Maybelline Lip Smooth Colorbloom lipbalms - A Beautiful Magic Trick?

As far as gimmicky products go, I'm a complete sucker. Lipbalms that promises to change and adapt its color to suit my skintone once it comes into contact with my lips? Gime me some of that, please thanks ;)

The concept behind these lipbalms is nothing new nor is it unique. Other brands came out with their own versions, way before Maybelline. I can't think of 1 brand right off the top of my head but nevertheless it's still impressive. Maybelline's offerings are my current obsessions so to speak ;). The idea is that once the white balm touches my lips, it would create a sheer pink/peach colour but it's not just any colour- but my very own shade. One that suits my skintone and thus I can honestly say that it is made to measure. It reacts with the chemicals found on your lips, therefore the transformation of the shade will vary from 1 girl to another.

Packaging wise, these get a massive thumbs up from me.I don't tend to comment on a product's packaging as I genuinely believe it is what's inside that counts but I can't help but rave about the packaging of these lipbalms a tiny bit as I love it so much. Not only are they small (handy for touch ups/tossing it inside my make-up bag) adorable and colourful to look at but it's so practical and hygienic. Unlike other balms which mostly come in a very unhygienic tins/pots, you know the ones were you need to dip your finger in and out (all those germs being transmitted. eeughh!) these come in a nice handy little tube were all you have to do is twist it, to get the lipbalm out. So much better right?

Out of the 2, Pink Blossom is noticeably more pigmented. From the very first moment it graces my lips, it transforms to a stunning subtle bright fuchsia pink. It applies quite sheer at first but it is buildable. I also find that as time progresses the colour deepens  a little bit more, leaving a beautiful wash of sheer pink on my lips. - TO DIE FOR. I always find myself staring at my lips infront of mirrors when I have it on. Peach Blossom on the other hand is definitely a lot less pigmented. It offers a certain amount of colour but not a whole lot. On my lips it turns to a muted beautiful soft peach. Think my lips but with added shine. They both leave my lips looking glossy with just the right amount of shine, nicely plump and healthy looking.

Pink Blossom

Peach Blossom

Now for the most important factor of all- its moisturising property. Afterall I'm talking about lipbalms. With ingredients like Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil these sound promising. While on the lips they feel really moisturising and hydrating. They feel comfortable on the lips. I consider these lipbalms as the novelty kind more than anything else because while they moisturise my lips it won't ever reach the extent when it will remedy dry chapped lips. As the lipbalm wears off, I no longer find them hydrating. If like me you have normal lips with the occassional small dry patches- then these will make a great lipbalm for you but if you have severe dry uncomfortable chapped/cracked lips, look for a more nourishing lipbalm. Having said all of that my lips do feel softer and smoother than what I'm normally used to when I reach for these babies. :)

Another factor but not so important that won me over? The scent. These lipbalms have a lovely fruity berry scent courtesy of the listed ingredient- Blueberry Fruit Extract. It smells so delicious but unfortunately it doesn't linger on for too long. About 10 mins or so.

Unfortunately these are not easily available in Ireland and the Uk. As far as I know Maybelline Lip Smooth Color Bloom  Lipbalms are only sold in Asian countries. And for the life of me I have no idea why. These are great and I have a feeling that if ever they released it over here it'll be a major hit along the same lines of Revlon Lip Butters. Maybelline are you reading this? Get a move on and bring the butts of these lipbalms over here in Ireland quick smart.. These were under 2 euro each. Cheap and cheerful :) But if ever you get a chance to try them out make sure you do. I'm gutted I only purchased 1 of each when I was in the Philippines. Based on my daily usage of these it won't be long before I reach the end of 'em. Men that's always the case with beloved beauty finds eh? :)

Going back to my question in my post title: Are these lipbalms a beautiful magic trick? Yuss they are. they really are. ;)

Models Own Pro Sugar Plum Fairy

Raise your hand up if you love a good pastel pink shade. You put up your hand didn't you? :) I can't blame you. While I love my fiery reds, bright vibrant pinks, gorgeous nude shades -I still have room left in my heart to include a lovely pastel shade. This summer my nails had the pleasure of looking gorgeous courtesy of some pastel shade discoveries of mine. Mostly Nails Inc Peach Sorbet(an exclusive Instyle magazine freebie shade), Ciate Purple Sherbet and Revlon Nail Enamel in Peach Nectar and Lilac Pastelle.

I took a break from wearing pastel shades but now I found myself boarding the pastel shade train all over again. We have a pastel shade obsession on our hands here people :) Models Own Pro Sugar Plum Fairy is pretty enough to join the exclusive  pastel elite. Glad to have this Beaut on board. Sugar Plum Fairy is a pale creamy full on pastel pink with a milky white undertone. Just gorgeous and girly. :)

 Packaging wise it didn't impressed me at all. The chubby bottle is only adorable at first glance because in reality it's a complete rascal. From the chunky, fat lid to the short brush- it made application such a nightmare.  Boy did it reminded me so much of my past experience with Nails Inc Peach Sorbet. Now to be fair Sugar Plum isn't as bad. I was actually quite surprised that it turned nearly opaque with just 1 coat, considering that it's a pastel shade- they would normally require 2 coats at least to look half way decent on my nails. Now it wasn't perfect with 1 coat. It looked slightly streaky and a bit gloopy aswell. 5 to 7 mins was the required time it took for the 1st coat to dry. Add a second coat and my nails were sorted. The polish looked a lot more even and decent. Applying this polish just requires a healthy dose of patience. No wait, no pretty. -new motto of mine in relation to applying nailpolishes. Not as catchy as no pain no gain but it'll do. You catch my drift right? :)

As for its weartime Sugar Plum Fairy is quite long wearing and chip resistant. The first chip appeared on the tip of my right middle finger on Day 3. As I write this, it's now Day 9 and apart from my left index, left middle, right thumb and middle fingers it's looking well. The chips are small thus they don't really bother me that much.

Sugar Plum Fairy is not only pretty to look at but it's also darn good for the nails. The formula of Models Own Pro nailpolishes have added Vitamin E and UV Filters ensuring that not only will it leave my nails looking gorgeous but it'll provide some health benefits. Vitamin E will help to promote the growth of my nails as Vitamin E increases blood circulation to the nail beds. The increase in blood supply will lead to a faster growth of strong healthy nails.  Vitamin E will also protect the nails from damage. Okay that's the science lecture finished for today. :)

For £8 you'll get 15 ml per bottle. Quite expensive, same price point as an Essie nailpolish in Boots/Superdrug but because it's enriched with Vitamin E I think it's a fair price to pay. Oh have I mentioned that the Models Own Pro nailpolishes DON'T contain nasty chemical/carcinogen Formaldehyde? :)