Let me just start by saying this – finding the perfect lipstick is HARD. We’ve all been there, right? Standing in the makeup aisle, overwhelmed by options, wondering which shade won’t wash us out or make us look like we’re trying too hard. So when a lipstick builds up this much buzz online, I had to see if it lived up to the hype.
First Impressions
When I first got my hands on Maybelline’s Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipstick in Touch of Spice (shade #660), I was immediately struck by how sleek the packaging is. The gold tube feels more expensive than its drugstore price tag suggests. But let’s be real – it’s what’s inside that counts.
One thing I noticed right away: there was no protective seal. This seems to be common with this product, based on multiple reviews, but it did make me a bit uncomfortable. Some people received theirs with the lipstick smashed into the cap or broken at the base. Thankfully, mine arrived intact!
The Color: Touch of Spice
Can we talk about this color? Touch of Spice has gained a cult following, and I can see why. It’s one of those rare shades that seems to work on EVERYONE. It’s been described as:
- A mauve-brown with a hint of pink
- A “your lips but better” shade for medium skin tones
- A universal color that works for both casual and dressy occasions
- A perfect dupe for more expensive lipsticks like MAC’s Velvet Teddy
A common note from reviewers is that Touch of Spice appears darker in person than in product photos or on the bottom of the tube. On fair skin, it gives a more dramatic look, while on deeper skin tones, it provides a perfect neutral. It has this chameleon quality where it can look slightly different depending on your natural lip color, skin tone, and even the lighting.
Several reviewers mentioned it being the lipstick that made them finally feel confident wearing lip color after years of searching for “their shade.” As one person put it: “This shade was meant for you so own it!
Application & Texture
The “creamy matte” description is spot on. This isn’t the type of matte that drags across your lips or feels like you’re applying chalk. It glides on SUPER smoothly and evenly, with rich color payoff in just one swipe.
The texture feels lightweight and comfortable – not sticky or heavy. It has a slight vanilla scent that most reviewers enjoy, though a few mentioned finding it off-putting.
One important tip from multiple reviewers: while it’s more forgiving than most mattes, your lips should still be prepped. If your lips are very dry or flaky, the lipstick can accentuate those issues. Many suggest exfoliating and applying a thin layer of lip balm first for the best application.
Staying Power
This is where we get to the mixed reviews. For a traditional bullet lipstick (not a liquid lip), the staying power is actually pretty impressive. Many users report:
- Lasts 4-6 hours with minimal drinking
- Needs reapplication after eating
- Doesn’t completely disappear but rather fades evenly
- Transfer does happen (it will get on your coffee cup!)
Unlike some long-wear formulas that crumble or get patchy as they fade, this one tends to wear down more gracefully. Some reviewers mentioned a technique for longer wear: apply, blot with tissue, then apply a second layer.
A small number of longtime users noted that they believe the formula has changed slightly over the years, with the newer version being slightly less long-lasting than before.
Comfort Factor
For a matte lipstick, this is remarkably comfortable. It’s not actively moisturizing, but it’s not drying either – sitting in a happy middle ground that’s rare for mattes.
Many reviewers specifically mentioned switching to this from liquid lipsticks because they couldn’t stand the drying effect of those products. The Color Sensational line offers the matte look without the discomfort.
That said, if you have extremely dry lips to begin with, you might find it a bit drying after several hours of wear. It’s not the most hydrating formula on the market, despite the “hydrating” claim in the product name.
Value
At around $8-10 depending where you buy it, this lipstick is a STEAL. Multiple reviewers mentioned how it performs as well or better than high-end lipsticks they’ve tried at 3-4 times the price.
The quality-to-price ratio is off the charts, which explains why so many people mentioned buying backups of their favorite shades “just in case.” When you find a lipstick this good at this price point, stockpiling makes sense!
Who Is This For?
Based on the reviews, Touch of Spice seems particularly perfect for:
- Anyone looking for an everyday, versatile shade
- People who want a matte finish without the drying effect
- Those with medium skin tones (though it works on fair and deep tones too)
- Anyone who finds most “nude” lipsticks too pale or washing them out
- People who want something that looks professional for work but can transition to evening
- Those who don’t want to splurge on high-end lipsticks but want that quality
Who Might Want to Skip It
While most reviews were overwhelmingly positive, this might not be for you if:
- You need truly transfer-proof, all-day wear
- You have very pale skin and want a subtle nude (this will be more dramatic)
- You prefer glossy finishes
- Your lips are extremely dry and need constant moisture
- You’re sensitive to scented products
Common Issues
Some recurring problems mentioned in reviews:
- Packaging/shipping issues (broken lipsticks)
- No protective seal
- Darker appearance in person than in photos
- Limited staying power compared to liquid lipsticks
- Some found white specks on the lipstick (though this was identified as “wax bloom” – a harmless reaction to temperature changes during shipping)
Tips From Reviewers
Experienced users shared some handy advice:
- If you receive it with white specks, don’t panic – it’s just wax bloom and safe to use
- Pair with a lip liner (Rimmel “Spice” was specifically mentioned) for better definition and wear time
- For longer wear, try the apply-blot-reapply method
- If your lipstick arrives broken, you can try to repair it by gently pushing it back into the tube
- If it arrives with the bullet stuck to the cap, carefully remove it and clean it with alcohol for 30 seconds
Other Popular Shades in the Line
While Touch of Spice is the star, reviewers also mentioned loving:
- Nude Nuance: A brown-toned nude that works well for medium to deep skin tones
- Daringly Nude: A lighter nude option
- Clay Crush: A lighter brown with orange undertones
- Lust for Blush: A romantic pink shade
- Burgundy Blush: A highly pigmented dark berry
- Divine Wine: A deep red wine shade
- Raw Chocolate: A rich brown
The Bottom Line
Maybelline’s Color Sensational Creamy Matte lipstick in Touch of Spice has achieved cult status for good reason. It’s a universally flattering shade that offers impressive quality at a drugstore price point. The comfort and creamy application set it apart from other matte formulas on the market.
While it’s not perfect – it will transfer and doesn’t last through meals – the easy reapplication and comfortable wear make it a standout product that deserves a place in your makeup bag.
For those still searching for “their” lipstick shade, Touch of Spice just might be the one that makes you feel confident and put-together without trying too hard. As one reviewer put it: “I’ve been buying this lipstick for years and I’m terrified of not finding it when I run out.”
Maybe that’s the highest praise a lipstick can get – being worth the panic of potentially running out. And at this price point, you might as well grab a backup…or three!
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Pros:
- Universally flattering shade
- Creamy, comfortable matte finish
- Easy application
- Affordable price
- Doesn’t dry out lips
- Fades evenly
- Accessible at drugstores and online
Cons:
- Transfers onto cups, straws, etc.
- Needs reapplication after eating
- No protective seal
- May arrive damaged in shipping
- Appears darker in person than in photos
- Not truly hydrating despite marketing claims
Would I recommend it? ABSOLUTELY. This lipstick proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to look put-together, and Touch of Spice has earned its reputation as a shade that works for almost everyone. Whether you’re new to lipstick or a makeup enthusiast, this one deserves a spot in your collection.
Buy on Amazon: Here
