'oreal Colour Riche Balm line. I felt that these colors were very boring. At the store, the packaging made each lip balm seem like it was going to match color of the lid of the tube. That wasn't the case, as you can see from my swatches. These balms are very sheer, and one of them was completely clear. The claims of 8 hour moisture is honestly ridiculous, because I didn't feel that these moisturized my lips at all! The texture feels more like a lip gloss than a lip balm. I can't believe that these are priced at $7-$9 dollars at drugstores for such low quality. I was really expecting something much better from L'oreal since I'm a fan of their other lip products. 

Hopefully the sad pigmentation and formula is just on these new pastel shades. I would like to try some of the original shades, they look much brighter and pigmented. I won't rule out the entire line just yet, but I won't be trying anymore of the pastels!

 Have you tried any of the L'oreal Colour Riche Balms? 

Maybelline Eyestudio Palette in Natural Shock

Earlier this month I blogged about the Limited Edition Maybelline Colorsensational Vivids lipsticks (review here). This Eyestudio palette, which is also limited edition, was sitting in the same display next to the lipsticks. I can't resist shimmery neutrals, and I've also never tried anything from Maybelline's Eye Studio line before! 

 Maybelline Limited Edition Eyestudio Palette in Natural Shock

There are four shades in this palette total, and a double ended sponge tip wand.

The white shade has a very frosty finish and was a bit patchy compared to the other shades. The champagne shade has a satin finish and reminds me a lot of Naked Lunch by MAC. The coppery brown shade has a satin base, but it does have a fine gold glitter in it. The chocolate shade also has a satin base with specks of fine gold glitter.  The champagne definitely is my favorite! Each of these feels very buttery and smooth, like Urban Decay eyeshadows. 

These swatches are without primer. 

Claims: "Rich color. Smooth feel. Now silk makes shadow new again. Exclusive formula with silk pigments creates the ultimate shadow texture and luminosity."
Pigmentation:  The white shade is a bit patchy, but the other three shades are very  pigmented. It's nothing that an eyeshadow primer can't fix! 
Finish/Texture: The finishes vary by color (see above). Each shadow has a soft, buttery texture. They are extremely blendable, which really impressed me. 
Lasting Power: I get all day wear with these shadows, no problem. 
Shade Selection: I love this neutral palette. I like how there is a light shade, a middle shade, and then two darker accent shades. There are so many looks that you can create!
Packaging: I like the way these shadows are set up in a cute arrow pattern. The plastic case closes tightly and feels durable. I don't care for sponge tips, but I find ways to use them. My only gripe is that the white shade is the largest amount, and the least I'll probably use.
Price/Availability: I paid $9.50 at Walgreens

Likes:

• Great pigmentation (except the white shade which is just ok)
• Soft texture
• Easy to blend
• Different finishes throughout (satin, shimmer, and glitter)
• Versatile neutrals

Dislikes:

• The white shade is a bit patchy
• Limited edition
• All shades are shimmery/glittery 

Overall:
I'm so impressed with the quality of these shadows! They are pigmented, smooth, and blendable. The smoothness reminds me of how the new Urban Decay shadow formula feels!     I was pleasantly surprised at how easily each shade blends, even the ones with glitter. The pigmentation of the shadows is impressive without primer (except for the white shade). With primer, they are even more intense. The variety of finishes is something I appreciate, but I do wish that at least one matte was included. Each shadow has a satiny base, but the last two have actual glitter in them. The champagne shade is gorgeous, it's my favorite of the palette. 

Unfortunately this palette is limited edition. I suggest going out and finding it soon before it disappears! I can't wait to try other Eyestudio palettes now that I know the formula is excellent. 

On a side note: Thank you to the readers that support my blog by subscribing! I can't believe I have 200 readers now! It's nice to know that people actually like to read what I have to say. I feel that it's extra special that I reached this milestone today, because today is also my birthday! Once again, thank you for reading, commenting, and subscribing to eatinglipstick! 

Revlon Baby Sticks

Revlon released a sneek-peek photo of the Baby Sticks on Instagram during fashion week. Since then, I couldn't wait to get my hands on them! Baby Sticks are part of the new Pacific Coast Collection by Gucci Westman, which are being released alongside the new lip butters (you can read my review with swatches here).  I was thrilled when I found these at my local CVS yesterday, but unfortunately they didn't turn out to be everything that I hoped.

Baby Sticks are marketed as cream blushes that can be used for lips and cheeks. 

As you can tell, you get very little product! These are twisted up all the way.

From left to right: Sunset, Pink Passion, Tahiti 

Swatches from left to right: Sunset, Pink Passion, Tahiti 

Sunset is a  sheer warm orange. Pink Passion is a sheer (but most pigmented of the bunch) cool bright pink. Tahiti is a sheer cool peach. All of them had a very waxy texture that was extremely difficult to build up (medium-hard pressure is needed). The swatches here are three swipes each. One-two swipes wasn't enough to get the color to show up.

Claims: I couldn't find any claims on these from the packaging or Revlon website. 

Finish/Texture: The finish is slightly shiny but not dewy. It reminds me of a lip stain in stick form. The stick itself is very hard, and makes application difficult. Once the product is on the skin it feels waxy, not creamy at all. Blending is quite difficult.

Lasting Power: Pink Passion stained my wrist. I couldn't even get it off with makeup remover! I'm not sure how it wears on the face, I didn't feel comfortable with this texture on my skin.

Scent: There is a strong plastic scent with these, maybe caused by the packaging?

Packaging: The small plastic tubes have lids that close securely. The sticks twist up and down easily, my problem is that Sunset's tip broke off completely! Swatch carefully, these might break on you as they did with me. 

Price/Availability: I paid $9.30 each at CVS, I'm not sure if these are permanent or LE

Likes:

• Nice idea (Cream sticks aren't common at the drugstore)
• Can be used on both lips and cheeks

Dislikes:

• Retail for $9.30 (before tax) each for only 0.1 ounce of product! 
• Waxy texture/ Difficult to layer
• Colors are too sheer
• Chemical scent
• Only 3 colors to choose from
• Poor quality, Sunset broke off when I swatched it!

Overall:

I was really disappointed in the low quality and poor value of the Revlon Baby Sticks. The hard, waxy texture and sheer color payoff really saddened me. The texture is difficult to layer, and hard to blend on the skin. One of my sticks completely broke off while I was swatching it, and I was barely using pressure. At almost ten dollars a piece, for 0.1 ounce of product, I would rather take my money elsewhere!

Flower Beauty Kiss Stick Velvet Lip Color

Whenever a new makeup line debuts, I always have to try the lipsticks! I chose the brightest shade I could find within the range, Flamingo Flower. Flower Beauty is a new cosmetic line by Drew Barrymore (exclusively available at Wal Mart) that claims to use the same ingredients as high quality makeup.  

There are two different lipstick finishes Flower Beauty offers: Velvet and High Shine. Flamingo Flower is a velvet finish, which is a cream finish that feels like a matte. 

The velvet lipsticks come in white packaging, with a color swatch on the bottom.

Flamingo Flower Velvet Lip Color 

Flamingo Flower is a matte, cool toned bright fuchsia. I love the way it looks, but it feels so dry! Eyeshadow and foundation are also from Flower (You can read my foundation review here).


Claims: "Emollient oils improve shine for a rich, creamy application. Pure, intense color payoff. Not tested on animals."
Pigmentation: The pigmentation is strong and vibrant. 
Finish/Texture: The finish is creamy and matte. The formula is very drying, even when using a lip balm. I had to use more pressure than I usually do to get the color onto the lips.
Lasting Power: The lasting power is good, I got about 5 hours of wear. The problem is that is just feels too uncomfortable to wear for a full day.
Scent: This has a faint baby powder smell that fades off quickly.
Packaging: I don't enjoy the look of the white bulky tube, however I do like the color indicator on the bottom, and the secureness of the cap.
Price/Availability: I paid $7 at Wal Mart

Likes:

• Pigmentation is great
• Variety of shades to choose from
• Good lasting power
• Color indicator on packaging/secure lid

Dislikes:

• Bulky design
• Feels dry/uncomfortable on the lips
• Application isn't smooth
• Quality doesn't feel high end

Overall:
I really adored the vibrant color of Flamingo Flower, but the "velvet" formula felt very uncomfortable on my lips. Even when I used a lip balm underneath, the formula made my lips feel dehydrated. I also noticed that the lipstick was difficult to apply compared to other drugstore lipsticks. I had to use more pressure than I normally use to apply it, which is such a bother. It didn't live up to feeling emollient or creamy. Nothing about this lipstick really felt high-end in quality to me. 

I won't be repurchasing any of the Flower velvet lipsticks, but I did recently buy a high shine one to test and review. I will also be reviewing the eyeshadow quad, which I'm already loving! 
Have you tried Flower Beauty products?

Hard Candy Lip Def Lip Laquer

Hard Candy cosmetics launched tons of new products for Spring 2013! I was immediately drawn to the Lip Def Lip Laquers because of the beautiful shimmer and bright colors. Lip Def claims to give high shine color that uses 3D pearls to create voluminous full lips. Although new makeup releases are exciting, these are painfully dull.

Don't they look so gorgeous in the tube? Midnight Stroll (top) Rated R (bottom)

Mighnight stroll and Rated R swatches, Doe foot applicators

Midnight stroll on the left and Rated R on the right

Midnight Stroll is a sheer purple gloss with blue and white shimmer. Rated R is a sheer gloss with white and purple shimmer. Both look very toned down on the lips, and the shimmer seems to vanish on Rated R. Midnight Stroll is the better of the two, but still not what I expected.


Claims: "Imagine your lips…in 3D! Our super shiny lip color amplifies the shape of your lips with 3D pearls that create the illusion of depth and volume resulting in fuller, curvaceous lips. This triple duty lip color hydrates, fills and magnifies lips without feeling sticky or tacky."
Packaging: The applicator is doefoot, my favorite. The plastic tube reminds
Pigmentation: The pigmentation is a joke, these are basically clear glosses with tons of shimmer. They look nothing like they do in the tube!
Finish/Texture: The finish is very shiny. The texture of the gloss itself is a bit goopy and the shimmer feels gritty. It doesn't feel sticky at all, just greasy. Overall, unpleasant.
Scent: Midnight Stroll has a plasticy grape scent. Rated R smells good, like Hello Kitty gum! 
Lasting Power: These are so greasy that I barely had any wear time, an hour maybe.
Price/Availability: I paid $6 each at Wal Mart.

Likes:

• The packaging is cute/functional
• Shiny finish

Dislikes:

• No pigmentation
• Greasy, gritty texture
• Scents vary by color
• No lasting power
• Glitter barely shows up

Overall:
I was completely unimpressed with Lip Def Lip Laquer. The colors are very sheer, almost non-existent on the lips. They look completely different in the tube! The texture is thick, gooey, gritty, and all around unpleasant. The lasting power is just as bad as the pigmentation. The only thing I liked about Lip Def is that the packaging is cute and functional. There are better glitter glosses available at the drugstore. I would suggest skipping on these!

I will be reviewing other new releases from Hard Candy shortly. So far, the nail polish and jumbo gloss pencils are my favorite! 

Limited Edition Cake Batter and Velvet Cupcake Chapstick

Chapstick isn't the brand that I prefer when it comes to lip balm. Their original scent (that comes in the black tube) smells like a strong men's cologne, I hate it. None of the other flavors they offer really appeal to me either, until now. When I was shopping around at Wal-Mart the other day, I came across these new limited edition flavors: Cake Batter and Velvet Cupcake. 

Cake Batter smells exactly the way that it sounds, like cake batter! It's not too overwhelming, and doesn't smell like an average vanilla. It's amazing, I really love how realistic it smells and even tastes!  Red velvet is my favorite kind of cake, but this Velvet Cupcake Chapstick smelled nothing like it. It reminds me of a horribly sweet chocolate Lip Smacker, there was nothing special about it. Cake Batter is definitely my favorite of the two!

Claims: "Treat your lips with 100% indulgence. 0% guilt."
Pigmentation: These apply clear, they don't provide color.
Finish/Texture: The finish is a bit shiny, but it wears down quickly. The texture is smooth, but at times it can feel waxy. These do hydrate, but I feel that reapplication is needed.
Lasting Power: These don't provide a ton of moisture, I would need to reapply throughout the day. It really depends on how dry your lips are. They don't last long.
Price/Availability: I paid $1 each at Wal Mart.

Likes:

• Cake Batter has a great scent that isn't overwhelming 
• Cute packaging/flavor ideas
• Only $1 each
• Texture is smooth

Dislikes:

• Velvet Cupcake doesn't taste like Red Velvet
• Limited edition
• Reapplication is needed
• Don't provide the best moisture

Overall:
Cake Batter is such a fun flavor to have in a Chapstick, especially since this one isn't overwhelmingly sweet.  Velvet Cupcake isn't for me (I don't think it smelled anything like red velvet cake) but if you like chocolate give it a try. These are only a dollar each, which is a great price to try some new flavors. I wouldn't recommend these for treating the lips, because they don't keep the lips hydrated for long. Although reapplication is needed, I still really enjoyed using Cake Batter!

If you're interested in trying these, I suggest getting them soon since they are limited edition. I've already bought a backup of Cake Batter!

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer

There are countless concealer formulas to choose from at the drugstore. Sometimes it's overwhelming knowing which one is going to work for your skin. I usually go for liquid-type products, they tend to make the lightest shades. I decided to give Maybelline's new Dream Lumi Touch a try since it claims to highlight, conceal, and brighten all in one.  

What intrigued me most about Dream Lumi was the twist-pen packaging, it's something different for a drugstore concealer. I've never seen one quite like this at the drugstore.

My main problem with this concealer is that it's way too warm and salmony to match my cool skin tone (it looked even darker on my face). Unfortunately, this was the lightest shade available. 

Claims: "Gel based concealer illuminates shadows as it conceals. Skin looks instantly brighter."
Coverage: The coverage was barely there. This product couldn't cover dark circles or discoloration. 
Finish/Texture: The finish wasn't illuminating for me, nor did it manage to conceal. I didn't enjoy the slippery texture the formula had. It caused building coverage to be a bit difficult.
Formula: This gel formula just didn't cover anything. It felt too thin and watery on my skin.
Lasting Power: I didn't have the opportunity to test lasting power since the shade was off.
Scent: There is no scent.
Price/Availability: I paid $6.50 at Target

Likes:

• Convenient packaging

Dislikes:

• Shade is too dark
• No coverage
• Thin, slippery consistency
• Doesn't layer well

Overall:

This concealer just didn't work for me. The gel formula felt runny and slippery on my skin. It failed to provide coverage or brightness of any kind. The problem is that the watery consistency doesn't layer very well, causing a mess. This was the lightest shade available, and it was way too dark. The twist up packaging with the brush tip is convenient, but that's the only thing I enjoyed about this product.

Hopefully next time I branch out from my usual concealer it will work out for me!

Milani Colorstatement Lipsticks: Plums and Berries

Recently, Milani Cosmetics held a contest where participants had to create a Valentine's Day inspired look and post it on Instagram. The grand prize was the entire Colorstatement lipstick line, along with the new lip liners, and adorable lip-shaped purses! My look was chosen as one of five winners. I really couldn't believe it. I've never won a contest where I had to actually create a look before!

I actually bought a few of these lipsticks before the contest, and enjoyed the formula so much that I almost went back for more. Countless people in the beauty community have been raving about the Colorstatement line, and I can understand why! 

There are 30 lipsticks in the Colorstatement line total, with four main color groups: plums and berries, reds and oranges, pinks and corals, and neutrals and browns! There are five different finishes of lipstick available: cream, matte, metallic, pearl, and vinyl. There are seven  lipsticks in the Plums and Berries category.

From left to right: Chilled Brandy, Violet Volt, Uptown Mauve, Sangria, Plumrose, Black Cherry, and Raspberry Rush 

Swatches from left to right: Sangria, Chilled Brandy, Violet Volt, Raspberry Rush, Plumrose, Uptown Mauve, and Black Cherry

Sangria is a deep reddish- purple with a matte finish. Chilled Brandy is a brownish-purple with a shimmery finish, and has visible small silver glitter. Violet Volt is a bright violet with a metallic finish. Raspberry Rush is bright pink with a metallic finish. Plumrose is a reddish brown with a small hint of purple and has a cream finish. Uptown Mauve is a pinkish-purple with a cream finish. Black Cherry, my favorite, is a deep maroon with a cream finish.


Claims: "Make a statement without saying a word!  True Instant Color. One stroke, full coverage application. This next generation lipstick gives the ultimate in color, texture and finish.  The lightweight creamy formula contains Vitamins A, C,and E to moisturize and nourish lips." 
Pigmentation: The pigmentation is excellent! Each lipstick is opaque and bold within one swipe. Multiple layers give even more saturated color.
Finish/Texture: The finish varies by color, as I described above. Each lipstick has a smooth creamy texture, even the mattes! They seriously feels like velvet on the lips.
Lasting Power: These are very hydrating, so they last only about four hours on me.  
Scent: These smell exactly like watermelon bubblegum, it's so delicious! The scent fades rather quickly. I prefer this scent over the old ones that smelled like baby powder.
Packaging: The color squares on the bottom are brilliant. I love seeing the shade without having to look at the bottom for the sticker. The tube is sturdy, but the reflective gold isn't my favorite, it holds fingerprints too easily and is hard to take pictures of! 
Price/Availability: I won these in a contest, but normally they are $5.50 each at drugstores

Likes:

• Variety of colors/finishes
• Creamy texture
• Yummy scent
• Color indicator on bottom of packaging
• Hydrates the lips
• Excellent pigmentation
• Great price for the quality

Dislikes:

• Reflective packaging holds fingerprints
• Only lasts 4 hours

Overall:
These lipsticks are quickly becoming a drugstore favorite of mine! The formula is velvety smooth and moisturizing. I love the idea of having multiple finishes to choose from. At the drugstore, unique finishes are hard to find. The lasting power isn't the greatest, but with these fun colors and yummy watermelon scent, I don't mind reapplying. My favorite shades of the plums and berries group are Black Cherry, Sangria, and Violet Volt. The overall quality of these lipsticks definitely feel high end! Milani has stepped it up in the drugstore lipstick department with this amazing formula!

I'll be reviewing all of the other shade groups shortly. Thank you again to Milani Cosmetics for having such an awesome contest! Check out their Instagram when you have time, they are always holding contests and giveaways! 

Maybelline Limited Edition Colorsensational Vivids Lipsticks

The Maybelline Colorsensational Vivids collection is possibly my favorite line of lipsticks ever released at the drugstore! When new colors were released, I had to get them and see how they compared to the original colors, which you can read about here. The four new lipstick shades were released as a part of the Maybelline Limited Edition Fashion Week 2013 Color Goes Electric Collection, along with other new products! 

Here are the four new, limited edition lipstick shades from left to right: Electric Fuchsia, Infra-Red, Orange Edge, and Pop of Cherry. I bought three of the four new shades!

From left to right: Infra-Red, Electric Fuchsia, and Pop of Cherry

Swatches from left to right: Electric Fuchsia, Infra-Red, and Pop of Cherry. 

Electric Fuchsia is a cool toned bright fuchsia. Infra-Red is a bright true red that has hints of blue tones. Pop of Cherry is a bright warm coral. All of these shades have saturated color! 

On the left are Electric Fuchsia and Fuchsia Flash. They look nearly identical! However, Electric Fuchsia looks a tad brighter than Fuchsia Flash. On the right are Neon Orange, Infra-Red, On Fire Red, and Pop of Cherry. On Fire Red is similar to Pop of Cherry, but overall it's darker,has more red in it, and is less coral. 

Claims: "Brighter color from our exclusive vivid pigments. Creamier feel from nourishing honey nectar. Now bright goes gorgeous, never garish."

Pigmentation: The pigmentation is amazing, as you can see from the swatches. Each color applies boldly and is opaque within one swipe. 

Finish/Texture: These lipsticks all have a cream finish, and give a little bit of shine. The texture is smooth, buttery, and very moisturizing. I didn't experience bleeding or feathering either, yay! 

Lasting Power: The creaminess of the formula wears the color off rather quickly. I only get about four hours of wear, but I don't mind reapplying these since I love the colors! 

Scent: The Colorsensational lipsticks all have a sweet play-dough scent to them. I know that's a bit weird, but they really do. The scent is a bit strong at first, but it wears off after an hour or so.

Price/Availability: I paid $7.19 for each of the new lipsticks at Rite Aid 

Likes:

• Bright, pigmented color
• Smooth formula
• Creamy finish
• Hydrates the lips/comfortable to wear
• Neon colors at drugstore prices
• 14 shades to choose from (10 original, 4 limited edition)

Dislikes:

• Lasting power is below average (4 hours)

Overall:
I'm just as impressed with these new shades as I was in the original vivids lipsticks. Infra-Red is my favorite shade, and I feel like it stands out from the original line. Electric Fuchsia and Pop of Cherry are beautiful colors, but they are similar to the previous shades, as I showed above. 

I really enjoy the creamy, smooth formula that Colorsensational lipsticks have. I've always been a fan of the line in general, and the Vivids shades reminded me of how much I adore this collection all over again! I have never seen lipsticks this brightly pigmented at the drugstore before, these lipsticks really are neon. I definitely suggest picking up a few of these shades if you're interested in bright, affordable lipsticks. 

The Maybelline Spring 2013 Color Goes Electric collection has been my favorite spring release so far! I also bought some of the limited edition High Shine glosses, which I'll be reviewing soon!