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ColorStay Makes a Comeback

FabSugar — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 05:48:00 -0700

Revlon's ColorStay Lip Color was one of the first long-wearing lipsticks on the market, with a slogan promising it wouldn't "Kiss Off." I really loved the original ColorStay (at left). Not only did it really last forever, but it also felt smooth and soft on my lips. Over the years, though, Revlon has been phasing out the line in favor of ColorStay Overtime Sheer Lipcolor. To me, this stuff is just too complicated-it requires a base layer of color plus a glossy "topcoat"-and feels weird on my lips.

Now, I'm delighted to announce that Revlon is returning to its roots with a new version, called ColorStay Soft & Smooth Lipcolor. The more traditional lipstick goes on much more smoothly than the older version and looks moist without being too glossy. You can try it for yourself for $9.49 here.

Reader Review of the Day: Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick

BellaSugar — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:00:52 -0700

Revlon's new liquid lipstick has a slick ad campaign featuring the beautiful Jennifer Connelly and a tagline promising that the product "has it all." But is there really such a thing as truth in advertising? Reader Jenzene says not so much. I'll let her take it from here:

"It doesn't give you glossy lips like Jennifer Connelly has in the ads. Nope, it dries matte. It's also very drying! There's no glossy layer, there's no moisture at all. IT'S LIKE A LIP STAIN, but more pigmented than a typical lip stain (because it's supposed to be like a lipstick). The color dries on my lips, and you can still see the dry skin and lines on my lips. No good."

If you've had a recent great (or not-so-great) experience with a product, please let me know; I value my readers' opinions. Just head over to the Product Reviews section and tell me what you think.

Battle of the Drugstore Foundations: Revlon's ColorStay Vs. Max Factor's Lasting Performance

BellaSugar — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 06:01:49 -0800

I never thought I had overly dry or overly oily skin, but when my tinted moisturizer kept leaving grease pits (and often a dreaded patch of acne) on my face by end of day, I knew I needed to reconsider.

With all of the prepping and priming I do to get my face ready for foundation, all I really wanted was a non-complicated, stay-put, inexpensive, go-to foundation. That's all. So, after a lot of Internet research (seriously, it became an obsession) and some visits to the Product Reviews page, I narrowed down my choices to the following two.

Let's call it the "battle of the drugstore foundations" between Revlon Colorstay for Combo/Oily Skin Makeup with SoftFlex SPF 6 ($11.69) and Max Factor Lasting Performance Stay Put Makeup ($7.99). To see my comparison chart and the winning choice, read more.

Details	Revlon	Max Factor	Winner
Consistency	Lighter texture, more watery	Creamier, more blendable	Max Factor
Coverage and Finish	Medium to full with a non-heavy matte finish	Medium to full with a semi-matte to matte finish	It's close, but Max Factor's finish was more natural
Price	$11.69	$7.99	Prices will vary by location, but for the low cost and value, it's got to be Max Factor
SPF	SPF 6 in most shades. Some mysteriously don't include the protection	None	Revlon
Longevity	Claims a whopping 16 hours. Although I didn't count, there was little to no slippage.	Claims 8 hours. Long lasting, but some appearance of oil by end of day.	Revlon
Color Selection	20 shades	9 shades	It's a tie. Although the Max Factor shade looked a little richer on me and less ashy, Revlon has more choices.
Availability	Easy to find	Harder to find	Revlon
Overall	Will it be Revlon?	Or will it be Max Factor?	It's a super close call on this one. And although Revlon is a little more expensive, it's longer wearing, easier to find, and comes in more shades. Winner: Revlon

Battle of the Drugstore Eyeliners: Almay Vs. Revlon's ColorStay

BellaSugar — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 09:00:22 -0800

Faced with similar products and similar promises, what's a bargain hunter to do? For the sake of comparing apples to apples (instead of a splurge with a steal), I picked up both the Almay and Revlon long-wear eye liners each promising to last 16 hours. I planned a couple days to test these out but, at the end, I'm still undecided. Since everyone has different expectations with makeup, I noted key points about each. To hear my thoughts, read more.

Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner ($7.50)

Product: Black retractable pencil with a sharpener in the base.
At application: Flatter, fatter point (even at its sharpest) that glided on well but smudged easily.
By bedtime: A bit smudged but still very visible.

Almay Eye Liner ($7.50)

Product: Black retractable pencil with a sharpener in the base
At application: Smaller point required a steadier hand but allowed to get a smaller line super close to the lash line.
By bedtime: Less smudged, but also less visible.

My conclusion – If you're going for a smoky eye, I think the Revlon gives a more dramatic smudgeworthy appearance but for day-to-day simple lines, Almay may be the better bet for you.

Reader Review of the Day: Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen

BellaSugar — Mon, 11 May 2009 09:00:11 -0700

When reader Mizz Jennii declared that Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen ($9) was her "new love," I took notice. What's so special about this eyeliner? Check out what Mizz Jennii has to say about it below:

I bought this eyeliner a few weeks ago. I have the black shade though since that is what makes my hazel eyes pop. I love the packaging. It makes applying the eyeliner super easy. You get great color payoff with just one stroke or you can go over the line again to make it even darker. You can also easily change the thickness of your lines by tilting the pen a little bit to the side. The staying power is great. Mine stayed put from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (that included a workout, as well). Overall, I'm pleased with this buy and will definitely repurchase again.

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Doing Drugstore: Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner

BellaSugar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 06:00:00 -0800

Have you ever used a product so long that it seems almost unnatural to have a makeup case without it? That's how I feel about this eyeliner, one of my first makeup purchases ever as recommended by the now-defunct YM magazine.

Although over the years, I've splurged on pricier liquid liners that I love as well, I have to give credit to this standout. Just as many of you love the ColorStay pencil, this is another amazingly longwearing product by Revlon. No matter if my day includes a trip to the gym, night of dancing, or just the day of work, there's always still a visible line on my eye when I get home to wash it off.

When I want a dramatic line on my eyes, I trust this one to let me get super close to my lash line with the tiny point I've mastered so well over the years (the one negative for beginners, I'd say) and don't think you can get anything better for this price – do you agree?

How-To: Katy Perry's Eye-Enhancing Makeup

BellaSugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:10:41 -0700

Katy Perry is known for her daring makeup and clothing, but last night at the This Is It premiere in LA, she chose an understated look. Her eye makeup, which made her eyes look incredibly bright and clear, was especially nice. It was a smoky eye, using bright shadow instead of dark liner on the bottom, and the complementary tones looked amazing. To find out how to get this elegant slate eye, just keep reading.

Doing Drugstore: Maybelline SuperStay 24hr Makeup and Concealer

BellaSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:01:52 -0700

For those of you that are fans of Max Factor's Lasting Performance Stay Put Makeup (RIP, old buddy), perhaps you might find somewhat of a replacement in Maybelline's new SuperStay 24hr Makeup ($10). The consistency, which lies somewhere between Revlon's ColorStay and Lasting Performance (see my comparisons here), skews more on the slightly creamy end of the spectrum, so it's quite easy to blend.

As for the wearability factor, SuperStay definitely delivers, although by the end of the day, I did have some slick spots in the t-zone. I guess that's the sacrifice you must make in order to keep the finish on the cake-free side, as this product provides semi-matte to semi-dewy results. Surprisingly, this oil-free formulation provides a light-on-the skin feel, all while giving pretty strong coverage. Speaking of bargains . . . read more.

Back-to-School Beauty: Celebrity Makeup Artist Brett Freedman Shares His Bronzing Tips

BellaSugar — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:01:20 -0700

Celebrity makeup artist Brett Freedman has worked with the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Vanessa Hudgens, and Leighton Meester, and as owner of Vanitymark Cosmetics, he's one busy guy. Recently, I chatted with Freedman about simple changes we can all make when it comes to back-to-school beauty.

But who says this post goes out only to those of you headed back for a new semester? These tips apply to everyone who wants to make a few effortless steps when transitioning to cooler weather makeup. Find out how to get your bronze on now.

Can Revlon Come Back?

BellaSugar — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:00:31 -0700

I had no idea that Revlon was doing so poorly until I read today's Wall Street Journal. After Revlon's Vital Radiance cosmetics line tanked, Revlon's CEO was dismissed, the company lost more than $70 million, and about 10 percent of Revlon's workers were laid off. To put that into perspective: Ten years ago, a share of Revlon cost about $50; today, that same share trades at 95 cents. Ouch.

Revlon's trying to turn things around, which is why you'll see a lot of new advertisements soon. Expect more commercials from Halle Berry and Jessica Alba, plus a big push for the new ColorStay mineral makeup line and the Revlon Custom Creations adjust-your-own-foundation. It's a good effort, but honestly, I'm not sure how well it will go over with consumers. Everyone is doing mineral makeup these days, and Revlon is a little bit late to the game. And when I see the Custom Creations foundation in drugstores, I think, "Ugh, I have to mix my own foundation? Too much work."

In my ideal world, Revlon would push the products they do best - lipstick and nail polish - and emphasize the glamour of the brand. (How did these guys miss the huge Old Hollywood revival?) Then again, that's just me. What do you think of Revlon? And if you haven't been buying anything from the brand, what would it take for you to give it another look?