If you'd read my swatch post on the Revlon Colorburst Matte and Lacquer Balms, you must be thinking what am I about to write here, since I'd mentioned not really liking most of the balms when I'd swatched them at the counter. But you'll also remember that I'd been still thinking of trying out a few colours - just for the heck of it - and I finally succumbed to that 5% chance and brought back Audacious home a couple months back. I've been wearing it on and off since then and did not post a review earlier simply because I had mixed feelings- wasn't sure whether I liked it or hated it, especially since everyone else had been raving about this product. But now, after thorough testing, I'm sure of my feelings for this lip crayon and ready to share them with you. Read on to know how the Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Audacious fares in my book.
Here's what Revlon claims on their website:
Velvety Matte Look. Moisture Rich Balm
A Matte finish that’s beyond plush. Balm that’s beyond comforting. Our Triple Butter Complex of Shea, Coconut and Mango butters nourishes lips. In 10 collectible, craveable colors.
Price: Rs.800/- and let me be very frank at the outset - it's a pain and not justified for the product, IMO.Packaging: Colour-coded twist-up chubby crayon. Cap closes securely and hasn't come off in my bag ever. Twist mechanism works smoothly both ways, and I'm really happy at the fact that it doesn't need to be sharpened. No product wastage as a result.Shade/Colour: Audacious is a medium bright, pastel coral, with about 75% orange and 25% pink tones, as I see it on my lips. It is lovely shade of coral to wear for light to medium skintones, though might look too garish on darker skin.
Texture/Finish: Now this is where I have issues with this lipstick. Though it doesn't drag and is quite smooth, the crayon goes on extremely patchy on application and looks quite ugly close-up. Forget about blotting and layering - the patchiness increases the more you layer. Forget about spreading it out with your finger - doesn't work. Magically, the patchiness disappears and the lipstick smoothens itself out about 5-6 minutes after I've applied it. What I now do is that instead of totally wiping out the lipbalm that I always apply 10-15 minutes before any lipstick, I let a wee little bit remain on my lips and apply Audacious on top of it. This way there's no patchiness and though the lips look demi-matte in place of totally matte initially, the finish is quite lovely and smooth.On the plus side, the matte finish of this crayon is really, as the company says, velvety, weightless and plush. It is not overtly dry, and though the "Moisture-Rich" bit is far-fetched - it is not hydrating by any means - my lips don't feel uncomfortably dry while wearing this. Though after prolonged wear, say 5-6 hours, my normal to dry lips do crave moisture. There's a minty cool tingly feeling for a couple of minutes post application, which I like and find quite soothing in this summer's heat. The crayon is well-pigmented - I get full coverage with a 1-2 swipes, and it doesn't look cakey or get into lines, despite the patchy finish. As with all matte lipsticks, it emphasizes fine lines and dry patches on lips, so prior moisturisation and exfoliation is a must. It doesn't feather or bleed. Transfers very little once it sets - almost negligibly.
Lasting Power: It's amazing! I had gone out for lunch with friends wearing this at around 11 am - after a long hearty meal of mocktails, soup, pasta and gelato I lightly touched up my lips at 3pm, came back home and took a nap without removing it as I was extremely tired. When I woke up at 7:30pm, the lipstick was there on my lips in all its glory - full power coral with no smudging or transfer anywhere (I'm a messy sleeper!) Had I not removed it, I'm sure it would have stayed on till dinner.Point is, weartime is very good with Audacious. It stays put for a good 6-7 hours, with minor fading if you eat or drink. I like touching up, so I do, otherwise you can get away without, since it fades very lightly and evenly. There's always a pretty hint of colour left on the lips, but it goes off quite easily with remover/baby oil etc.Fragrance: Slight whiff of mint, very faint, disappears quickly and doesn't bother me.On the flip side: Patchy finish, not moisturising, dries lips over time, colour might not suit all skintones, exorbitantly priced.
To sum up: Revlon Matte Balm Audacious is sweet medium bright coral matte that lasts exceptionally well through the day, despite the initial patchy application. Though it is not hydrating, it wears quite comfortably on lips. The "moisture-rich balm" claim doesn't hold water but if you love corals Audacious is a good one to have in your stash for summer wear, despite the price tag as it is quite a unique and lovely combination of pink and orange in a matte finish.
Lazybirdie Rating: 3.5/5!
Have you tried the Revlon Matte Balms? What are your thoughts on them? I'll be purchasing Unapologetic next - only for the colour - it's BEAUTIFUL! Which one have you bought or are planning to buy? Do share in the comments! :)
P.S: My son son insisted that his Beetle be photographed alongside "Mamma's leeptik"! Hope you don't mind ;)
