Maybelline Color Sensational lipstick review, swatches

July 6, 2017

The products: Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in 560 Raw Chocolate (Matte), 575 Brown Blush (Matte), 790 Midnight Merlot (Bold), and 955 Espresso Exposed

I’ve been really into a brownish, creamy lip this year. There’s just something about a totally shimmer-free shade that does it for me: that luscious, “you don’t know what I’m up to or who I’ve killed” kind of look.

I’ve worn Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks for years, and I’m happy to say that they’re still just as good as they were when they launched. The colour selection has a lot more vampy shades and neutrals now, and they still have the same slightly-tacky, comforting formula.

Maybelline “Espresso Exposed” Color Sensational lipstick swatch

The original Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick formula

The typical Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick formula is relatively heavy. It has opaque coverage and a smooth application, but it’s also heavily scented.

The original formula (used in 955 Espresso Exposed) is still my favourite of the bunch. It wears for about 3 hours before I need to touch up.

Maybelline “Raw Chocolate” Color Sensational Matte lipstick swatch

The Maybelline Color Sensational Matte Lipstick formula

The Maybelline Color Sensational Matte Lipstick formula is a lot drier. It has a similar heaviness, but has a dry finish and applies more patchily. Unlike the original formula, I’d say that the mattes tend to be medium-opaque.

Maybelline “Brown Blush” Color Sensational Matte lipstick swatch

I can wear the Maybelline matte formula for about an hour before it starts to get uncomfortable, and it needs to be touched up in 2 hours. (Or after a meal or snack, so like… every two hours anyways.)

I tried the Maybelline Color Sensational Matte formula in 560 Raw Chocolate and 575 Brown Blush. The former was a little too orange for my complexion, but the latter is gorgeous. It’s a really mauvey, violet-based shade.

Maybelline “Midnight Merlot” Color Sensational Bold lipstick swatch & stain

The Maybelline Color Sensational Bold Lipstick formula

Finally, I also tried the Maybelline Color Sensational Bold finish in 790 Midnight Merlot. It’s a beautiful shade, but I had a little more trouble with the formula.

The Bold finish packs a lot of pigment, but it has more slip than the original formula. If you hate the tackiness of the original Color Sensationals, you may actually enjoy these.

That being said, the Bolds do make for a beautiful stain – so much so that I took a swatch photo of Midnight Merlot’s stain, too.

The Maybelline Color Sensational verdict?

It’s really no secret that I love an affordable find, and these definitely fit the bill. If you can put up with a strongly scented lipstick, I really think these are worth owning–especially 955 Espresso Exposed.

Availability: $7.29 USD/$9.99 CAD at drugstores and mass market retailers.

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks in 560 Raw Chocolate (Matte), 575 Brown Blush (Matte), 790 Midnight Merlot (Bold), and 955 Espresso Exposed; Maybelline Vivid Mattes in 45 Vivid Violet and 50 Possessed Plum