You
may have noticed that this past year the cosmetics industry became
immersed in producing hybrid lip products. At counters and
drug-stores alike, you can now find glossy stains, balm/lipstick
hybrids, and even a combination of the two... balm stains. While I've
yet to try any stains, I have had my share of trials with the
ever-rampant balm/lipstick hybrids. This form of lip product can be
found across all price ranges and all brands... everyone from Chanel
to Revlon have their own spin on this same concept.
A few I've tried
include the YSL Sheer Candies, Chanel Rouge Coco Shines (Favorite!),
Clinique Chubby Sticks, Dior Show, and Revlon Lip Butters (yuck).
I've enjoyed all, aside from the lip butters, but at price ranges
from $34-$16 a pop it's hard go out and buy every color that suits
your fancy. Thats where Maybelline steps in! Earlier this month
Maybelline New York launched their version of the balm-lipstick
hybrid, the Color Whispers.
Maybelline describes them as, “Dare
to Whisper. Truly translucent gel-color with pure color pigments
suspended in a weightless gel. No heavy waxes or oils. Soft-sexy gel
color.” The line includes twenty shades...
yes 20! ranging from the barest of nudes to deep on-trend berry
tones. At prices ranging from $5 (Target)-$7 (Walgreens), these
babies are much more bank account friendly than their higher-end
counter parts. I was able to score 8 of them *hangs head in shame*
from Walgreens at BOGO 50% off.
Impressions:
These
remind me so much of my beloved Chanel Rouge Coco Shines. From
texture, firmness, and color pay off I'd even venture to say that
they could pass as dupes. In fact, I did happen to find two dupes of
the Coco Shines that I own with the Whispers that I picked up, so
there could be many more. These glide on effortlessly and are
extremely easy to apply. I can throw these in my handbag and apply on
the go without using a mirror and having to worry about precision.
The color payoff is equally comparable to the CRCS's and wear time is
about the same. Approximately 2-3 hours without touch-ups. Touch-ups
is a hard word to use there... let's just say “slap back on”...They
really are easy! I love, love, love these! Way-to-go Maybelline!
Rose
Of Attraction is a good mix of medium pink and berry tones. On my
fair skin, this shade is just slightly more pink than my natural lip
color. I like to apply this color with a bit of One Size Fits Pearl
on top to mute the color a tad.
Pink
Possibilities name is a little deceiving... This color is a warmer
medium pink that leans slightly coral on the lips, and looks coral in the tube. This color would
look amazing in Spring, especially with a tan... which I will never
have..ever. *Red hair don't care*
One
Size Fits Pearl is an incredibly sheer peach tone with slight
shimmer and very little
color payoff. As mentioned above, I use this color to sheer out some
of the more bold colors to make them more wearable on my skin tone. This is one of the colors I was able to find as a dupe for Chanel Rouge Coco Shine #68 Candeur. I've noticed no difference in wear or color payoff between the two.
Pin
Up Peach is an orangey-red peach with hints of coral and slight gold
shimmer. This color would also look great during Spring & Summer
with a tan.
Coral
Ambition is... well, what I would consider to be the least coral of
the bunch. This is very orange based “coral” to me.. with a peach
undertone. I can see this looking great on someone with a medium-deep
skin with yellow undertones.
MadeItMauve
is a medium mauve shade that leans a little deeper.. almost a berry
tone. This is a great more sheer alternative to the “oxblood” fad
if you're scared of blood stained lips and the maintenance that
accompanies them.
Petal
Rebel is a very cool toned pink that definitely does not suite my
skin tone, but would look great on a medium-deep skin with yellow
undertones. Think of it as a sheer version of a perfect Barbie pink.
I saved the best for last-- Lust
For Blush is one of those “your lips but better” shades that
typically look good on everyone. It's sheer but can be built-up for a
great nude lip. This is my favorite of the bunch and would be the
first I would tell someone to try.
It's a MUST HAVE. Above you can see it swatched next to Chanel Rouge Coco Shine #52 Fetiche. Lust For Blush is slightly more sheer, but the color is the same. I'm elated to have found a drugstore dupe for this $34 love of mine.
Have you tried any of the Color Whispers? Which ones are your favorites?
