The Review: Revlon Matte Lipsticks

So the following would be my first review: do keep in mind my disclaimer that I am, by no means (obviously) a professional of any sorts – I am simply here to offer my view of the products I tried for any of you curious kittens!

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As of late I’ve become increasingly interested in makeup, the growing love (now turned obsession) due to the many hours I’ve spent pouring over videos by my favorite Youtube gurus. Already I’ve compiled a rather large shopping list of must-haves from my favorite brands: NARS, Illamasqua, and of course, MAC. A greater portion of these [materialistic] lists do consist of lip products; pre-makeup-obsessed phase, my one love (cosmetically speaking) was lip products – lip glosses, lipsticks, lip balms, lip treatments the likes. I’ve always loved dark, smokey eyes or a thick winged liner, so experimentation in regards to eye looks and products were always limited to similar, classic looks. Bright colored shadows on the eyes often made me look (and feel) a bit silly. With my lips, however, I allow myself to be braver; nudes, pastel or Barbie pinks, bright fuschias, lilacs, and deep reds managed to look fairly decent on me.

My current fixations are nude, pinky-nudes, and pastel pink lipsticks – inspired by none other than Lollipop26, TheCurrentCustom, and HollyMae20. After watching a few of their videos, I whipped up a rather thorough list of lipsticks of that color range. I hadn’t yet tried such colors prior, and was a bit reluctant on shelling out a tad bit more moolah than usual should the color look wholly strange on me after the purchase.

Revlon Matte lipsticks: 001 Nude Attitude & 002 Pink Pout

And this is when drugstore brands deserve to be recognized – though sometimes lesser in quality in comparison the likes of MAC and Nars, they provide a cheaper alternative to experiment with. Revlon has always been one of my favorite of those brands, as they have been dependable in quality throughout the generations. After reading positive reviews of Revlon’s Matte Collection and a rave by Lollipop26 on its quality and color, I picked up two of the Matte lipsticks at a local pharmacy (they happened to be on sale too – another bonus!): Nude Attitude (No. 001) and Pink Pout (No. 002).

I was surprised at how much I actually liked them; generally, lip products that claim to be matte are one of two things: (1) immensely drying or, (2) not truly matte. I’ve always been a fan of matte finishes, since they are a bit more unique in comparison to shimmery or glossier finishes, adding a touch of interest and sophistication. (Perhaps it is because I have rather full lips and don’t always feel like further emphasizing them.) My point? These lipsticks truly are matte.

They have a creamy consistency sans the shimmer and shine, applying smoothly over the lips. Keep in mind that regardless of the lipsticks finish, it is necessary to exfoliate and moisturize your lips prior to application for a smooth finish. Throughout the course of the day the lips may feel dry when pressed together; but in actuality, it is simply the finish of the lipstick that causes that. So while I feel a bit paranoid that my lips look flaky, a quick glance at a mirror reassures me that my lips are hardly so!

{Swatches, from top to bottom: Nude Attitude, Pink Pout}

The color pigmentation is of good quality; one swipe is enough for decent color payoff, even on highly pigmented lips like my own (for reference, mine are quite red-pink naturally). I do, however, recommend at least two swipes for a true matte color – the results are quite beautiful. The staying power is commendable as well; there is little to no stain on the necks of water bottles or glass cups, lasting for as long as a few hours. I hardly mind reapplying throughout the day after every hour or so, but it does come in handy on the occasion that I do forget or am busy.

All of the above for the price of $7 – $8 is truly well worth your dollars (I actually paid $6, since the store was having an offer on the Revlon lip products)!

Nude Attitude (No. 001)

I suppose  it would only be logical to begin with this: my first nude lipstick ever. I’ve only been hesitant with such lip color simply because so many makeup bloggers/youtubers have stated that nudes work and look best on those with pale, almost fleshtoned lips – and few with pigmented lips could pull of the nude lips. The color of this particular nude is less beige than MAC’s renowned Myth and Creme d’Nude; instead, it has an apricot undertone. Most bloggers who have reviewed Nude Attitude had disliked the color for that reason saying it looked unnatural.

But mind you the aforementioned reviews about the color were from those of paler skin with pink undertones. I actually find this one quite wearable and flattering for me, concluding that this shade works best only if you are well tanned (meaning this would strictly be a summer color for me) and have golden undertones in your skin! I do love Nude Attitude at the moment – not only does it play up the summer holiday tan, but is able to look nude sans the usual complete washing-out-your-lips effect! A thumbs up for this lipstick; I highly recommend it for those of medium complexions with golden undertones (pink & olive undertones be wary!).

Pink Pout (No. 002)

Because of Pink Pout I have henceforth, officially, deemed pastel pink lipsticks a new favorite and staple in my humble collection of lip products. After swatching it when I came home, I ran out and bought a backup (yes, I do love it that much!) I highly recommend this color; again, I was doubtful as to how it would look on my lips as mine are fairly pigmented, but somehow, it looked quite lovely. Very different from the usual mauves I turn to, but nonetheless a new favorite.

I would say it is fairly comparable to MAC’s Colour Crafted in color (not in finish) – which makes me quite happy since the color was sold out at my local MAC counter. It is a creamy pink with a slight blue undertone, perfect for Barbie pink lips sans the cartoon-pink effect of Saint Germain (also by MAC). I do think of Lorraine of The Current Custom when I wear it. Is it love? I think so.

♥  ♥  ♥

bisous,

La C.