Review: Maybelline Colour Sensational Pop Sticks in 'Crystal Pink'

I've become quite obsessed with lipsticks these past few months, especially those with colourful tubes and pretty names (What can I say, i'm easily pleased!, which is basically what prompted me to purchase this lipstick. I'm not going to lie to you, before seeing it in my local Superdrug I did not know it existed, and basically just wanted to try something new as part of their current 3 for 2 on all cosmetics throughout the store, and the bright pink casing sold it for me!

Colour Sensational Pop Sticks are one of the newest additions to the Maybelline makeup line, and as it is such a well-known brand internationally, I had high hopes for this product.

I chose the 'Crystal Pink' as it's a great neutral colour that acts as a failsafe when you don't have time to sit and find a particular lipstick to go with your makeup, however there were other shades that would be suitable for darker skin tones or if pink just doesn't take your fancy: Pink Lollipop, Pink Sugar, Cherry Pop and Citrus Slice.

When testing this out in store, I was firstly unsure what 'pop sticks' meant with reference to lip colour. When attempting to swatch the product onto my hand I noticed that the colour was so sheer I immediately assumed that it was one of those lipsticks that adapt to the temperature of your lips and create your own unique shade. However, I have since done my research and found that the 'pop sticks' reference in the title basically means that your lips will be shiny like an ice lolly?? Alright then.

Maybelline say:

"New Colour Sensational popsticks. Now pouts pop with popsicle shine!
Juicy, sheer shades from our fruit-coloured, high clarity pigments. Slicker shine, more luscious feel, only from our crystal clear gloss stick."

First of all, I don't quite understand the comparison between shine and an ice lolly?

Yes, the stick may look like an orange, but the relevance to 'Crystal Pink' is a bit uncertain. I would understand if the shade was perhaps a light coral, as I would have thought perhaps a pink grapefruit would be a fruit that could be associated with this particular shade, if that's the angle they were going with.
I've decided not to show you a photograph of the product swatched, as the Maybelline description is right. There's no colour! It is completely clear, although there is a slight shine so the appearance of some sort of product is apparent. To me right now, this seems like nothing but a clear lip balm?

 

As you can see, there is a slight hint of colour apparent, but nothing like what has been described. It glides onto the lip with such ease, leaving them feeling soft and moisturised but I do not feel that this has the 'high clarity pigment' it promises.With so much emphasis on fruits, I would also have thought there would be a subtle scent, which added to my disappointment in the product.

The application is as slick as promised, but the shade (Which I believed would be a gorgeous bubblegum pink) is practically non-existent. For £7.50 (Price varies slightly from store to store) this product just doesn't do enough.

You can find the whole Colour Sensational Pop Sticks range at your local Maybelline stand in your local Boots, Superdrug or online here.