Don't forget to check the beauty sale pages at Macy's here and
Nordstrom here for new beauty deals plus free shipping!


Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Review: Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms in Shameless, Showy and Standout

One of the most talked-about drugstore lip color releases of 2013, the new Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms and Lacquer Balms caused quite a stir here on the blog when I first showed you the display and color options back in September (click here if you missed my original post).

When I finally found the display a few weeks ago at Rite Aid, I purchased three of the Matte Balms and one of the Lacquer Balms (I'll be reviewing that one soon) but MAN was it difficult to narrow it down to four shades! Anyone else having that issue? I literally wanted them all.

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms in Shameless, Showy and Standout
(retail: around $8 each, 0.095 oz)




These balms have safety stickers on them, but they're the kind that are made of vinyl (aka: easy to peel and then press back onto the product). So I'm afraid that this seal isn't going to do much to protect these balms from curious hands, but at least it's something. I do wish Revlon would seal the entire pencil in plastic, but don't get me started on the whole safety-seals-on-drugstore-products issue again!






I hate not showing you lip swatches when I review lip colors, so please forgive my chapped lips--they're not in the ideal condition to be showing you MATTE lip colors (due to the weather), but hopefully you'll at least get an idea of what these look like on the lips based on my photos:


Shameless is an eggplant purple with violet undertones. It's bold, it's gorgeous and it's definitely going to get you noticed! I love it, although it did go on a tiny bit patchy on the first swipe, so you might have to build a little bit to get more even coverage (but so worth it!). Also, Shameless has a true matte finish, even though it looks a bit shiny in my pic (I think that's just the light bouncing off my lips because, in real life, it definitely reads as matte).


Showy is a bright, bubblegum pink that actually has more of a blue undertone on my lips (it looks a bit warmer in the tube). Just like with any other light-colored matte lip color, you're going to need to exfoliate and make sure your lips are perfectly smooth before you wear this one, or else it's going to call attention to every patch of dryness on your lips (see above). 


Standout is a perfect neutral red, and when I say "perfect" I mean it in every respect. Perfect red, perfect texture, perfect coverage, perfect everything. For decades, Revlon has been the master of the red drugstore lipstick, and this color just underscores why their reds have been a perennial favorite for so many years. Revlon Knows How To Make Red. And this is one flawless. No feathering, no patchiness, just velvety smooth beautiful matte red. And don't let the tube color scare you off--the tube itself looks like a brownish-brick-red in person, but obviously that's not indicative of the actual color. The tube color really underplays the beauty of this one.  And just like with Shameless, Standout has a true matte finish even though it looks a bit shiny in my pic (it definitely reads as matte in real life).

Texture and consistency: If you loved the Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipsticks (RIP), then you are probably going to love these. The Super Lustrous Matte Lipsticks were my favorite matte lipsticks of all time because of their smooth, velvety, lightweight formula, and the Matte Balm formula is pretty much identical (in my opinion). The texture has that same light-and-velvety feel about it that really sets it apart from other heavier-feeling matte lip colors. Another thing that sets these apart from other matte lip colors is that they don't get cakey and they don't ball up or start to flake after a few hours on the lips. They feel wonderful at the beginning, middle and end of their wear-time. The weather has been cold lately and I do have chapped lips at the moment, but these don't seem to be contributing to my chapped lips (in fact, they make them feel better...probably due to the coconut oil and shea butter in the formula). 

Pigmentation and staying power: As you can see, there are absolutely no issues with pigmentation when it comes to the three shades I purchased. They're bold and intense on the very first swipe, although the coverage on Shameless can a bit patchy on the first go-around, so you might need a second pass to even it out. Staying power is wonderful with these, and very reminiscent of the Super Lustrous Matte Lipsticks. I can get about 4-5 hours of wear before they fade down to a soft stain. When I eat, these do tend to wear down faster, but that's to be expected. 

Flavor and fragrance: Oh yes, here's the polarizing part of my review! It wasn't until I started blogging about five years ago that I realized how many people don't like peppermint-flavored lip products. I always thought peppermint was a pretty neutral flavor/fragrance in lip balms and lip colors, and that it was generally loved by all. Boy was I wrong! I have since learned that the peppermint flavor/fragrance in the original Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains is a deal-breaker for some of you. Thankfully that's not the case for me (I love peppermint and I love the Balm Stains so much it's ridiculous), but I'm sad to report that the Matte Balms have a very similar peppermint flavor/fragrance to them (peppermint oil is an ingredient in this formula). So if that didn't bother you in the Balm Stains, it won't bother you with these. But for the rest of you? Sorry!

FINAL VERDICT: An absolute love-match for me. I love the Revlon Matte Balms more than any other matte lip color I've tired in the past few years. I find them quite comparable to my beloved (and discontinued) Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipsticks, only now we have so many other shades to choose from, and who doesn't love the convenience of a twist-up chubby stick? If you're already a matte lipstick lover, these will probably win you over on the first swipe (unless you're anti-peppermint). If this is your first experience with a matte lip color, I've got news for you: not all matte lip colors are this light and velvety on the lips. These are the best of the best as far as I'm concerned, and I have some experience with this--I've been wearing matte lipsticks since the early 90s when they were heavy, cakey and tar-like on the lips! These are the exact polar opposite of old-school mattes, and I cannot recommend them enough. 

Have you purchased any of the new Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms yet? I'd love to hear from you! And please check back soon for my review of  one of the new Colorburst Lacquer Balms, coming soon.

The products featured in this post were purchased with personal funds. For more information, click here.
SHARE:

67 comments

  1. I love these sooooo much. I've gotten two so far and want all of them, literally. I just bought Shameless today. It's awesome. Thanks for your review!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so welcome! I think you're going to love Shameless!!

      Delete
  2. I had the same issue with Shameless where it applied patchy & it stays patchy unless I wait about five to ten minutes and reapply, but I love it though! & Standout is another good one! I was so upset when they discontinued their matte line, but these definitely make up for it! Thanks for the heads up for these though! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aaah I'm glad that technique works for you!! And yeah, this really makes up for them discontinuing the matte lippies!!

      Delete
  3. Great review!! I only got Sultry, but I am in love and will be picking more of them up soon!!! I was a little scared of the bolder colors, but seeing the red on your lips sealed that one for me for sure!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! And I think you're going to love that red!! :)

      Delete
  4. These are some truly bold colors!

    ReplyDelete
  5. The red is gorgeous! I haven't seen any of these at my local drugstores yet, but when I do I'll have to pick it up. I'm thinking of limiting myself to one shade each (1 matte & 1 lacquers)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good luck with the limit! When you see these in person I'm betting it's going to be hard to decide! Lol! ;)

      Delete
  6. The only negative thing I have to add about this is the safety seal. I much prefer the packaging for the Just Bitten Lip Stains than these. That little seal does nothing! But yeah, definitely want them all.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Gosh, I had no idea that they were that heavily pigmented. I saw the word Balm and thought it was like a colored chapstick. Well, great...now I need these too!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have sshameless and i love it! I also love the pepermint smell and it tinlgles a lil so i like that! Matte finish lipsticks are my fave!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I habe shameless and love it! I love the peppermint smell and it tingles a lil on my lips! Matte finish lipsticks are the best and this is not drying like most matte lipsticks! Great review by the way...u make me want to get more!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I just want to know if these are limited or permanent? I picked up four of the mattes and one of the lacquers and definitely want to grab a few more.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I found these about two weeks ago after endless looking in every drugstore around my area. I stood in front of the display for a good 45 mins trying to pick out what colors I wanted, I ended up getting Shameless, Showy, sultry, Elusive from the matte balms and Vivacious and Whimsical from the Lacquer balms. I wanted them all, but at 8.99 each you have to pick what colors you want more. Shameless is my fav though and I ended up driving 30 mins away to get a back up of it. Now they are showing up at Cvs on the side of the Parfumerie nail polish display and they have two Shamless balms in their display unlike Rite Aid and Walgreens.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep, even with the BOGO12OFF sale rite aid was running a few weeks ago, it was hard to narrow it down!

      Delete
  12. I bought Standout and love it.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I have the laquer one in whimsical it's sooo beautiful. It's one of my all time fav. Lipstick

    ReplyDelete
  14. I saw these in a totally full display at CVS and went crazy (ffor me, without having had tested them before) and bought 5. I completely love them and think that everyone should try at least one. They are so pretty and downright fun! I find them so much better than my MAC mattes,which I spent way more $$ on. Revlon lip colors are the absolute king of makeup!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm one of those who cannot deal with the peppermint. I like peppermint but not in my lipstick. Used to be a big fan off Burt's Bee's but had to stop because of the overwhelming sent of peppermint. My tummy couldn't handle it. Which is disappointing because honestly G I really like the purple/plum color. It looks amazing on you and its a must have for me but the peppermint is a no go zone. Soooo sad!! But rock on girl you look fab! Chappy lips and all!! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lol! Thank you! And so sorry you can't do peppermint. :(

      Delete
  16. I don't have any of the original balm stains but I was so taken by the hype over these that I've already picked up four, and two of the lacquers. Obsessed! I'm glad to see them popping up more places and getting reviewed more!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh my gosh candace you NEED the balm stains! You will be addicted I promise!

      Delete
    2. I agree with Natalie! You should try a balm stain!! :)

      Delete
  17. I found the display at BBB awhile ago and I had the same issue, there were just way too many shades to choose from and I was overwhelmed. I ended up choosing a muavey-pink shade and although I enjoy it, I probably won't be purchasing another shade. I honestly likes the L'oreal le matte more but that's just me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aaah, well I'm glad you found a formula that works for you! :)

      Delete
  18. Are these limited edition? I can't find them anywhere on the revlon site. BTW, you have the most perfect lips! And amazing lip application. I'm very envious! Beautiful colors on you, G!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you!! And nope, they're permanent!!

      Delete
  19. I hadn't bought any of these yet because I don't like the feel of mattes and I wanted swatches. Well you've got me sold! Especially when you said they have the same peppermint as the original balm stains, I LOVE that about them. Great review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Lindsay! I think you are going to love these!! :)

      Delete
  20. Boy are the colors gorgeous. I will be passing on these though because at my age I need to have shimmer and/or shine on my lips! ( I am actually older than most people think) but boy these really make me wish that matte was a good thing at my age! Thanks G.!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't that funny? I TOTALLY get what you're saying, but I think I'm a freak of nature because sometimes shimmer/shine ages me, and mattes make me look younger! Go figure... ;)

      Delete
    2. G. I saw the display at Walgreens today and I may get a lacquer once I see your review!!!

      Delete
  21. When you first announced these I ran out and bought them all. I love the peppermint smell. It can be fixed, but I have to agree Shameless does show streaky but the color is so beautiful that didn't deter me. In fact I bought an extra one since at that time it wasn't clear if they were permanent.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sorry you had the same issue with Shameless but I agree, it can be fixed and the color is so worth it! ;)

      Delete
  22. I was at Ulta in Southaven , Mississippi today and found the display and it is has been untouched. So ladies if you live around here and are on the hunt for them they are at Ulta now :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. No go for me because of the peppermint scent either! Too bad, they look so pigmented and looks like a matte formula I would enjoy. Thanks for the review and swatches!

    ReplyDelete
  24. They finally landed in Canada, and I have been going back and forth trying to figure out which colour I should buy...or if I should buy any...
    I still don't know what to do! lol But The three all look great on you :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. I bought Sultry and Standout, both which I love. I wasn't too keen on this collection because the colors didn't wow me at first, but the ones I got are fantastic. I got Sultry because they discontinued my favorite lipstick of ALL TIME (Fabulous Fig, it was a matte crimson) and I thought Sultry would replace it. It isn't the same (it's more mauve) but they definitely compare to each other. I'm much more excited about the Maybelline Elixirs, to be honest! Moisture > matte any day :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Strange...I live in the north east and the matte balm I bought (and all the others on the display) were completely sealed in plastic. I bought mine a couple of weeks ago so I'm not sure if it's regional or if I happened to buy mine after you did...? My lacquer balm also came completely sealed.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Ugggh I had Standout in my basket today but put it back because I've been on a matte red binge lately and didn't know if I *needed* another one. But I think I might go back and get it, especially being lucky enough to find these 40% off and having a $1 coupon!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Ugggh I had Standout in my basket today but put it back because I've been on a matte red binge lately and didn't know if I *needed* another one. But I think I might go back and get it, especially being lucky enough to find these 40% off and having a $1 coupon!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I just got Sultry, which is beautiful, but now I MUST have Standout after seeing your pic! These glide on so smooth and do not feel sticky, stiff or dry AT ALL. These are fantastic for when you want a matte look.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Wow, Standout is absolutely gorgeous! Can I just say, by the way, I love the packaging for this collection, as well as the Lacquer balms--clever and attractive!

    ReplyDelete
  31. ya i bought 3 shades today 220 showy, 240 striking,245 audacious i love them they r very smooth and the best part they r minty hmmmm.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I will be passing on these until there's a good sale. However, I wanted to let your readers know that Eshani, aka Total Makeup Junkie 101 on Youtube, swatched all 20 of the colors in this collection on her lips in one of her videos!! It's especially helpful to her viewers like me who are women of color, since it gives us a good idea of how the lipstick will look on our own lips. Here's a link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn9sZHphkTQ

    ReplyDelete
  33. I am so excited to read your rave review! Can't wait to get some.

    ReplyDelete
  34. How do these compare to the NYX soft matte lip creams? Would you say they are pretty comparable? I mostly want to know if one dries out faster than the other, or is more moisturizing!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Oh wow dat red one was so so so gud..
    .i jst luvd it ! Seriously nowadays m going all crazy for red lipsticks coz i hv never had ne red lipsticks b4....m very conscious wen it cums to red lipsticks coz i hv a dusky complexion so i don't knw whether it'll suit my skin tone......i really wanna try dis 1 b4 buying n expensive lipstick so can sum1 help me out wid dis will it Luk gud on me? Also wer can i get dis lip balms in Mumbai n in wht price can i get it???

    ReplyDelete
  36. I picked up Shameless tonight. I applied it, waited over an hour, then ate some pizza. HARDCORE fading/clownmouth happened. Then I wiped it off gently, and there was no stain left behind at all.
    I'll keep experimenting, but right now I'm super disappointed in this product. At least it applies well and looks fantastic. I'm just going to treat it like any other non-long-lasting lipcolor from now on!

    ReplyDelete

I love and encourage comments here at Nouveau Cheap, and I do not censor comments unless they violate my comment policy, which you can view here.

Please refrain from comments that contain:
• Links to your own blog or website
• Advertisements or referral links

Thanks very much for your help in keeping this a spam-free zone.

© 2009- Nouveau Cheap. All rights reserved.
BLOGGER TEMPLATE MADE BY pipdig