REVIEW: Maybelline Color Elixirs by Color Sensational (Details, Photos & Swatches)

I first previewed Maybelline’s new Color Elixirs while at Toronto’s Fashion Week for Spring/Summer in October. The Elixirs were “all the buzz” backstage and once you read this, you’ll understand why. The Elixirs are basically a cross between a lipstick, a lip balm and a high shine gloss. They claim to have the colour saturation of a lipstick (true!), the moisturizing properties of a lip balm (sort of) and the brilliance of a gloss (true!). We’ve seen these “hybrid types” before but let’s see how these particular ones from Maybelline measure up to the competition. 

Maybelline Color Elixirs, Maybelline Color Elixirs Swatches, Color Elixirs Swatch, Color Elixir Review
Maybelline Color Elixirs by Color Sensational – $10.99 CDN
Color Elixirs incorporate a unique, double-phase technology formula that primes lips and delivers colour with dimension. They are available in an assortment of 20 shades and come packaged in a sleek tube designed to replicate the look of a lipstick bullet on the inside. A very cool concept! The wand is shaped like a leaf to allow for 180 degree flexibility and an even application. The tip of the applicator wand can also be used for more precision if desired. These have a distinct scent, one that I’m actually not able to describe entirely but I feel is important to note…..especially for those of you with sensitivities to fragrance. 

It seems that the lighter shade options are not as pigmented and apply much more sheer than the more vibrant shades do. This is completely understandable and expected. Regardless of pigment intensity, each of the Color Elixirs have a creamy consistency (like that of a balm) and a high degree of shine. As much as I love them and agree that they are moisturizing, they aren’t the most hydrating lip products that I’ve ever come across (I wouldn’t recommend applying these over winter-chapped lips) especially for this time of year. They do however, impart wonderful colour and a gorgeous sheen to the lips. Another point of clarification is that elixirs are not lip stains so they do not last and linger on the lips for hours on end, nor do they claim to. They deliver a highly pigmented, glossy lip colour in seriously beautiful shades. Grace Lee recommends prepping your lips by gently exfoliating them with a toothbrush prior to applying the product. This will ensure your lips look and feel their best!
    Maybelline Color Elixirs, Maybelline Color Elixirs Swatches, Color Elixirs Swatch, Color Elixir Review
    Maybelline Color Elixirs
    Maybelline Color Elixirs, Maybelline Color Elixirs Swatches, Color Elixirs Swatch, Color Elixir Review
    Maybelline Color Elixirs (L-R):
    Nude Illusion, Breathtaking Apricot, Caramel Infused & 
    Signature Scarlet
    Maybelline Color Elixirs, Maybelline Color Elixirs Swatches, Color Elixirs Swatch, Color Elixir Review
    Maybelline Color Elixirs (L-R):
    Blush Essence, Fuchsia Flourish, Raspberry Rhapsody & Caviar Couture  
    Maybelline Color Elixirs Review, Maybelline Color Elixirs Swatches
    Maybelline Color Elixirs Swatches (L-R): Nude Illusion, Breathtaking Apricot, Caramel Infused, Signature Scarlet, Blush Essence, Fuchsia Flourish, Raspberry Rhapsody & Caviar Couture 
    Maybelline Color Elixirs, Maybelline Color Elixirs Swatches, Color Elixirs Swatch, Color Elixir Review
    Maybelline Color Elixirs Swatches (L-R): Nude Illusion, Breathtaking Apricot, Caramel Infused, Signature Scarlet, Blush Essence, Fuchsia Flourish, Raspberry Rhapsody & Caviar Couture 
    Maybelline Color Elixirs, Maybelline Color Elixirs Swatches, Color Elixirs Swatch, Color Elixir Review
    Maybelline Color Elixirs by Color Sensational
    (12 additional shade options available) 

    Have you tried the Elixirs yet? Thoughts?