Maybelline Color Elixir Lip Color in Dashing Orchid & Caramel Infused

  Hi friends!!  You've probably seen or heard about Maybelline's newest line of lipcolor, called Color Elixir.  They're packaged to look like a traditional lipstick bullet, but the "bullet" is actually full of pigmented gloss that's supposed to deliver the typical gloss shine with the moisturizing properties of a balm.

  I'm not much of a gloss girl at all.  I don't like the stickiness, the lack of longevity, the way it sort of dries out my lips and then leaves a weird film behind after the color has worn off.  I kept hearing that the Elixirs are different, though, and indeed, they are.  They deliver a satisfying amount of shine without veering into vinyl territory, they're full coverage, and they're more moisturizing than many of my regular lip balms.  In short, they're highly wearable, color- and comfort-wise.

  The applicator (shown in Dashing Orchid) is a flat doefoot made of angora, which is supposed to aid in comfort and uniformity of application, and the claim holds true (it's always kind of surprising when that actually happens, and these Elixirs and now 2 for 2).  The only thing I really dislike about these glosses is the scent, which is a strange, artificial fruity-vanilla blend.  It's not a deal breaker, but I wonder why there's this need for companies to flavor or scent their glosses.

  I swatched these backwards, so I'll start with the shade on the right/bottom, which is Dashing Orchid.  It took me a while to track this one down, as it was the sole sellout everywhere I checked.  I finally found one at a Rite Aid restock.  Dashing Orchid is a perfect Pantone Color of the Year shade, which I imagine is why it was so hard to find, even in my decidedly untrendy city.  It's a dark plum purple with a lot of shimmer; definitely a statement color.  When I finally saw this one I knew it wasn't going to be a good color for me, but I went full steam ahead and bought it, hoping I might be wrong.  I wasn't, but I fell in love with the formula and had to get one I knew would be a better match.  Caramel Infused is a nice, light, neutral pinky-brown gloss with a small and subtle amount of shimmer.  I can't stop wearing this one!  It's super versatile, great with a more dramatic or a natural eye, but I've been enjoying it the most as a glossy, tinted balm on my otherwise unmade up face.  It really is that moisturizing.

  Bottom line, Maybelline has done it again, creating another fabulous feeling and wearing lip product on the heels of their wildly successful Vivids lipstick line.  Whether or not you're a gloss devotee, these are worth the buy.  The Color Elixirs ring in at around $8.49 each wherever Maybelline products are sold.

 Thank you for reading and have a lovey day!! ♥