Review | Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balms

When it comes to lipsticks, glosses and foundations, Revlon takes the top 3 in the drugstore. From their Super Lustrous lipsticks to their Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains -- Revlon lip products are outstanding in my book. Revlon has "recently" come out with 20 new lip products called Revlon ColorBurst Matte & Lacquer Balms. Ten are matte balms and ten are lacquer balms. I'm more a matte and cream lipstick kind of girl so I opted for the matte balms. These are a great alternative to the L'Oreal Le Matte and La Lacque balms which were limited edition -- sadly I missed those. If you are familiar with or like(d) the Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters, you will most likely -- hopefully -- fall in love with these.

This review is specifically on the Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balms.

I tried searching Revlon's website for information on the new Matte balms, but I could not find any information. However, I did find the following statement from various websites such as Ulta and Target, "Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm offers velvety color with balm-like moisture. Infused with a Triple Butter Complex of Shea, Mango and Coconut Butter. This retractable chubby crayon requires no sharpener." Reading that statement made me jump for joy! The Triple Butter Complex definitely ensures some good moisture for the lips. Keep in mind, in the statement, they do not say that these are a stain -- merely a "velvety color with balm-like moisture." Please keep that in mind before comparing them to the Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains. Those are two different lines from Revlon.

Now these Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balms range anywhere from %6.49 to $9.99 USD depending on which drugstore you go to. Bed, Bath & Beyond, Walmart and Target -- possibly Kmart -- have said to be the cheapest places. I purchased mine for $9.99 USD BOGO (buy one get one half off) at my local CVS. As stated before, I am a matte and cream lipstick kind of girl. I didn't purchase the Lacquer Balms because they are said to have glitter in them and I don't like glitter or shimmer in my lipsticks...however, I do want to get my hands on Demure, Whimsical, Provocateur, Coy and Ingenue just to try them out anyway. I did purchase a total of five matte balms in the shades: Elusive, Unapologetic, Shameless, Showy and Sultry. I do want to purchase two more shades in Standout and Complex as well.

On to picture swatches!

Lip Swatches

Elusive is a soft pretty muted pink that's great for everyday wear.

Unapologetic is a vibrant coral hot pink. Great for summer, but even daring in the fall and winter months.

Shameless is a true blue based purple that definitely screams vampy. This is not for the faint at heart. This one does apply a bit patchy, so two-three swipes is a must for full opaque coverage.

Showy is a bubblegum blue-based pink. Does apply the same as Shameless in a patchy manner. Can come off a bit neon in certain lighting and depending on how it's applied to the lips.

Sultry is a medium rosy mauve with hints of brown. Great for a natural sophisticated look. May come off a bit too "grown" for some people -- meaning it can age you.

Review
Starting off the packaging ... this is the same packaging as the Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains in which you get a jumbo crayon that twists up and down and does not require the use of a sharpener. Quick, simple and easy for on the go. These do have the same peppermint scent and tingle as the Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains, but I quite like it as it is refreshing to me. The pigmentation on these matte balms are pretty outstanding. You get full opacity with most shades in one swipe, some do require two or three swipes because they can be a bit patchy. The lasting power, for me, is about 4 to 6 hours depending on what I'm eating, drinking or doing which is normal for any lip product for me. When these do tend to wear off and fade they slowly fade from the inside of the lip out which 1) doesn't make it extremely noticeable and 2) allows you to blot/smudge your lips together for even look. If blotting or smudging doesn't work, reapply as needed. I find that I only have to reapply once throughout the day. As for a matte finish -- I would say they are as the day goes on. When first applied with or without lip balm undearneath it's more so a demi-matte finish as it has a slight shine to it. I'm guessing the slight shine is due to the Triple Butter Complex of Shea, Mango and Coconut Butter. As it wears throughout the day it does start to become more of a true matte finish. These do not settle into my fine lines like most mattes do and they are not drying either. For a matte lip product they are highly moisturizing, to me at least, which is why I think I love these.

Final Thoughts
Overall, I love this product! These do remind of a the Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters, but without the shine or glossy finish. A matte lipstick with a balm like feeling -- sounds great for the winter months in my book. These are creamy, smooth, pigmented and moisturizing. They may not be a stain, but the brighter and darker colors surely do live a  bit of stain when worn off. The best part is that even when they start to fade a simple smudge of the lips and quick tap of the lip color does the trick -- it does not clump up. How amazing is that! Gotta say, Revlon is simply awesome in the lip department of beauty. Revlon also did great at naming these matte balms because for a matte lip color they are not drying at all!

Rating
In rating this I would definitely give it a 4 out 5. Why a 4 out of 5 if I love it? Because a few of the shades can come off splotchy or patchy when being applied. Other than that -- I'm sold and grateful that these are not limited edition products.

Great job Revlon -- you still have my love when it comes to your lip products!

What are your thoughts on the new Revlon Matte and Lacquer Balms?

Any shades you'd recommend to me?