As a beauty expert who’s tested countless lip products across price points, I’m excited to share my in-depth review of Maybelline’s Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick in Nude Flush (shade #10). This budget-friendly liquid lipstick has generated quite a buzz in the beauty community, promising bold color with a matte finish at a drugstore price point. After extensive testing, I’ve compiled a thorough analysis of this product’s performance, formula, application, and overall value.
First Impressions and Packaging
The Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid comes in a sleek, rectangular container with clear packaging that allows you to see the exact shade inside—always a practical touch when browsing your collection. The rectangular shape prevents it from rolling off surfaces, which is a small but thoughtful design element. The applicator is a standard doe-foot style, but on the slimmer side, which helps with precision application, particularly around the cupid’s bow and corners of the mouth.
Upon opening, you’ll immediately notice the fragrance—which deserves its own mention, as it’s quite distinctive. The scent is notably floral, almost perfume-like, rather than the fruity or vanilla notes common in many lip products. This fragrance lingers for several minutes after application, which may be pleasant or off-putting depending on your personal preference.
Formula and Texture
Contrary to what you might expect from the name “liquid matte,” this product has a unique consistency that sets it apart from many other liquid lipsticks on the market. Instead of a thin, runny liquid, the Vivid Matte has a soft, mousse-like texture that feels incredibly lightweight and comfortable on application.
The formula applies creamy and smooth, without the immediate drying sensation that characterizes many matte liquid lipsticks. This creates an interesting versatility: according to Maybelline, you can achieve different looks by varying your application technique—one thin coat for a more matte finish, or two coats for a creamier look.
In practice, I found that even with a single light coat, this product never fully dries down to the completely transfer-proof matte finish that some might expect. Instead, it maintains a more satin-like or demi-matte finish, which has its advantages in terms of comfort but does mean you’ll experience some transfer to cups, straws, etc.
Application and Precision
The slim doe-foot applicator allows for relatively precise application, though I found that controlling the amount of product can be tricky. The wand pulls quite a bit of product, and you may need to wipe excess off on the lip of the bottle before applying to achieve a thin, even layer.
For the most precise application, particularly with the Nude Flush shade, I recommend:
- Starting with clean, lightly exfoliated lips
- Optionally lining lips first for more definition (though the product can be used without liner)
- Applying a thin layer, focusing on precision around your lip line
- Blotting gently with a tissue for a more matte effect
The formula doesn’t settle into lip lines immediately, which gives you some working time to perfect the application. However, if applied too thickly, it can feel somewhat heavy and may emphasize texture over time.
Color and Pigmentation
Nude Flush (#10) is a beautiful pinky-nude shade that leans slightly warm. On my testing, it’s moderately pigmented—delivering full color coverage with one coat but still allowing some of your natural lip color to influence the final result. For complete opacity, two coats are recommended.
The color is most suitable for light to medium skin tones, creating that perfect “my lips but better” effect for everyday wear. On deeper skin tones, reviewers note it may appear more pink than nude, so keep this in mind depending on your complexion.
What’s impressive about the Nude Flush shade is its versatility—it pairs well with both natural daytime makeup and more dramatic evening looks, making it a true workhorse in your makeup collection.
Wear Time and Comfort
The wear time is moderate by liquid lipstick standards—approximately 3-5 hours without eating or drinking. Unlike traditional matte liquid lipsticks that can crack and flake as they wear, this formula tends to fade more evenly, sometimes leaving a light stain behind.
Where this product really shines is comfort. The non-drying formula feels remarkably comfortable throughout wear time, without the tight, parched sensation that many matte lip products create. Your lips will feel soft and hydrated, which is exceptional for a product marketing itself as matte.
The tradeoff for this comfort is that the product never fully sets to a transfer-proof finish. You’ll experience some transfer to cups, food, masks, etc., necessitating touch-ups throughout the day, particularly after eating or drinking.
Techniques for Optimal Results
After extensive testing, I’ve found a few application techniques can significantly enhance your experience with this product:
- For more matte finish: Apply one thin coat and blot with a tissue. This removes excess product and helps create a more matte appearance.
- For creamy finish: Apply two coats without blotting for a more satin, hydrated look.
- For precision: Use the tip of the applicator for outlining the lips, then fill in with the flat side.
- For longevity: Apply a thin layer, blot with tissue, then apply a second very thin layer focusing only on the center of the lips to create dimension and extend wear time.
- For removal: While the product removes easily with makeup remover, it can leave a slight stain, particularly in the outer corners of the lips.
Comparisons to Similar Products
How does this compare to other liquid lip products in similar price ranges?
Compared to NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams, the Maybelline Vivid Matte formula is slightly more creamy and hydrating, with similar wear time but more intense pigmentation.
Against L’Oreal’s Pro-Matte Liquid Lipsticks, the Maybelline option offers more comfort but less longevity and less of a true matte finish.
Compared to higher-end products like KVD Liquid Lipsticks or Too Faced Melted Mattes, the Maybelline provides superior comfort but significantly less staying power and a much less intense matte finish.
The product seems to occupy a unique middle ground—it’s more like a hybrid between a traditional lipstick and a liquid lipstick, rather than a true liquid matte.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptionally comfortable wear
- Non-drying formula
- Beautiful, wearable shade suitable for everyday
- Budget-friendly price point
- Doesn’t emphasize lip lines initially
- Easy to apply and correct mistakes
- Fades gracefully without patchiness
- Leaves lips feeling soft after removal
Cons:
- Never fully dries down to a true matte finish
- Transfers more than expected for a “matte” product
- Strong perfume-like scent that lingers
- Moderate rather than long wear time
- Can feel heavy if applied too thickly
- May require frequent reapplication, especially after eating
Who This Product Is Best For
The Vivid Matte Liquid in Nude Flush would be ideal for:
- Those who find traditional liquid lipsticks too drying
- People seeking a comfortable everyday nude lip color
- Makeup wearers who prefer a satin-matte rather than flat matte finish
- Those who don’t mind occasional touch-ups
- Budget-conscious consumers looking for good color payoff
It may not satisfy those seeking:
- A truly transfer-proof lipstick
- An intensely matte, completely flat finish
- All-day wear without reapplication
- A fragrance-free lip product
Value and Price Point
At around $7.99-$9.99 depending on retailer, this product offers excellent value for the quality. While it doesn’t deliver the extreme longevity of some higher-end liquid lipsticks, its comfort, color payoff, and versatility make it a worthy addition to your makeup collection.
Considering that many premium liquid lipsticks retail for $20+ with similar comfort issues, the Maybelline Vivid Matte presents a compelling compromise for those who want the look of a liquid lipstick without the extreme dryness often associated with high-end formulas.
Final Verdict
Overall rating: 7.5/10
The Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid in Nude Flush is a solid performer with some noteworthy strengths and a few limitations. While it doesn’t fully deliver on its promise of a true matte finish, its exceptional comfort, beautiful color, and budget-friendly price point make it a worthwhile purchase for everyday wear.
The formula occupies an interesting hybrid position between traditional lipstick and liquid matte lipstick—providing better comfort than most liquid mattes but with greater color intensity and wear time than a standard lipstick. For those who find traditional matte liquid lipsticks uncomfortably drying, this offers a great alternative that still delivers impressive color impact.
Is it revolutionary? No. But is it a reliable, comfortable everyday option that delivers pretty color without breaking the bank? Absolutely. Just don’t expect a true matte, transfer-proof finish, and you’ll likely be pleased with this addition to your lip color collection.
For best results, embrace its creamy formula rather than fighting it—use thin layers, consider blotting for a more matte effect, and carry it with you for occasional touch-ups throughout your day. With proper application and realistic expectations, the Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid in Nude Flush can become a staple in your everyday makeup routine.
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