Revlon Cherish and Charm Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains Review, Photos and Swatches!

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains ($8.99) is a lip balm infused with a lightweight stain in a convenient retractable crayon.

These have been pretty popular in the beauty blogosphere over the past few months, and although I admittedly don't like giving into products that seem to be fads of the moment, I've read nothing but good things, so I had to give them a try.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains are available in (12) shades: Honey, Crush, Darling, Cherish, Lovesick, Sweetheart, Smitten, Charm, Rendevous, Romantic, Precious and Adore.

I have two shades: Cherish, a light, cool-toned pink. The cool blue/purple undertones are so strong that when built, it looks rather purple on my lips. With a light wash, it's a pretty natural pink. The other color is Charm, a light, warm peachy nude.

The balms are very firm/waxy and keep their shape well. Even after several uses, they haven't placed much of a dent in the tip.

I would have never expected these balms to be moisturizing - you never really think of a product labeled as a "stain" to be anything but drying, but these are shockingly moisturizing on my chronic dry lips. I wouldn't use it to replace an actual lip balm, but they keep my lips moist and don't dry them out.

The pigmentation is very good. They are sheer, but very buildable. After the color has been on my lips a while, Cherish stays just about the same color and brightens just slightly. Charm darkens a little bit from a light nude to a light coral. If I wipe my lips off, Charm leaves an orange-red stain behind, which is something I really don't like about it. It's not exactly the look you want if you're going for a nude lip. Cherish leaves a bright pinkish-red stain behind.

After exfoliating my lips, I applied Charm and it seems to magnify every piece of dryness on my lips, that I didn't know existed. It gets much worse when the color is built as the color just looks uneven and it settles a bit odd on my lips. Cherish also doesn't apply as even as I'd like it to, but it's not as noticeable as Charm.

I don't see Cherish to be a shade I'll get much wear from. To me, it looks a bit cheap on my lips, and I'll most likely never wear it alone (maybe for mixing). I really like the way one layer of Cherish looks with a few coats of Charm on top. It creates a light, peach-pink shade that's perfect for every day.

After reading some reviews, I think I picked a couple of the most problematic shades from the range. I've heard much better things with the brighter pinks and red shades.

I love the fact that the balms are retractable - thank goodness! No need to hunt down a gigantic pencil sharpener.

Revlon Cherish

The stain Revlon Cherish leaves on my lips

Revlon Charm

The stain Charm leaves on my lips

One layer of Cherish with Charm on top

They have a slight mint scent that reminds me of Altoids or mint dental floss, but I don't mind. The lasting power is pretty average. I don't find it particularly long lasting, but the stain from Cherish lingers around a bit.

The packaging is really cute. Revlon does pretty well with the aesthetic nature of their products, and these little sticks are probably as chic as a lip pencil could get. The sturdy plastic tubes are colored to match the color of the balm, and the silver part at the bottom twists the product up and down. I never understood retractable products that only twist up, so if you twist too much, you're just crap out of luck.

For a good comparison of the often correlated Clinique Chubby Stick and the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, check out The Sunday Girl.

Overall, I'm not all that impressed with these, but like I said, I most likely picked the worse performing shades from the range. I might give one of the bright pinks a try and then call it quits.

What do you think of these?

The Round-Up
Pros:

• Easy to use
• Moisturizing - feel great on the lips
• Retractable, no sharpener needed
• Provides nice shiny color to the lips and a leaves a light stain behind

Cons:

• Both shades applied uneven
• Charm gives the appearance that it will be the perfect nude, but it morphs into a coral shade, so it's not ideal if you want the muted lip look.
• Charm leaves an orange stain on the lips, which I'm not too crazy about.

Price: $8.99, at your local drugstore. Prices will differ based on location (they are typically cheaper at Walmart and Target.) Look in your Sunday paper for $1 off coupon for Revlon lip products. Right now CVS has a sale going on that if you purchase (2) Revlon Lip products, you get $7 Extrabucks. If you have that $1 off coupon, you're on the road to good savings!

Berry Lips on a Budget - A Wallet-friendly List of Vampy Lip Colors!

Berry Lips on a Budget

If you want to experiment with dark, vampy lip colors this Fall and don't want to break the bank, I compiled a small list of some wallet-friendly options for you to give a try.

Speaking for myself, the only lipsticks I ever reach the end of are my every day shades, so when it comes to rocking trendy colors - such as hot pink, red, orange and deep-dark shades, realistically I'll never finish a full tube before they'll eventually get tossed. There's nothing wrong with splurging if you can fit it in your budget, but for something like a statement lip color that you probably won't get much wear from, you might want to look into the less expensive options to really get your money's worth. And, there are so many options at the drugstore!

The term "berry" is so vague as berry can refer to a huge range of shades. The colors I picked are very Fall appropriate wine/plum/berry shades, some of which should work on most skin tones. I apologize in advance that some are very similar.

Revlon Red Velvet Colorburst Lip Butter ($7.49) is a medium-dark, neutral wine-red with a shiny finish. With one layer it gives a sheer, semi-shiny stain. With a few layers, the color is completely opaque. The formula is moisturizing and feels great on the lips. This is one of the few darker shades that I can get away with without using a lip brush. It's one of the easier shades to wear because it's a very balanced red toned wine and doesn't wash out the complexion. I think it's a universally flattering shade.

Revlon Red Velvet

Revlon Bordeaux Colorburst Lipgloss ($7.49) is a rose wine/darkened raspberry with very fine golden shimmer and a glossy finish. It's sheer but buildable to full coverage. The formula is creamy, lightweight and feels comfortable on the lips. It makes my lips look fuller and juicy. This is easily my favorite from the bunch as it has a very "mod" vibe and there's a brightness about it that makes my face look healthy and youthful. 

Revlon Bordeaux

Revlon Black Cherry Super Lustrous Lipstick ($7.99) is exactly as the name states - a ripened cherry plum with a semi-shiny finish. I find it to be a little dark for me, but I really like the way it looks when I pat it off with a tissue - it gives off a more wearable cranberry shade. This lipstick poses a few problems as it seems to apply a bit uneven, and when I rub my lips together, it causes the lipstick to look streaky. I also notice that when I apply the color heavily, it settles a bit in my lines. Although it has very favorable reviews and is a popular shade I wasn't too impressed with the formula. It looks best when it's applied in one layer, or when a gloss is added on top. (I showed what it looks like when patted off with a tissue and added a clear gloss on top.)

Revlon Black Cherry

Revlon Black Cherry blotted with a napkin + clear lipgloss on top

Wet n Wild Cherry Bomb Mega Last Matte Lipstick ($1.99) is a very vampy black cherry with a satin finish. Despite it being in the matte range, it doesn't look flat and it doesn't look or feel dry on my lips. The color applied fairly even, and the lasting power is super good. Since the actual shape of the lipstick has a flat top like a chapstick, it's a bit difficult to apply because it's such a dark, pigmented shade. You're best off using a lip brush for this one, unless you have full lips, you may not have much trouble. It's fairly similar to Revlon Black Cherry, but it's slightly redder, whereas Black Cherry is a bit more plum toned. 

Wet n Wild Cherry Bomb

Wet n Wild Vamp It Up Mega Last Matte Lipstick ($1.99) is a deep eggplant purple with a satin finish. It's super dark and pigmented and works best when applied with a lip brush otherwise it can look a little uneven. For lighter skintones it may be a difficult shade to pull off (it looks rather gothic), but for deep/dark skintones it looks gorgeous. It's also a great shade to use to deepen other shades. You can mix it with your red lipsticks to create a darker, purple toned red/berry. 

Wet n Wild Vamp It Up

Wet n Wild Black Orchid 508A Silk Finish Lipstick ($0.99) is a medium wine with subtle plummy undertones and a shiny finish. It's slightly sheer with one coat, but builds easily to full coverage. Unlike some of the others, it won't get super dark if you layer it, and it's one of the more wearable shades from the lipsticks mentioned in this post. It's smooth, applies evenly and feels moisturizing on the lips. Because this lipstick is really easy to work with, and because it's only one dollar, it's a great lipstick to experiment with. 

Wet n Wild Black Orchid

NYC Wine n Dine Liquid Lipshine Lipgloss ($2.49) is a medium rose-wine with a fine sparkly purple sheen and an ultra-glossy finish. It's almost identical to Revlon Bordeaux, and on the lips it's very difficult to tell the difference between the two. Perhaps the plum/purple tone is the slightest touch stronger in Bordeaux, but it's not really a notable difference. The formula is fantastic. It's slightly concentrated so it doesn't run if a few coats are applied, and it feels ultra smooth and moisturizing on the lips. Love this gloss and I'm now curious to see the other colors in this range. 

NYC Wine n Dine

Swatches from left to right: Revlon Black Cherry, Wet n Wild Cherry Bomb, Wet n Wild Black Orchid, Revlon Red Velvet, Wet n Wild Vamp it Up, Revlon Bordeaux and NYC Wine n Dine.

Easiest to wear - NYC Wine n Dine, Revlon Bordeaux, Revlon Red Velvet and Wet n Wild Black Orchid. These are the lighter/sheerer shades that won't get super dark when layered and the shades that I found the most flattering on my skin tone. The lip glosses are the best choices if you're very intimidated by color since they are the least concentrated.

Most difficult to wear - Wet n Wild Vamp it up; which I'm sure isn't a surprise, Wet n Wild Cherry Bomb and Revlon Black Cherry. These are the darkest shades of the batch, and when layered, all three of these shades get darker and darker.

Just for fun...

I applied Wet n Wild Black Orchid Lipstick to my lips, then applied Revlon Red Velvet in the center of my lips for a pop of red. Then, I outlined and darkened each end of my lips with Wet n Wild Vamp it up and applied NYC Wine n Dine on top.

Would you wear any of these shades? What are some of your favorite vampy lip colors?

Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blushes Review, Photos and Swatches!

Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blush

Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blushes ($12.99) are a small range of cream blushes that were released with Revlon's Summer 2012 Collection. They are now part of Revlon PhotoReady's permanent range, so if you've been curious to try them, don't worry, they aren't going anywhere (for now at least).

There are (3) colors to choose from: Flushed (cool pink), Coral Reef (vibrant coral) and Pinched (natural peach).

If cream blushes scare the wits out of you (because some formulas can be tricky to work with), the Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blushes are a good place to start. It's silicone-based (the first ingredient in the blush is dimethicone), so the very smooth texture allows the product to glide easily across the skin. 

The cream is firm  - somewhat like the Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge, but they aren't tacky, and they aren't as sticky/greasy as a lip balm. They offer sheer pigmentation with one layer, but are buildable. I find that Coral Reef builds much better than Flushed. Even after several layers Flushed remains quite sheer.

I don't tend to use my fingers much for application of cream blush, but you can literally use anything without messing up. I still prefer using a brush, and it doesn't necessarily have to be a duo-fiber, because of the texture, you can use any blush brush.

They are cased in small, plastic containers with a glossy black screw-top lid, very reminiscent of the older style Bobbi Brown Pot Rouges. They are compact and lightweight, so you can toss them in your bag without weighing down your bag or taking up too much space.

Revlon Coral Reef on my cheeks

Swatches of Flushed and Coral Reef

Of the two, I like Coral Reef a bit better. It's very reminiscent of MAC Optimistic Orange Cremeblend Blush, so if you missed on it, Coral Reef is a good dupe.

The lasting power is pretty decent. I have very balanced skin - never dry or oily, and this blush gets me through most of the day. For oily skin types I can see it fading fairly quick.

The Round-Up
Pros:

• Non-sticky, tacky or greasy
• Easy to work with 
• Natural finish
• Sheer color that is buildable

Cons:

• I'd love to see additional shades! Perhaps some more natural shades?
• When worn without foundation, the color has a tendency to sit in my pores (much like how silicone primer/powders like to sit in the pores) which isn't very noticeable unless you look closely
• Lasting power could be better

Price: $12.99 at your local drugstore. Prices may vary based on location. 

Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Makeup Review!

Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Makeup

Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Makeup ($13.99) is Revlon's newest addition to their foundation family. This mousse-like texture feels silky against the skin, with a "time release" formula that balances skin for a flawless long-lasting look. Provides medium to full coverage and withstands heat and humidity.

Available in sixteen (16) shades: Ivory, Buff, Sand Beige, Nude, Natural Beige, Medium Beige, Warm Golden, True Beige, Natural Tan, Early Tan, Rich Ginger and Caramel.

Being a big fan of Revlon, I was really excited when they launched a new foundation - especially since it's a part of the Colorstay line. After reading several very positive reviews, I didn't hesitate to purchase it! I've been wearing it now for a little under two weeks. (I was wearing it in every post for the month of July)

My color match is Warm Golden, which is a warm medium shade equivalent to the MAC NC30 coloring. In comparison to the Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation, it's almost exactly the same, but it's a touch less yellow toned. (Comparison swatches later in this post)

The consistency of the foundation is different than any other foundation I've tried. It's not like your typical cream foundation (Laura Mercier Silk Creme, MAC Studio Sculpt, etc.), it's much more dense. And, if you're not a fan of mousse formulas, don't worry, it's nothing like the texture of Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse. It's more emollient and thicker, yet very creamy and still has somewhat of a mousse-like feel. If you read the ingredients list, it's packed with silicone, but it doesn't have that familiar silicone primer, powdery texture. If you hold this container upside down, the product isn't going anywhere. 

I've experimented a lot with this foundation, and I've found that it's not the easiest formula to work with. It needs some moisture to spread across my face easily, so it's vital for me to apply a good layer of a lightweight moisturizer, or give my face a good spray of Maya Water or MAC Fix+ Spray prior to application.

Application Method
I've tried several different brushes, and I actually prefer using my fingers. The product glides across my face so much better with my fingers. After blending with my fingers, I usually go over my face with a clean foundation brush, working it in small circular motions to ensure that it's completely blended. When solely using a brush, the product doesn't seem to move around as well. I noticed when using a duo-fiber brush, specifically, my Real Techniques Stippling Brush, the product instantly builds up in the bristles, making the bristles stick together and become firm - a complete disaster if you're attempting to blend in the foundation. I'm assuming it's due to  all of the silicones in the ingredients. A slightly dampened sponge also works well, and according to other reviews, many like using a flat-top foundation brush, such as the Sigma F80.

The coverage is medium, which is buildable to a heavier medium. It leaves my face looking completely flawless. Reddened blemishes still peek through a tiny bit.

The finish is a bit matte at first, but then changes to a more natural satin finish. It's very similar to the Revlon Colorstay Liquid Makeup for oily/combination skin. I don't find a setting powder necessary.

It's kind of funny because I've seen other reviewers mention that it actually looks better as it wears throughout the day, and I completely agree. After an hour or so, it seems to settle in and appear more natural. Despite not wearing setting powder some days, I don't get oily, and my face doesn't need any touching up mid-day.

This foundation wears incredibly well and stays almost completely put until the time I take it off. It stays in tact all day with minor fading around my lips (from eating, drinking, etc). I actually find it to have better staying power than the regular Colorstay foundation (individual results will vary).

As far as heat and humidity goes, it has been very hot (over 100 degrees) and humid, and I wouldn't necessarily choose this foundation to wear if I'm going to be outdoors. I notice that shortly after being outside when it's very hot, the makeup melts off my upper-lip, giving me a white patch, and the darn container is too heavy to carry with me in my bag for touch-ups. Other than that, my foundation stays perfectly in place.

It washes off easily with a makeup wipe - it's not hard to remove like some other long-wearing foundations (Estee Double Wear for instance takes a little elbow grease to remove!)

Wearing 320 Warm Golden

The packaging is a large, heavy, bulky glass jar. I actually kinda like the visual appeal of it, but it's not ideal for travel and it's not very sanitary.  *For touch-ups, you can put a little scoop in a travel jar and keep it in your bag. 

It does have a slight smell, but it's nothing like the chemical smell of the regular Colorstay foundation. The smell is a bit synthetic - a bit like plastic? But nothing intolerable.

Overall, I'm really pleased with this foundation, and I can definitely see repurchasing it when I run out! I think it's a foundation that could work well on all skin types.

Left: Revlon Colorstay Whipped Makeup in Warm Golden

Right: Revlon Colorstay Liquid Makeup in Warm Golden.

The Round-Up
Pros:

• Feels very light on my skin
• Provides a great medium to a medium-full coverage
• Natural finish
• Wears incredibly well throughout the day
• Long-lasting
• Controls oil very well
• Doesn't irritate my skin
• Contains salicylic acid - lessens the chance of breakouts!?
• Photographs well

Cons:

• Can sometimes be difficult to work with.
• No spf.
• Color selection isn't the best for those with strong yellow undertones, and the darkest shade isn't very dark at all. Deep-dark skin tones won't be able to find a match.
• Although the packaging is appealing, it's not very sanitary and it's not practical. It's way too heavy to travel with, and being that it's glass, you have to be careful not to drop it - especially on ceramic floor (disaster!)
• The standard fluid ounces for the majority of foundations on the market is 1 oz. This foundation contains 0.8 oz. Why are you jipping me out of my 0.20 ounces, Revlon!? 

Price: $13.99 at your local drugstore. For a $2 off printable coupon, click below.

Have you tried this foundation? What'd you think of it?

Revlon Colorstay Creme Gel Eyeliner Liner Review!

Revlon Colorstay Creme Gel Eye Liner

Revlon Colorstay Creme Gel Eye Liner ($10) is a bold, waterproof and smudge-proof gel/cream eye liner. It's a part of the Revlon "Colorstay" line, so it's also long-lasting. When you pull the applicator up, a mini brush pops out for convenient use.

Available in four (4) shades: Black, Charcoal, Brown and Plum.

Charcoal is a soft black with silver iridescence. A nice choice if you want a black liner that isn't as harsh as black.

The brush design isn't exactly the best - it works, but I think a standard angled brush would've probably been more useful. I'm still able to control how thick I want the line, as well as create a good wing. The only thing that's kind of annoying is when the product dries in the brush, it hardens up a bit, making application less easy. Every few uses I have to clean the brush, and because of the waterproof formula, it isn't the easiest brush to clean with regular hand soap. I usually use Dish Soap as it breaks up the oil pretty well, or eye makeup remover. Olive oil even works, followed with any soap.

(lined my top lid with Charcoal)

The cream itself is a good consistency. It's not by any means a very soft or wet cream, nor is it very dry. It's creamy enough to apply smoothly without any tugging, but I usually have to double or triple dip the brush to complete an eye. I have the tendency to pile the product on the brush to avoid double dipping.

I find that the texture makes it really easy to use. Although I prefer a wetter formula, a wet formula is actually  a bit more difficult to use you need a steady hand or it can get messy. Beginners will appreciate the Revlon Colorstay Cream Liner as it applies a very clean line that is easy to control and the color isn't too harsh.

With one swipe, the color isn't fully opaque, but it's buildable to opaque with an additional coat. So, for someone who wants a super-dramatic dark line, this liner probably won't meet your standards unless you're willing to put in the extra work of layering.

The actual pot is very small. It holds 2.3g/0.08 oz of product, in comparison to MAC Fluidline which contains 3g/0.1 oz of product for $15. Bobbi Brown Gel Liner alike MAC contains 3g/0.1 oz of product for $22. Clinique Brush-On Cream Liner contains 4.8g/0.17 oz for $15 and comes with a brush, which makes it the best value of the liners mentioned.

Here are several swatches of the liner used with the brush provided. 

The first swatch on the left shows the liner with two layers of product to show it's opacity. The rest of the lines are the brush with one pass. As you can see, especially with the thinner lines on the right, additional product is needed, as a little product does not go a long way.

The lasting power is good, but it doesn't meet the 24 hour claim. I'm not prone to oily eyelids, and it gets me through the day with little fading by the end of the day. Those who are prone to oily lids, may notice fading mid-day.

Overall, it's a pretty decent cream liner, but it's nothing I'd re-purchase. For a few dollars more, I'd rather purchase a Clinique or MAC Cream/Gel Eyeliner because of the better value overall, and the creamier texture.

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Creamy consistency - not too dry or wet
• The product is easy to use, and isn't messy - good for beginners at cream liner
• Contains a convenient, attached brush
• Sets quickly, and won't smudge
• Doesn't flake off or transfer throughout the day
• Travel-friendly packaging

Cons:

• The formula could improve by being slightly more lubricated - a little product doesn't go a long way, and I often have to re-dip my brush for additional product.
• With one pass, the product isn't completely opaque, so an additional layer is required for full opacity
• The product contains a small 2.3g/0.08 oz of product, which is less than the majority of cream liners on the market. So although it's cheaper, it may not be the best value. Especially since many cream liners dry out before they are finished.
• Doesn't stay put for the 24 hour claim.
• Removal may be difficult, as it's waterproof. An oil based remover works the best.

Price: $10, at your local drugstore. The price may vary based on your location, but the average is $10, give or take a dollar.

Revlon Photoready 3D Volume Mascara Review + Before and After!

Revlon Photoready 3D Volume Mascara

Ever since Revlon Photoready 3D Volume Mascara launched, I've been wanting to try it because of the appealing packaging. Revlon products in general have better product packaging than most of the other drugstore brands, but I think it was the shape of the brush along with the sleek black and silver tube that did it for me. Although the reviews for this mascara are pretty mixed, I couldn't wait to try it once my Maybelline Falsie's Mascara was finished.

The rubber brush has loads of thin bristles with a rounded tip, to easily reach every single lash for "maximum dimension". There aren't any claims that this mascara lengthens, but it's suppose to deliver lots of volume with two coats.

Revlon Photoready 3D Volume Mascara is available in three (3) shades: Blackest Black, Blackened Brown and Black. I purchased Blackest Black, of course.

In my opinion, the brush is well executed for separating the lashes. It's large with loads of very thin bristles, so it combs through each of your lashes while coating them in product. With one coat, this mascara adds a good amount of volume and a tiny bit of length. The result is still natural for those who don't like too much volume.

Here's a closer look at the brush..

I find that you have to work quickly with this mascara and letting your lashes dry between coats will only result in thick, "spider" lashes. For the best results, starting at the base of your lashes, and slowly wiggle the brush upward. Continue brushing your lashes until you're satisfied with the amount of product that's on your lashes. Volume is built fairly quick.

Two coats is more than enough with this mascara. When I attempted to apply three, my lashes looked super thick, yet still separated, but it looked incredibly unnatural. Also, with additional coats, I noticed product would gather at the very tip of my lashes, so a lash comb would be necessary.

I find that it's best not to touch your eyes or lashes for a couple of minutes after you've applied this mascara because your lashes will still be tacky, and can stick together.

Once dry, my lashes still feel semi-soft - yay, for non-crunchy lashes!

I don't find that it weighs down my lashes, and it keeps them mildly curled throughout the day without having to curl my lashes prior.

I've read some complaints about this mascara flaking, but I've had no experience of flaking. I do notice faint smudges under my eyes after a few hours, so usually, I'll have to touch up with powder every once in a while. The smudging is very minor though, and hasn't stopped me from wearing this mascara.

Price: Around $8 at your local drugstore, but the price will vary by location.

PROS: A good brush design, separates the lashes well - isn't clumpy, builds volume easily, adds a little length, but nothing to brag about, holds a curl well, lasts all day.
CONS: You have to be careful not to apply too much of this mascara - in my experience of applying too much, it actually made my lashes look shorter, stubbier and unnatural. Also, I noticed minor smudges after a while.
PACKAGING: The packaging is nice. Revlon always does good with their packaging. The tube is a little bulky though.
OVERALL: I think this is a pretty good mascara, for those looking for volume without the clumps. I like this mascara overall, but I prefer something that adds a little more length. I'll let you know if my opinion changes as I continue wearing it!

Have you tried this mascara? What'd ya think?