The new Maybelline Color Sensational High Shine lipsticks intrigued us because we wanted to know what really set them apart from the other competitors. Lipstick brands have been promising high shine and pigments for years, so how does Maybelline stock up against Chanel’s Rouge Coco or M.A.C.’s ProLongwear for example? Or how does Color Sensational rank against Guerlain’s Rouge Automatique?

Here’s the promo picture for Maybelline Color Sensational High Shine:

I really like the sleek packaging, and the hint of frost on the lipstick itself. The packaging is reflective, and this makes me happy because it speaks of the complete brand and experience. Two thumbs up.

Regarding the lipstick, the first aspect I’d like to address is the price. For $5.50, this lipstick gives you a lot of mileage (compare this to Guerlain’s Rouge G priced at $47 or M.A.C. ProLongwear lipcreme priced at $17). That itself screams out “value” to me. Now, the pigmentation is pretty stellar. Take a look at our model, Antonella, who is wearing the High Shine lip color in Plum Shine (#830).

The color is outstanding and the coverage — no feathering. Antonella says, “This bright, rich lipstick is a nice compliment to neutral shadows. The Color Sensational High Shine Lipcolor delivers its namesake — it is so smooth and moisturizing and delivers a great sheen, and smells yummy too.”

So, for an inexpensive $5.50, you’re getting some pretty good value, which is one of the reasons High Shine Color Sensational Lipstick performs well. Since it also has nourishing honey nectar and micro mirror pigments, this lipstick reflects beautifully too.

Color Explosion Eye Studio Palette in “Amethyst Ablaze”

We are also impressed with the new Eye Studio Color Explosion Duo eye shadow in Caffeine Rush (worn by Antonella above). One of the reasons why this shadow is a must buy is because it promises – and delivers – a blaze of color to your eyes. The shadow has an exclusive luminizer to it that reveals color highlights. The only other eye shadow that would come close to doing this is Make Up For Ever’s Aqua Creams.This retails for $10.99 and is a good one to stock up for jewel tones.

Above, Antonella is wearing “Blue Blowout” Color Explosion Luminizing Eyeshadow #20 and Color Sensation High Shine Lipcolor #825 in “Fruit Punch” with Eye Studio Master Drama Cream Pencil in “Vibrant Violet.”

Here’s how to get the look above. Antonella says, “I was impressed by the opacity and smoothness of this eye shadow.” The color looks as rich on the skin as it did in the package. She used the applicator included to apply the shadow, with the lighter aqua on the upper lid, and a brighter, deeper aqua on the lower lid. To make the aqua look even more intense, Antonella lined the top lid with the Vibrant Violet liner.

Now, we want to hear from you. Are you a fan of Color Sensational High Shine Lipstick and Color Explosion palettes? Why or why not?

– Charu Suri

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