Admittedly, ever since Sephora became my go-to store for makeup purchases, I can sometimes overlook the treasures awaiting me at the drugstores closest to me — a huge mistake since, oftentimes, these brands incorporate products just as efficient as their prestige counterparts (and, oftentimes, markedly cheaper). Don't get me wrong: like any beauty junkie, I'll splurge on such products as a Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream, a Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush, or a NARS The Multiple stick. But I should never underestimate drugstore brands' new releases as they can be just as exciting and ground-breaking as those ushered into high-end boutiques.
A perfect example: Maybelline's Color Sensational Lipstain. I've tried a billion lip stains — among them POP Beauty's Stain Stay, the Stila Cherry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain, Benefit's Benetint, and the Revlon Just Bitten —but none can even hold a candle to the Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstain. Available in 10 shades ranging from a matte nude (No. 5 In the Buff) to a lollipop red (No. 75 Cherry Pop) and a magenta-ish açai berry hue (No. 45 Bitten Berry), these felt-tip pens look like chubby marker and they deposit a sheer wash of color for a just-pinched effect that's natural, easy, and youthful. The applicator tip is pointed enough for you to properly trace the outline of your mouth, accentuating the cupid's bow and following the outer corners of the lips to create a pout that's as rounded or stark and angular as desired; at the same time, if you tilt the tip slightly, you can color in the inside of your mouth using the more rounded sides (a time saver!).
Because the pigments are water-based, they're sheer enough to give you that I-just-came-in-from-the-cold or I-just-ate-a-popsicle tint, but the color is still robust (and, of course, if you layer it, you can build up the intensity). Plus, the pigment lasts all day -- even as you eat, drink, and gab away. You may have to fill in the center of your mouth if you happen to be drinking more water or coffee than usual, but that's a rarity. In fact, I've even smooched my boyfriend while wearing the Cherry Pop color and he was stunned that he didn't have to wipe any color from his lips, as he usually does when I wear lipstick (regardless of whether or not it's a long-wearing formula).
But perhaps what makes this lip stain top of the class is that it doesn't feather or migrate, nor does it dry out lips (a common frustration with other lip stains). In fact, the formula contains a vitamin-enriched berry nectar that hydrates and moisturizes lips, ensuring that the color doesn't fade and that lips remain smooth and crack-free.
Lately, I've been crushing hard on the No. 75 Cherry Pop and the No. 55 Plum Flushed Shades. If you're curious to see what the shades look like, check out the photos after the jump.
Have you tried the Color Sensational Lipstains yet? If not, pick some up at your nearest drugstore for $7.49 each. They're worth every penny!
Below, you'll find swatches of Cherry Pop and Plum Flushed. The colors look rather potent on the skin, but they're more natural when you layer atop lips — though, of course, these are among the most full-bodied shades available so if you'd prefer something more natural, I'd suggest selecting a shade closer to your skin tone. But, since I do like pronounced lips, these are my personal faves:
Next, check out a photo of me wearing the Cherry Pop lip stain. I'm a sucker for a beautiful red lip, but such a bold hue tends to require constant attention (i.e. lots of glimpses in the mirror and quick touch-ups). The Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstain in Cherry Pop, however, allows you to flaunt candy apple red lips without apprehension — and that's sweeter than cherry pie!
