Although Loreal's Colour Riche Lipsticks have been out longer, they seem to be following Maybelline's example and now categorizing them into different groups based on color: pinks, browns, corals, mauves, and reds. Maybelline's new line of Color Sensational lipsticks are categorized the similar although their categories are nudes, pinks, reds, and plums.
Here are each products' descriptions, taken from their respective websites:
Loreal Colour Riche
"Indulge in the colour of pure luxury. Colour Riche Nurturing and Protective Lipcolour is now richer, creamier, and more moisturizing than ever before. In addtion to nourishing indgredients like Omega 3 and Vitamin E, the formula has been enriched with Argon Oil to condition and soften lips. Your lips are kept soft, smooth, and ultra-hydrated. With a spectrum of new and improved 54 gorgeous shades in sophisticated new packages, Colour Riche Lipcolour offers a shade that's perfect for every look and any occasion."
Maybelline Color Sensational
"Fall in love with color, all over again
Crisper color from pure pigments
Creamier feel from nourishing honey nectar
Lipcolor so rich, so stunning...it's sensational
48 Captivating Shades"
Okay, so pretty much both products are promising rich, creamy colors in a variety of shades, which they bothy deliver. It's very nice having the colors categorized, however, some of the colors seem like they should be in a different category, like a lipstick will be in the nude category when it is actually more pink than nude. Maybe that's just my own pickiness :P One thing I don't understand however is Loreal's statement about their new packaging. I've had one of their lipsticks for a couple years now and I haven't seen any change in their packaging, in fact I just compared the old one and the new one and there's no difference, so I'm not sure what that is about.
As far as packaging goes, I really like both tubes, although I think the Loreal's packaging is more sophisticated and sleek. But I do like the Maybelline's packaging because 1.) It's different than most lipstick tubes 2.) The outer casing is color coded so you know if your lipstick is a nude, pink, red, or plum color.
The Loreal shade is Fairest Nude and the Maybelline is Totally Toffee
Both shades are very similar and even seem to swatch the same as well...however...
(the left is Loreal, the right is Maybelline)
The Loreal one is actually much more nude than the Maybelline in real life. In fact it is almost a concealer like color, while the Maybelline is more of a warm pinkish nude. Other than that, 99% of the time the lipsticks are very true to color so even if you can't try them on, you can get a pretty good idea of what they'll look like.
Both formulas are creamy and moisturizing, however since I have dry lips, I need to apply lipbalm beforehand and make sure my lips are not flaky, otherwise these lipsticks may enhance the dryness. But for those with normal lips, these should glide on smoothly and evenly, as well as last a good couple of hours.
So who is the winner?
It's a tie! Honestly, these lipsticks are so similiar in formulas that I can't declare one better than the other. Both products have great shades options, cute packaging, are inexpensive, and are available at most drugstores or mass retailers. I would definitely recommend stocking up on both of these lipsticks!
