I haven't qualified for an Influenster Voxbox in a hot while. I remembered the early ones I received were full of average products which were fun to try but nothing memorable or repurchase worthy. VoxBox's Rouge Signature edition, however, has blown me off my feet. As my first L'Oréal lip product, the Rouge Signature Lasting Matte Liquid Lipstick in I Create, I Rule, and I Am Worth It are quickly becoming my go-to formulas of choice lately.
L'Oréal's description:
Lightweight matte colored ink that delivers a stain-like feel with the color impact of a liquid lipstick. Imparts lips with a high pigment, matte finish, and lasting wear.
Less texture*, more color: Rouge Signature is a lightweight matte colored ink that delivers intense pigment loads with a weightless, bare-lip sensation. This ultra-comfortable liquid matte colored ink provides lasting matte color and infuses lips with a healthy, even dye of color. The no makeup feel of a stain combined with the color impact of a liquid lipstick. Find your signature shade from our captivating range. Use with our precision applicator to shape and lines lips for a precise and perfectly applied lip.
CAUTION: Flammable until dry. Do not use near fire, flame, or heat.
Directions
Apply starting in the center of your upper lip. Work from the center to outer edges of your lips, following the contour of your mouth. Then glide across the bottom lip and fill in. To take off, use an oil-based makeup remover or our waterproof Micellar Water for best results.
Ingredients
AQUA / WATER / EAU, DIMETHICONE, OCTYLDODECANOL, ISODODECANE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, ALCOHOL, ACRYLATES/POLYTRIMETHYLSILOXYMETHACRYLATE COPOLYMER, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE, TRIMETHYL PENTAPHENYL TRISILOXANE, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, POLYGLYCERYL-4 ISOSTEARATE, MAGNESIUM SULFATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, PROPYLENE CARBONATE, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, PEG/PPG-18/18 DIMETHICONE, ALUMINA, DISODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, LINALOOL, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE, TOCOPHEROL, PARFUM / FRAGRANCE, [+/- MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR, CI 77891 / TITANIUM DIOXIDE, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / IRON OXIDES, CI 45410 / RED 28 LAKE, CI 15850 / RED 7, CI 45380 / RED 22 LAKE, CI 15985 / YELLOW 6 LAKE, CI 42090 / BLUE 1 LAKE, CI 19140 / YELLOW 5 LAKE]
Lipstick 7 ml / 0.23 oz
L'Oréal (MSRP): USD $11.99
Packaging
A thick, transparent plastic tube with a twist-off cap and a petal-shaped applicator. The stopper inside the tube is just large enough for the applicator to come out easily whilst scraping off the perfect amount of excess product.
New tubes will have a sticker label for a security seal; if the perforated part is broken it probably has been opened already. The label for the name is placed on a very small sticker at the bottom of the tube.
I Create (No. 416)
"Nude," muted pink color in the tube. On my lips, it becomes a little peachy (warm pink) and is most similar to my natural lip color.
I Rule (No. 414)
Pink with blue undertones that is almost a dusty magenta. It applies true to the color in the tube.
I Am Worth It (No. 426)
Red with cool/blue undertones. Also applies true to the color in the tube.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
The three colors I have tried are all highly pigmented yet lightweight and not tacky. Immediately after application, it is a bit wet with a slight shine but as the formulation dries it takes on a more velvety matte look.
The lipstick does transfer and wipes away but it also leaves stain my lips to a degree; the less bold colors are not as noticeable since it is similar to my bare lips.
There is a very slight sweet scent if I really sniff the applicator itself. Otherwise, it doesn't smell of much after I apply it nor does it taste of anything if licked.
How I Apply
Gradient lips // Point the applicator with the concave part facing my bottom lip. Spread a light layer starting from the center and then toward both sides. Lightly smack my lips together to put some color onto the upper lip.
Full lips // Start the same way as I would for gradient lips. Afterward, I add a layer or two extra to get more precise lines. I like to flip the applicator over so the concave part is facing up and then use the pointed tip to create the clean lip shape.
Thoughts & Recommendations
L'Oréal couldn't have been more accurate with their description of what the Rouge Signature Lasting Matte Liquid Lipsticks are. Everything that makes this lip product special is what I had hoped the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick to be. Having tried both now, I do hope something existed with the best qualities of both.
The Rouge Signature packs a colorful punch whilst being versatile. I love that I could wear a light layer or build up for a bolder look. The formulation is buttery smooth, lightweight, and most importantly not tacky. Layering and reapplying is a breeze. It doesn't seem to settle into my lines nor catch onto dry patches. Once it dries down, I barely feel like I have anything on my lips.
Perhaps the only questionable claim is this providing lasting wear. The brand chose their words very wisely. In a sense it does, the bolder colors do leave a noticeable stain. Those swatches on my arm lasted a good week's time despite cleansing oils and eye/lip makeup remover. On my lips, though, is a different story. The staining effect only lasts as long as the top layer of skin isn't exfoliated off. For me, that happens twice daily...once in the morning because of lip balms and another time at night because of cleansing. The actual liquid lipstick portion easily wipes off when eating or drinking—the oilier the foods, the more color is removed.
L'Oréal' offers slightly more product (7ml versus Maybelline's 5ml) but it has a higher Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Pricing (USD $11.99 versus Maybelline's USD $9.49). I definitely prefer the see-through tubes of the Rouge Signature. I also actually find myself reapplying after the color fades because of how fuss-free it is; whereas I had no such thoughts with the SuperStay due to its tackiness, tendency to flake, and inability to layer. If only the liquid lipstick part of the Rouge Signature is as transfer-proof as the SuperStay, while keeping its non-sticky texture, we would have one huge gem of a drugstore matte lip product.
I call this the Autumn look but, truth be told, I've been sporting this color palette since the summer; orange, brown, and gold are versatile shades and effortlessly compatible with either season. It seems to go well with both my tanned skin tone and, now, slightly lighter tone. Paired with loose waves that veer brown-ish under bright sunlight, this continues to be my styling of choice at the moment.
Looking at this photo makes me itch to dye my hair a chocolatey brown shade with a wavy perm. Knowing me though, I would be terrible at upkeeping colored and damaged hair.
Redness is always an issue on my face. Typically it is the residual effects of acne while most other times it is just blotchiness. I use the MAYBELLINE Master Camo Color Correcting Pen 10 Green to target said spots and blend it out with the JUNGSAEMMOOL Essential Star-cealer Foundation Puff. I spread about half a pump of the JUNGSAEMMOOL Essential Star-cealer Foundation in Medium Deep in the compact itself, lightly dab it onto the JSM puff, and stamp it onto my face (starting from the inner regions and moving towards the outer areas). If I feel like I need more coverage for under the eyes, around the nose, or on other discoloration then I will take a brush and work the included concealer into my routine as well. I apply a light wash of the BECCA Cosmetics Beach Tint in Lychee on my cheeks. Then set my entire base with a light dusting of the Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Powder. I apply the bronzer shade from MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Skinfinish in Pink Power under my cheekbones and on the temples of my face. MAC Cosmetics My Highland Honey is the main focal point of the look, in my opinion, so I generously apply it to my cheeks. I smooth the Benefit Cosmetics Watt's Up! on the tip of my nose, on top of my cheekbones, and in the space above (but between) my eyebrows for highlight.
My eye makeup is far more simple in comparison. I mix Urban Decay eyeshadows in Naked and Buck before applying all over the eyelid and the lower lash line. Then I sweep some of Half Baked onto the middle-ish section of my lids space, following with Dark Horse in the outer corners of the eyes. Since my eyelids are constantly fluctuating between double and triple folds, I stick to my version of tight-lining with the Revlon Colorstay Eye Liner in Black Brown to avoid creasing issues. I end the makeup look by filling in my natural brow shape with the innisfree Brow Master Pencil in Gray.
We, consumers, like to believe that we pay more for a better quality product: well thought out, superior formulation, and sturdier packaging to name a few. Yet as the competition grows even the more affordable and smaller brands have gems hidden amongst the rough. We hope for something of similar quality minus the costs of the luxury brand name and frills.
That is precisely what I wanted the innisfree Brow Master Pencil to be. At half the cost of the previous eyebrow pencils I tried and loved, how wonderful would it be if it works and lasts just the same?
innisfree's description:
You multi-task, so should your brow make-up. Define, shape and volumize eyebrows with this unique 3-in-1 brow tool.
On one end, an angled tip pencil fills brows with a thin or thick stroke (up to you!)
In the center, a sponge-tip applicator loaded with brow powder creates fullness.
On the other end, a spooly brush styles and defines your brow look.
Directions
1. Define: Fill in brow using pencil, using light, feathery strokes.
2. Volumize: Using brow powder applicator, lightly press sponge tip over brow to set pencil and add dimension.
3. Set: With brush, sweep color out and downward to shape the arch and elongate the tail.
Ingredients
Pencil
HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL, HYDROGENATED COCO-GLYCERIDES, POLYETHYLENE, ZINC STEARATE, COPERNICIA CERIFERA (CARNAUBA) WAX, IRON OXIDES (CI 77499), HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), HYDROGENATED COCONUT OIL, POLYGLYCERYL-2 TRIISOSTEARATE, IRON OXIDES (CI 77492), MICA (CI 77019), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491), METHICONE
Powder
MICA (CI 77019), CERESIN, HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL, TALC, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, TRIETHYLHEXANOIN, C12-15 ALKYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, POLYGLYCERYL-2 TRIISOSTEARATE, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, SILICA, IRON OXIDES (CI 77499), TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), POLYISOBUTENE, IRON OXIDES (CI 77492), METHICONE, DIMETHICONE, IRON OXIDES (CI 77491)
Pencil cartridge 0.12 g
Powder pan 0.4 g
innisfree (Korean retail): ₩10,000
innisfree (USA retail): USD $11.00
Packaging
A double-ended eyebrow product with a retractable pencil on one end, a spoolie on the other, and a shadow with a sponge-tip applicator in the middle. This pencil does not come with a sharpener and probably wouldn't work well with the pencil formulation anyway. The pencil isn't shaped in any special way, just ovular and blunt cut. The sponge-tip is squishy and bulbous, unlike the JUNGSAEMMOOL one that is more firm and shapely. If I were to choose, my preference lies with the latter sponge-tip as it seems to apply the powder in a more effortless, even, and a lighter layer of color.
I understand that cream and brown are the brand colors of innisfree. However, I wish they showed the pencil colors on the tube instead as the names are printed fairly small and written in Korean only (the English names are just on a stick-on label that is attached to the security plastic wrapping). It would make the shopping experience easier especially for non-Koreans.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
"Gray", the shade, is an ashy-gray with hints of brown. The powder swatches very similar to the JUNGSSAEMMOOL "Smoky bony" shade.
Both the powder and the pencil have matte finishes and unscented. I found no faults with the powder itself, just didn't particularly like the sponge-tip delivery. The pencil, on the other hand, was one of the driest pencil products I have ever experienced. The new pencil tip was hard and difficult to draw with. One swipe doesn't give a strong color; it does build up well after a few more swipes though.
How I Apply
Unscrew the middle part of the brow pencil to reveal the powder portion. I "color" in my brows with the sponge-tip applicator to fill in the empty spaces. Afterward, I take the pencil portion and outline the desired shape and finish it off by brushing out the hairs with the spoolie to feather the edges out.
Thoughts & Recommendations
I was not kidding when I said the JUNGSAEMMOOL eyebrow pencil set new standards. innisfree was one of the few brands, Korean and Western, to have one of a similar design (with pencil, powder, and spoolie all-in-one). Trying it out was a no-brainer since I would practically be guaranteed a shade match plus it's cheap.
Color-wise, "Gray" was a great match for my black hair. Formulation-wise, the pencil could be greatly improved upon. It snapped into pieces way too easily and the pigmentation with one swipe isn't very high. I lost a quarter of the pencil the first day I started using it and about half of the remainder of the product a month or so later. It also seemed like I was using up the pencil far quicker since I had to draw more strokes to build up the color.
*Disclaimer: the printed expiration date was the same month and year I bought the pencil in (June 2018). I am positive it says expiration and not manufacture date. I don't know how much of a factor that plays into how dried out the eyebrow pencil was. If so then the NYC store is kind of at fault for selling a product that was days away from expiring. The remainder of the fault was my own for not looking closely before purchase. Regardless, if the formulation becomes so brittle overtime it means this pencil cannot be stockpiled and hoarded for long.
The innisfree Brow Master Pencil is a nice low-end option, especially for those new to eyebrow products and are intimidated by ones that are too concentrated in color. I can see those who prefer stronger brows may find it too faint and natural. The blunt cut made it difficult to draw thin, hair-like strokes. It was fine outlining a general brow shape and tail. This isn't on my repurchase list anytime soon. If I do reconsider I will have to remember to double check the expiration before giving it a second chance.
To say I am impressed by a drugstore brand's attempt at an effective color correcting product is an understatement. Most that I remembered about and envisioned an affordable corrector to be was proven wrong by the Maybelline Master Camo Color Correcting Pen in 10 Green. Pale and pasty this was not. Color concentrated and spreadable this is. Whilst there are cons to be found, Master Camo pen did exceed my expectations.
Maybelline's description:
Facestudio® Master Camo™ Color Correcting Pens deliver pure-pigment color to help fix a range of skin tone concerns. This color correcting pen features a precise blender tip for effortless application and blending.
Green // Cancels out redness and is created for all skin tones.
Directions
Step 1. Upon first use, twist the bottom of the pen 10-15 times or until the product is visible on the sponge.
Step 2. Next, apply by tapping the cushioned tip applicator onto the target area and gently blend.
Step 3. Finish with concealer or foundation on top.
Ingredients
AQUA / WATER / EAU, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, DIMETHICONE, ISODODECANE, GLYCERIN, PEG-9 POLYDIMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, NYLON-12, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, PEG-10 DIMETHICONE, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE
Maybelline (USA retail): USD $9.99
Packaging
Twist-up pen with a curved furry sponge. This delivery method isn't the most hygienic as the sponge tip isn't detachable and therefore uncleanable.
The tube is completely opaque, which makes it difficult to tell how much of the corrector is inside. New products come in shrink-wrapped plastic that only secures the top cap of the pen—people can still twist and pre-load corrector onto the sponge with it still looking unopened.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
Kind of a pastel green but also muted in a way. It is pastel in the sense that the base is clearly white; however, unlike other green correctors I have used before, this one has far more green pigment. The product itself is a creamy liquid. It sets quickly and leaves a powdery, matte finish (leaning towards a drying finish). There isn't any scent.
How I Apply
I currently like to dab a tiny amount (not even a full twist) over red spots/areas, lightly spread it with the sponge-tip, and pat overtop via cushion puff until the edges are softened. Above photo is pre-blending with a puff.
I used to twist 2-3 times to expose a lot of product before proceeding to swipe my entire cheek area (where the redness is abundant) but found that the Master Camo pen would set too fast and leave my face very patchy and cakey looking.
Thoughts & Recommendations
Compared to the Clio corrector I last reviewed, the Maybelline Master Camo pen is better in terms of coloration. The green is strong enough to actually counter redness without just being brightening/whitening. My face does become a shade brighter but it also evened out. Do keep in mind, the pen doesn't correct everything perfectly.
The corrector adheres to the skin better when matte, which also means it is more difficult to blend out. It sets incredibly fast on drier skin types and loves to cling to dry patches. If not careful, caking of the product could be a common issue.
When applied on a dewier face, the green blends out more easily but the color concentration is diluted. Yet Master Camo pen still does a better job at color correcting than other pale greens in this scenario.
Regardless of a matte or dewy base, the color corrector does separate and cake around my nose and mouth/chin area as the day goes on (especially so when I'm oilier and/or dry and tight).
I think this green pen is pretty good for something that costs ~USD $10. It probably still isn't something I would rush out to buy when it runs out just because my skin is in a constant state of flakiness and the product doesn't fair well against it. When my skin is better exfoliated and just having a better day in general, I enjoy the overall effect the additional step in my routine gives.
Have I become brow-obsessed? Maybe not in the sense that my brows have to look perfect all the time but I have spent a lot more time and effort into the two small strips of hair above my eyes than ever before. Committing to the permanence of microblading isn't my cup of tea right now; I like having the choice of changing between a natural brow and well-defined one. I thought having an eyebrow product with just a pencil and spoolie would be sufficient but the JUNGSAEMMOOL Refining Color-bony Brow's extra powder & sponge tip has changed my standards for future brow pencil purchases.
JUNGSAEMMOOL's description:
Like an artist's pencil, it allows to express fine definition of eyebrow. This 3 in 1 multi brow item with hard type pencil on one side and smudging powder on the other side perfectly contours the eyebrow and also completes your hairline makeup.
Defined touch of hard formula
Hard formula of this retractable pencil shapes natural-looking eyebrow without smearing.
All-in-one pencil
Fill in the blank spot on eyebrow using the powder tip and shape the definition of brow edge using the pencil.
Eyebrow that matches with your eye pupil color
Find your perfect color and shade based on color of your hair and eyes.
Directions
Pencil
Use the angled-tip of the pencil, stroke and shape the brow as you like.
Powder
Using the powder-tip loaded inside the pencil, fill in the blank spot of the brow to give a natural shade.
Ingredients
Smoky Bony - Pencil
HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL, HYDROGENATED COCO-GLYCERIDES, HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL, ZINC STEARATE, STEARIC ACID, CARNAUBA WAX, POLYGLYCERYL-2 TRIISOSTEARATE, TOCOPHEROL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, MICA (CI 77019), TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77499), IRON OXIDES (CI 77492)
Smoky Bony - Powder
TALC, OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE, DIPENTAERYTHRITYL HEXAHYDROXYSTEARATE/HEXASTEARATE/HEXAROSINATE, OCTYLDODECANOL, DIMETHICONE, PHENOXYETHANOL, MAGNESIUM MYRISTATE, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, MICA (CI 77019), TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77499), IRON OXIDES (CI 77492), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491)
Pencil cartridge 0.18 g
Powder pan 0.5 g
JSM Beauty (Korean retail): ₩18,000
JSM Beauty (USA retail): USD $19.83
Peach & Lily: USD $21.00
Packaging
A double-ended eyebrow product with a retractable pencil on one end, a spoolie on the other, and a shadow with a sponge-tip applicator in the middle. The pencil is an ingenious triangular shape which allows for thicker, blunt lines and thin, defined ones. Unlike the shu uemura brow: sword, the JUNGSAEMMOOL Color-bony Brow does not come with a sharpener. (This was not an issue for me since I never find myself sharpening eyebrow pencils anyway.)
There are a couple of things I think the packaging could be improved upon. The durability of the plastic is lacking when compared to other JUNGSAEMMOOL products—specifically the caps; one of the caps cracked not long after opening and is now loose. The other tweak would be to adhere the sticker label more securely or to just directly print the color name on the tube itself. Neither are big problems for me since I only own one of these pencils and I mainly use it at home. But I can see it being a bother for people who tend to carry makeup on the go or would own multiple of these in various colors.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
Smoky bony is grayish black with tiny hints of warm brown. This seemed to fit black hair the best of all the colors JUNGSAEMMOOL offers (mostly different undertoned browns which would be better a match for those with dyed hair). I thought the cool-toned ashy brown of the shu uemura's seal brown was a great choice for me but I have come to prefer this "smoky bony" shade instead; seal brown looks too cool in comparison.
The pencil and powder have a matte finish and isn't scented. The pencil portion is a hard type pencil but draws on easily. A light stroke will give me a sufficiently pigmented line, whereas some pencils require a couple of harder-pressed strokes to show the same amount of color. The sponge-tip applicator picks up just the right amount of product and can easily give a light wash of shading or a darker coloring.
How I Apply
I unscrew the middle part of the brow pencil to reveal the powder portion. I "color" in my brows with the sponge-tip applicator to fill in the empty spaces. After screwing the pencil together, I take the pencil portion and outline the overall shape I would like. I finish it off by feathering the edges with the spoolie end.
Thoughts & Recommendations
I have already said how much I like the "smoky bony" color. I did not expect to like the shadow as much as I do. It seemed to be something extra I wouldn't reach for at all but a brow with both just looks more refined now. The shadow fills in empty spots far better than what I can draw in without over saturating my brows when using the pencil alone, yet the pencil is what creates the definition the shadow cannot give. A spoolie at this point is a must-have in all brow pencils. Big points go to the general ease-of-use of this product.
My brows don't budge unless I forcefully smudge them. Even when feathering with a spoolie the color doesn't get rubbed away. I find myself using less product overall. The pencil portion is diminishing faster than anticipated but has lasted me 8 months and still going with daily usage. It is impossible to tell how much of the powder is left without taking apart the entire contraption but it feels like it is neverending.
The price point isn't bad either—falling amongst mid-range brands like Benefit and Anastasia from Sephora. Color-bony Brow offers less product in the pencil compared to other brands (0.18g v 0.3-4g); however, it has more product altogether when combining the pencil and powder (0.68g). It is now much easier to get a hold of JUNGSAEMMOOL products as she offers international shipping AND sells via Peach & Lily. This brand does not offer refills like shu uemura does—how would the powder be switched out anyway?
I mentioned shu uemura too many times in this review, yet that is naturally to be expected when my previous favorite is dethroned. Like with the former HG, I would recommend Smoky Bony to those with naturally dark, especially black, locks and are on the lower-maintenance side who do not want to deal with many different brow products.
Sharp, clean, and precise eyeliner looks are a wonder to see but require much skill and patience to master. While it is a makeup goal I would like to achieve some time in my lifetime, I am satisfied with my current liner skills for a day-to-day routine. Having the right formulated product, ideally long-wear & smudge-proof, and delivery mechanism, best if retractable, is definitely key to keeping the morning process concise and stress-free.
I don't typically keep multiple eyeliners open at once but since I happened to have two similar ones in hand I thought I would compare how L'Oreal's Matte-Matic in Deep Brown fairs against Revlon's Colorstay Eye Liner in Black Brown. Both have lofty claims, generally good reviews, and are affordable; what's to lose?
Descriptions:
L'Oreal
Rich matte intensity that lasts up to 24HR. Built-in sharpener for buidable precise lines. Waterproof. Smudge resistant. Gel cream formula for smooth application. Soft & easy application. Opthamologist tested. Do not use in eyelid.
Revlon
Rich, intense color. Wears up to 16 hours. Use smudger to blend color. For a precise line, gently sharpen using pull-out sharpener at base of pencil. Glides on smoothly. Waterproof. Opthamologist tested.
Ingredients
L'Oreal
DIMETHICONE, TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, SYNTHETIC WAX, PHENYLPROPYLDIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, POLYETHYLENE, HEXAMETHYLDISILOXANE, DISILOXANE, POLYHYDROXYSTEARIC ACID, CAPRYLYL TRIMETHICONE, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, SILICA, PROPYLENE CARBONATE, TALC, LECITHIN, TIN OXIDE, TOCOPHEROL, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, CITRIC ACID. +/- MAY CONTAIN // PEUT CONTENIR: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, IRON OXIDES – MICA - CI 77891, TITANIUM DIOXIDE - CI 77000, ALUMINUM POWDER - CI 77510, FERRIC AMMONIUM FERROCYANIDE - CI 77007, ULTRAMARINES - CI 77510, FERRIC FERROCYANIDE - CI 75470, CARMINE
Revlon
CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, OZOKERITE, TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, POLYETHYLENE, PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, CANDELILLA CERA ((EUPHORBIA CERIFERA (CANDELILLA) WAX) CIRE DE CANDELILLA), TOCOPHEROL, SORBIC ACID, BHT, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, (MICA), (IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, 77492, 77499)), (TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891)), (BLACK 2 (CI 77266)), (FERRIC FERROCYANIDE (CI 77510)), (CARMINE (CI 77470)), (ULTRAMARINES (CI 77007))
L'Oreal eyeliner 0.01 oz / 0.28 g
Revlon eyeliner 0.01 oz / 0.28 g
(Retail prices vary greatly depending on the city/town)
CVS/Walgreens: USD ~$9-10.00
Target: USD ~$6-8.00
Packaging
Both are retractable (twist-up-and-down) pens. I didn't show it in the photo but L'Oreal and Revlon both include a sharpener at the end of the eyeliner pen; just give the bottom a slight tug and the contraption will reveal itself. The only packaging difference between the two is Revlon has a sponge tip smudger.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
L'Oreal's Matte-Matic is drier and waxier, almost like that of a crayon. It is very crumbly and tends to tug at my eyelid skin when I go to draw a line. The liner has a tendency to snap off if I apply just a tiny bit too much pressure.
Revlon Colorstay Eye Liner is creamier. It glides easily without any drag.
Both have no scent and dry down to a matte finish. Both can appear similarly dark if drawn over a couple of times. If not, Matte-Matic's Deep Brown is slightly lighter in color and has more red undertones when compared to Colorstay's Black Brown.
A freshly drawn Matte-Matic line doesn't smudge too much. Colorstay, on the other hand, does smudge and quite a lot at that. When water and rubbing get thrown into the mix, both smear and lose their pigmentation. I would say both are water-resistant to a certain degree but not waterproof. Both liners wash off well with just cleansing oil/balm by the end of the day. However, fresh liner needs a bit of help from eye-lip makeup remover.
How I Apply
Draw a line as close to the lash line as possible. Slightly wing the outer edges.
Thoughts & Recommendations
My eyelid space is typically dry after cleansing. It gets oilier throughout the day. The biggest issues I have is with eyeliner and eyeshadow smudging from the upper lashline to the lower, especially on the outer corners because I tend to squint and close my eyes often. Plus, my eyelids are currently asymmetrical; one side has two folds while the other has only one, unfortunately causing the latter lashline to fold right into the crease which often causes creasing.
When I first started using both these eyeliners, I thought I could confidently say I liked the Matte-Matic more purely due to its drier formula. It was a little difficult to draw a line but not impossible. The most important benefit was how little it transferred and smudged onto my lower lash line at the end of the day.
Then it seems the L'Oreal liner dried out more and more in the tube as the months went on. It started to snap and crumble as I tried to draw on eyeliner; had it happened once because I twisted the product too far I wouldn't have had such a big change of heart, but it occurred multiple times no matter the length of liner I twist out. While not very noticeable it does also dry and create specks/fall-out throughout the day which tend to end up under my eyes.
My feelings for the Colorstay liner has more or less been the same since I first started using it. I appreciate how smoothly it glides onto my lids. I like how pigmented the line is with just one stroke. But I absolutely hate how easily it transfers. If I don't set my eye area well with powder pre-eyeliner, the line would crease. If I didn't set the eyeliner with powder after drawing, the liner would crease. If I opened my eyelids too early before the eyeliner had a chance to set, the liner would also crease. After a long day of wear, surprise surprise, the liner would smudge onto my lower lashline.
That being said, Revlon actually isn't the worst eyeliner I have tried. Colorstay has fairly good staying power as long as I take those extra steps. It doesn't hold up all day because my eyelids do get oily and watery throughout the day but it doesn't give me panda eyes within the first hour of wear.
I cannot say if the L'Oreal liner would last up to 24 hours but I have had both on for close to 16-hour occasions before and they have held up well, granted my eyes didn't get watery or itchy at all. Matte-Matic and Colorstay lose their color intensity and both smudge onto my lower lash line to varying degrees depending on the day's conditions.
Between the two, I would only recommend Revlon's Colorstay Eye Liner and only to people with drier eyelids and/or doesn't mind completing a few extra steps to ensure it works well.
I think I can safely say I have a growing affinity for matte lip products; they leave little to no tackiness and feel as if I had applied nothing onto my lips while being insanely pigmented in color. But the ones I have tried so far have been on the pricier end of the spectrum, ranging USD $20+ per stick of pigment.
The sensible side of me has kept me from splurging on more of the JUNGSAEMMOOL High Color Lipsticks. The frugal side of me took the chance to stack coupons and deals in order to test different colored matte lips. Maybelline's SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in 15 Lover seemed to have a big fanbase, judging solely by number ratings, and the muted pink shade looked perfect for everyday wear.
MAYBELLINE's Description:
SuperStay Matte Ink™ Liquid Lipstick gives you a flawless matte finish in a range of super saturated shades.
Ink your lips in up to 16 HR saturated liquid matte. SuperStay Matte Ink™ features a unique arrow applicator for precise application and is available in a range of super saturated shades.
Directions
1. Apply liquid lipstick in the center of your upper lip and follow the contours of your mouth.
2. Glide the liquid lipstick across the entire bottom lip.
Ingredients
DIMETHICONE, TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, ISODODECANE, NYLON-611/DIMETHICONE COPOLYMER, DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, C30-45 ALKYLDIMETHYLSILYL POLYPROPYLSILSESQUIOXANE, LAUROYL LYSINE, ALUMINA, SILICA SILYLATE, DISODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, LIMONENE, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, PARAFFIN, BENZYL BENZOATE, BENZYL ALCOHOL, CITRONELLOL, PARFUM / FRAGRANCE [+/- MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR CI 45410 / RED 28 LAKE CI 77891 / TITANIUM DIOXIDE CI 15850 / RED 7 CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / IRON OXIDES CI 45380 / RED 22 LAKE CI 15985 / YELLOW 6 LAKE CI 19140 / YELLOW 5 LAKE CI 42090 / BLUE 1 LAKE CI 15850 / RED 6 CI 17200 / RED 33 LAKE MICA] F.I.L. D197345/2
Lipstick tube 5.0 ml / 0.17 fl. oz.
Maybelline (MSRP): USD $9.49
Packaging
Comes in a sturdy opaque plastic tube. One end is colored to match the liquid lipstick. There is a click-lock protrusion to stop anyone from over-tightening the tube. The applicator is arrow-shaped and hollow in the middle.
Since the applicator is bulbous in shape and there is a stopper bit near the top of the tube, it takes a slight tug to release the wand portion of the lipstick from the bottle. When done too quickly, liquid lipstick can fly out. When done slowly, the stopper acts as a scaper of sorts to slightly remove excess product from the tip.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
Maybelline doesn't describe any of the colors of this line on their website. Lover, in my eyes, fall in the dusty rose color category. It leans cool-blue in most situations, purple in certain lighting. When applied in a light, very light, layer the blue tones aren't as apparent.
The liquid lipstick is very sticky and tacky. I saw it the moment I tried to pull the applicator wand out and was greeted by a string of dangling lacquer. No matter how thin or thick a layer I apply, the lipstick never fails to act like a glue keeping my lips together.
True to its name the SuperStay Matte Ink dries matte. There is an initial sheen if applied in a thicker manner but it eventually becomes shine-less.
There is a scent. I can't quite pinpoint what it is but it is definitely not an unpleasant one. I want to say it is like shea butter but that isn't an ingredient on the list.
How I Apply
Gradient // Scrape off most of/all the excess product from the applicator. Lightly swipe the arrow-shaped tip onto the inner portions of my bottom lip only. Smack my lips together to distribute some color onto the upper lip. Feather out the edges with my fingertips.
Thoughts & Recommendations
One thing I know for sure, I love the color of Lover when applied in a light-handed manner. Pink without being overbearing. It is my ideal MLBB shade (if that is still a thing in the beauty world).
The other thing I really like about the formulation is the lack of transfer. I don't have to worry about dirtying mugs, reusable bottles, scarves nor think about reapplying lip color. It only comes off when I eating something oily.
That said, the formulation is also the downfall. I have adjusted to my lips sticking together throughout the day. But the same tackiness makes it difficult to reapply. New layers are always uneven and blotchy. At the same time, the thicker the initial layer the more gluing power there is. Plainly said, don't apply a lot if you talk a lot.
While I can agree with Maybelline on the "saturated shade" part of their description, "16-hour wear" is a bit of a stretch. I am assuming they tested that on someone who did not eat or drink anything with even a tiny bit oily. The SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick does stay a very long time—the lipstick is difficult to blend once it has settled. But when it meets oil, bye-bye!
My biggest pet peeve with this particular product though is the way it wears off on my lips...in flakes. It always looks like peeling paint after a meal with the inner lip areas the most naked. Paired with any of the cons I mentioned above, it is impossible to remove without carrying around extra makeup remover and unideal to reapply more color without starting with bare lips.
This wasn't a bad buy considering the price I paid (nearly half the suggested retail). I had a bit of a learning curve. Once I got over the hurdle, it didn't feel as terrible. I reach for this tube of liquid lipstick often now just because of the color alone. If high color pigmentation and transferability is most important, go for it.
