Swatches + Review: What we think of the new Maybelline lip tint, liquid liner, and foundation
Whether you’re putting together your first makeup kit or a seasoned pro stocking up on work essentials, Maybelline is a reliable go-to drugstore brand for beauty fans. They recently launched three new products that claim to be long-wearing and more, so we tested them to see if they actually deliver.
The first is the Sensational Liquid Matte Lip Tints (P219) which are designed for use on both the cheeks and the lips. Formulated with micronized powders, it claims to set perfectly matte but feel comfortable to wear throughout the day. It comes in 10 shades that work as both blush and lipstick colors. I first tried these on my lips and found that they do set matte but feel comfortable. The color stays on pretty well, too! When I drink, I see the water droplets just sit on top of my lip color, and I only need very minimal retouching after a meal.
I was worried that the matte texture would make it difficult to use on my cheeks, but found that it’s actually easy to blend on the skin. Because the shades are mostly nude, rose, brown, and red, they are very wearable for Filipina skin tones. My favorite of the bunch is Best Bare, which looks like a deep rose on my skin.
Most of the shades are opaque, although a few need to be layered on. The scent is difficult to describe; it has a bit of a chemical smell that is somewhat waxy. It is strong but not unpleasant. Because the pigments are quite resistant, I find that an oil cleanser works best for removal. At an affordable price of just P219 a pop, I’d say these are worth buying!
Maybelline adds a new liquid liner to its offerings with the Line Tattoo Impact Pen (P249). Not only does it claim to be waterproof, smudgeproof, and sweatproof, it supposedly lasts for up to 24 hours. These are very bold claims, but unfortunately the liner was no match for my extremely oily AND hooded eyelids.
The brush tip is fairly easy to use as well and has the right amount of thickness. The ink is really black and doesn’t bleed. To test its claims, I tried using it without an eyeshadow primer and the liner smudged and creased in just half an hour. Do note that I’m an extreme case though, so if you don’t have an oily lid problem like I do, I’m sure you’d have a better experience!
Finally, the brand introduced the Superstay 24H Powder Foundation (P499) which is the powder counterpart of their best-selling Superstay 24H Full Coverage Foundation. It’s supposed to offer the same full coverage, as well as long lasting oil control. I was immediately impressed by its creamy texture when I swatched the powder on my hand. I used the sponge applicator it comes with, and got full coverage. Among the five shades available, I find that the second to the lightest shade 220 Natural Beige is the closest match for my NC20 skin.
Like most powder formulations, this will emphasize any dry patches and textures on the skin. I also find that with most full coverage powder foundations, oil control tends to be poor so I have to apply a separate translucent oil control powder. Again, my skin is extremely oily so my face was already very greasy after just two hours when I used the powder on its own. It had also began to fade on the sides of my nose and cake on the center of my nose, so I wouldn’t recommend this for very oily skin. Those with dry to normal skin will definitely find better wear time, but use a separate oil control powder on top.
Though the liner and foundation didn’t work so well for my particular skin condition, I do think that they perform well given their price point. The Sensational Liquid Mattes are particularly interesting as they feel comfortable on the lips, actually work well as a blush, and are very budget-friendly.
Maybelline is available in leading department stores, and online via Shopee and Lazada.
Product photography and swatches by Nicole Quindara
