Maybelline Coloursensational Vivids Lipstick in Shocking Coral

I am such a seasonal makeup person. When Summer rolls around I just start to crave the bright fruity shades, lipsticks in shocking pinks and tangerine. The Maybelline Coloursensational Vivids lipsticks seemed the perfect way to feed my hunger for summery hues. The shades Shocking Coral and Vibrant Mandarin caught my attention from the moment they were released but it was only when I saw Shocking Coral on sale for $8 down from $16.95 at good old Kmart that I actually purchased one. It's just the way I do things, I honestly can't recall the last time I paid full price for something...

Well, this is certainly a bold colour. I tried so hard to capture its true colour in the photos but as always, they didn't turn out quite right. The swatches are misleading, for in reality it is not a hot pink shade but more of a fluorescent highlighter pink! I've included the photos anyway but it definitely isn't an everyday kind of shade like the photos might suggest.


Having developed a makeup stash that is way out of hand, I'm no longer one to shy away from crazy, bold makeup products but even I hesitated with this one! It's one for the brave who love their pinks. I think it would be perfect for a summer festival or chilling out at a cafe down by the beach.

In terms of formulation, this is a perfectly fine lipstick that is neither drying nor particularly moisturising, just in the middle. The lasting power is also mid-range, basically it is a lipstick that is not my favourite of all but perfectly good in every sense of the word. The pigmentation is great and it has a creamy, slightly glossy looking finish but contains no shimmer at all.

I quite like the packaging in all its simplicity, it's really easy to find amongst my stash with its bright case and the silver mirror on the top. I love that it's not one of those stupid lipsticks where the bullet extends beyond the case and you risk jamming the lid into the product every time you try to open or close it! Those lipsticks have really been bothering me lately! It has a slight smell to it, one that I couldn't quite identify, but it doesn't linger.

All up this is a gorgeous bold pink that any lipstick lover should definitely consider adding to their collection for the summer. I have a feeling that the tangerine shade may end up joining Shocking Coral in my collection because honestly, who can resist an orange these days?