Drugstore Stars | Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm

As a lover of drugstore lipsticks, I have tried my fair share and this is the next instalment in my series of sharing the lipsticks I crown as top of the drugstore. I have already dedicated posts to my love for the Revlon Super Lustrous and Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate; now I want to talk all about the Revlon Matte Balm Stains. 

These Balms are in the same sleek packaging as the original stains and are a simple chubby lip crayon. They are available in 10 stunning shades ranging from entirely nude to a bright, bold red and are a bargain priced at only £7.99. Like any large lip crayon, they are easy to swipe on and, even if wearing a slightly darker colour, apply with ease and are perfect if you are in a rush. For these editions, the casing is in a smooth, matte finish in the same colour as the lipstick.

The formulation of the matte versions are surprisingly moisturising and create a velvety finish without drying out your lips. They are infused with moisture due to a triple complex of Shea, Mango and Coconut butter, meaning that you are left with a smooth, opaque wash of colour that is comfortable to wear and doesn't crease. They wear amazingly well and I find that I rarely have to touch up throughout the day

These are my current favourite three shades from the collection. Firstly, 250 'Standout' a bright, true red shade that creates a slightly retro look due to the velvety finish. I adore this shade and it is often my go to red lip as it is so easy to apply and I can rely on the balm to stay in place all day.

(Standout)

I also love the shade 225 'Sultry', a rosy brown that would suit any skin tone and works perfectly either as an everyday colour or paired with a smokey eye in the evening. It creates a finish that is slightly darker than your natural lip colour whilst remaining subtle and suitable for any occasion.

(Sultry)
Finally the shade 205 'Elusive' is a new yet permeant addition to my collection. This is a light, baby pink that creates a soft finish that is not sickly sweet or too reminiscent of Barbie pink. This looks gorgeous paired with a neutral eye during the day and could either be worn alone or with a pink gloss on top for a more intensive finish. 

(Elusive)

(Left to Right: Elusive, Sultry, Standout)

I hope you all enjoyed this mini review and I would love to hear all about your favourite lipsticks! You can also get in touch over Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Devon 

xoxo

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Drugstore : Red Lipstick

Whilst I love the versatility and ease of a nude lip, I equally adore a vibrant crimson pout. It is simple and effortless yet simultaneously a bold makeup look that makes a statement. From Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe to pop starlet Taylor Swift, this is a look that has been adorned by many over the years and I believe will forever be a timeless classic.

The drugstore has a never ending array of bold lipsticks to offer; from the classic, pillow box red to orange tones and deep berry shades. There is a shade and finish to suit every skin tone and preference, all at bargain prices.

1. Maybelline ColourSensational : shade 547 'Pleasure Me Red' - £6.99

This is the classic, true red of my collection. Reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe and the golden age of Hollywood glamour, it has slight pink undertones but is not overly blue or orange. It is a deep, blood red and is one that would suit most skin tones. The formulation is creamy, moisturising and extremely pigmented. Just one swipe of this will leave an opaque, glossy finish yet when removed it does not leave a stain on the lips. The packaging is equally beautiful with a vibrant red casing that clicks down into the metal base, all for only £6.99.

2. Revlon ColorBurst LipButter : shade 040 'Red Velvet' - £7.99

By now I'm sure that there are very few left who have not heard about or tried for themselves the infamous Revlon lip butters. This shade is a deep, burgundy red and darker than the previous Maybelline lipstick with a more vampy rather than classic finish. One swipe will leave a sheer maroon coat on the lips, however the colour is extremely buildable and can be layered to produce a richly pigmented, opaque finish. Like all the Revlon lip butters, this lipstick is moisturising and comfortable to wear.

3. Revlon ColourBurst Matte Balm Stain : shade 250 'Standout' - £7.99

This is the first of two matte lip products that I decided to add to this collection. I adore the matte balm stains as I find that they strike the perfect balance between a matte finish and a lipstick that is not overly drying on the lips. This is surprisingly moisturising and leaves behind a comfortable, velvety finish. The shade is a vibrant red with a slight berry undertone and the matte finish gives the look a retro feel. It is easy to apply and perfect for those on the go or who are new to bold lip colours and looking for somewhere to start.  

4. Rimmel Kate Matte Lipstick : shade 107 - £5.49

This shade of the Kate Moss lipstick collection I feel is somewhat infamous among beauty bloggers and those familiar with the line. It is the second of the two matte shades that I have added and a long time personal favourite. I believe this was the first dark lipstick I ever purchased, and although my collection has grown extensively since then, it has always remained a loyal favourite. The shade is a deep berry red with a dark wine undertone. It has an excellent colour payoff and is long wearing, however it does wear like a matte lipstick and so can dry out the lips. Therefore I recommend always using a scrub before to ensure the lips are smooth and applying a moisturising balm afterwards.  

5. Rimmel Kate LastingFinish Lipstick : shade 30 - £5.49

In case you haven't noticed I am a real fan of the Kate Moss lipstick range, with this being the third one I have mentioned in the last two posts. I have found that all the lipsticks I have tried are pigmented and long lasting, not to mention an absolute bargain at only £5.49. This shade is no exception and my personal favourite colour to wear. It has an intense colour with a deep berry shade that beautifully reflects the light. It is very similar to the matte 107 lipstick, however it sways more towards a plum tone and has a creamy finish.

6. Bourjois Paris ColourBoost Lip Crayon : shade 06 'Plum Russian' - £7.99

This is the final lip product that I felt had to be mentioned and is definitely a more aubergine toned red than the others. It is the choice for anyone who is nervous about wearing dark colours and wants to start with a product that is easy to apply. One coat offers a delicate plum sheen and looks gorgeous left like this as a subtle change to your makeup routine. The product is buildable and when layered can produced an opaque, rich plum coverage. These lip crayons are hydrating and highly moisturising and offer a satin finish. Therefore the lasting power is not as great as the other choices, although they are the perfect option if you are after a little colour and shine that will not draw too much attention.

I hope these suggestions help you find a dark lipstick that is perfect for you and completely affordable. I would love to hear your drugstore suggestions for recreating the coveted crimson lip!

(Left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

Devon

xoxo

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