review: maybelline color elixir

So I know these lip glosses have been circulating all over the interwebs, but I made the educated decision to hold off for a little bit and let the initial hysteria die down before I would strike with my own review.

I am not typically a lip gloss person, the stickiness doesn’t appeal to me and I usually prefer a more balm-like texture on my lips that feels hydrating. With this said, I was pleasantly surprised when I tried the new Maybelline’s New York Color Elixir. It goes for $6.94 at Walmart, which is a decent price.

I bought the shade “085 Hibiscus Haven” which is a bright blue-toned fuchsia, also out of my comfort zone. I usually go towards more natural colors but this one called to me for some reason. So I went with it, and I’m glad I did. The color payoff was highly pigmented and opaque  on my lips and really gave me the “BAM” I hoped for, but it was also very wearable, which I love.

The gloss feels very thick on the lip, and definitely hydrating. Although the gloss wears off after a few hours, it does leave a bit of stain that is really nice and I almost like it more when it’s worn off a bit. I personally am not crazy about feeling thick shellac on my lips so usually I will blot it with a napkin. It takes the thick, high-shine gloss off but it still looks lovely and pigmented. the doe-foot applicator is also very nice and makes application easy and precise.

 

^ gloss as it is ^      

^ gloss after one blot ^

The way I prefer to apply it is I use a lip scrub first, like this one from Lush that tastes like mint chocolate, then a put a balm like my favorite Burt’s Bees one to make a nice smooth canvas for the gloss, put the gloss over and then blot once with a napkin.

^ Burt's Bees Lip Balm, Lush Mint Julips Lip Scrub ^

All in all, it’s a really nice product. The smell is nice but not overwhelming, the color is opaque, wearable and stays put on your lips and it definitely was hydrating. My only cons are that I don’t really like how thick it feels and it will cling-to and show any dryness you may have, so you should make sure to exfoliate your lips prior.


What do you guys think of the elixirs? I definitely want to buy more. Tell me your thoughts and suggestions in the comments!

:) ttyl,
madeleine