Revlon ColorBurst Matte & Lacquer Balm

I cannot tell you just how excited I was for the launch of Revlon ColorBurst Matte and Lacquer Balms. Seeing them reviewed and loved by so many US bloggers fuelled my obsession before they even landed on British soil but dammit, they were so worth the wait.

As soon as the day came that these beauties hit the store, I was in there straight from work like a flash - and lucky for me, Boots had 3 for 2 on Revlon which was ideal! I was more into the matte balms so I picked up two of those and one laquer - I assure you many more will be added to the collection soon.

First up, the Lacquer Balm in Demure. I chose Demure after Tati (from Glam Life Guru) fell head over heels in love with it and I just knew it would be a perfect nude. I prefer glossy nudes over matte as they look much more natural - mattes are favoured for bolder colours, I think. Anyway... Demure has definitely lived up to expectations. It has very fine sparkles in it, which sounds a bit Claire's Accessories, but as someone who hates sparkle on my lips, I can assure you it just adds a high shine. I wouldn't say it's either pink or brown but pretty colourless with a gorgeous beigey-nude gloss (does that make sense?). It lasts well thanks to the hydrating balminess 

Then onto the real goodness - the Matte Balms. I went for Showy and Standout - both are ideal for some Valentine's antics later this week! They are very typical shades for me but it was more about testing the formula (I'll grab some was risky shades next time!). Showy is an ultra bright blue-based fuchsia, and it it gorgeous. It's very similar to Maybelline Fuchsia Flash and Rimmel Kate Moss 20 except it's a real matte shade. It may be winter, and Showy may be much more of a summery shade, but paired with my daily cat-eye winged liner it just looks perfect! Seriously, LOVE.

Another awesome shade, and much more season-appropriate is Standout. This deep wine red reminds my of 107 from Rimmel's Kate Moss range, which is one of my most loved, except I find this matte much more comfortable to wear. I'd say this is a blue-based red which I was I tend to gravitate towards as it makes my teeth look whiter and generally suits my skin tone more than orange-reds do. Perfect for day or night - adoring Standout!

Formula-wise, I wouldn't say these are pure matte - not in comparison to matte lipsticks from the likes of MAC for example - but it means it gives that matte look without the drying, matte feel which makes them much more comfortable to wear. Ideal for anyone a little scared of matte lipsticks or someone who finds normal formulas too drying, like myself. They wear ok, I found there was a little left on the edges of my lips where it had clung to dry patches but I think adding a little lip balm underneath would help with that. Wear time, probably around 3 hours before it starts to fade.

Overall, some Revlon releases that really were worth the wait. There are so many colours to choose from that I think Revlon have done well to cater for most people's tastes as well as some really good colours to take you through all seasons. Elusive and Striking from the mattes and Coquette and Provocateur from the laquers are next on my Revlon ColorBurst wishlist.

Have you tried these, yet? What are your favourite colours?

Ax