When news hit that Maybelline was going to be releasing a product that very strongly seemed to resemble the Too Faced Melted Lipsticks, I'm pretty sure everyone went a little bit crazy. Or maybe that was just me. The Melted Lipsticks became a bit of a phenomenon in the beauty world, because there really was nothing like them on the market when they were released. I've tried a lot of liquid lipsticks in my time and most of them have always been a little too much for me as far as being really thick and shiny, but these were different. Anyway, the fact that there was possibly going to be a dupe in the drugstore was very, very exciting and the second I saw them on the shelf locally I grabbed the shade I'd been lusting after - the YLBB mauvey nude shade, clearly - and managed to hold myself back from buying more so that I could test out the formula before I went mad with lipstick power.

For my thoughts on this product, keep reading!

This product comes packaged in quite a small squeeze tube with a slanted, fluffy tip applicator. Literally, fluffy was the only word I could think of to describe it, but it really is apt. One thing I love about the packaging of this product is the fact that, like the Too Faced Melted Lipsticks, each tube reflects the shade inside the tube. And, at least for this shade, it's incredibly accurate to how the product actually plays on my lips.

Admittedly, I've never really liked this type of applicator personally, but I do think that for these types of creamy, highly pigmented liquid lipsticks they really are the best option. The product kind of mushes into it so you can easily get a thin, even application of the product over your lips as long as you don't squeeze out too much. After using it for a couple of weeks, the fluffy tip does look a little less than pretty, but it is definitely very functional.

Now, I admittedly do have a bit of a pet peeve with this product. While it is half the price of the Too Faced Melted, it's also half the size. When I first learned this, I definitely found myself a little bit annoyed. However, upon reflection I do actually think this is a good thing for a couple of reasons. The first is that it's less of an investment for shades that you might not wear all the time - so you can pick up that vibrant purple shade without feeling like you overspent on something that isn't quite as wearable as your every day neutral type shades. The second reason is that a lot of us rarely get through a whole lip product, and because this is a creamy product you don't have to worry about it going bad before you get a chance to get through it. And it's permanent, so there'll be opportunity to just pick up a new one if or when you do get through it!

Now for the formula. Honestly, you guys, I'm a little bit obsessed with this formula. The scent reminds me of watermelon candies, which can be hit or miss for me generally but is really light and enjoyable in this product. I also find that the scent doesn't linger once applied and there is no taste if you lick your lips. It applies creamy and smooth without any tugging or patchiness and leaves a really even, opaque finish on the lips. The pigmentation really is absolutely fantastic! Even though this shade is very similar to my lips when I apply it in the thin coat that I prefer, I can really tell that I'm getting good coverage over the lips.

The most impressive thing for me, though, is how enjoyable this is to actually have on my lips. This is a really hydrating product that feels just incredibly comfortable. I feel like it really maintains the moisture for a good few hours and I don't get any resulting dryness, which is something I often don't even find in a lot of traditional créme lipstick formulas. This practically feels like a smooth, creamy balm on my lips. It's also not the least bit sticky, which is also really important to me. The wear time is good, I'd say that it's about on par with a traditional bullet lipstick. It's not transfer proof, but I do find that once the shine fades you're not going to have to worry too much about lipstick on the coffee cup, and I haven't experienced any bleeding (though that could be an issue with the more vibrant shades.)

As you can see, this shade is right up my alley. I feel like in person, and with a lighter coat that the one I applied for this swatch, it just gives me a really natural lip look that still looks really put together and done. I think this will probably end up being the shade that's always sold out - so if you see it and it's up your alley, grab it!

This is seriously my favorite product that Maybelline has released in a while and has possibly risen to my favorite Maybelline lip product ever. I honestly can't say enough good things about it and would recommend it to literally everyone. Get one! Get some! Get them ALL! There are definitely a couple more shades that I plan on picking up.

Thanks for reading!