Yep, it’s that time again – time for another review en masse…

Maybelline Colorshow Crayon Kohl eye pencils, R34,95.

Maybelline have just launched a new line of eye pencils. I’m not sure how many shades are available in South Africa but each promises high intensity colour that applies smoothly and then, once set, stays put all day.

I was given four shades to play with – two ‘neutrals’ being Ultra Black and Chocolate Chip (brown) and two ‘metallics’, Edgy Emerald (green) and Sparkle Grey (silver).

The metallics didn’t really pack a pigment punch and felt a little chalky but the black and brown pencil really delivered in that they where easy to apply – even on inner rim of your eye; were nicely pigmented and did indeed sit tight. For eye pencils that costs less than a McDonald’s meal, they’re good stuff.

Bourjois Levres Contour Edition lip liners, R95,95, exclusive to Clicks

These are without a doubt the best lip pencils I’ve tried in yonks. Infused with Shea butter and grapeseed oil, they glide onto your skin and are so damn creamy that you can easily colour in your whole mouth and wear it like a lipstick without fear of it drying out your lips.

The only downside here is, due to their seriously creamy, dreamy texture, they don’t really set and can be easily smudged but only in the way that any lipstick would. If you have a habit of touching your mouth you might end up in trouble, if not – you’re A for away.

For me, Nude Wave is the perfect nude lip pencil.

Clinique Chubby Stick Baby Tint moisturising colour lip balm, R230.

I’ve always liked Clinique’s chubby lip pencils. They’re so easy to use, feel nice and creamy on your lips and, as they go on a little sheer, you can opt for brighter shades than you might usually go for.

The new Baby Tint’s, however, are a slightly different story in that they work like those magic ‘mood’ lippies you can pick up at Chinese shops or in the sale bale at Dis-Chem. Each shade goes on clear but then works with your body’s pH to ‘bloom’ or develop on your lips, essentially lending them a very subtle tint.

Of the four shades available, Budding Blossom, Coming Up Rosy and Poppin’ Poppy are seriously subtle to point where many might not see a colour change at all. It’s the kind of balm you could’ve kept in your blazer pocket at school and used a zillion times a day and never gotten bust for wearing make-up.

Flowering Freesia is the most intense of the bunch and the tint it creates is every so slightly blue toned which makes it show up a little more on your lips.

I can’t show you a comparison swatch, alas, as I was only given Poppin’ Poppy but you’ll see what I mean about the look being super subtle.

Texture-wise, Baby Tint feels great on your lips – like you’re wearing a lip balm more than anything else. If you’re someone who loves lip balm and only wants the teensiest dash of colour, chances are you’re going to be a fan.

See anything you like?

Love, love

Leigh