Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m diving into one of those makeup staples that seems to have a dedicated following – the Maybelline New York Color Sensational Lipstick in the shade Sunset Spark. I’ve been testing this out for a while now, and I’ve got THOUGHTS! Plus, I’ve gathered feedback from tons of other users to give you the complete picture of what to expect.
First Impressions & Packaging
The lipstick comes in Maybelline’s standard Color Sensational packaging (though apparently this might vary – the company notes “packaging may vary” in their product description). Nothing mind-blowing here, just your typical drugstore lipstick tube, but it gets the job done.
One thing to note – I did see a complaint about quality control where someone received a tube where “the inside of the tube just fell off” and they couldn’t even twist up the product. Yikes! But this seems to be a rare issue rather than the norm.
The Color: Sunset Spark 💋
Let’s talk about the STAR of the show – the color! Sunset Spark is described by many users as:
- A beautiful coral shade
- An orangey-red
- A “red orangé” with a slight shimmer
- “Perfect” for olive and tan complexions specifically
- Not too dark
- A “soft red” according to one Spanish-speaking reviewer
From all accounts, this is a warm-toned lipstick that leans coral/orange-red. It seems particularly flattering on warmer skin tones, with multiple mentions of it looking great on olive complexions. One user even mentioned layering it OVER red lipstick for a beautiful effect!
One reviewer who described themselves as a “winter” (cool-toned) mentioned it’s “a little orangy” and suggested cool-toned people might need a darker lip liner to make it work. So if you’re very cool-toned, keep that in mind.
Formula & Performance
Texture & Application
The consensus is pretty clear that this has a smooth, creamy application. Multiple reviewers specifically mentioned how it “glides on smoothly.” The formula is described as:
- Creamy
- Smooth application
- Moisturizing
- Has a slight shimmer
Moisturizing Properties
This is marketed as a hydrating lipstick, and most people agree it delivers. Comments include:
- “Very moisturizing”
- “It does hydrate your lips”
- “Moisture great”
But there are a couple dissenters:
- “Not as moisturizing as I like”
- “Not super moisturizing but very pretty!”
One person noted it’s “a tiny bit sticky” but added “it isn’t an issue though.”
Staying Power
The wear time seems decent but not extraordinary:
- “Long lasting”
- “Pretty long lasting”
- “Lasts most of the day”
- “Needs a touch up about twice a day or more”
- One Spanish-speaking reviewer noted it easily leaves marks on glasses, bottles, etc.
A French reviewer specifically mentioned the color “holds very well without clumping,” which is definitely a plus!
The Scent Factor 👃
This is interesting – only one reviewer mentioned scent, saying: “I don’t like the smell! It’s flowery, soapy, and mildly like playdough.”
Since only one person mentioned this, it’s either not very noticeable to most people, or not bothersome enough to comment on. But if you’re sensitive to scents, keep this note in mind.
Value & Availability
A few reviewers mentioned having trouble finding this shade in local stores, suggesting it might be getting harder to find or potentially discontinued. One Spanish reviewer specifically mentioned: “they are discontinuing it like several shades that I no longer see.”
The price seems to be considered reasonable, with one person noting Amazon offered it “at a very reasonable cost.”
The Real-World Experience
I’ve been wearing Sunset Spark for several weeks now, and I’ve got to say – it’s become a go-to for everyday wear. The coral undertone gives it versatility that pure reds sometimes lack. I can wear it to the office without feeling like it’s too bold, but it still adds that perfect pop of color.
What I LOVE most is how it doesn’t immediately dry out my lips like so many other lipsticks. By the end of a workday, my lips still feel comfortable, not parched and cracking like with some matte formulas.
The color payoff is really good for a cream finish – not as intense as a matte, but definitely noticeable and buildable. One layer gives a nice wash of color, while two layers creates a more statement lip.
I do find I need to reapply after eating or drinking, which is pretty standard for cream lipsticks. It’s not one of those “apply once and forget” formulas, but the reapplication is easy because of how smoothly it glides on.
Who Would Love This Lipstick?
Based on all the feedback and my experience, Sunset Spark would be perfect for:
- People with warm, olive, or tan skin tones
- Anyone looking for a versatile coral-red that’s not too bold
- Those who prioritize comfort and moisture over extreme long-wear
- Anyone who prefers cream finishes over mattes
- People who want a hint of shimmer without full-on glitter
It might not be ideal for:
- Those with very cool undertones (unless paired with a darker lip liner)
- Anyone who needs extreme long-wear without touch-ups
- People who are sensitive to fragrance in lip products
- Those who prefer completely matte finishes
The Bottom Line
Maybelline’s Color Sensational Lipstick in Sunset Spark is a beautiful coral-red cream lipstick that offers good color payoff, comfortable wear, and a moisturizing formula at a drugstore price point. It’s particularly flattering on warm and olive skin tones and offers a nice alternative to more traditional reds.
The downside? You might need to reapply throughout the day, and it could be getting harder to find as some reviewers suggest it might be getting discontinued. Also, there seems to be at least one mention of a quality control issue with the tube mechanism.
If you’re looking for an affordable, comfortable lipstick in a versatile warm-toned shade, this is definitely worth checking out – especially if you can still find it!
Overall Rating: 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- Beautiful coral-red shade
- Smooth, creamy application
- Moisturizing formula
- Affordable price point
- Slight shimmer adds dimension
- Great for warm skin tones
Cons:
- May be getting discontinued
- Not extremely long-lasting
- One mention of an unpleasant scent
- Rare quality control issues with packaging
- May not be ideal for cool skin tones without adjustment
Have you tried Sunset Spark? I’d love to hear your experience with it and how it works with your complexion!
Buy on Amazon: Here
