Maybelline Color Elixir Iridescent Lipgloss ($8.99 for 0.17 fl. oz.) is a new gloss released just in time for spring. According to Maybelline, it is “the first lip lacquer with intense liquid lip color and brilliant iridescent shine.” If you’re familiar with the original Color Elixirs, most were fairly pigmented, but the Iridescent range is definitely sheerer in comparison. The shades in this review are some of the more pigmented shades in the range, but it’s not the “intense liquid lip color” as described. They look and feel more like traditional lip gloss, and quite honestly, I’m surprised these weren’t marketed as semi-sheer for a “spring look” (’tis the season for sheer). The shimmer is fine and never gritty, while wear averages around four hours. The formula was nicely hydrating and comfortable to wear with only slight tackiness occurring after a few hours of wear (initially, it feels non-sticky). They have a sweet scent, but there is a very perfume-y taste, and it is noticeable. If you’re very sensitive to lip products with any taste, you probably won’t like these.

I also had packaging issues with several of the applicators broken, whether partially bent/floppy to barely hanging on. I remember experiencing a couple of wonky applicators with the original set, but it seemed more prevalent in the new shades.

Maybelline Opalescent Orchid (515) Color Elixir Iridescent Lipgloss ($8.99 for 0.17 fl. oz.) is a muted, fuchsia pink with subtle iridescent shimmer. It had semi-sheer to semi-opaque pigmentation that covered fairly evenly and smoothly. It wore well for four hours on me. MAC Ultramarine Pink (LE, $30.00) is darker, less shimmery. MAC Ceremonial (LE, $20.00) is sheerer. NARS Priscilla (P, $26.00) is brighter. MAC Pink Poodle (By Request) (LE, $15.00) is brighter. MAC Imperial Red (LE, $19.00) is darker. MAC Girl About Town (LE, $15.00) is brighter. MAC Call Me Gorgeous (LE, $20.00) is lighter. Buxom Berry Blast (P, $19.00) is lighter, less shimmery. Burberry Pink Sweet Pea (LE, $29.00) is brighter. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

Maybelline Radiant Ruby (530) Color Elixir Iridescent Lipgloss ($8.99 for 0.17 fl. oz.) is a muted, pinky-red with cool, blue undertones and a glossy shine. This one didn’t seem to have shimmer to it, so I’m not sure how it’s part of Iridescent range (where’s the pearl?!). It settled into every lip line on me (some of the worst I’ve seen) and made all the lip lines look fuchsia-ish and really stand out. It had semi-sheer coverage overall. On me, this shade wore well for four hours. MAC Glam (LE, $15.00) is brighter, more opaque. MAC Love Alert (LE, $20.00) is more shimmery. Le Metier de Beaute Hibiskiss (LE, $32.00) is darker. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

Maybelline Mystical Magenta (610) Color Elixir Iridescent Lipgloss ($8.99 for 0.17 fl. oz.) is a muted, light-medium fuchsia pink with iridescent violet shimmer. This shade had the most shimmer of the three with semi-sheer color payoff. Unfortunately, the color settled into lip lines, but at least the shimmer was there to distract the eye from it (somewhat). It lasted for four hours on me. MAC Ceremonial (LE, $20.00) is sheerer. NARS Priscilla (P, $26.00) is brighter. MAC Pink Poodle (By Request) (LE, $15.00) is brighter, cooler-toned. MAC Vibrant Vibe (P, $22.00) is less shimmery. Revlon Berry Allure (P, $7.99) is more muted, less shimmery. MAC Embrace Me (LE, $15.00) is brighter. MAC Call Me Gorgeous (LE, $20.00) is less shimmery, lighter. Buxom Berry Blast (P, $19.00) is less shimmery. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

See more photos & swatches!

Maybelline Opalescent Orchid (515) Color Elixir Iridescent Lipgloss

Maybelline Opalescent Orchid (515) Color Elixir Iridescent Lipgloss

Maybelline Opalescent Orchid (515) Color Elixir Iridescent Lipgloss

Maybelline Opalescent Orchid (515) Color Elixir Iridescent Lipgloss

Maybelline Opalescent Orchid (515) Color Elixir Iridescent Lipgloss

Maybelline Opalescent Orchid (515) Color Elixir Iridescent Lipgloss

Maybelline Radiant Ruby (530) Color Elixir Iridescent Lipgloss

Maybelline Radiant Ruby (530) Color Elixir Iridescent Lipgloss

Maybelline Radiant Ruby (530) Color Elixir Iridescent Lipgloss

Maybelline Radiant Ruby (530) Color Elixir Iridescent Lipgloss

Maybelline Radiant Ruby (530) Color Elixir Iridescent Lipgloss

Maybelline Radiant Ruby (530) Color Elixir Iridescent Lipgloss

Maybelline Mystical Magenta (610) Color Elixir Iridescent Lipgloss

Maybelline Mystical Magenta (610) Color Elixir Iridescent Lipgloss

Maybelline Mystical Magenta (610) Color Elixir Iridescent Lipgloss

Maybelline Mystical Magenta (610) Color Elixir Iridescent Lipgloss

Maybelline Mystical Magenta (610) Color Elixir Iridescent Lipgloss

Maybelline Mystical Magenta (610) Color Elixir Iridescent Lipgloss