You know, I know you all blame me for being an enabler (What can I say? I’m good at it… I guess? hehe) but you know what? I’m not immune either and friends, fellow bloggers and that damned Instagram take the cake! So, after seeing friend, fellow blogger and Instagrammer Lyn of Beautycabby (all 3 enablers rolled into one – it’s no wonder I caved!) rave about the Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms, away I went to the local Revlon display at Watson’s to take a look.
Not just a look, I picked one up and I wanted to see how I liked it or if it would be enough. You see, I don’t particularly go for matte lipsticks. I’m now leaning towards wearing more matte eyeshadow and even blush, but matte lipstick can age a person somewhat.
Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm Left: Standout Right: Sultry
We get 8 shades here in Malaysia and to my (and most people’s surprise) the one I picked out for myself was Sultry. I know, most of you would have expected me to pick Standout, right? Right?! :D Well, so did the Revlon peeps coz I received Standout a couple of weeks ago :P
How do you distinguish the Matte Balm from the other Revlon Colorstay Just Bitten Balm stain that I also like? Simple. The body of the Matte Balm pencils are matte. In case you are confused, there is also a sticker on the base of the pencil that says “Matte” so you don’t make a mistake.
Importantly, how do these hold up? Are they too matte? Do they make me look old? Does it dry out my lips as many matte pencils do? Do you like these? :D
Ok, I do like these and I’m surprisingly sold on them! I say surprisingly, because I’d been using the Matte Balm in Sultry for a week or so and found that I’d reach for it often because the colour was a great everyday colour for me, and I liked the pigment and longevity.
Like the other Revlon Colorburst lip pencils, these are your de rigueur twist up chubby lip pencils, hence no sharpening is required, and they come with a cap in the same colour as the body so it’s quite easy to pick out the colour you want from your stash.
These were swatched just one time, running the lip pencil down my arm and you can see just how pigmented they are! It’s absolutely wonderful to see this sort of quality from a pharmacy/drugstore brand! You may also notice how these don’t look flat despite being a matte lip colour. I personally find that these aren’t truly matte on skin, and there is a little shine to them, which will not sit pretty with purists. I however, like that it’s not a true matte. I feel that that touch of subtle shine is more flattering than a flat matte but that’s me.
Sultry is a berry with slight browned base which is a colour I wear and pick out often. It’s my everyday lip colour for days when I don’t really want to think about what lip colour to wear or when I want a no-fail colour that flatters without being too in your face.
Standout is as the name implies, a standout bright red with a blue base. It is incredibly flattering when worn and that bit of shine in the product makes it looks better and a touch more glamorous than a flat red, to me.
I managed to quickly swatch 2 other shades while at the counter so here they are.
Complex is a nude shade that I don’t particularly find very complex and one I personally won’t pick for myself but if you are the sort to wear light lip shades then this will be one you could look at.
Showy is a bright bubblegum pink that I think will look really cute on some people but again, not a colour I’d pick for myself because I know that pink will make my teeth and skin look sallow. But it’s a vibrant colour.
So since we don’t wear lipstick in stripes down our hands, here’s how Sultry and Standout look on lips when I wear them.
Left: Standout Right: Sultry
Standout as you can see, despite it’s claim of being a Matte Balm doesn’t look like a flat matte and you can see that touch of shine in the middle of the lip. I find that a more flattering texture although it might irritate purists. Sultry has a more traditional matte look to it although it too doesn’t look flat.
These Colorburst Matte Balms have the same minty smell and slight tingle on lips when first applied, although it goes away and despite the texture, I didn’t find them particularly drying, which surprised me. I originally felt that the Just Bitten Balm Stains were drying but much later, I found they were fine. Since then, I haven’t had a problem with Revlon’s pencils but I won’t discount the fact that some people may find it drying on lips.
They glide on very easily and smoothly with no tugging and I find the wear time incredible. It’s longlasting and doesn’t mark coffee cups as much as some other lipsticks I own, and I can wear these for hours without having to reapply. At just RM35.90 RRP I think these pretty good value for money.
For completeness, here’s how they look in a full face shot.
Matte Balm in Sultry
Matte Balm in Standout
In a nutshell
The Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm lip colours are twist up chubby lip crayons in a matte formula. They are easy to spot because the bodies are matte when compared to similar products in the range. I find them easy to apply as they glide on quite smoothly and are very pigmented with good longevity. However, I don’t find them particularly matte as I detect a touch of shine in some of the colours, which for me is great because a matte lip can be quite aging. However, those who want a true matte lip colour may not be happy with this. There is a minty smell and taste which dissipate and some people may find it a bit drying. I don’t although I wouldn’t call them moisturising either. I find some of the colours a little strange but there’ll be a colour to suit everyone depending on your preference. I think these pretty good value for money and absolutely worth checking out.
Pros: Intense pigment, Smooth texture and easy to use, Twist up mechanism means no sharpening is required, Longlasting colour, Colour isn’t flat and dull, Affordable
Cons: It isn’t truly matte, Some people may find it drying
Who will like this: Anyone who wants a matte lip colour with good pigment that isn’t too matte
I don’t find these to stain, but they do last a long time and fade off quite nicely leaving a tint of colour so you can just top up with a clear balm or gloss for a shiny pout with a hint of colour as the day wears on, or to freshen your pout. I do find that if you try to layer on more colour it can look too heavy.
Oh and these trump the Suede lipsticks Revlon came up with last year. I ended up hating them because the texture killed me. Sticky and dry and that weird shine to it. Ick! These are MUCH better in terms of how flattering they look on lips and I think if you just look at the swatches, you can deduce that for yourself too! In a toss up between the two, get the Matte Balm, ditch the Ultimate Suede.
Are you a fan of these Revlon Matte Balms? Do you wear matte lipsticks?
I wouldn’t call myself a fan because I do find Revlon’s colour selection a little weird. There are one or two really neutral colours that most people can wear and then there’ll be a bright pink or orange that most people can’t. It always puzzles me. As for matte lipstick, I’m generally not a fan of it but I’d admit they have their place. I sometimes prefer a matte lipstick in a work place or when I have to put on a meeting face. It somehow makes me feel a bit more professional LOL :)
Paris B
Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms come in 8 shades in Malaysia – Complex, Showy, Sultry, Standout, Shameless, Mischievous, Audacious, Unapologetic Price: RM35.90 RRP but look out for sales Availability: All Revlon counters but stocks run out quickly
I like how the ‘Standout’ look on you. Am not a fan of Just Bitten Balm stain because it doesn’t stained. I shall go Watson’s and have a look of this.
Thank you Cynthia :) It’s funny how these things work on different people right? I don’t like stains in general so I’m glad that although the Just Bitten balms do stain for me, it’s not so obviously so. Weird right? :D
ooooooh I do love these as well!! I bought 2 during Revlon offer in Sultry (I really love this one and i think it looks great on you!) and Striking Spectaculaire (orangy-red). Then I love the formula so much I went back to get Elusive which is a pinkish petal shade. I got another Elusive for my SIL too, because I can’t wait to share the love. HAHAHA
We get less than 8 shades here (Boo…!) but we do have the beautiful Elusive here (YAY!!) :D. And the ones we get here, there’s no ‘Matte’ sticker at the bottom. I wonder why?
Oh I also checked out the Lacquer Balm already… the chunky glitter is just too much for me. Growing older and wiser? hahaha
Ooh Sultry, snap! :D We don’t get Striking Spectaculaire but I love that name! And we don’t get Elusive either. It’s erm… elusive hahha! :D But if I get to BKK I’ll keep an eye out for it. It sounds pretty! Maybe we get the matte sticker cos we can’t tell the difference? Damn I don’t know :P I’m not sold on the Lacquer Balms myself. I’m getting old!!!
I have Standout and love it! Its a pretty, deep blue-based red.
Kinda itching to get Sultry as well but holding back as I feel I’ve got too many lipsticks.
Haha. Maybe in a few months time :)
Standout is a lovely colour! I think Sultry is a nice counterpart because it’s a wee bit more subtle while still being a nice bold colour :) Psst! Too many lipsticks? Guilty!! ;)
you’re right… sultry looks really nice on you! I haven’t gone to any revlon counters or been any near an outlet selling revlon products. so this has been quite frustrating ????
Thanks Juan and I know your feeling! I go out to the mall to rarely these days, I hardly have the chance to check out the new offerings out there. Wish everything was just available online :P
Standout on you reminds me of red classic Hollywood and Sulty on you reminds me of red vampy colour :D I think both looks good on you! I love those two colours but for Showy, too bubblegum pink, reminds me of Nicki Minaj LOL And for Complex, I think the color too neutral for me.
I’ll probably pass on this because I’m looking for moisturizing and have colour like Clinique Chubby Stick Lip Balm – moisturize my lips wonderfully and surprisingly last longer than expected, I thought will disappear after meals or after 2 hours but actually longer than that :D
Aww thank you Fathin! :D I’m not a fan of the other colours available here myself. They look so hard to wear! But I’m sure someone out there will be able to rock it… just not me :D But you’re right. These aren’t moisturising in a true sense so the Clinique Chubby Stick balm is a good pick. I love the Intense version, not the regular one. Lasts long, affordable and lovely colours (not scary like the Revlon ones haha!)
Oh my! They are BEAUTIFUL! The shades are very rich and lovely. But a matte balm seems to defeat its own purpose! haha at least in the naming of the product ;)
Haha you’re right! Matte Balm is such an oxymoron right? Luckily the product works well :D
I found these too drying but I did like how Sultry looked on my lips though. But I think Sultry looks very similar to Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Roomiest Rose. I have also tested out Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm and I feel that the texture is not drying compared with Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm. I have to agree with you on the weird colours that Revlon comes out with for their lip balms. Not sure what they were thinking when deciding on the colours. LOL.
Don’t fault you, Victoria. I do believe they may be drying on some people too. I experienced that drying feeling with the Just Bitten balms a while ago, but I’m not sure why or how my lips adapted to them much later so these worked. But you’re also quite right about Sultry resembling Roomiest Rose, except the latter is more rosy and I do think Clinique makes much better colours! Like you, I don’t know what Revlon was thinking coming out with some of these colours, especially the bright pinks and oranges. Then again, they do look fab on women of more colour so perhaps that’s their target market :)
I swatched these at the counter, but didn’t get any. I prefer the Clinique Chubby Stick Intense, which I know will not be drying – matte or not doesn’t really matter to me.
Yep, Clinique’s a good pick. I do like these for a wearable matte lipstick. It’s different :)
Seriously this post makes me want to find my Roomiest Rose and put it on! Unlike most, I like the new “matte” formulas with less drying and more cool looking :) I don’t have these but I do have Tarte’s a few matte lip balms and I use them everyday! And I adore that “kind of lipbalm” feeeling -aka minty- I don’t need to use a lipbalm before the lipstick, so that’s a plus for me! I’m definitely gonna try these! Thanks for the share Paris. Btw they look great on you!
Find it Casey, find it and use it! Haha … Sadly I don’t work well with Tarte lip pencils :( I have one in the shimmer version which is I think a bit more emollient but I find it drying which I know many don’t. So I guess it’s one of those things. But these lip crayon things are fun aren’t they? :D
I love Standout on you, and that shade does look it may feather but when you wear it, it’s like it was made for you! ^^
I can’t do matte though….. sigh
Hello Liyeun, I am curious to know why you can’t do matte? :)
Thanks Liyeun :) It actually doesn’t feather at all which is great! :D Out of curiousity, is there a reason you can’t wear matte lip colours? Texture? I never thought I could too but as with everything, there’s a texture out there for everyone ;)
I have served my purpose to the beauty community!!! Kekeke… thanks for the mention, by the way. I can’t count the amount of times you have enabled me (and mostly highend to boot).
Both shades look really good on you but you just rock the reds, girl!
3 times over my dear >.< Revenge is sweet isn't it? haha... Thanks Lyn for raving about these, I might never have tried them otherwise!
I’m happy you made a post about these! They’re not available here yet but I was thinking about buying them online…now I know I have to.
I really like matte lipsticks :)
Yay! Glad to be of service :) I hope you get these in soon so you can pick up the colours you like :D Waiting to see what you pick
These do look amazing!
They feel amazing too Marina :D
Love these on you! I like them too, but not the lighter shades as they tend to stick in every crack and crevice on my lips haha!
Ooh thanks for the tip about the lighter shades, Tracy! I’ll be sure to avoid them like the plague :P
Standout looks so pretty on you!
Thank you Gio! :D Will you be picking up any?
Well, I’m going shopping tomorrow, so one may come home with me. ;)
I love these, although I do think a couple of shades are a miss. I have both Standout and Sultry, and totally love Sultry. I picked up Mischievous, a coral shade as I wanted something orange-y, but it applied patchy and the colour washed me out :( Am thinking of picking up the purple one, Shameless. That shade looks like fun! I thoroughly enjoyed the Kissable Balm Stains so when these came out, I was all over them!
Some of the shades had me raising an eyebrow too! I don’t know about you but I find that orange lipsticks tend to feel a little dry, whichever brand they come from. I’ve always wondered why and I do wonder if it’s to do with the ingredients used. As for purple lipstick, you’re braver than me Ika! :D
Ha! These are exactly the same too I picked soon as they were released in Boots Uk. Sultry called my name as it is just stunning and different and not like the 101 variations of the rest of the shades I own. *gulp*
Haha I thought the same thing until I swiped Sultry on and it looked like the 101 variations I already own :D But I was ok with it coz it’s a colour I’d wear often so I know it’ll get lots of wear :D Glad you’re enjoying these too!
Both shades look great on you but I prefer Standout slightly more <3 It's so fresh-looking! :)
I'm looking at these for a while now and trying not to buy them but I don't see any choice now, lol. :D Will let you know what I got :D
Thanks Vesna :D Standout is quite a stand out! :D Hope you pick out a nice colour :D
Went to check them out after reading this entry, and bought Standout. Oh my, the colour is stunning, and I love it! :D
Yay! Standout is a gorgeous shade and I’m sure looks amazing on you :D
I bought Audacious the other day – Oh. my. God. GORGEOUS! It’s neon tangerine, really striking yet looks so good! I never thought bright orange would look good on me but this changed everything! I would normally get nudes, pastels and reds before this….but damn, orange makes me look naughty ;p
I think for the color range, Revlon was inspired by bright and bold shades from MAC and other high end brands. Wet n Wild did the same – too many MAC dupes!
Anyways, Revlon matte balm is SO pigmented and buttery but quite dry so needs a little balm or scrubbing before wearing it – cause it will pick up all the dryness on your lips! As for the staying power, it didn’t rub off when I ate Popeye’s. It also stains (means the color last longer on your lips and you need a makeup remover to rub it off, cause a plain tissue won’t do).
Anyways what else can I say…. I love Revlon Matte Balms! Wanna get some more shades!
Kudos to you on pulling off bright orange! :D I think there’s a colour for everyone and although some of it may seem weird on me, it’ll look fabulous on someone else of different colouring, as you’ve proven! I think it’s a nice product too and absolutely worth checking out