The $6.99 Maybelline color Sensational vibrant Matte liquid Lip Colors are, in a word, VIBRANT, and practically all of the colors go on fully opaque with a single layer, but despite what their name suggests, I didn’t find them to be particularly matte. I’d describe them as much more satin, with some of them even appearing a bit glossy.
Also, they never quite completely dry down, and they aren’t nearly as transfer resistant as the liquid lipsticks by Kat Von D, ColourPop or Sephora.
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That being said, they aren’t as drying either, so that’s a tradeoff.
I do love the color range and how comfortable they are, but I don’t love the extremely strong scent or how easily they smudge and transfer. If you’re sensitive to fragrances, be very careful about these. Upon application, there’s a strong powdery floral scent (possibly freesia?) that’s still visible after 20 minutes (though less so). I also feel a bit of a tingle on my lips best after I apply them, but I’m not sure if it’s just a reaction to the scent or due to an actual ingredient.
It’s not painful, and it doesn’t make my lips red or swollen or anything like that, but it’s something I feel I ought to note.
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Overall, if you’re searching for intense pigmentation in a comfortable, affordable liquid lipstick, these are worth checking out; however, if you’re searching for something long long lasting (or you’re sensitive to fragrances!), you may be disappointed.
Here are first impressions and swatches of the first five shades (the nudes and pinks) — nude Thrill, nude Flesh, Pink Charge, electric Pink and Berry Boost.
L to R: nude Thrill, nude Flesh, Pink Charge, electric Pink and Berry Boost
Nude Thrill.
This one is very much my kind of nude lipstick. It goes on smoothly and opaque, even with one layer. The color really reminds me of Maybelline’s Truffle Tease.
Nude Thrill
Nude Flesh.
As you can see from the swatches, nude Flesh looks similar to nude Thrill, only with much more pink. On my lips, the difference is much more noticeable.
I think they’re both terrific nudes, and I can see myself wearing either one daily.
Nude Flesh
Pink Charge.
Although I love this true bubblegum pink, it’s very challenging to smoothly apply. It doesn’t look opaque after the first layer, but when I add a second layer, the color clumps and just never gets as smooth looking as I want.
This particular one highlights the main drawbacks of this formula for me – it’s somewhat mousse-y and never really sets, so if you press your lips together, or add another coat, or eat, or drink, it can disrupt the color.
Pink Charge
Electric Pink.
One of my favorites of the bunch, electric Pink is the kind of bright magenta I don’t usually go for, but this one’s so pretty! The finish is glossier than most of the others, but it still applies extremely well. I think it’s one of the best performers of the group.
Electric Pink
Berry Boost.
This reddish pink is exactly what I think of when I hear the word, “berry.” The color looks a little like NARS Audacious lipstick in Audrey, but the formula is completely different, and this one also applies really well and has much more of a matte finish than some of the others.
Berry Boost
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Stay tuned for a look at the next five shades.
All 10 Maybelline color Sensational vibrant Matte liquid Lip Colors are available now at Target for $7.
Favorite one so far? Which one do you like best? let me know in the comments!
