Covergirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm SPF 15 in Hibiscus 215 - Easy Everyday Lips - Photos and Swatches

NatureLuxe Gloss Balm in Hibiscus.

Does anyone remember Covergirl Lipslicks Lipgloss?  They still make them, but I never liked them much.  They smelled incredibly waxy, and they felt exactly how they smelled.  Just not a pleasurable lipgloss/lip balm/lippie experience.

Now comes Covergirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm SPF 15, a new lip balm with sheer color.  This is a huge improvement over Lipslicks.  No waxy scent.  No waxy feel.  This formula is infused with shea and mango butter and feels super moisturizing.  There is a little more than a hint of color, not completely sheer, and just a touch of shine.  This is my new go-to for quick, casual YLBB (your lips but better).   I think I need more shades.

Nice clear top to view the color.  No guess work from a plastic swatch.

Hibiscus 215, a sheer blue pink.

Swatched.  Shine but not super slippery.

Hibiscus on lips. 

Covergirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm SPF 15 in Hibiscus 215 $6 for 0.07oz is available at drugstores nationwide.  Available in 16 shades.

What's your favorite YLBB product?

Covergirl Liquiline Blast Eyeliner in Violet Voltage 440 - Swatches and Comparisons

 Covergirl Liquiline Blast Eyeliner in Violet Voltage.

I don't think I actually started wearing eyeliner until my early 20s.  Prior to that, I couldn't deal with eyeliners.  They always smudged and left me with raccoon eyes.  This was the era before the great revelation of eye primers.  Since then, makeup and my techniques for application has really improved.  Eyeliners have made really great leaps in the technology that goes into their formula.  The ones that I like now glide on and are more gel-like in formula.  There is less of that hard, waxiness that can pull and tug at the eye.  The biggest improvement is that they don't transfer to my undereye area.  With Asian eyes and greasy eyelids to boot, this had always been a problem.  Now the best formulas really stay put.

Covergirl's Liquiline Blast Eyeliner is one of these pencils that I'm talking about.  The best part is that they are very similar to their high end counterparts, like Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliners, but are under $10 and are highly accessible at drugstores and large chain stores nationwide.  I have even seen big sets at CostCo!

Liquiline Blast comes in six shades.   My favorites are Brown Blaze (not shown) and Violet Voltage.  I love these two because they are simple, *flat*, matte colors that are well-pigmented with easy application.  I can add shimmer, glitter on top of the liner if I desire, or just keep is simple and neutral. 

 
Left to right: Covergirl Violet Voltage, NYX Purple Velvet, Sue Devitt Kilimanjaro, Urban Decay 24/7 1999, Chanel Long-Lasting Eyeliner Violine.

I love how Violet Voltage is a flat, no shimmer/no glitter, deep eggplant purple.  Yes, there is a lot of red in this shade, which might be undesirable for some.  But I find it flattering, and I like it with my brown eyes and NC35 coloring.
Top to bottom:NYX Purple Velvet, Sue Devitt Kilimanjaro, Urban Decay 24/7 1999, Chanel Long-Lasting Eyeliner Violine.
Ingredients.
 
Have you tried Covergirl Liquiline Blast Eyeliner?  What is the eyeliner pencil that you are using at the moment?

Covergirl Lip Perfection Lipstick - Darling (395) and Hot (305)

 
Covergirl Lip Perfection Lipsticks in Darling and Hot.

Covergirl launches a new formula of lipstick called Lip Perfection Lipstick with corresponding lip liners.  Lip Perfection Lipstick comes in 42 shades and promises to help "create soft, smooth, beautiful lips in just 7 days."  This formula contains Covergirl's "Silk Therapy Complex" to help sustain moisture.

Recently, many drugstore brands have been coming out with more "premium" lip colors to really match those offered by department stores.  I have to say that while some have been let downs, for the most part, there have been vast improvements in drugstore offerings from when I was student and drugstore was my *only* store.  Back then, I really felt like I was missing out by not being able to afford department store options.  But I have to commend brands like Revlon, L'Oreal, Milani, Maybelline New York and Covergirl for really closing in the gaps between the drugstore and department store worlds.  Now, I don't think I'm missing out on anything!

Lip Perfection Lipstick by Covergirl is really rich and pigmented.  I found the texture to be slightly more balm than satin.  They are creamy but dry slightly balmy matte finish.  The fragrance has also improved from the last time I tried a CG lipstick.  It isn't overpowering at all; I might even say it's pleasant.  I wore Hot and found no bleeding, without lipliner, and no feathering.  Even after removal, my lips were stained from the red pigmentation (good sign in my book!). 


The gunmetal packaging.

I liked the square-ish tubing and the gunmetal cap.  Looks sleek, and the shape lends to easy storage!  No rolling lipsticks escapes to the floor!

 Darling (395)

Darling is a frosty cool soft pink with pearly shimmery.  I had hoped it was more mauve from the label, but alas, your best guesstimate is the fate of a drugstore purchase. 

 Hot (305)

Hot looks like a cool blue red in the tube, but I found it slightly warm, orange red on the lips (see below).  A very flattering color similar to Dolce and Gabbana Devil.  This is the shade that Drew Barrymore wears in the ad.

 Darling and Hot swatched. 

Darling (395) on lips.

 Hot (305) on lips.

Covergirl Lip Perfection Lipsticks are available at drugstores nationwide.  I purchased mine for $7.99 each, prices may vary depending on location.

To Review: 
Covergirl Lip Perfection Lipsticks in Darling and Hot, $7.99 for 3.5g, 0.12oz
Pro: Smooth, balmy finish.  Hydrating but not overly slick and shiny.  Good pigmentation, especially on Hot.  Pleasant, not overpowering fragrance.
Con: Bad swatches on Covergirl's website.  Hard to pick colors without breaking seal and opening the tube (which is a no-no anyway!).
Overall Beautyburg Rating: A-

Do you feel that drugstore makeup has improved recently?  Do you have tips for picking drugstore shades without testing the tube?