The $6.99 Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Colors are, in a word, VIBRANT, and almost all of the colors go on fully opaque with a single layer, but despite what their name suggests, I didn’t find them to be particularly matte. I’d describe them as more satin, with some of them even appearing a bit glossy.
Also, they never quite completely dry down, and they aren’t nearly as transfer resistant as the liquid lipsticks by Kat Von D, ColourPop or Sephora.
That being said, they aren’t as drying either, so that’s a tradeoff.
I do love the color range and how comfortable they are, but I don’t love the incredibly strong scent or how easily they smudge and transfer. If you’re sensitive to fragrances, be very careful about these. Upon application, there’s a strong powdery floral scent (possibly freesia?) that’s still noticeable after 20 minutes (though less so). I also feel a bit of a tingle on my lips right after I apply them, but I’m not sure if it’s just a reaction to the scent or due to an actual ingredient.
It’s not painful, and it doesn’t make my lips red or swollen or anything like that, but it’s something I feel I should note.
Overall, if you’re looking for intense pigmentation in a comfortable, affordable liquid lipstick, these are worth checking out; however, if you’re looking for something long lasting (or you’re sensitive to fragrances!), you may be disappointed.
Here are first impressions and swatches of the first five shades (the nudes and pinks) — Nude Thrill, Nude Flesh, Pink Charge, Electric Pink and Berry Boost.
Nude Thrill.
This one is very much my kind of nude lipstick. It goes on smoothly and opaque, even with one layer. The color really reminds me of Maybelline’s Truffle Tease.
Nude Flesh.
As you can see from the swatches, Nude Flesh looks similar to Nude Thrill, only with more pink. On my lips, the difference is more noticeable.
I think they’re both great nudes, and I can see myself wearing either one daily.
Pink Charge.
Although I love this true bubblegum pink, it’s very difficult to smoothly apply. It doesn’t look opaque after the first layer, but when I add a second layer, the color clumps and just never gets as smooth looking as I want.
This particular one highlights the main drawbacks of this formula for me – it’s somewhat mousse-y and never really sets, so if you press your lips together, or add another coat, or eat, or drink, it can disrupt the color.
Electric Pink.
One of my favorites of the bunch, Electric Pink is the kind of bright magenta I don’t typically go for, but this one’s so pretty! The finish is glossier than most of the others, but it still applies exceptionally well. I think it’s one of the best performers of the group.
Berry Boost.
This reddish pink is exactly what I think of when I hear the word, “berry.” The color looks a little like NARS Audacious lipstick in Audrey, but the formula is completely different, and this one also applies really well and has more of a matte finish than some of the others.
Stay tuned for a look at the next five shades. 🙂
All 10 Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Colors are available now at Target for $7.
Favorite one so far? Which one do you like best? Let me know in the comments!
Wow, I’m gonna have to look for these. Those 2nude shades and the electric pink and Berry are gorgeous!
Hi, Barb! The nudes are really good! I
Adia, you look great in all of the pink tones, a really good color on you!
Thanks, Mary! I’ve always loved pink 😉
The nude colors look absolutely gorgeous on you!
Thanks so much Veronica!
Nude Thrill is so cute on you! You also look beautiful in the pinks too. I almost forgot I had these but I’m going to pull them out and try them. Your swatches got me ready to play lol
Thanks Fancie! I just looked at your review of Colourpop Tansy and now I regret not buying it!! It looks really good on you!
Love the nudes on you! I personally don’t mind reapplying, so it doesn’t really bother me that they don’t last super long.
In that case, definitely check them out!
I love Nude Flesh and the Electric Pink is pretty amazing!
Hi Susan! Electric Pink is like nothing I own, such a vibrant color!
Those nude colors look wonderful on you! Looking at your pictures, I have to agree that these don’t really appear matte to me. Very pretty colors, though.
The name is pretty misleading, but the colors are great!
Hmmm… A strong powdery floral smell that lingers is definitely something that would make me stay away from these. Berry Blast and Electric Pink look very pretty, though!
Yeah, it’s a shame. After a few days of wearing the smell diminished but the first day it was intense!
You look amazing in every single color! I’m a little nervous about the fragrance as Carolina said, but I might be tempted to try especially at this price point.
Jessica
Thanks Jessica! I’m not particularly sensitive to smell and it was very strong. Maybe look out for when they are on sale at a drugstore and try one? The colors are so good so it’s worth a try 😉
I love the look of them, but seeing that they aren’t matte annoys me. Not because I want them to be matte, but because I want things to be labelled clearly.
I agree 100% because you want to get what you’re expecting!
Electric Pink & Berry Boost look marvelous on you! But I think you wear the nudes just as well. Too bad about being non-matte and transfer proof. Like the price tag, though 🙂
For the price they’re worth a try!
Hi Adia despite the drawbacks all the colors looked fabulous on you and your pink eye shadow and impeccable eyebrows. May I asked what did you use for your eyeshadow and eyebrows?
Thanks Michaela!! For eyeshadows I used all MAC – Smokey Mauve on the lid and Red Brick and Passionate in the crease. I can’t take credit for this look though, a lady at the MAC counter told me to wear them together (one of the perks of working across the street from the mall and becoming a regular LOL). For brows I used Dior Brow Styler Gel in Brown.
You look nicest in the “nudes”. Usually drugstore “nudes” are too light but these work for your deep skin tone. Also the Berry one looks awesome on you, too!
Electric Pink and Berry Boost are the colors I prefer out of this selection.
Thanks, Pamela! I definitely think I’ll get the most wear out of the nude colors!