Maybelline's Color Sensational Lipstick Gave Me The Perfect Less-Is-More Look

 We put Maybelline’s Color Sensational Matte Finish Lipstick to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.

Shopping for lip colors online is tricky when you can’t try them on beforehand. Every shade can feel like a gamble. But over time, and through trial and error, we get to know our own preferences. A classic red is my something-special color. I think it’s a timeless shade that works for any skin tone. But it’s also far from the subtle lip balm look I usually wear every day. So when I got asked to test Maybelline’s Color Sensational Matte Finish Lipstick in Rich Ruby, not only did I immediately say yes, but I quickly filled my calendar with places to go, things to do, and people to see.

Keep reading to see how this shade held up throughout it all.

About My Skin: Dry, sensitive

Having dry, sensitive skin, I take the less is more approach when it comes to my makeup. Mascara and bronzer are my go-tos for looking awake, but lip color is always my final touch when I want to feel more done up. My lips only dry out when I’m dehydrated (which is no problem for me now, being pregnant) but I still frequently use Burt’s Bees chapstick to moisturize.

When it comes to lip colors, my go-to at the moment is an assortment of Clinique’s Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm. I got a set of 20 shades called The Chubbettes for Christmas last year and have been rotating through them every week since. They are very soft, subtle, and moisturizing, so I’m left with a natural hint of tint once it’s faded away without feeling the need to reapply.

How to Apply: Start in the center

Per the brand’s recommendation, you’ll want to apply right in the center of the top lip and follow your lip’s contour down on each side. Then glide over your bottom lip to finish applying the lipstick. I applied this slowly to avoid spreading the color in unwanted areas, trying to stay within my natural lip lines. This lipstick would pair really well with liner to keep lines clean, since the bold color does transfer around easily and can be tricky to take off. I’d recommend using a thin cotton swab with a little makeup remover on it if you need to clean up your lip line.

The Shade: A timeless red

With 19 shades to choose from in this line, ranging from Pitch Black to Almond Rose, the Maybelline Color Sensational line in Matte Finish has got you covered. And the Rich Ruby that I tried is that perfect timeless shade that every skin tone can pull off. At first I untubed the lipstick and was worried it may be too orangey for my taste, but the color does apply true to its product shots online. It’s a deep, rich red that serves the perfect punch to a muted daytime look or a ramped up night on the town.

The Results: Bold and beautiful

The oils used in the formulation of this lipstick made it glide on with an easy, creamy feel while still offering a matte finish. Any time I wore this lip color while at home or around the house, my family members and neighbors asked where I was off to or what I was all dressed up for. The color is bold and truly beautiful, and I kept thinking to myself, I need to wear this lip color to all holiday festivities this year/any upcoming photo ops. The creaminess of this lipstick doesn’t dissipate after it’s applied, so any time I kissed my kid or my husband, they had a red stain on their face. This made me a little self conscious while eating, needing to carefully dab at my mouth with a napkin to avoid smearing red all over my own face.

Whether I wore this to work out or go out in the heat, the color lasted for a solid three hours before needing to be touched up. I found that if I didn’t get another coat on at just the right time, my lips looked and felt a bit dried out, which is unusual for me.

The Value: Hard to beat

Maybelline is a go-to brand for affordable drugstore makeup. This lipstick ranges in cost between $5 and $8 depending on the retailer, and when you break down the cost per use you can get from a single lipstick at that price, I’d say that’s a hard value to beat.

Similar Products: You've got options

Nars Matte Velvet Lip Pencil ($27): This jumbo lip pencil applies with a creamy feel yet has a matte finish. I find that it spreads easily like the Maybelline lipstick, and it’s priced quite a bit higher.

NYX Suede Matte Lipstick ($8): Another drugstore option, this budget-friendly lipstick goes on velvety-smooth and offers a rich, matte finish. There are also many fun, bright colors to choose from, and it’s priced comparatively to Maybelline.