Tastes of Summer

When Priceline had another 40% off cosmetics sale last month, I exercised even less self-restraint than the first time. One of the first things I set out to buy were a couple of the "new" Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters. I'd been waiting for a major discount to pop up since they're a ludicrous $21.95 each in Australia. I'd first heard of the four Summer 2013 shades (Pink Lemonade, Juicy Papaya, Sorbet and Wild Watermelon) from US blogs early in the year (Tiffany did a fantastic, comprehensive review) and decided I needed Juicy Papaya. I was more on the fence about Pink Lemonade, but when it comes to me and milky pinks, hope springs eternal.

l-r: Pink Lemonade, Juicy Papaya

l-r: Revlon Pink Lemonade, Maybelline Lust for Blush, MAC Creme Cup, Sportsgirl Beauty Queen

Pink Lemonade is one of the most aptly named products I've encountered. It reminds me exactly of the colour of the drink it was named after — pale pink with a dash of orange and an overall watery, washed out kind of quality. It's very sheer which makes a potentially challenging colour a bit more wearable. Even with multiple layers, you can still see your natural lip colour underneath.

Maybelline Color Sensational Color Whisper in Lust for Blush is darker, more purple/mauve in tone. MAC Creme Cup is darker, more opaque, more neutral or warm toned than Lust for Blush, and with more of a dusty quality. Sportsgirl Beauty Queen has a similar shiny, sheer finish, but is more pigmented than Pink Lemonade, brighter, darker, more of a cool strawberry bubblegum pink.

l-r: Revlon Juicy Papaya, L’Oréal Shiny Grapefruit, Bourjois Peach on the Beach, Revlon Melonade

Juicy Papaya absolutely called out to me as the must-have shade of the "new" releases. I loved the way it looked on Cassie, Jane and Sandra. It seemed like such an easy colour to throw on but at the same time effortlessly flattering. It's not exactly a "my lips but better" shade or a nude, but it's not super vivid or loud either. There's a brightening touch about it, but it remains fairly toned down and casual.

L’Oréal NutriShine by Colour Riche lipstick in Shiny Grapefruit is more berry pink with diamond shimmer. Bourjois Color Boost Glossy Finish lip crayon in Peach on the Beach is brighter and more opaque, more of a coral/watermelon pink. Revlon ColorBurst lipstick in Melonade is much more neon and fiery red. Juicy Papaya is the most subdued, almost pastel and sheer in comparison, more of a brown-toned peach.

Comparing the new shades with the original line up of Lip Butters, Pink Lemonade reminds me of a pink version of Creamsicle and Juicy Papaya is like non-glittery version of Peach Parfait. Pink Lemonade is probably a touch too light for my skin tone as an everyday colour, but as a deliberately pale pink, there are worse options. Juicy Papaya on the other hand, is one of my new favourite lip colours. Despite having a multitude of similar peachy/coral shades in my collection, I've promoted it to makeup bag staple.