Maybelline Very Cherry Color Sensational Lipcolor

Maybelline Very Cherry Color Sensational Lipcolor ($7.49 for 0.15 oz.) is is a brightened blue-based red with a subtle sheen. When I saw Maybelline use this during Fashion Week in February, it looked like it might be a dupe for Chanel Dragon. It’s not a dupe, though they’re both blue-based reds with deeper ruby tones, so there are definitely similarities worth noting. MAC Runaway Red is a touch brighter and less blue-based. MAC Ruby Woo is cooler toned. Guerlain Garconne is more of a neutral red in comparison.

The Color Sensational range is supposed to deliver rich color with a creamy consistency. While their frostier finishes have a tendency to cling, the subtler finish of Very Cherry allows the formula to shine–it’s much creamier, so it applies evenly, easily, and doesn’t cling. It’s creamy but overly so, which means it doesn’t feel thick or heavy on the lips, and it won’t slip around while you wear it–this leads to excellent wear of six hours that can be stretched to eight hours as the red does stain the lips slightly. The scent of this range is rather synthetic and syrup-y sweet, which is the quality I like least about the formula, but the scent seems to disappear after six months of opening (without having to do anything).

Maybelline Very Cherry Color Sensational Lipcolor

Maybelline Very Cherry Color Sensational Lipcolor

Maybelline Very Cherry Color Sensational Lipcolor

Maybelline Very Cherry Color Sensational Lipcolor