This year, I've found myself drawn to lipsticks with a brownish, creamy finish. I've been a loyal user of Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks for years, and I'm pleased to report that they continue to impress with their quality, maintaining the same high standards since their initial launch. The classic Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick formula is characterized by its relatively substantial feel. Among the various options, the original formula, as exemplified by shade 955 Espresso Exposed, remains my personal favorite.
In contrast, the Maybelline Color Sensational Matte Lipstick formula tends to be drier. While it possesses a similar weightiness, it offers a matte finish and can apply somewhat unevenly. I find that I can wear the Maybelline matte formula for approximately an hour before it begins to feel uncomfortable, and it typically requires touch-ups within two hours. I have experimented with the Maybelline Color Sensational Matte formula in shades 560 Raw Chocolate and 575 Brown Blush. While Raw Chocolate leaned a bit too orange for my complexion, Brown Blush proved to be absolutely gorgeous.
Additionally, I tried the Maybelline Color Sensational Bold finish in shade 790 Midnight Merlot. This particular finish delivers a significant amount of pigment, but it has a more slippery texture compared to the original formula.
The Appeal of Affordable Beauty
It's no secret that I appreciate discovering high-quality, affordable beauty products, and these lipsticks certainly fit the bill. Typically, I gravitate towards liquid lipsticks because I lack the patience and meticulous attention to detail required for reapplying creamy bullet lipsticks, which involves regularly checking for smudging or transfer. This often includes careful eating habits and frequent touch-ups.
However, the pandemic has brought about unexpected changes, one of which is the transformation of my usually oily-combination skin. After 14 months of consistently wearing FFP2 grade masks for extended periods daily, certain areas of my skin have become dry and flaky. My lips, which previously only needed overnight lip balm, now react quite severely to long-lasting lipsticks. This newfound sensitivity has made me less enthusiastic about the prospect of my lips also becoming high-maintenance. Consequently, I have been eagerly anticipating the UK launch of Maybelline's Ultimatte Color Sensational Slim lipsticks, hoping they would provide the matte finish I desire in a lightweight yet hydrating formula that would be gentler on my lips.
Maybelline Ultimatte Color Sensational Slim Lipsticks: A Closer Look
According to Maybelline, these Ultimatte lipsticks are "formulated with texture blurring gels for a smooth matte finish." While a new Neo Neutrals shade range has recently become available in the US, the UK has just received the release of most of the original shade range that the US market received last spring. The initial collection comprised 10 colors: More Buff, More Taupe, More Truffle, More Blush, More Magenta, More Rust, More Mauve, More Scarlet, More Ruby, and More Berry.
I purchased four shades, taking advantage of various online offers from Boots and Superdrug, as neither retailer stocked all the colors at the time of their launch a couple of weeks prior.
Packaging: Sleek and Sophisticated
The packaging of the Ultimatte lipstick is a slim bullet design. It features a matte finish with an ombre effect, transitioning from black at the base to the opaque color of the lipstick shade. The word "Ultimatte" is printed in silver capital letters on one side of the lid, with Maybelline's logo in silver on the other. It's housed in a lightweight plastic tube, making it easy to slip into a bag or a dress pocket. I find the packaging to be significantly more chic than that of Maybelline's Matte Ink lipsticks, with their plain white plastic lids.
Texture: Lightweight Matte Comfort
The formula of the Ultimatte lipstick is described as lightweight yet highly pigmented. It applies with excellent opacity in a single swipe and feels comfortable on the lips. On the lips, it has a light and soft sensation. It's not as creamy as a standard cream or satin lipstick, nor is it as dry as a traditional matte bullet lipstick. It is lighter than both of these types.
Wear: Realistic Expectations
This lipstick formula is not designed for long-lasting wear, nor does it claim to be. As such, it will transfer. I found that it did require reapplication after eating. However, when simply drinking through a straw over a couple of hours, the product loss was not overly noticeable, even though the straw itself made it apparent that I was consuming something. The lipstick reapplies smoothly without any pilling or a rubbery feeling, making touch-ups throughout the day a non-issue for those accustomed to non-transfer-proof lipsticks.
It's important to note that I have a sinus issue that necessitates frequent nose blowing throughout the day. This has resulted in some wear to the outline of my upper lip, which is due to accidental contact with tissues. Therefore, this wear pattern may not perfectly reflect how the lipstick would perform on the upper lip for someone who does not regularly blow their nose.
Unlike liquid lipsticks, because this formula is creamy, I was able to rub my lips together after taking photos, and the product would redistribute slightly, making the center appear less worn. Furthermore, I deliberately parted my lips in the photos to clearly show any product loss. However, when my lips are naturally closed, it was not at all obvious that any lipstick had worn away from drinking and snacking.
I intentionally chose creamy and greasy food items to test the lipstick's limits, eating as I normally would without being overly cautious about the lipstick. Given these conditions and the fact that this lipstick does not promise long-lasting wear, the significant wear after a full meal is quite understandable.
Shade Exploration: More Buff and Brown Blush
More Buff is a pale brown-pink shade. The arm swatches above provide the most accurate representation of the shade directly from the tube. However, on my lips, it appears very pale and tends to wash me out. I suspect that More Blush might be a more suitable shade for me due to its pinker tone. I ordered More Buff because it was the only shade remaining available at the time and was included in a promotional deal, making it worthwhile to swatch for review purposes.
Brown Blush is described as a warm muted terracotta. This shade is likely my favorite among the ones I purchased, as I adore lipsticks with an autumnal vibe.
Comparisons with Other Maybelline Formulas
Maybelline Super Stay Matte Inks: These are a thicker, tackier liquid lipstick formula that offers exceptional longevity (up to 16 hours). However, they feel heavier on the lips and can leave them feeling dry after prolonged wear. They require an oil-based or dual-formula makeup remover for removal and, despite their name, do not possess a completely matte finish.
Matte Ink Crayons: These are more lightweight and comfortable than the liquid lipsticks, but their staying power is consequently halved. They may require reapplication during a full day of wear, especially after eating, but they can be removed with standard makeup removers.
Maybelline Super Stay 24hr Lipsticks: This is a thin, lightweight liquid lip formula that comes with a balm topper. Once the color formula has dried, the balm can be applied, providing a hydrated feeling throughout the day. The balm does create a semi-glossy finish, so they are not matte. However, they are budge-proof and smudge-proof, and they last relatively well through eating and drinking. They might flake slightly during consumption, but reapplication is straightforward.
In comparison to these three formulas, the Ultimattes offer a lightweight feel and comfort most similar to the 24hr lipsticks and are lighter than the Crayons. However, they do not match the staying power of either of those formulas, instead providing a more subtle, creamy feel. They do last longer than a standard bullet lipstick. Nevertheless, if longevity and transfer-proof wear are your primary concerns, these might prove disappointing.
Overall Rating and Personal Experience
I genuinely like these Ultimatte lipsticks. I would rate them a 5/5 for what they are and what they offer: a lightweight matte formulation with good pigmentation. In pre-Covid times, these lipsticks would have had limited use for me personally, as my social life predominantly involved dining with friends or family. The prospect of lipstick smudging on my chin or teeth made bullet lipsticks unsuitable for my vanity and patience.
However, with my social life still largely affected by COVID precautions, and often involving masks or digital interactions, wearing more hydrating lipsticks has become a more comfortable and sensible option to maintain lip health. For as long as I continue to wear a mask daily at work, I anticipate opting for these lipsticks for blog shoots and social occasions to avoid the dry-lip rebound effect that current liquid lipsticks are causing me.
I do miss the complete 100% pigmentation punch that the Matte Ink liquid lips provide, compared to the softer 90% look offered by other lipsticks. However, this slight trade-off is well worth it for the benefit of happier, healthier lips.
Maybelline Color Sensational Inti-Matte Nudes
Maybelline's creamiest mattes, the Color Sensational Inti-Matte Nudes, offer warmer, more sensational nudes suitable for every skin tone. The ingredient list provided includes:
- Isononyl Isononanoate
- Octyldodecanol
- Oleyl Erucate
- Silica
- Cera Alba / Beeswax / Cire Dabeille
- Phenyl Trimethicone
- Synthetic Wax
- Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil / Sesame Seed Oil
- PEG-45 / Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer
- Paraffin
- Cera Microcristallina / Microcrystalline Wax / Cire Microcristalline
- Kaolin
- Disteardimonium Hectorite
- Dimethicone
- Tocopheryl Acetate
- Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
- Alumina
- Aluminum Hydroxide
- Benzyl Alcohol
- Mel / Honey / Miel
- Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate
- Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
- Calcium Sodium Borosilicate
- Polyethylene Terephthalate
- Tocopherol
- Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate
- Acrylates Copolymer
- Tin Oxide
- Parfum / Fragrance
This information was accurate at the time of publishing.
Maybelline Sensational Inti-Matte Nude Lipsticks: A Highly Hyped Launch
One of the most anticipated lipstick launches of the season was the Maybelline Sensational Inti-Matte Nude Lipsticks. Described as "Maybellineâs creamiest mattes. Warmer, more sensational nudes for every skin tone," these lipsticks are noted for being very creamy and pleasant to wear. The Inti-Matte lipsticks do not feel dry during wear. Due to their moisturizing formula, it is not recommended to expect them to last all day without reapplication, particularly after meals and throughout the day.
The formula and color range are considered amazing, making them a great lipstick choice, especially considering the price point. Overall, they are a great addition to any makeup collection. The lipsticks are easy to apply and comfortable to wear, and they do not cause dryness, making them suitable for everyday use. The question remains: Have you tried Maybelline Inti-Matte Nude Lipsticks yet?
MAYBELLINE SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick | Review + Demo + Wear Test!!
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