Disclaimer: The products featured were provided for review.
For Fall 2016,
Mary Kay has a new line of semi-matte lipsticks with an ultra smooth and hydrating formulation. Available in eight shades, the
Gel Semi-Matte Lipsticks ($21 CAD each) promise rich colors with a slick application. To see some swatches of all eight shades, click.......
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqMEK54i2BNktYm1U0LENgf_oJDljf9rU4LoPohZ-HuersQnHf48mwYEEb0hpjUtnPsmhlURk7oxSx-y9Xp9TgXXFcnfb3EY-zgVhhkzHYm6Puyp-P-9l1TefAmXrb7SVpD4SlA8UZNlO/s1600/mary-kay-fall-2016-semi-matte-lipstick-swatches-review-2.jpg) |
Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipsticks |
Packaging:
The Semi-Matte Lipsticks come in curvy black lipstick tubes. The cap is adorned with a shiny silver emblem in a very classic design. The caps have a clear plastic top that allows you to see the color inside. The feature is very convenient but I think it takes away from the overall luxury of the packaging.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZfAWa5A7XfgS2ntttsrShEe8seMYhTP9HRUWYmjNV8M6c4j6WjBdbmHhTkPX15Uk0XWgzXEHXAeIXKY3eXtp2Uo5LBlwXUDFhAeEccuooIslKQRBNkhyBVVX9hD9WmiJUy6AytItWu3-/s1600/mary-kay-fall-2016-semi-matte-lipstick-swatches-review-3.jpg) |
Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipsticks |
Formulation:
Although these lipsticks have the word "matte" in their names, they have at best a satin or velvet finish. Formulated with sunflower and jojoba oil, the lipsticks are very creamy and rich. The majority of the colors are decently pigmented and cushiony, but a few shades are slightly sheer and patchy. The wear is hydrating but it's not super long-lasting like your average matte lipstick. The pigments don't cling to the lips but that's the tradeoff of a comfortable wear.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXuNDOvhoJet5B78mThS4wo1liGSsR9RniTMAsVly1_z8LKNnYKWNVGeGXEVlpre7fRYbF2ZeMLBXTg96hBlQ_lAW_31mlhOTKyzlXVQcfwI8T_85H_7msjE2okRXO6yzcLMv4NM8UaMl/s1600/mary-kay-fall-2016-semi-matte-lipstick-swatches-review-4.jpg) |
Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipsticks |
Bashful You: Pale pink beige nude; this shade definitely highlights fine lines and dry patches on the lips so it's probably more suitable for those with naturally pale lips.
Rich Truffle: Warm rosy caramel; this one is surprisingly easy-to-wear and flattering.
Mauve Moment: Lovely bright rose, this color is very pigmented and smooth.
Always Apricot: A slightly peachier version of "Mauve Moment", this is a bit prone to creasing and clinging to dry patches.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZOVWtTgXjeFb1MoHXWqkcdPtn8JXvMplwL2T2_1JEqlvDRSqdLJTt1yaJcxMuGiLoUOWzJo0W9sPl0y0s0liSlj1GMPbLfl7bEHXe2p0nEwKj4jNXwwc5s6sCwxHxyoiCasMb2s35JVZ/s1600/mary-kay-fall-2016-semi-matte-lipstick-swatches-review-bashful-you.jpg) |
Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipstick in "Bashful You" |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PmA275oPFzUuJ5-xU4C_m7QajfgI5JKmmV225R2sBqpp6tp8aFQSC0KPEoB0w0NECEEaU0QdsQefM8Oya1eH7yNyadOJJjhKbLFXg4No6DVB3HY_hdCIO0dbnlBNwXw6HNJp8Td1o0Qb/s1600/mary-kay-fall-2016-semi-matte-lipstick-swatches-review-rich-truffle.jpg) |
Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipstick in "Rich Truffle" |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuhotWR-Rqwp5qz_4h2mrfXDhDBicnMXVt0zU66trW6bif8jOFDoUv-08d85dG4regXxV2qLb4aohwd2L5bxCHVm-mJX87ytrfQjNqri1WOGcrmfliZgsZZKFglQZ-HsIGK9Fv2QJZ9cx/s1600/mary-kay-fall-2016-semi-matte-lipstick-swatches-review-mauve-moment.jpg) |
Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipstick in "Mauve Moment" |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4TZ5ygE0zYHSVHy9h0VaFS6jGE-7FY9qthCktzb8zKvOdt6ATIk2h0C7D0kIzKr8g6inxHZDwgYzQIHrO03XjZ1Eu86yK246R_4wZ9h2swwh1P1422Get342rbUk9GcVEbUW8JoKoVUt/s1600/mary-kay-fall-2016-semi-matte-lipstick-swatches-review-always-apricot.jpg) |
Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipstick in "Always Apricot" |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqZxWOHRpUSaxbQTagek953FyAbJF0CK4Yq12V3eoHb3kBrj5VullUm_kC4BfpsfDrfYLh_QT-KuS7IrRhIgeFPamAtZo6UnH1cN1MLL5804qh7CWIT5fsJn4Q4HBnZ55GfuSEqeJpZUA/s1600/mary-kay-fall-2016-semi-matte-lipstick-swatches-review-5.jpg) |
Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipsticks |
Powerful Pink: Bold bright pink; super pigmented and rich.
Crushed Berry: Soft plum with an unfortunately patchy formulation. The pigmentation is also very disappointing for a shade this deep.
Poppy Please: Super bright red with a subtle orange undertone. The pigmentation is right on point; the color is super saturated but not at all drying.
Midnight Red: My personal fave out of the collection, Midnight Red is a warm wine red with a subtle and alluring shine.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SS9P7vcBqu44jDdX85z3C_Ewnf4F5TNyupnKLbQ7mIkNLWuB8Wj7ewMICWa5fq14QhXcqUjPbZf3qc4zqzfU35mSgsN9EnSVTof5m3N40jITwa3lPrN0eLiZ0Y6Q5iANEKEv2BYxXBmk/s1600/mary-kay-fall-2016-semi-matte-lipstick-swatches-review-powerful-pink.jpg) |
Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipstick in "Powerful Pink" |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTN6NRzD5trLLyyENi1PnJBvihbkEJtNsCYuFac5-_cYjTMbNRauUqTrC3rLM3oNkgtpSNWj5li3lzGHwSq7M8BXsuLRATkS98lNiWe_E1ybobu0tYNTi9_gCVWeLkL0SEF5xp7a7UK8F/s1600/mary-kay-fall-2016-semi-matte-lipstick-swatches-review-crushed-berry.jpg) |
Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipstick in "Crushed Berry" |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcxm-qj1t5N-EMznlFZeQfbjFj5_mN8NS18g8D-LT4IrlH-GAxdw1dJY0_8ignsZ4HphWa3ZLEaqAGQ1UU466Y_pdCkrs3WiLPvAIGxNE0I_Y5vR-gGmAY7wVW2OQ9AQkUHruZvGnsarr/s1600/mary-kay-fall-2016-semi-matte-lipstick-swatches-review-poppy-please.jpg) |
Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipstick in "Poppy Please" |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGu2v7bNQMFhf07X7XmGrVq2CN9h_gIZgrlnLywAxgWIRdW8YJLfss-SEcOEK2yjqenqNHLvkt2FsQwbyAXycmqdfwWxVL7vTcQsSUn1fCupfjt5sZDUK7OYa0uZfM-lVnjNv9raoZJG50/s1600/mary-kay-fall-2016-semi-matte-lipstick-swatches-review-midnight-red.jpg) |
Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipstick in "Midnight Red" |
Here is a swatch compilation so you can get a better idea of how the shades compare to each other. My recommendations are "
Rich Truffle", "
Mauve Moment", and "
Midnight Red".
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6kpyGhoAtLt6H1JmwvqyyxNQONz5oSy4IU8IJhkbvHACI3qT1IhlH2uv4Ea-uK1AJrom3_UZ1fZereBfOwL4oinlZxKM9qQ2KOiUnaZKVMdmON3Xw5lgaY1N5WIO2wFeQ0BcclYLjqOg/s1600/mary-kay-fall-2016-semi-matte-lipstick-swatches-review.jpg) |
Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipsticks |
Availability:
The Mary Kay Fall 2016 collection is available through your local
Mary Kay Consultant starting August 16th,