I’ve been thinking that I should cancel my subscriptions to Sephora Play and Ipsy. I’ve subscribed for a few years, and I am drowning in travel size samples. I also would like to try BoxyCharm for a while. But every now and then, I come upon samples in my subbie bags that become products that I really love.
For instance, I discovered a little sample of Sephora Cream Lip Stain in the shade Always Red that I got a few months ago.
I had forgotten about it, and was thrilled to find it again (that’s the trouble with all these little samples, am I right?). I started wearing it, and now I am so wearing this for Valentine’s Day. I had heard about how great this formula was a few years ago before the liquid matte craze that won’t end got started. But I never got around to buying it, and I was distracted by other new lipsticks.
As I’ve mentioned about a million times, because my lips are so dry, liquidy matte lipsticks that dry down are not good for me. Although I have a couple that are not so liquidy, and I can wear from time to time: Jesse’s Girl (reviewed here) and the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Lips liquid lipstick in a too light for me shade that I just got in my Beautylish Lucky Bag (mentioned here). On a regular basis, I prefer to wear semi-matte or, more often, cream or satin lipsticks. Opaque lipgloss is also fine with me, like the lovely not-too-sticky Anastasia Beverly Hills (reviewed here) or Estee Lauder. But this long-wearing cream matte lipstick from Sephora is quite wonderful!
Sephora Cream Lip Stain has a mousse-like consistency that reminds me of a number of the NYX cream lipsticks but without the strong scent, thank goodness. It stays glossy creamy, and thankfully, on me, it does not dry down in spite of the fact that Sephora describes it as matte. Always Red, “matte bold classic red”, makes me feel like a million bucks regardless of what I’m doing. In fact, I wore it to the post office yesterday, and I didn’t care that I was “overdressed” makeup-wise, lol.
And best of all, Sephora Cream Lip Stain lasts and lasts. Yesterday, I applied it at around 2pm. See how it doesn’t look dry?
It was going strong for hours. Then I ate dinner (small chicken pot pie, spinach and rice), drank a couple of glasses of water, and this is what it looked like after the meal.
Not too bad. If I were at a restaurant, I would certainly need to fix it, but I’m OK with that. I meant to snap a photo of it just before I removed it with micellar water 12 hours after I applied it. You could definitely still see that I had been wearing red lipstick. It really does leave a good stain IMO that’s OK if you don’t have time to touch it up.
I intend to buy a full size, $14, just as soon as I finish up this mini (1.3 ml/0.04 fl.oz.) that should happen next time I use it. Good job, Sephora! Sephora Cream Lip Stain comes in 40 shades that vary widely from reds, nudes, browns, pinks, corals, purples, greens, and a midnight blue shade.
Have you tried Sephora Cream Lip Stain? What did you think?
One can easily find oneself overcome by so many sample sizes, and they seem to multiply at such a fast pace. I don’t blame your for thinking about canceling a couple of the monthly subscriptions for that reason. It is, however, such a rare treat when those samples are so great that you know that you have to buy the full-size version. It is so great that the Sephora Cream Lip Stain was one such discovery, and it is stunning on you!
It’s true, Helen, the samples are taking over! The only bright spot is discovering products that I love without having to have a full size. But from what I see of BoxyCharm, the variety is terrific. I’ve gotta do it.
Wow. Great minds think a like. You say things others are thinking, I think. Yes, that Sephora lip stain (although, it really is a liquid lipstick that leaves a bit of stain) knocks it out of the park. The reds are the best. There are a couple other reds, if I remember correctly. And yes, one of them is my personal favorite, too. The price is impressive, as well.
I’m tired of Ipsy, too, and I’ve told them. They just aren’t matching as well as they used to match (customers to their preferences). Birchbox has stepped up with the quality of their products, and have focused on giving more options for boxes (curated, or select one specialty sample, or let them pick all 5 for you). However, I have heard a lot of good things about BoxyCharm, too.
Lynea, thanks for taking the time to comment! I looked at the other two reds online, but I think I still like this one, more of a true red, the best. I may also try one of the mauves. I’m going to go into the store and look at the testers.
By and large, I’ve had good luck with Ipsy over the past 2+ years, thank goodness. I know I was lucky coz a lot of others, like you, have not gotten such great matches. I’ve built my collection of Luxie makeup brushes via Ipsy 😉 I stopped Birchbox either a year or two years ago. I was getting way too many skincare and haircare samples, so I am glad to hear that they have changed their formula and are giving subscribers more options. Both my Ipsy and Play bags are on their way for February, so I think I will cancel after I get them (unless of course they’re fabulous somehow), and then sign up for BoxyCharm for 3 months if they have that option.
That is such a gorgeous red on you too, Alison and I know the formula is amazing because I bought two shades of this range. As you know I cancelled ipsy and LookFantastic because I honestly can’t deal with samples anymore. You won’t regret BoxyCharm, I love it so so sooooo much and it’s hands down the best beauty subscription!
I’m so glad to hear that you’re a fan of the Sephora Cream Lip Stain too, Shireen! It’s amazing that I can wear it on my super dry lips, and it isn’t like wearing a matte. So happy. I drool almost every time I see a BoxyCharm box. I’m glad that you enjoy your subscription, and have encouraged me to pull the plugs on my $10 bags and take the plunge with BC!
OMG all those samples! I’m in the same boat (aka, drowning in minis) 😀
LOL!
Such a pretty red!
I also got a sample (in the same shade I think) but I haven’t tried it yet. I didn’t realize it was a more mousse-like texture, it makes me want to test it! I’ll need to do some digging in my travel-size drawer, I have the same problem as you after more than a year of Sephora Play subscription…
Yeah, the stuff really piles up! But do find your sample of the Sephora Cream Lip Stain. It’s worth a try!
How cute is this, and it looks like it lasted pretty decently!
It lasted decently enough. Obviously I’d have to reapply after eating. But I love how it feels and looks coz I can’t wear regular liquid lipsticks.
Pretty red and it’s terrific that you discovered it through your subscription. I don’t know if I’ve bought anything full size after getting my different ones.
I’ve actually bought several things including a number of repeat buys! Gee, that might be a good post topic. Thanks, Marcia xo
Sounds great and you wear it so well!
Thank you, Cindy! This is a good one for me 🙂
I’m about to cancel my play subscription because my sample collection is also out of control. The color looks so pretty on you…very flattering.
Thanks, Tiki. Me, too, I think. Gotta cancel Play and Ipsy and try BoxyCharm for a few months instead.
Thanks, Tiki! I know what you mean by ‘out of control’!
That shade looks so good on you. I am very picky too when it comes to liquid lipsticks. For example, while I love Kat Von D’s lipstick, I loathe the liquid lipstick.
Liquids tend to be just too darn drying. I love the satin matte you showed us today from KVD
That looks like a great red!
This looks gorgeous on you. I personally like darker lip shades that leave a stain because you still have some color left after you are done eating and have no place or time to touch up.
I’m such a fan of this formula and the price! In my opinion, it’s one of the best!!! That shade looks amazing on you!
Thank you, Christine! I’m glad you’re a fan too
There’s just something about a good classic red lip. This one sounds like a good one since like you I can’t wear the ones that dry out or get cakey.
I’ve really had good luck with this one, Katie. Worth a try 🙂
I got one of those lip creams as a GWP or point perk, I don’t remember which. They’re very nice. This red is really pretty and looks wonderful on you!
Thank you, Rachel! I am definitely going to invest in a full size.
It looks really nice! I don’t think I’ve tried the Sephora brand lip products, I used to use their eyeliner tho and loved it!
I think this is the first Sephora lip product I’ve tried. Like you, I’ve bought other products under the Sephora brand but not lip. I’m impressed with this!
That shade looks beautiful on you! I cancelled most of my subscription boxes about a year ago and I don’t really miss them. I would like to get a higher end sub box every once in a while though.
I hear you! I’m going to see if I can do 3 months of BoxyCharm, and see if I like it. I have enjoyed both Ipsy and Play, but I am going to have to move out of my house with so many makeup bags and travel size products piling up. I can’t give them away fast enough