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!

Review: Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara

I know everyone complains that their eyelashes are not full enough, long enough, voluminous enough, stick straight, etc... but seriously, my eyelashes are non-existent and super short... as you will see in my bare, no eye makeup look below... so mascaras are very important to me.  So I try out from drug store brands to high end brands... and I try out most of the mascaras that are released in waterproof form.  However, till this day, Dior Show (original formula) is my all time favorite, holy grail status mascara.  No mascara will make my eyelashes stand out like Dior Show.

So today I will be reviewing Maybelline's newest mascara from the Volum' Express line- Mega Plush. [Please note: It's so new, you may not find it everywhere].  I was lucky enough to find them at my local CVS and Bed Bath and Beyond.  And also the thing about new mascaras is that they don't come out with the waterproof version at the beginning, but I was able to get my hands on one.  Apparently, this is not released everywhere just yet.  It's not even on Maybelline's (US) website. @.@  But you can find more info on Maybelline's (Canada) website here.

I purchased the Waterproof Blackest in Black.

Mega Plush Mascara is Maybelline's first gel-mousse mascara.  It claims to give massive volume with a supple touch.  Extra-soft, patented Flexor Brush caresses lashses.  Lashes never brittle or flaky.

For best results, Maybelline recommends to apply the Flexor Brush against the lashes and sweep from root to tip until a full plush look is achieved.  Do not let dry between coats.  Removes easily with soap and water.

I was very impressed by this mascara.  I guess I didn't expect much, but after using it couple of days, I'm liking it more and more.  It does exactly what it claims.  The gel-mousse formula allows the formula to coat on to your lashes without being brittle or flaky.  I could wear and actually touch my eyes without getting flakes all over my face and lasts all day.  And my eyelashes are flexible! Even when I take it off at night with cotton pad and eye makeup remover, I don't see any clumps or flakes on my cotton pad.  AMAZING! It's very natural looking.  If you are looking for fake, lengthening, voluminous mascara, this may or may not do what it's supposed to for you.  I feel like it does lengthen and add volume (see before and after pictures below), but not as much as others I've used (like Dior Show).  However, I really love the formula, the brush, and that it does not flake or clump!  Therefore, I'd have to give this one two thumbs up! A great every day mascara!  It does concern me that this formula may dry faster than other mascaras. But we will see.

Let's take a look at the packaging....

Close up of the brush... lots of bristles... and I did not notice any clumps.

Flexor Brush... so flexible it has a swivel like joint... and feels very bouncy....

Some before and after pictures...
I applied this at night before taking a shower, so I took my makeup off.  Pardon my icky skin....  I wanted to show you just the mascara so you can see the lashes better.

You could barely see my lashes. hahahah I curled them and still can't see! lol
Right eye

 Two coats is definitely better than one. :)

Left eye

 Left eye....

Sorry you had to see my eyes so closely... scary I know!  But this was only way to show you my lashes. lol

In conclusion, if you are looking for a semi- natural mascara, give this a go.  I'm loving it.  I actually have Volum Express Falsies that I had for two months, but I have put that aside for this mascara.  I'll have to review that one soon also.

By the way, this is my 78th Blog Post! (Yay, that only took me over a year to get to that! lol)  Be on the look out for my 100th post.  I'm cookin up a give away for that.  Please like me on Facebook and Follow me on Twitter, and Pintrest!

Thanks for reading!