Review: Maybelline Color Sensational® Vivids in Neon Red

I think it may be the show choir/theater nerd in me, but I am always on the hunt for the perfect red lipstick. If I could only wear one item of makeup for the rest of my life, I would choose red lipstick for sure.

Was so excited when I went into Ulta and saw that they had one last tube of Maybelline Color Sensational® Vivids in Neon Red on display. Had tried to buy it previously at CVS, but the color was sold out.

To be honest, I haven’t worn Maybelline lipsticks since high school. Maybelline was actually the first brand of lipstick I bought when my mom finally let me wear makeup! The first swipe of the Color Sensational® Vivids was nostalgic. Maybelline lipsticks really don’t have much of a taste, but the texture is so creamy and wonderful… it just makes me want to keep pursing my lips together.

The lipstick went on so easily and instantly smoothed by dry lips. I was afraid that the creamy texture of the lipstick would mean bleeding/feathering in the hot Texas sun.

All too often my fiancé has to point out that I have red lipstick on my chin. But I decided to give it a go and wore the lipstick to a dinner with an old friend from college who was in town for work.

After a round of fajitas at a local tex-mex restaurant, my lipstick was pretty much still intact! Did a quick swipe on my bottom lip, and was ready for the camera. Maybelline Color Sensational® Vivids in Neon Red has officially usurped my previous favorite red lipstick, NARS Heatwave.

Maybelline’s Neon Red has more sheen compared to the matte texture of NARS Heatwave, and after swatching it on my arm, I noticed that Heatwave has slightly cooler undertones. While I enjoy the look of matte red lipstick, NARS Heatwave just seems so much more drying compared to Maybelline. And ultimately, the price difference ($5.54 compared to $26) tips the scale for me.

One of my favorite celebrity makeup artists, Terri Tomlinson, recently wrote a blog post about how to pick and apply the perfect red lipstick. She recommends a warm red because it is “fresher looking and softer in bright light.”

Left: NARS Heatwave | Right: Maybelline Color Sensational® Vivids Neon Red

Neon Red is definitely a warm red! It’s perfect for this season when I find myself wearing more copper and gold toned eyeshadow to compliment my summer tan. Several warmer reds that I’ve found are either too orange or brown. This one is pure, unadulterated RED. I’m obsessed. I’ll definitely be stocking up when I find more! Curious to try some of their other colors, too.

Have you used any lipsticks from the Color Sensational® Vivids line? Would love to hear your thoughts!!