Review: Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids Lipstick Hot Plum

I've been turning my head to all the new collection the drugstore brands have been releasing this year!  Maybelline just released a new line in the Color Sensational line- Vivids in 10 new colors.  This Vivids line have brighter, vivid pigments, yet same creamier feel from nourishing honey nectar.

Vivids line comes with a bright red cap, but same shape as the other Color Sensational lines (some come in silver, deeper red caps, etc...)

COLOR
I chose Hot Plum (#900) which looks to be a plum color in the tube, almost fuscia, however when put it on it looks almost hot pink.  (I don't know why but it keeps reminding me of MAC Candy Yum Yum, perhaps the shiny version)

This is a swatch with indoor light

Swatch with flash

As you can tell it definitely is a vivid color and has slight sheen to it and dimension.  Depending on which angle you look at it, it looks different.  This is a very fun color.  When you are feeling down, or just want a fun look, this color will definitely do it for you.

FORMULA
It glides on smooth as any other Color Sensational Lipsticks.  It is nice and moisturizing with the honey nectar formula.  This Vivids line definitely is vivid and very pigmented.  And Hot Plum is definitely opaque.

LASTING POWER
I didn't expect this color to last very long, because Maybelline doesn't promise long wearing.  But surprisingly this lasts all day.  I do apply mid-day for moisture and extra shine. And this does transfer, however it doesn't smudge all over my face throughout the day which is always a plus when wearing a bright bold color such as this.  I'm all about maintenance-free lipsticks.  Also I was able to apply precisely just straight off the lipstick, and didn't need lipliners or lip brush.  While this lipstick doesn't totally dry out my lips, it does get drier, if you don't reapply.  I'd definitely recommend reapplying throughout the day or apply lipgloss.

Overall, I'm impressed with the Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids in Hot Plum.  It definitely did not disappoint.  I will definitely be picking up more of these.  And I'm like totally obsessed with this color!  Also it doesn't hurt to get compliments and be noticed. :)

If you haven't seen my matching nail color (Rimmel 60 Second) with this lips, check it out on my facebook.  I don't know how it happened, but it was a perfect match with my nails. :)

Have a great weekend everyone!

CC Cream: The next BB Cream? Olay CC Cream Review

Everyone knows BB Cream was such a big phenomenon in Korea and other parts of Asia and has now made it's way to the US and now everyone and their mamas are making one (I don't think any of the non-Korean BB creams are what they claim to be, IMHO).  Pretty much all the makeup brands, even drugstores brands have one of their own (Smashbox, Bobbi Brown, Maybelline, Garnier, Revlon, etc...).

So what is next? CC Cream?  CC stands for Color Control, or Color Correct.  Honestly, I haven't heard a peep from the motherland (Korea) about CC Cream, but I have been seeing a slight buzz about the "NEXT BEST THING AFTER BB CREAM" is CC Cream in the magazines and the web.  I think the Westerners got pissed off about not creating BB Cream first... so now they are trying to beat anyone else to it! haha

I heard Oil of Olay had released their CC Cream, Total Effects 7 in 1 Tone Correcting Moisturizer with SPF 15 in three different shades and also Olay CC Cream- Total Effects Daily Moisturizer + Touch of Foundation.

 Picture from PG Estore

I found them at CVS for about $22.00 which isn't cheap.  But this was the CC Cream in the US, so I got it while CVS was giving back $10 for spending $30 on P&G Products, and I had loads of coupons. :)  Since I have been trying this out, thought I do a quick review for you guys.

Oil of Olay's Description:

This CC Cream provides instant coverage plus correction to fight 7 signs of aging, including uneven tone, age spots and dull skin.

• This all-in-one triple stream formula combines a daily anti-aging moisturizer, SPF 15 sunscreen and sheer tint for younger-looking skin.
• Instant skin perfecting coverage + correction to fight 7 signs of aging + UV protection
• Total Effects fights 7 signs of aging: Fine lines and wrinkles: Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Uneven Tone: Balances and helps even out tone. Age Spots: Reduces appearance of age spots. Gentle Exfoliation: Improves surface cell turnover. Dryness: Provides nourishing moisturization. Moisture Barrier: Strengthens skin s natural defense against moisture loss. Luminosity: Recaptures youthful luminosity

*FYI- Some of the older bottles don't have the "CC" on it, but it's still the same product.

 

Here's a little squeezed on my hand

And working onto my hand

And after

MY THOUGHTS:

The consistency of this product was very liquidy even though it dispenses as a cream.  I guess it's because this product has skincare gel formula mixed in with the slight color cream.  Right off the bat I was able to tell this was going to be a sheer coverage and it was.  But I still thought let's not underestimate this "NEW CC Cream".  But as you can tell in the picture above, it has NO COVERAGE.  I have come to a conclusion that perhaps, this particular CC Cream was not meant to be heavy coverage like the BB Cream.  Which could be why Olay created the version with foundation added in.

This may help you in slightly masking the redness, but that is about it.  After using this for over a week, I have concluded that this is a skincare product, not cosmetic.  Unlike the BB Cream, which kind of is both.  Also, Olay's CC Cream was meant to be color correcting with length of time.  So you are not going to notice any difference instantly.  They claim, "instant skin perfecting coverage", but I did not notice any "perfecting" in my skin whatsoever.

I have debated whether to return this back to CVS, but I have noticed that it works well under my foundation, keeping my skin hydrated, and it does have added skincare benefits, so I decided to keep it and use it as a primer.

I have heard TheRaeviewer mention that she got her hands on Chanel CC Cream from Asia, and from the looks of it Chanel's version has much better coverage.

I cannot tell if CC Cream is going to be the next "BB Cream". Because I only have one brand to base this off of.  And I get the feeling each brand is going to do their own thing and call it a CC Cream.  But based off of Olay's version, I'm going to have to say no.  If I see a difference on my skin in the next couple of months, I will do an updated review, but I like my instant skin fixes that BB Cream can provide, and this Olay's CC Cream is not going to cut it.

I wouldn't recommend Olay's CC Cream, especially if you are looking for coverage. I wouldn't bother.  This was a total miss for me.

Review & Swatches : YSL Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stain

I know I have mentioned YSL Glossy Stain several times but I just never got around to writing a full review.  So finally, here it is!  I'm at home bedridden with a really bad cold.  So since I can lie in bed with my laptop, I thought I work on this long overdue post. :)

From the first time I heard of these to the first time I purchased my first YSL Glossy Stain, there was a long gap, cuz I just didn't think $32 was worth it for a lip product. But boyyyyyy was I wrong!!!

If you have not heard of the YSL Glossy Stain, this is the info from YSL.

WHAT IT IS: A revolutionary new lip product that combines the texture and shine of a gloss with the long wear of a stain.

WHAT IT DOES:
Coat your lips with this lip color that offers a lightweight texture, which immediately melts onto lips. Glossy Stain delivers intense glossy color for an extremely long-lasting shine.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Phthalates

What else you need to know:
The applicator's unique slanted tip and short soft bristles allow for flawless application with perfect precision.

MY THOUGHTS:
I'm still kicking myself in the butt about why I took so long to get my first glossy stain.  It really is a revolutionary lip product.  It is nothing like I have used before.  Although now that these have been out for awhile, there a lot of dupes or alikes, like the L'Oreal Caresse Shine Stain (Aqua Lacquer) and other lip stains.  However, I still don't think anything is better than the YSL Glossy Stain.
1. The richness of the colors are just lovely.
2. The color and the shine lasts all day.
3. It hydrating on your lips.
4. Did I mention it lasts all day? LOL
5. Not much of it transfers

It feels very wet and it smells like wine or a bit like grape juice.  I like to apply two layers of this.  The first layer, I like to apply a little bit and rub it and let the stain settle.  Then I'll apply a thick coat to really get the color and shine.  Ohhhhhh and it is just so beautiful.  And because of it's almost like jelly like texture, when you eat, the color doesn't come off.  Multiple times while wearing the red Glossy Stain (#9 Rouge Laque), people have asked the same question.  "How is your lip color not coming off after you've eaten?"  I didn't know other people noticed something like that, but even they were amazed.  Honestly, I can wear this through coffee, lunch, and afternoon and make it to dinner without re-applying and the color and shine will still remain.

I will mention that depending on the color you may choose (the darker colors especially), the color can get darker as it stains.  This is the only downside....  I'd recommend trying out the colors first and wait at least 10 minutes before determining the actual colors.  I have returned 2 of my glossy stains because the colors changed on me after I have applied.  For example, I bought #10, Rouge Philtre which was supposed to be true red color.  After 10 minutes I have noticed that the lines on my lips had turned darker and darker.  Then it turned into a really dark almost vampy red.  Which I did not like.  You can see the picture below.  Top is right after application and the bottom is about 10 minutes later.  You can see the change in color.  This is in comparison to #9, Rouge Laque which does not change color.

I now proudly own 4 Glossy Stains. #29, Rouge Forreau (one of the newest colors released recently).  This is the only color that is more "natural looking".  The other three I own are quite bold.  Honestly I think Glossy Stains are the best for dark, colorful shades since dark colors are hard to manage, but due to the staying power, YSL glossy stains are god send.
Because this color isn't as bold, it's also not as shiny.

With flash (please excuse the black dot smack middle of my lips) This is after I ate, and I obviously left something behind. >.<

#26, Poupre Preview.  This is a slightly purplish pink.  This one turns darker in time to a purplish wine color.  This is my second favorite color!
Without flash

With flash

#12, Coril Fauve.  This is coral, reddish color.  It's not an opaque color.  It's very sheer but shiny.  This one does settle into your lips, but not really visible to the naked eye.  This is a very zoomed picture.  I promise you.

Without flash

With flash

#9, Rouge Laque.  This is an opaque slightly coral red.  This is my favorite! When you want to wear red, this is so easy to wear, very flattering to different skin tones, and maintenance free.  And just beautiful.  I wear this one a lot.  If you saw my new year's eve picture on facebook, this is what I was wearing. :)

Without flash

With flash

I think I have all the colors I want from YSL.  I'm happy with the 4 colors I have.  But if they come out with more I'd definitely keep my eye out for them.  And I'd definitely repurchase these.  These Glossy Stains have made me have faith in colorful lip colors that I used to dread, because they are so hard to manage.  Glossy Stain is definitely a game changer! I love Glossy Stain!!!

I also did a post of the L'Oreal Colour Caresse Aqua Lip Lacquer aka Wet Stains aka Shine Stains back in Christmas. I'm not quite sure of the official name yet. :)  I'll do a full review on that and do a comparison of both of these products.  

Hope everyone is having a wonderful 2013!