Saturday, June 22, 2013

Mattes For Measure

Continuing on from my Revlon Super Lustrous (crème finish) and Revlon ColorBurst lipstick posts, I have this final installment featuring my collection of Revlon matte lipsticks. Nothing is more validating than when Queen Lisa Eldridge lists the Revlon matte lipsticks among her High Street/Drugstore Makeup Favourites. In her words, the lipsticks are "very wearable, not drying, comfortable to wear on the lips, long-lasting, and the colours have been really editorial." Matte lipsticks are notoriously drying and I find that the texture of these inconsistent in terms of how forgiving they are on the lips. I normally apply a thin layer of lip balm (Maybelline Baby Lips in Relieving Menthol) to prime my lips first for best results.






Sky Pink (012)
One of the very first lipsticks I bought when I started to delve deeper into makeup. I believe I even paid full price (!!), which was $21.95 (though to be fair, it was to redeem some gift with purchase, but still). This light, yellow-based pink is exactly the kind of shade I remain obsessed with, despite it usually not working for my sallow Asian complexion. I need flawless, pale skin to pull this off. The colour payoff isn't great, especially on my already pigmented lips. I found it emphasised lip lines and sat on top of my lips, rather than sinking in. I had to work the colour in with my fingers. It might be smoother and more hydrating with a gloss over the top.

Pink Pout (002)
Rumoured to be a dupe of MAC Snob (or even MAC Angel), Pink Pout is a cool mauve-pink. It's very similar in colour to Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick in Primrose, but I prefer the formulation of Primrose to Pink Pout. On my lips, it appears more like a muted, dusty pink that could almost pass as a nude. The texture and pigmentation were considerably better than Sky Pink — much creamier and melded into the lips better.

Smoked Peach (013)
Bit of a strange one. It's a retro, nudeish orange with almost a fluoro, burnt edge. Despite being a matte lipstick, it contains quite a noticeable silver pearl that I dislike. Overall, the colour just looks very unnatural against my skin tone, which is why I don't find myself reaching for it much, despite my preoccupation with coral/peach shades in general. I found it to be relatively drying and a bit chalky as well.

Mauve It Over (003)
Brownish rose colour, a bit too tan and dark on my lips to be a true MLBB shade. I would prefer if it were more rosy, perhaps a bit pinker, and lighter. Combined with the matte texture, I personally find the shade looks quite mature on me. I like fresher, juicier, more youthful shades. Still, this is a good pick for something work-appropriate and conservative. The formulation is one of the best from this matte line.

Pink About It (004)
Reddish, coral pink that's not too loud or bright. It perks up the face, but still remains more on the subdued side. There's a dustiness to it that prevents it from being super vivid and intense. Very similar to Sportsgirl Rosie Posie, also a matte lipstick, but Rosie Posie is lighter, brighter, more pink and less red. Like most brights, works best with minimal eyes and fresh, luminous skin.

Strawberry Suede (005)
Probably the only shade you really need from this line, and infamously discontinued. Of the six Revlon matte lipsticks I have, Strawberry Suede has the best pigmentation, the most vivid colour and applies the most smoothly to the lips. It happens to be one of my favourite reds. I find that orange-leaning reds like Strawberry Suede are more playful and summery than blue-based reds, which tend to be more dramatic and serious. The matte finish makes the bright colour seem more polished and gives the impression I put in much more effort to apply it than I did. With a slick of balm underneath, it appears to have a subtle sheen.

l-r: Sky Pink, Pink Pout, Smoked Peach, Mauve It Over, Pink About It, Strawberry Suede

l-r (top row to bottom): Sky Pink, Pink Pout, Smoked Peach, Mauve It Over, Pink About It, Strawberry Suede

The Revlon matte lipsticks are a bit hit and miss, but I still enjoy having Sky Pink in my collection (if only to look at) and Strawberry Suede is a must. I could probably do without Smoked Peach (not the most flattering shade on me) or Pink Pout (only because of its similarity to Primrose, which I prefer). Pink About It is a good pick for a bright that's not too in-your-face. Mauve It Over, despite being too brown and dark for me, is still worthwhile having as I feel it is a timeless neutral, especially for those with lips that aren't as naturally pigmented as mine.

71 comments:

  1. I've only seen Sky Pink and Smoked Peach around and neither are particularly captivating. Matte lipsticks are always so high-maintenance, it's not a habit suited to my lifestyle chiefly involving lip balm lol. Even the NYX Soft Matte creams need lips in top condition to work. I love how you have a little collection of every aspect of makeup there is ;)
    CONGRATS ON 1000+ ! Milestone much? Hehehe proud to be a sleepandwater reader. :)

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    1. One thing I'm not crazy for are lip glosses and liquid lipsticks - I haven't even caved and got a Rimmel Apocalips yet :p Haha.

      And thank you! :D Definitely a blogging milestone - took 1.5 years but it finally happened (and before the potential demise of GFC as well haha). Glad to have you as a reader :)

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  2. I love strawberry suede, it's such a shame it was discontinued. xx Meagan
    http://withasideofbeauty.blogspot.com.au/

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  3. They have such beautiful colours for a matte collection. Strawberry Suede is so pretty, it's difficult to believe a matte could be that fun!

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  4. I heard a bunch of the same negative reviews on how these matte lipsticks are drying and unflattering that's why I didn't bother to buy even one from the matte collection....although certain shades are tempting to try (Pink About it and Strawberry Suede looks amazing). I heard NYX's matte lip cremes are worth a try, they are pigmented and less drying but I haven't been able to get my hands on them yet! :P

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    1. The NYX look really nice but I'm not a fan of liquid lipsticks and I think they're packaged quite similar to a gloss? They seem similar-ish to the Rimmel Apocalips as well which I decided to give a miss. Basically I need to stop buying any more lip products for the next 10 years :p

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  5. I loveee the look of Strawberry Suede but matte lipsticks scare me! They're way too drying for me! Ekkk

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  6. I love Strawberry Suede .. sad it is discontinued .. major want !!

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  7. I loved all the shades on the stickers at the bottom, too bad most of them didn't work for you! :( Strawberry suede and pink about it looks gorgeous on you! ;) xo

    Jasmine Catches Butterflies ʚϊɞ

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  8. I have and LOVE Mauve it Over & Strawberry Suede. x

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  9. I'm not too fond of matte finishes but the colours look nice.

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  10. These look gorgeous! I particularly love 'Pink About It' and 'Strawberry Suede', so nice for summer :) xx
    xtouchofbeautyx.blogspot.co.uk

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  11. great post :) pink about it and strawberry suede looks so pretty! you seriously make me want to purchase everything you post about "^__^ x

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  12. I'm in love with this range from Revlon! 'Pink About It' is just gorgeous :) ♥

    http://abeautyromancee.blogspot.co.uk/
    http://abeautyromancee.blogspot.co.uk/

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  13. I love the colors but yeah, I haven't found the best matte that isn't drying on my dry lips but these look good on you, I'm still a bit skeptical tho :P But I like the classic packaging of Revlon and the colors you have, I'm partial to creme finishes tho.

    xx,
    FMWL

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  14. Ok, so I now need to add all of these to my collection. I am going crazy for matte things atm. Trying to resist the Nars pencils and may have to go for these instead.

    xoxo

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  15. I think Strawberry Suede's the best out of the 6! I can't believe they'd discontinue them! It makes all the other 5 lipsticks look 'meh' compared to the rest.

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  16. Oh wow they look gorgeous on you.. all of them do! Have you seen that they've relaunched them with glossy sleek packaging? I love them! I got some the other day xxx

    Gemma | ♥ Miss Makeup Magpie

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    1. I haven't! I didn't realise these were relaunched - I actually thought they discontinued the whole line. Oooh, which did you get? Will be looking out for a post of yours on them if you do one :)

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  17. I have 7 of these lipsticks: Nude Attitude, Pink Pout, Stormy Pink, Smoked Peach, Strawberry Suede, Really Red and Wine Not. I have to completely agree about Strawberry Suede, I don't know why they discontinued it as I think it's one of the best shades from the range. Stormy Pink is a total let down and from your description of Sky Pink, it seems to be quite similar in that the colour pay off isn't great. My absolute favourite though is Really Red, the colour, the texture everything. It's a great dupe for MAC Russian Red and I've used it for years. Loved reading this post!

    Emma x

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    1. Oh no, I've been so close to getting Stormy Pink on MULTIPLE occasions, but I'm glad I resisted. I have way too many similar colours anyway! I haven't seen Really Red around very much, though Wine Not has popped up a few times though I resisted picking it up. Nude Attitude seems to be one of Lisa Eldridge's absolute favs - I'm pretty sure it'd wash me out though. I love your comment! :)

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  18. Strawberry Suede is so raved about its a shame it was discontinued, it really is stunning. I also really like Pink About It.

    itsamadsmadsworld.blogspot.ca

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  19. That beautiful lipsticks, are quite pigmented *u*

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  20. Mauve Over It is a beautiful color, and it would be great for both everyday wear and for a more special occasion.

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  21. I just swatched Pink Pout next to the limited edition colour by Mac, Watch Me Simmer. They are pretty much exact dupes except for that Pink Pout is matte !

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    Replies
    1. Did you mean Pink About It? Pink Pout is quite a blue-toned pink and Watch Me Simmer looks like a pinkish coral :)

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  22. Strawberry suede looks wonderful on you! I have a plan to do a post of all my matte Revlon's too. I actually like Mauve it over! It is a weird shade but I agree, it is very mature looking and work appropriate.

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  23. Unfortunately I never saw Strawberry Suede over in the US, even before it was discontinued. But now I want it more than ever! :) It's sooo pretty. I know you don't wear reds much, but Revlon Really Red is such a pretty matte. It's one of my favorites.

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    1. You're the second person to mention Really Red so far! Might have to look into it ;)

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  24. I used to own Nude Attitude and it put me off the matte Revlon lipsticks for the rest of my life. :x

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    1. Hahaha oh no! That's too bad that you disliked it so much - especially since it seems to be one of Lisa Eldridge's absolute favs! I saw it on the Instagram of Charlie Kielty, another makeup artist tonight as well :p

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  25. I really like Mauve It Over. I love my pink lipsticks but more often than not I do find myself reaching for something quite neutral which I think Mauve It Over would definitely provide, it's not too loud but provides a nice pop of colour to the lips.

    Amy x
    A Little Boat Sailing

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  26. I have Smoked Peach too and it's a shame because I love the color on me but it's SO dry x

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    1. It is! Very drying :x Wish it had the same creaminess as Strawberry Suede.

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  27. Revlon products are amazing and I can totally understand why everyone loves their lip products.
    Strawberry Suede looks amazing but unfortunately, I don't think it's available in Canada. I haven't see it in my local drugstores anyway.
    xx

    http://thecelution.blogspot.ca/

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  28. I have strawberry suede too and I like it but I don't love it.. As you might find out from my blog, I am not really a fan of Revlon Lippies.. I prefer the ones from Maybelline ( i know you have the opposite opinion about it :P )
    I like "Pink About it" on you! the color is right up my alley ^^

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    1. Haha :p I think in general lipsticks are fairly drying, I don't think I've come across a truly hydrating lipstick that felt like nothing on or a moisturising like a balm. Especially true the longer it wears on your lips I think!

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  29. I really like these, too, but unfortunately, the texture didn't really work for me either. I too found it a bit too dry when applied. Such a shame. x

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  30. I have strawberry suede and I think it's fantastic... but want pink about it too now!!! :D

    I Am A Weapon Of Massive Consumption

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  31. Everybody loves Revlon lip products, Pink about it looks beautiful and very wearable for everyday. c:

    xo.Janiecy.xo|A Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle Blog

    xo, Janiecy

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  32. I scrolled through the swatched before reading the review, saw Strawberry Suede and was like OMG, must have it! Read through the review and am now heart broken, haha! I knew Strawberry Suede was discontinued but I was hoping it was a different color. UGH, I want it more and more every time I see it. I like some matte finishes but not all. I'm with you on wanting a color to look juicy and vibrant, it's more fun that way! Such a helpful post!

    - Jess
    The Mod Mermaid

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  33. I do wish Strawberry Suede wasn't discontinued! ><

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  34. Love Pink About It and Strawberry Suede! They're gorgeous!

    actuallyash.blogspot.com

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  35. Strawberry Suede is a standout for sure! It looks stunning on you! :)

    ~ Yun

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  36. I honestly think Smoked Peach looks fantastic on you (though I suppose with your full face and everything it might be a different story)! So does Pink About It :) But I'm with you on Strawberry Suede being the one to get... I'll never understand why companies discontinue the best of the bunch!! So happy I own it though I hate that I feel the need to be sparing with it.

    ♥Cassie
    thriftthick.blogspot.com

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    1. There is a reason why I only do lip swatches ;) Haha. I need to wear Strawberry Suede out! The vast majority of my lipsticks barely see the light of day. I'm sure it would look gorgeous on you :)

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  37. I always find it so difficult to make matte lipsticks work for me- and they never succeed and always cling to my dry flakes, even after exfoliation. Sigh, I can only admire from afar. Out of them all, I can definitely see how Smoked Peach struggles as both its colour and texture on your lips. I'm loving Mauve it Over as it's a neutral shade I tend to lean too- and Strawberry Suede is just gorgeous! I think I might have to stick to my creme finishes though :)

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  38. Sorry to hear about your trouble with smoked peach, I actually really like it! I also picked up Pink About It & Strawberry Suede in a discount bin a while ago, I do not wear Strawberry Suede enough, but your swatch makes me crave it, hehe. Sky pink is so pretty on you xx

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  39. Pink About It looks pretty! And Strawberry Suede! <3 WHY DO THEY ALWAYS DISCONTINUE THE GOOD THINGS?!

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  40. Great collection! Love all the shades, especially Sky Pink :) x

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  41. I loove strawberry suede, I think it is the only matte lipstick i have from Revlon. I picked up mine recently on ebay, I'm so happy I could get my hands on it!

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  42. I love the Rimmel Matte lipstick range but I've never tried the Revlon range..

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    1. Oooh I do want to try the Rimmel one. Especially #107!

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  43. You have Strawberry Suede!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Lol, the above is the result of one Lisa Eldridge-driven obsession, after a lifetime of turning my backs on matte lipsticks. There's like one month out of the year that I can actually put on mattes, and the one matte lipstick I have is a vampy fall shade. I should have collected more peachy shades like you. ;)

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  44. I could have never imagined that matte lipstick looked so good ^^ Great collection Lena. I was wondering how you keep all your products so neat and tidy, I mean, do you regularly clean them or is it just for taking the photos? hehe
    I clean them all the time but eventually labels, printed logos and such come off, most products I've seen featured here are always in pristine state, they almost look as good as new, do tell your secret, please! : ) xx

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    1. The secret is never using any of them :p LOL.

      Not but really, I hardly use probably 85% of my lipstick collection. There are a few products I put in my makeup bag which do get grubby. For example the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains - the lettering has rubbed off and the cap of my Charm has cracked (had to sticky tape over it!). But most of my lipsticks are just kept in storage at home and I rarely reach for them except to play with them at home.

      That's not to say that's the case for all of my makeup - my more used items do get dirty and show evidence of actual use :p

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  45. Really fantastic swatches. I'll have to refer back to this when I'm purchasing more lipstick.

    7% Solution​

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    1. Hope the post was of use to you if you do decide to buy any of the shades :)

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  46. I've heard a lot of great things about Pink Pout, but it's one of those colors/finishes that I wish I could, but can't pull off. It (along with the rest of the colors) looks great on you though!

    xoxo
    Jenny @ Geeky Posh

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  47. I'm more desperate than ever to get my hands on Strawberry Suede. Absolutely stunning!

    http://jemaroons.blogspot.com

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  48. I'm always one to go ga-ga over matte lipsticks, but strangely enough I've managed to keep my hands off of Revlon's this long. I have always wanted Strawberry Suede in my collection after hearing about it a year ago, and seeing it swatched here has not changed my mind one bit. It looks every inch the gorgeous, bright matte it has been made out to be, and I would love nothing more than to get my hands on it. I also always love a good swatch post, so many thanks for this one! xx

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  49. Gorgeous choices! I have an older Matte Revlon color in a nude, not the best color, but the rest of their selection is amazing! I really like Pink Pout, Mauve it over, and Pink about it. Thanks for preparing the swatches and wearing the lipstick!! You did a lot of hard work. :]
    <3 Carolyn

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  50. Strawberry Suede is definitely the standout here. I've always liked it but I've never gotten down to buying it. Must do that. Stat.

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  51. I love matte lipsticks. I recently purchased Smoked Peach and despite it being dissed all over the internet.. it really works for me. I am really pale so the colour works well with my skin tone. But also I apply most of my lipsticks by applying and dabbing my finger across them and then reapplying, building up the colour as I go. This seems to make pretty much any lipstick work for me.

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  52. Love this shade, a perfect lips-but-better for me. Here's my in-depth review if anyone is interested: http://www.jellobeans.com/2014/07/revlon-matte-lipstick-in-mauve-it-over-review.html

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