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Revlon ColorBurst Lacquer Balm Review, Photos, Swatches

Revlon Whimsical (115) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm
Revlon Whimsical (115) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm

Revlon ColorBurst Lacquer Balm ($8.99 for 0.095 oz.) is a newer lip color release from Revlon. I picked up a couple of shades from my local drugstore a few weeks ago, but it seems these are permanent as they’re available online. There are ten shades in total. The formula is supposed to have “high shine with balm-like moisture.” They are twist-up jumbo-sized pencils, so no sharpening is required. Though they seemed almost semi-sheer when swatched on the skin, they’re actually quite pigmented on the lips. They have a moderate level of shine, and they feel like a lighter-weight lip balm. I found both shades I tried to be somewhat hydrating–not quite as hydrating as the best lip balm but comfortable to wear. They had a mint scent and slight mint flavor.

Whimsical (115) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm ($8.99 for 0.095 oz.) is a medium-dark, subtly cool-toned pink with a luminous shine. It had semi-opaque color coverage and was mostly even. It wore well for four hours. Charlotte Tilbury Velvet Underground (P) is more matte. MAC Pleasure Bomb (LE, $15.00) is matte, redder, brighter. Guerlain Illusion (660) (LE, $35.00) is darker. Revlon Sorbet (P, $7.49) is similar. MAC Lickable (P, $15.00) is slightly pinker. See comparison swatches.

Vivacious (120) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm ($8.99 for 0.095 oz.) is a pinky-red with subtle warm undertones. This one had a less glossy/balm-like finish and more of a satin finish. It was very nearly opaque on lips, though, and it lasted for almost five hours. Charlotte Tilbury Velvet Underground (P) is cooler-toned. Tom Ford Beauty Aphrodisiac (LE, $49.00) is slightly pinker. MAC Impassioned (P, $15.00) is a touch brighter, more matte. Guerlain Gigi (P, $49.50) is similar. Guerlain Gourmandise (P, $49.50) is warmer. See comparison swatches.

Whimsical (115)

DCDiscontinued. $8.99.
B+
B+
9
Product
9
Pigmentation
9
Texture
8.5
Longevity
4.5
Application
89%
Total

Vivacious (120)

DCDiscontinued. $8.99.
A
A
9
Product
10
Pigmentation
9.5
Texture
9
Longevity
5
Application
94%
Total

Revlon Whimsical (115) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm
Revlon Whimsical (115) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm

Revlon Whimsical (115) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm
Revlon Whimsical (115) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm

Revlon Whimsical (115) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm
Revlon Whimsical (115) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm

Revlon Whimsical (115) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm
Revlon Whimsical (115) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm

Revlon Whimsical (115) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm
Revlon Whimsical (115) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm

Revlon Whimsical (115) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm
Revlon Whimsical (115) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm

Revlon Vivacious (120) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm
Revlon Vivacious (120) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm

Revlon Vivacious (120) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm
Revlon Vivacious (120) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm

Revlon Vivacious (120) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm
Revlon Vivacious (120) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm

Revlon Vivacious (120) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm
Revlon Vivacious (120) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm

Revlon Vivacious (120) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm
Revlon Vivacious (120) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm

Revlon Vivacious (120) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm
Revlon Vivacious (120) ColorBurst Lacquer Balm

75 Comments

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Veronica Avatar

I’m a little surprised they released two colors so similar in an LE collection, but they are quite pretty. I didn’t get any of the lacquers, but I picked up two of the matte shades and LOVE THEM. I like them even more than the original formula, which I only used once or twice before giving away. Here’s to hoping they make it to the permanent line at some point.

Veronica Avatar

Oh really? All the displays where I am stated they were LE. Maybe the LE was a test run, and now that they’ve sold well it’s been added to the premanent line up. (They better do that with the mattes, now!) 🙂

Beka Avatar

I was just thinking, ” i wonder what Christine is wearing on her eyes?” Then I realized it must be the Clarins essentials palette because that has what it has been every other time I’ve asked in the past couple of weeks. I think I just need to go check it out!

_An_ Avatar

Ooohhh you reviewed the 2 shades I own! ^^
These balms are very nice. Gorgeous colors too.
They have a thinner texture than the Revlon lip butters.

I was a bit worried about Whimsical cuz I heard some people complain of the shimmer texture, but I thought it looked great and wasn’t gritty-feeling on the lips.

The packaging is super nice too! I love how shiny and metallic it is. xD

Quinctia Avatar

Oooh, I like the sparkles in Whimsical, I need to pick that one up! I’ve bought one, in Ingenue, which is pretty subdued in color. Because the Matte one I picked up was a bit darker, Sultry.

Ryou Avatar

Oooo, Vivacious is pretty!

I wonder of the difference between the Lacquer Balm and the Kissable Balm Stain (since I love the latter and really don’t want it discontinued), and from the reviews I’ve read so far, the staining properties of the Kissable Balm Stain seems to be main difference. Do you find these leave a stain at all, Christine?

Becca @ The Beauty Sample Avatar

Holy cow–you were NOT kidding when you said they really were pigmented once worn. When I saw the first swatch, I was thinking “finally! A sheer, shiny, non-staining version of the Balm Stains!”. But gawd are these bright! Not sure if I’ll be partaking but I must say they look absolutely stunning on you. Vivacious in particular 🙂

CKG Avatar

I like their Tutti Frutti lip butter and the pigmentation of the Lovesick “Just Bitten” etc (these long names lol) and I’m really liking Vivacious here.

Cathi Avatar

I so wanted to love this. I bought the Vivacious and the color was perfection. The problem was that it had absolutely no staying power. I had to reapply every hour or so.

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