Elf Matte Lip Color Review and Swatches

Elf is a brand that tends to be very hit or miss for me. Some of their products are holy grail status, and some... holy garbage pail. The Matte Lip Colors, though, tend to lean to the holy grail side. They come in 6 colors of which I have 4.

First up, packaging. I have heard some complaints about how little product there is in the twist-up lip pencil shaped packaging, but really what do you expect for $3? I personally really like it. It makes application very easy and they're a breeze to store. I also like the sleek, black look of them. They don't look like a $3 lip product.

Now the formula. It's very smooth and doesn't pull on my lips, though it definitely isn't hydrating (a given, as it is a matte formula). It's extremely opaque, and only needs one blotted coat for full coverage. It's also very long lasting. All the ones I have tried have lasted 4 hours and a couple have even made it through careful meals. I am very impressed with these, however I do wish there was a bigger color selection. They do not have a noticeable smell.

I really like these lipsticks. They feel nice, look good and the packaging is lovely.

Overall:
Opacity 5/5
Packaging 5/5
Stay Power 4.5/5
Shade Range 2.5/5

Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain Review and Swatches

So recently there's been a bit of a craze surrounding balm stains (Revlon Kissable, Wet N' Wild's Balm Stains, and the new Burts Bees balm stains come to mind), and so I thought this would be a great time to review one that I happen to have a few of on hand!

Alright, first off, packaging. It's cheap plastic. However, it's not the worst I've seen and it holds up in my bag alright (unless it moves around too loosely, and then the cap slips off). The product twists up from the bottom, and there's about as much product in there as is in a typical lipstick. They have a funny sweet smell, almost like some kind of candy. I'm not too fond of it, but it goes away quickly.

Now, the balm claims:

• Moisturizing Balm Infused with a Light-Weight Stain
• Applies with a Glossy Finish then Transforms into the Perfect Flush of  Color

• Long-Lasting
• Retractable, No Sharpening Required

And it does pretty good! Honestly, it isn't particularly moisturizing (it doesn't feel like chapstick at all) but it isn't drying either, and doesn't cause any problems. It does go on glossy, and then fade a little into a stain. It doesn't last super long, and definitely not through a meal, but I've gotten a good two or three hours out of them. My biggest complaint about these guys, is that they don't fade evenly- they leave a ring around the outside of my mouth- but that isn't a big deal. Obviously I liked them enough to get more than one! The range of shades isn't very big and I do wish they would have more colors.

Overall:

Packaging 2.5/5

Smell 2/5

Stay Power 3/5
Color 4/5

Have any of you tried these? What did you think? Are there other balm stains or products you would like to see reviewed? Let me know in the comments!

Almay Color + Care Liquid Lip Balms Review and Swatches

I haven't tried many Almay products, but boy am I glad I picked these up! The Color + Care Liquid Lip Balm comes in 10 shades, of which I own 7, and all of which are beautiful.

First, let me talk about the packaging. I love it. It's a round tube, with a matte charcoal colored lid and doe foot applicator. I think it looks very cute and classy for drugstore makeup (which often feels cheap and breaks easily). My only complaint about it is that the matte top is easy to smudge and get dirty.

Now, the balm itself. The gloss claims: 

• Drenches lips with 2x hydration
• Sheer shiny color
• Combines the comfort and care of a balm with the flirty color and shine of a gloss
• Instantly more than doubles lip hydration so lips feel twice as moisturized after use
• Nearly triples lip hydration when worn throughout the day
• Nourishes lips with oils like avocado and vitamin E
• Non Sticky

Now, this product is definitely hydrating, and definitely not sticky. It's a quite slippery formula, however it lasts longer than I would expect based on that. If I don't eat, and drink very carefully, I can get up to two hours of shine out of it. The color is sheer for most of them, though a couple of them are pretty pigmented (Truffle Kiss especially). It doesn't quite feel like a lip balm (it feels thinner and smoother), but it is very soothing. They have a very light vanilla-y scent, and no flavor. 

I really like these glosses. They feel, smell, and look good and there's a great variety of shades. I wear them frequently and will continue to do so through the Summer- they're an excellent warm weather lip product.

Overall:

Shine 4.5/5

Color 5/5

Packaging 5/5

Scent 4/5 

Stay Power 4/5

Have any of you tried these? Did you like them? Tell me in the comments!