Maybelline Violet Vixen, Sapphire Siren, Midnight Blue, Pitch Black The Loaded Bolds Color Sensational Lipcolors Reviews, Photos, Swatches
Maybelline Violet Vixen Color Sensational Lip Color
Maybelline Color Sensational The Loaded Bolds Lip Color ($7.49 for 0.15 oz.) is a new set of shades that’s supposed to have “one-stroke intensity” in an “opaque, creamy clay base.” For the most part, the shade range is mostly opaque to fully opaque with some falling short with semi-sheer to semi-opaque, more uneven coverage. The texture is smooth, creamy, lightweight, and it glides on without tugging or dragging; some shades feel more satiny while others have a bit more slip. Unfortunately, some of the ones in this review were particularly slippery, which made them harder to apply evenly. I’m a fan of the Color Sensational formulas, but the one thing that I’m not a fan of (and that can be a deal-breaker) is the scent, which is a very strong, sweet, lightly perfume-y scent that lingers and sometimes tastes soapy.
Maybelline Violet Vixen Color Sensational Lip Color ($7.49 for 0.15 oz.) is a bold, bright, medium-dark purple with warm, red undertones and a satiny sheen with very fine pearl. It had semi-sheer to semi-opaque pigmentation that applied unevenly and tended to clump up. It gathered in my lip lines noticeably within two hours of wear–I think it’s too emollient for the type of color it is. The color lasted for four and a half hours while leaving behind a very strong, fuchsia-tinted stain. It was neither drying nor hydrating. Urban Decay Pandemonium (DC, $18.00) is more muted, warmer, less glossy (95% similar). Urban Decay Jawbreaker (DC, $18.00) is more muted, warmer (90% similar). Melt Cosmetics Recuerdos (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, less glossy (90% similar). Sephora Orchid (P, $14.00) is less shimmery, darker, less glossy (90% similar). Smashbox Violet Riot (P, $21.00) is more muted (90% similar). MAC Hellebore (DC, $21.00) is warmer (85% similar). ColourPop Leather (DC, $7.00) is warmer (85% similar). Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Alt-Girl (DC, $17.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Melt Cosmetics Mariachi (P, $19.00) is lighter, less glossy (85% similar). MAC Punk Couture (P, $19.00) is darker, warmer (80% similar). Lancome Reve Toujours (509) (P, $32.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar). Smashbox Mongal (LE, $24.00) is less shimmery, darker (80% similar). Revlon Stir the Pot (P, $12.39) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Maybelline Sapphire SIren Color Sensational Lip Color ($7.49 for 0.15 oz.) is a deep, navy blue with strong, cool undertones and as atin finish. It had mostly opaque coverage, which applied decently, but I had a tough time getting it to stay perfectly in place as it had moderate slip. I think a lip liner or primer would really help this one, since it’s biggest issue is just evenness. The color wore well for five hours, left behind a stain, and was lightly hydrating. Anastasia Cobalt (P, $18.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Blue Beat (DC, $21.00) is darker, more muted (85% similar). Urban Decay Heroine (DC, $18.00) is lighter (85% similar). Sephora Violet Vertigo (103) (P, $14.00) is lighter, less glossy (85% similar). Makeup Geek Wild Child (P, $12.00) is lighter (80% similar). Make Up For Ever Brave Blue (222) (P, $23.00) is less shimmery, darker, more muted (80% similar). KVD Beauty Bruno (LE, $20.00) is darker, warmer, glossier (80% similar). Maybelline Midnight Blue (DC, $7.49) is darker (80% similar). Bite Beauty #054 (P, $18.00) is darker, more muted, warmer (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Maybelline Midnight Blue Color Sensational Lip Color ($7.49 for 0.15 oz.) is a blackened blue with cool undertones and very fine shimmer with a satin finish. It had mostly opaque pigmentation that went on evenly for the most part, though it wasn’t perfect. Again, it’s a shade that I think would be helped by a lip liner or primer to fill in lip lines as well as help it adhere evenly. This shade lasted for five hours and left behind a bluish-purple stain. Bite Beauty #054 (P, $18.00) is more muted, less glossy (95% similar). Make Up For Ever Brave Blue (222) (P, $23.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). MAC Nico Kiss (LE, $18.50) is more muted (90% similar). KVD Beauty Poe (DC, $21.00) is lighter (90% similar). Sephora City Beat (45) (P, $8.00) is lighter (90% similar). Smashbox Deep (P, $21.00) is more muted, warmer (90% similar). MAC Blue Beat (DC, $21.00) is lighter (90% similar). NARS Unspoken (P, $27.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar). Sephora Ice Breaker (46) (P, $8.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Urban Decay Time (LE, $18.00) is lighter (85% similar). Bite Beauty Squid Ink (DC, $26.00) is cooler (80% similar). Urban Decay Time (P, $18.00) is more shimmery, lighter, less glossy (80% similar). KVD Beauty Echo (P, $20.00) is less shimmery, lighter, less glossy (85% similar). Fenty Beauty Clapback (P, $18.00) is more muted, warmer (80% similar). Too Faced Who's Zoomin' Who (P, $21.00) is lighter, less glossy (80% similar). Maybelline Sapphire Siren (DC, $7.49) is lighter (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Maybelline Pitch Black Color Sensational Lip Color ($7.49 for 0.15 oz.) is a medium-dark black with a natural sheen. This is best applied with a lip brush over a lip liner or primer, because it just doesn’t go on evenly due to having a lot of slip–it slides around and gathers in lip lines. If you press your lips together, it moves and creates “lines.” This shade wore for four hours, feathered slightly on me, and further gravitated towards lip lines. It was neither drying nor hydrating. KVD Beauty Slayer (DC, $21.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Dior Ultra Night (111) (P, $37.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). MAC Black Night (LE, $19.00) is brighter, warmer (85% similar). NYX Chambord (P, $6.00) is darker, better quality (90% similar). NYX Go Rogue (P, $7.50) is darker, more pigmented (85% similar). Smashbox Bankrolled (P, $21.00) is lighter, glossier (85% similar). Make Up For Ever Edgy Black (422) (P, $23.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar). MAC Hautecore (LE, $19.00) is darker (85% similar). KVD Beauty Nayeon (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery (85% similar). Make Up For Ever #50 (DC, $19.00) is darker, better quality (90% similar). Revlon Midnight Mystery (P, $8.49) is more shimmery, lighter, less pigmented (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Violet Vixen
DCDiscontinued. $7.49.
Sapphire Siren
DCDiscontinued. $7.49.
Midnight Blue
DCDiscontinued. $7.49.
Pitch Black
DCDiscontinued. $7.49.
See more photos & swatches!
Maybelline Violet Vixen Color Sensational Lip Color
Maybelline Violet Vixen Color Sensational Lip Color
Maybelline Violet Vixen Color Sensational Lip Color
Maybelline Violet Vixen Color Sensational Lip Color
Maybelline Violet Vixen Color Sensational Lip Color
Maybelline Violet Vixen Color Sensational Lip Color
Maybelline Sapphire Siren Color Sensational Lip Color
Maybelline Sapphire Siren Color Sensational Lip Color
Maybelline Sapphire Siren Color Sensational Lip Color
Maybelline Sapphire Siren Color Sensational Lip Color
Maybelline Sapphire Siren Color Sensational Lip Color
Maybelline Sapphire Siren Color Sensational Lip Color
Maybelline Midnight Blue Color Sensational Lip Color
Maybelline Midnight Blue Color Sensational Lip Color
Maybelline Midnight Blue Color Sensational Lip Color
Maybelline Midnight Blue Color Sensational Lip Color
Maybelline Midnight Blue Color Sensational Lip Color
Maybelline Midnight Blue Color Sensational Lip Color
Maybelline Pitch Black Color Sensational Lip Color
Maybelline Pitch Black Color Sensational Lip Color
Maybelline Pitch Black Color Sensational Lip Color
Maybelline Pitch Black Color Sensational Lip Color
Maybelline Pitch Black Color Sensational Lip Color
Maybelline Pitch Black Color Sensational Lip Color
Those first two are stunning, if we’re just looking at color. Too bad they added the strong fragrance… especially since it’s a soapy one!
I really wish the fragrance wasn’t there!
Shame- but zero surprise based on swatches- that that the most unique/htf in drugstore brand colors are weak performers. If the perfume wasn’t a dealbreaker, they are inexpensive enough to try a primer to get them to work.
I know 🙁 I wish the black was better!
I see nothing “sensational” about these… *Makes sad face* bc the shades looked pretty!
Ha ha!
I have several of these in my ULTA bag ready to go this weekend, including the black. While it may not live up to Maybelline’s “claims”, that’s exactly why it appeals to me. I have several “good” black lipsticks, but they are sooo pigmented, that’s the only way I can wear them. I like it when they run sheer, so I can layer them over different pencils/lipsticks to get different effects. I do have the NYX V’Amplify, but the formula is so “thin” it doesn’t play well with richer lipsticks, and I don’t always want to wear a gloss. This black may also be a nice option for those new to unconventional lip colors; if layered over a random red pencil, it will produce a blackened-red, just this side of black, but still “wearable”. Of course, using a lip brush will likely be necessary, but I use one 99.5% of the time, anyway.
By the way, that MAC palette actually looks really good in the photos! Considering the swatches, I didn’t think it was worth looking into, but now I may have to…
I’m so glad that the sheerer black will work out for you!
I know what you mean xamyx! I have UD Alice Time, and it runs a semi-sheer dark grey blue (unless I rub it hard like 5x across my lips and even you can see a little of my inner lip), but the semi -sheerness makes it easier to wear on its own or mix with different lip pencils and lippies to get blue purples, grey blues, and grey mauves.
That’s actually a really good point that I didn’t think of, Amy. I’ll bet mixing is more what Maybelline had in mind for the black and the white. Exactly what I use Nyx Macarons in Chamboard and Coconut for, so I feel really dumb now. lol
Wow, the black is complete garbage! Makes you wonder why they’d even release something that bad.
I don’t know what’s up with it!
Well, at least the blues did somewhat decently! I was hoping they would, since I would like to get one, but can’t bring myself to spend more than $10 on a shade that I will probably be too chicken to leave the house while wearing. That second lip pic of Pitch Black, tho….
Maybe you can catch them on sale sometime 🙂
That black is truly awful. I’m definitely going with UD Perversion. The blues are surprisingly decent. I love the color of the Violet Vixen, but it does look really uneven on the lip swatch.
Good call 🙂 Perversion is really nice!
Sapphire Siren is so gorgeous, hard to dupe, will have to get that one! I love the color of Violet Vixen, but sad the formula isn’t better, and in looking at the closest dupes, none of them perform that great either. And maybe Midnight Blue
I hope you love it, Katherine!
to me, it looks a little like MAC Matte Royal. i’ll have to take it to the store to swatch and see. i hope someone can confirm this; it might save me time. 😀
If you go into the Swatch feature on this blog, you can compare MAC Matte Royal and Maybelline Saphire Siren side by side, and yes, they are similar in color , but Saphire Siren looks so much better –much more pigmented, smoother, glossier, and cheaper! They don’t call these Loaded Bolds for nothing LOL. I bought Saphire Siren and it’s gorgeous!
Actually, some don’t seem all that loaded, but yes, sapphire siren is pretty. It is a tinge more blue, and of course shinier than matte royal, which i expect since MR is more of a mattish blurple. Yes, I can compare the colors on here, but i have matte royal and it’s not as splotchy on me as her, so I did not want to compare hers. I still think it’s a better dupe than the ones listed. I might grab that midnight blue if I see it, even though it kind of reminds me of a lip tar. I was going to get a high end dupe, one not listed here, but haven’t splurged yet, and I’ve never purchased a Maybelline lipstick. so, I might give it try.
Glad your Matte Royal looks much better than the one here! Think you are set. Midnight Blue looks gorgeous!
Too bad the Violet Vixen didn’t work well; it’s such a great color. The Sapphire Siren is so lovely, too.
Another purple, another problematic one at that, lol!
Love your eye makeup in these pictures!
Thank you, Liesbeth!
Compared to UD’s new Vice lipstick in the same shades, Violet Vixen and Pitch Black look awful. Pitch Black isn’t even true black!
But those 2 blues are lovely, though! Love that deep, rich navy of Midnight Blue!
I know 🙁 Pitch Black is so weak!
How funny….
I’ve been looking forward to these for months, but I already have dupes for them in my stash or on my wish list. I might still pick up Sapphire Siren though. That one still seems unique enough for me.
How funny! Well, money saved at least 🙂
These are definitely not my shades, but your eye look is sensational Christine.
Thank you, Genevieve!
The only one you convinced me to skip is pitch black. ;D. I’m excited that the blues are good! ! !
Enjoy ’em, Hannah!
These are not the strongest release, but a respectable mark on some challenging shades for a decent price.
Your eye look is so different Christine. It works great with these non-traditional lips colours. That inner corner purple really helps creates a visual frame.
Thank you so much, Wendy! 🙂 I liked how it turned out as well!
Love your eye makeup but the lipsticks, not so much. As the saying goes, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything…..”.
Thank you!
The shades would not work for me either. I wish I had your eye makeup skills though.
You are very sweet, Dina! Just keep practicing + experimenting!
Loving the blues… but I still think I might get Squid Ink.
Squid Ink is fun!
I like Violet Vixen and Sapphire Siren, shame VV didn’t perform better!
If only…
Hate the addition of strong fragrance to these.. Pitch Black isn’t black enough :/
Agreed on both counts!
I’m just glad that a drugstore brand is rolling out colors like these !!! Progress !! I’ll probably end up buying the two blues, just because I’m blue lipstick obsessed and they’re not too bad!
Me too, Bonnie! It’s so awesome to see!
Sapphire Siren is an exact dupe for Melt Cosmetics DGAF. I was so shocked when I compared them. But Both are gorgeous on their own as Melt is far more matte and bolder to me.
That is sooo good to hear!