Disclaimer: The products featured were provided for review.
For Fall 2016,
Mary Kay has a new line of semi-matte lipsticks with an ultra smooth and hydrating formulation. Available in eight shades, the
Gel Semi-Matte Lipsticks ($21 CAD each) promise rich colors with a slick application. To see some swatches of all eight shades, click.......
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| Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipsticks |
Packaging:
The Semi-Matte Lipsticks come in curvy black lipstick tubes. The cap is adorned with a shiny silver emblem in a very classic design. The caps have a clear plastic top that allows you to see the color inside. The feature is very convenient but I think it takes away from the overall luxury of the packaging.
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| Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipsticks |
Formulation:
Although these lipsticks have the word "matte" in their names, they have at best a satin or velvet finish. Formulated with sunflower and jojoba oil, the lipsticks are very creamy and rich. The majority of the colors are decently pigmented and cushiony, but a few shades are slightly sheer and patchy. The wear is hydrating but it's not super long-lasting like your average matte lipstick. The pigments don't cling to the lips but that's the tradeoff of a comfortable wear.
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| Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipsticks |
Bashful You: Pale pink beige nude; this shade definitely highlights fine lines and dry patches on the lips so it's probably more suitable for those with naturally pale lips.
Rich Truffle: Warm rosy caramel; this one is surprisingly easy-to-wear and flattering.
Mauve Moment: Lovely bright rose, this color is very pigmented and smooth.
Always Apricot: A slightly peachier version of "Mauve Moment", this is a bit prone to creasing and clinging to dry patches.
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| Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipstick in "Bashful You" |
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| Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipstick in "Rich Truffle" |
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| Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipstick in "Mauve Moment" |
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| Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipstick in "Always Apricot" |
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| Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipsticks |
Powerful Pink: Bold bright pink; super pigmented and rich.
Crushed Berry: Soft plum with an unfortunately patchy formulation. The pigmentation is also very disappointing for a shade this deep.
Poppy Please: Super bright red with a subtle orange undertone. The pigmentation is right on point; the color is super saturated but not at all drying.
Midnight Red: My personal fave out of the collection, Midnight Red is a warm wine red with a subtle and alluring shine.
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| Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipstick in "Powerful Pink" |
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| Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipstick in "Crushed Berry" |
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| Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipstick in "Poppy Please" |
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| Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipstick in "Midnight Red" |
Here is a swatch compilation so you can get a better idea of how the shades compare to each other. My recommendations are "
Rich Truffle", "
Mauve Moment", and "
Midnight Red".
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| Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipsticks |
Availability:
The Mary Kay Fall 2016 collection is available through your local
Mary Kay Consultant starting August 16th,
