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!