Stop the Presses! Revlon's New ColourBurst Matte Balm and Lacquer Balm Lip Pencils

It's no secret that I'm a sucker for Revlon and that their Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains have been among my most adored lip products from the past year. They've also been a favourite of both friends and fellow bloggers alike, inching their way up to cult status. I was excited to hear that Revlon was releasing two new lip pencil formulas this Fall and was even more thrilled to see them in-store this week!

The packaging of the new formulas is nearly identical to that of the Balm Stains, but with finishes that coincide with the product inside. ColourBurst Matte Balm Lip Pencils offer a long-wearing, but light-weight matte finish formula and have a clever matte-finish tube to match. ColourBurst Lacquer Balm Lip Pencils offer an extra shiny, metallic moisturizing finish and have a coinciding eye-catching, reflective tube.

While I was tempted by some of the ultra vivid shades in these ranges, I let my practical side kick in and opted for work-friendly shades that I could keep in my office drawer and use in a pinch. Who doesn't want to open their top drawer at work to find Revlon goodies inside?!

I chose ColourBurst Matte Balm Lip Pencil in Elusive, a warm rosy, not-quite-bubblegum pink, and ColourBurst Lacquer Balm Lip Pencil in Demure, a shiny pale pinky peach with silver shimmer. 

(L-R): Matte Balm Lip Pencil in Elusive and Lacquer Balm Lip Pencil in Demure

Here are swatches of the lip pencils against my NC15/20 skin, Demure on the left, Elusive on the right:

 

As you can see, Demure (the Lacquer Balm) has a sheer, shiny, shimmery finish, while Elusive (the Matte Balm) has a more pigmented, matte finish. 

And photos of me wearing them!

Elusive:

Revlon Matte Balm Lip Pencil in Elusive

Elusive was a bit more vibrant and white-based than expected, but I still find it quite flattering! The shade most reminds me of MAC Chatterbox. The finish is undoubtedly matte, with no hint of sheen or shimmer. The formula is in no way moisturizing, but doesn't leave lips parched or flaky. It's definitely a light-weight matte finish, which is quite wearable!


Demure:

Demure has a more pinky tone on my lips that it had in the original swatch and is definitely one of those nearly-nude shades. The shimmer is prominent, but not over-the-top and definitely prevents that sickly effect that some paler shades can evoke. It feels slick and moisturizing on the lips and gives them a nice full look!


Overall, while neither of the shades I picked up are to-die-for, they're definitely products I'll reach for often in my office drawer. The new formulas offer a nice alternative to the original Balm Stains for those who prefer an ultra shimmery or totally matte effect. Perhaps if Santa is feeling  especially glamorous, I might find one or two of the vibrant shades from these ranges in my stocking ;)

Have you tried the new Matte Balms or Lacquer Balms yet? Are they on your wishlist?

Thanks for reading! xo