Review: Revlon Matte Lipsticks (not your mama's matte, that's for sure)

Given the fact that I just turned 39, I can honestly say that I was around when the FIRST matte lipstick craze hit the nation. In the early 90s, matte lipsticks literally exploded onto the makeup scene and I was there for every last drying, caking, bit of it.

My matte lipstick of choice in 1991 was "Sexy Sienna" which was made by Ultima II (anybody remember that brand?). I did a google search and found an Ultima II lipstick in "Sexy Sienna" but the packaging has changed (it used to come in a long, thin, black tube) but the color kind of looks the same (click here to see it).

Anyway, my point is that I remember the first wave of mattes like it was yesterday. And I also remember that they were D.R.Y.I.N.G.! They had a tendency to get cakey, feel heavy, and they made your lips feel like every last bit of moisture was being sucked out of them. But at that time, we didn't care, because we all wanted to look like the girls on 90210:

Donna's deep wine matte lipstick ALWAYS looked perfect, damnit! lol.

So fast-forward to today, and lo and behold, mattes are back with a vengence! What a HAPPY day for me, because honestly, I never really lost my love for them. I have secretly wanted them to come back around ASAP. But I'm glad that it took so long, because now cosmetics manufacturers have the technology to make AMAZING mattes, such as Revlon Matte Lipsticks (retail: $7.99).

I have to thank two of my readers, Avalon76 and J, for raving about these new Revlon Matte Lipsticks in response to one of my Wednesday Questions a few weeks ago (click here to see it). They both said that they were loving this new line, which quickly prompted me to check it out. (And btw, this is why I LOVE it when you guys answer my Wednesday Questions, because I discover so many new products I would otherwise never know about!).

In case you're like me and haven't heard about the new Revlon Mattes, there are currently only ten shades, and they can be found in the permanent Revlon display where all the other Revlon lipsticks are located.

I had to pick up "In the Red" after J said that people are saying it's a good dupe of MAC Ruby Woo. It's been a few years since I've owned Ruby Woo, but I remember that it's a gorgeous blue-red shade, so I can definitely see the similarities. I also picked up "Mauve it Over" so that I could try a lighter shade (plus, Rite Aid was having a BOGO free for Revlon when I bought these. Yay!):

It's really difficult for my camera to accurately photograph reds, but this pic comes pretty close. Also, Mauve it Over is gorgeous, but it's totally NOT a mauve to me. It's really more of a nude, and I have to say that it's one of the few nudes that I can wear that doesn't make me look pale or sick. I freaking LOVE it and I've been wearing it practically every day since I purchased it.

The pic of me wearing Mauve it Over is fairly accurate (though it's not as pink in real life on me), and In the Red looks WAAAAY more orange in this pic than it does in real life. It is a true blue-red, so don't let this pic scare you off.

Let me just say that my readers were SO right about these lipsticks. They are creamy, creamy, creamy! I mean, they are HEAVEN to apply and they never, ever feel drying on your lips. I didn't have trouble with pigmentation, bleeding, fading, caking, drying, ANYTHING. The texture of this lipstick is, quite possibly, the best of any drugstore lipstick I have ever tried. And guess what else? They're unscented and unflavored! I really can't taste or smell this lipstick when I wear it.

Coming from an old-school matte lover, matte lipsticks just don't get any better than this. If you love your mattes, I think you need to try these as soon as possible.

Now if only Revlon would expand the color selection on these babies...

As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts!