Lavish Rebellion [DOT COM]

I’ve never been one of those too shy to return a product, especially when it comes to makeup.  Yes, occasionally, I have felt bad because I know it’s a procedure that retailers hate, certain products are just so unnecessary to have around because they were extremely disappointing in their delivery.

DISTINCTIVE TIP: Try to shop at places you can return or exchange. You deserve products that enhance your look, and not your shelf space (especially if they’re not being used).

Such a distinction has recently gone to Revlon’s ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lipstick, which I had high hopes for.

I always wanted to try this lipstick as the ads with actress Olivia Wilde were incredibly convincing.  She’s pictured wearing a Bordeaux red (“Backstage”) sahde while out and about in the city. I bought mine at Rite Aid during a sale, and I couldn’t decide between four shades, and eventually went with one of my usual go-to’s, a fuchsia tinged color called “Fashionista”.  I couldn’t wait to put it on!  When first swiped on, it was loved. I found the color to have great, smooth texture and was relatively true to the shade replicated on the package. I was satisfied…but I would say no more than half an hour later, my lips felt a bit dry.  Though the coverage left a natural-looking stain (hence “ColorStay”) that I approved of, I certainly disapproved of the small slightly, feathery flakes that appeared as well from the texture becoming desert-like. Sigh. Instantly, I was annoyed that already I had to re-apply.  And while I did, I saw that throughout the day, the Ultimate Suede Lipstick did not live up to the hype.  Granted real suede, as a material, does tend to get fuzzy, so maybe I should’ve known…

Throughout the day, the product became incredibly drying.  You start re-applying not to regain the color but in hopes of gaining back some moisture which doesn’t work because it’s like the equivalent of licking your lips when you should be reaching for some lip balm or even gloss.  I really wanted to like this lipstick, and I was a little aware that it could be drying from a beauty blogger’s video I watched on YouTube, but I didn’t imagine it’ll one of my least favorite lipsticks ever and to such an extent.  The most drying lipstick I’ve ever worn.  I almost feel bad even writing that.  Yet on the bright side, I still really love Revlon’s amazing Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains and their radiant Lip Butters.  Their classic lipstick line continues to be a favorite amongst longtime buyers and makeup artists as well, so there’s still much to love from Revlon’s lip department, just not their Ultimate Suede.

–C. Shardae Jobson (@lavishrebellion)