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A Closer Look at Edward Bess Blush Allure, Demi Buff & Rose Demure Lipsticks

January 3, 2011
It seems there has been much excitement about the new lip items from Edward Bess even if thoughts about the new packaging have been mixed. My first review was completed about a month ago linked here New Lip Items from Edward Bess. Other reviews, swatches and details of these new colors have been posted by other great bloggers:

Caf̩ Makeup РEdward Bess, New Lipsticks & Glosses (Swatches)
Best Things in Beauty – Edward Bess Ultra Slick Lipstick . . .
Blogdorf Goodman – Bess is More

As far as I know, each of these lipsticks are available individually for $32 each but were also part of a trio with all three for $75 during Bergdorf Goodman’s last gift card event. Here is a closer look at the new lipsticks in Blush Allure, Demi Buff & Rose Demure.

After testing these for a few weeks, the formula and texture seem to be the same even though the packaging is different. I find that the fig scent is more subtle, but everything else seems to be the same great consistency, coverage and finish as the lipsticks in the older packaging. The new ones are embossed with Edward’s initials (as seen below).


Blush Allure is a pale nude pink. I find it similar in lightness to YSL’s Rouge Volupte #1. The difference is slight, but Blush Allure is slightly darker and the YSL is slightly cooler toned. You can see below it has full creamy coverage, but on me it’s too light and mod-like on my lips. This color is lovely once blotted down and topped with gloss. This will be one of my higher-maintenance nudes. If you can pull off light pinks like MAC Angel, MAC Hue, MAC Faux, YSL Rouge Volupte #1 then you will love Edward Bess’s Blush Allure Lipstick.

Demi Buff is a brown-nude-pink. It leans more brownish on me although you can see bits of pink in it. It’s not as dark on my lips as Bobbi Brown’s Brownie Pink Lipstick but it is similar (see all the way down at the bottom). Compared to BB, the EB lipsticks are creamier and smoother. Bobbi Brown’s are full coverage but slightly more matte with a drier texture, still creamy in my opinion, but without the sheen.

Rose Demure is a pretty cool pink with a tinge of mauve. This is an odd-ball shade. When I put this on last week it turned blueish and almost fuschia. I was sad and thought this would be a shade I’d have to gift away. However, I tried it again this week and it went on a beautiful cool mauve-pink but without the fuschia/blueish cast. I am glad I gave this one a second chance, however I have a feeling this will be a color I cannot pull off every day. My lip color changes from day to day – sometimes they are really pink, other days they look really pale.

These new shades are beautiful neutrals that lean more towards the cool side of the color spectrum. There are a number of similar nude pinks out there – those who have explored those lighter neutrals know it can be hard to find the right one for your skintone. Too pale and you look like a corpse. Too brown and it goes on dark. Blush Allure, Demi Buff & Rose Demure Lipsticks are definitely worth checking out if you can get to a counter (Neimans at Beverly Hills and Houston or Bergdorf Goodman in NY). These have a beautiful and unique undertone that works with one’s natural skintone. That being said, my heart still belongs to a few of his other shades like Forbidden Flower, Pure Impulse and Forever Yours (all previously reviewed within the last year).

Here are the new Edward Bess lipsticks compared to a few other shades. Take note of four things:
1) In the tube they look strikingly similar, my camera isn’t always so great at capturing the differences
2) Swatched on the arm you can see the difference better (only slightly)
3) On the lips, each of these will look different based on how nude-like shades will react with the natural pigment in your lips. For example, Bobbi Brown Brownie Pink and Edward Bess Demi Buff look similar in the tube and on the arm, but on the lips, I get a straight brown with a slight hint of pink with the BB, while the EB shows more pink on me.
4) While these photos may appear to present dupes on your computer screen, I do not think any of these are dupes.

L to R: Bobbi Brown Blush, Bobbi Brown Blondie Pink, Bobbi Brown Brownie Pink, Edward Bess Rose Demure, Edward Bess Demi Buff, Edward Bess Blush Allure, YSL Rouge Volupte 1, YSL Rouge Volupte 23, Tom Ford Pink Dusk (Chanel Ming added in swatches only)




Have any Edward Bess fans tried the new lipsticks? How do you like them?

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Edward Bess Night Romance Lipstick

November 29, 2010
The focus of this particular review is on Night Romance Lipstick by Edward Bess – a luscious raspberry pink cream. It has a smooth creamy texture that gives full coverage in one swipe. In my opinion, his lipsticks work just like a lipstick should. No tweaking or extra layering required.

Night Romance by Edward Bess was one of my first lipsticks from his line. About a year ago, I ordered the Fall 2009 Lipstick Set which had Night Romance, Forever Yours and Tender Love – a trio of berry pinks. All 3 are classic colors that you can wear year round and can take you from day to night with ease. Each shade from last fall are very similar to each other. Night Romance is the coolest-toned of the three and has the most color. I’d describe it as a cool raspberry color. Forever Yours (reviewed here) is more neutral but close in color. Tender Love has a more reddish undertone. They all look very similar and the difference is in the undertone. You might ask, what’s the difference? It’s hard to put into words, but these links might help you out:
  • You can see all three lined up here
  • You can check out Karla Sugar’s swatch line up on her blog, linked here
  • Also check out Blogdorf Goodman’s feature, linked here
Night Romance:

It’s a sophisticated classic and I love it. I was initially worried that it would be too cool for my skin, but it has the right amount of depth to make it work. It’s brighter on me because I have a lot of natural pink in my lips, so I’ll dab a bit of powder or foundations on my bare lips before applying.

* Chanel Tulip Noire Nail Polish on nails

Many might wonder if these are worth the high price tag of $32? For me they definitely are. The formula is creamy and moisturizing. It’s lightly scented with a soft fig scent. They don’t dry out my lips and they feel amazing. So many of those classic cream-finish colors by MAC and Bobbi Brown are gorgeous in the tube and swatched on my hand, but on my lips turn out to be a different story. I can’t tell you how many times I tried to fall in love with classic colors MAC Spirit, Captive or Twig. For some sad reason, they just don’t work on my lips. Edward Bess’s lipstick selection, while small, has great wearable colors for me.

Onto more swatches. On the back of my hand, you can see the blueish tones make the lipstick look different depending on what angle and lighting the color is in:

Here is a photo of me applying it on the lips. I had blotted my lips down with a bit of foundation (it’s a bit uneven) but you can see how well the Edward Bess Lipstick covers the lip:

In direct sunlight:

With the flash, indoors:

I know many of you will see these swatches and think to yourselves, “this doesn’t look the same on me!” For your reference, I have olive undertones and use Chanel’s Shell and Beige foundations in Teint Innocence and Lift Lumiere. This is the equivalent to what’s in between a MAC NC30 and NC35. Also note that I have pink lips naturally. To get a better feel for what this might look like on you, some other great resources to check out:
  • The Non-Blonde’s Review of Night Romance, linked here
  • Modesty Brown’s Review of Night Romance, linked here
  • Josie’s Review on Pink Sith, linked here
Of course, the girls at the Edward Bess counter at Bergdorf Goodman are amazing at describing colors and can help you narrow down the options better than I can. In the US, Edward Bess Cosmetics can now also be found online at places like Neimanmarcus.com, Bergdorfgoodman.com, EdwardBess.com, instore at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills and Neiman Marcus Houston.

FYI, Bergdorf Goodman has their $25 off $100 event coming soon. I believe in the next week. They have a new lipstick and gloss set out along with a new blush that I am eagerly waiting for. You might want to take advantage of this event to save a bit. I believe there is a GWP but I’m not 100% sure what it is. I recommend calling the girls to check out what they are offering this time.

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Le Metier de Beaute Marchesa Collection

September 19, 2010
The Le Metier de Beaute Marchesa collaboration was launched in New York for Fashion’s Night Out at Bergdorf Goodman and since there was a promotion, I decided to take advantage of their GWP and order a few things. Unfortunately the GWP did not arrive with my package, but hopefully will be resolved soon. The items I picked out included the 2 small palettes designed by Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman ($65 each) along with both Sheer Illumination Highlighters ($48 each). Also in my order were a few things from fall and their regular beauty line (to be reviewed later). In terms of availability – I got mine from Bergdorf Goodman, but all Le Metier locations should have these for sale in the next month. Check MetierBeaute.com for location listings.

The Sheer Illumination Pens come in 2 shades, one is a Highlighter which is a pale gold shimmer. The other is a Brightener which is a liquid form of their Refresh Powder Eye Brightener, a pale pinkish cream shade. I have not used these yet on the face, but they are meant to brighten the skin. I will have to experiment with these over the next few weeks to see exactly how they are best used. Both come in a click-style packaging. So far the texture seems easy to blend and smooth so I think they will work magic under my eyes.

The Marchesa Palettes are beautiful for touch ups and perfect for slipping into your purse for going out. Tiny but beautiful to look at. The Keren Palette has warmer tones for a more natural look while the Georgina Palette is more dramatic for an evening look.


Keren Palette contains:
  • Bronzer
  • Concealer
  • Lip Gloss in Le Caramel
  • Creme Blush in La Rougeur
  • Eye Shadow in Le Fauve


Georgina Palette contains:
  • Translucent pressed powder
  • Concealer
  • Lip Gloss in La Cerise Noir
  • Creme Blush in La Peche
  • Eye Shadow in Le Minuit
Here are swatches. I tried to do my best without using up too much of my product. The concealer in both palettes are the same. Also the gloss in the Keren palette goes on clear so I didn’t swatch it again. I almost didn’t swatch these because I felt it would be a waste, but I know many of you will appreciate this. I hope some of you will treat yourself to a splurge because they are indeed beautiful even though extremely expensive.


* note these have been applied with a sheer hand without any base and not all colors in each palette have been swatched


Overall extremely pricey and definitely a splurge. As much I love luxury brands and value high quality products, it was hard for me to justify the prices of these given the small sizes but in the end caved since I was already purchasing a few other items and wanted to qualify for their gift. If I had seen these in person I might have not splurged, but then I do have to say I am happy that I did get these. Although I wouldn’t call these a must have (have I confused you by now?) – I think there are other items in the regular Le Metier line that I like over these. Beautiful no doubt. At this time I am not sure if they are limited edition items or not.

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Edward Bess Compact Rouge

August 17, 2010
The Compact Rouge ($38) by Edward Bess comes in three shades: After Sunset, Love Affair (coming soon) and Island Rose. It’s a multi-use product for lips and cheeks and comes in a small mirrored compact. I usually find “multi-use” products more suitable for only one of the uses they are intended for. Cream products for lips and cheeks are typically either too pigmented for use on cheeks (more suited for lips) or too creamy for the lips (and more suited for cheeks). Then there are those that are so creamy they end up making your skin look too dewey after a few hours. Not something that deters me from purchasing cream based products, however the Compact Rouges from Edward Bess are amazing in that they work well on both lips and cheeks without giving you a greasy finish.

Rather pricey at the size you get (I admit my jaw dropped at the size when I saw it in person) but I find them extremely versatile and naturally flattering. A little dab goes a long way. The formulas are creamy and easy to blend, but not too emollient so you can use them on the cheeks without worrying about that greasy/oily look as the day wears on. I like that you can control the level of pigment you want with these to get a wide range of finishes from heavy to sheer. I like mine to be applied with a medium hand on both lips and cheeks – I swipe 2 fingers (usually index and middle) across the compact, dot on cheeks in three places and just blend outward.

Compared to other brands, I find it similar in pigment to Bobbi Brown but easier to blend. It’s definitely more pigmented than Paul & Joe and NARS Cream Blushes, but then the Edward Bess is a multi-purpose product for both lips and cheeks (rather than just cheeks). It simply does not compare to MAC Blushcremes or Stila Convertible Colors (in my opinion). The EB is just different. Compared to Le Metier face creams, the Edward Bess is less sticky to the touch, but just as easy to blend. Note these are my own personal opinions, yours may differ based on your experience.

For the swatches below, I have medium skin with yellow tones. Right now the foundations I use are Chanel Shell Teint Innocence Liquid and Armani’s Lasting Silk Foundation in 5.5 + 6.5 mixed together.

The first shade released was Island Rose (a raspberry pink) with his Jet Set Collection last holiday. It was instant love. (Also guest swatched and compared on Karlasugar here.) I use it on a weekly basis. Occasionally they have promotions, the last GWP they had back in April was a free compact rouge with a $125 purchase. I have an extra one I keep in my purse. It’s been a life-saver several times when I had a last minute dinner date and nothing else in my car except my powder foundation and a compact rouge on hand.

After Sunset (described as a burned rose, almost bronzey reddish-brown) was released in April. Photos of the collection here. This is a versatile shade and great for girls who like warmer colors or browns. On me it’s a chameleon-like shade. Sometimes it goes on more neutral (like shown below). Some days it goes on darker and more brown.

Coming up in September, his newest shade Love Affair (a cool watermelon pink) is just as stunning. It is on the cool side. This shade has not officially launched in the US, but is scheduled to be released mid-September.

Here they are all next to each other:

Swatched at two extremes: heavy and super sheer


Note these may look different on you depending on your skintone and how heavy you apply these. I highly recommend checking out other websites such as Café Makeup, The Non-Blonde, Musical Houses. If you’ve tried these, please feel free to chime in your thoughts through the comments. If you’ve swatched/reviewed them, also feel free to link your website/blog for reference purposes.
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Edward Bess Love Affair Compact Rouge

August 16, 2010
I’m so excited to be able to give you a preview of the newest Compact Rouge from Edward Bess in Love Affair ($38) a lovely watermelon pink cream with the slightest hint of fuschia. The new Love Affair Compact Rouge will officially launch in the US at Bergdorf Goodman this September during their $25 off a $100 purchase Gift Card Event (exact dates to be determined, but it’s estimated to occur mid-September).


So why all the excitement? For one, it’s something new from Edward Bess. I love his small well thought out collection, yet I am always eager to see what he has coming out next. They were kind enough to send a complimentary sample to me before the launch date and Love Affair does not disappoint. It works well for both lips and cheeks, but I prefer this one on my cheeks. It’s fairly bright and more cool toned on the lips. On the cheeks, it gives a pretty doll-like pink blush.

I’m also a huge fan of the Compact Rouge from EB. I have already purchased Island Rose (raspberry pink) and After Sunset (browned rose), both of which I get regular use out of. I keep one on me most of the time for those last minute dates when I have to look somewhat presentable but have no time to go home and touch up my makeup. Easy to blend, fig scented, natural finish – these are among my favorite cream blushes. (I will review and compare all three in more detail very soon – they both have been featured on my blog before, it may require a bit of searching.)

Love Affair is a pretty addition to his collection. It’s is gorgeous pink, but better suited for those who can pull off bright pinks or cool pinks. I personally find Island Rose and After Sunset more versatile and universally flattering, but I think Love Affair will work with any of EB’s eyeshadows or eyeshadow trios. (In case you haven’t seen, check out my review on his single eyeshadows Edward Bess Eyeshadow Gorgeousness). On the lips I like it with a touch of gloss to soften the color (like EB Desert Glow, Chanel Bon Bon or Vanilla Aqualumiere Glosses), but it’s pure perfection as a blush for that healthy doll pink glow. If you like lip colors such as NARS Roman Holiday or Schiap, then I think you will adore Love Affair.

Here it is swatched:




L to R (swatched heavy and sheer): After Sunset, Love Affair, Island Rose


Also coming out very soon for fall include the following:

  • Endless Love Deep Shine Lip Gloss – $30
  • Sheer Satin Cream Compact Foundation – $60
  • Moroccan Rose Blush Imperiale Powder Blush – $48
  • Love Affair Compact Rouge – $38
I am anxious to hear descriptions of Endless Love and Moroccan Rose as the launch date draws near. Edward Bess is available in the US at Bergdorf Goodman (instore) and EdwardBess.com (online). Those not familiar with BG – at least twice per year, they have a $25 off $100 purchase event. Some of the beauty lines have an additional promotion such as a gift with purchase with each line. Past gifts from Edward Bess have been a full sized mascara and a full sized compact rouge (shades are predetermined). Minimum purchase amounts have typically ranged from $100 to $150, at least in my experience.

I don’t have the details on this year’s BG promotion, but I hear the BG counter will be sending out their info cards really soon!

As if news of new products wasn’t exciting enough, Edward Bess is expanding in the US! Not sure if you know, but I hear Edward Bess is launching at Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills Sept. 1st and in Houston on Sept. 16th!

This was sample sent to me, courtesy of Edward Bess. At this time I do not have a disclosure policy as this is the first product I have accepted and reviewed. For more information, you may find this article helpful: Yes, No, Maybe.
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Edward Bess Ultra Luminous Bronzers: Daydream & Desert Sun

July 15, 2010
You’ve heard me sing praises about Edward Bess’s Bronzer in Daydream. It’s the most versatile and natural bronzer I have that gives a soft tanned luminous glow. Many have wondered about the other Ultra Luminous Bronzer shade offered called Desert Sun. I too was curious about it and recently acquired this so I can now give you a comparison.

The girls from the Edward Bess counter at Bergdorf Goodman suggested using Daydream and then layering Desert Sun on the apples of the cheeks to intensify the bronzed look. They assured me that it wouldn’t be too dark. I don’t mind a more dramatic bronzer (such as NARS Casino, the darker counterpart to NARS Laguna) so I decided to give it a try. Both have a soft natural and blendable texture. The finish is in-between a matte and shimmer which gives a luminous tanned finish. They also have that signature Edward Bess fig scent which is subtle.

Left to Right: Daydream & Desert Sun

The difference between the two shades is noticeable but not drastic. Depending on the lighting, the difference between the colors in the compact is subtle. Daydream and Desert Sun are both brown-based without orange tones and give an effect that mimics a natural tan. Daydream gives me a luminous tanned glow. Desert Sun is more dramatic, borderline too dark on me. I can pull both off, but right now Daydream is perfect for me.

Swatches are done heavily. They don’t apply this way on the face, I don’t think anyone should apply blush or bronzer the same way most of us swatch items. This should give you a good idea of the color comparison so take it with a grain of salt. The colors are similar, the difference is in how dark they are. I highly recommend checking out KarlaSugar’s swatch comparison too (see her review here).



Left to Right: Daydream & Desert Sun

After testing both, I have to say my heart still belongs to Daydream. I can’t emphasize enough how versatile it is. I wear it alone, layered with different blushes, layered with cream highlighters, etc. To recap about Daydream, you can read about how I’ve used it in the following posts:

* First reviewed here
* Last Monday’s Look: Jcrew Ginny Dress + Banana …
* Today’s Cry Baby Lips + Nails …
* Two Look-Of-The-Day Features …

Those not familiar with the line, Edward Bess is a cosmetic line currently exclusive in the U.S. to Bergdorf Goodman in New York and his website. The products are designed by Edward Bess and you can read more about him on his website EdwardBess.com.
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Paul & Joe Eye Glosses: Celestial, Halo & Murmur

July 1, 2010
I’ve been eyeing the Paul & Joe Eye Glosses for over a year and finally decided to purchase them to try them out. Another lemming-inspired purchase influenced by bloggers I adore and trust. I am a skeptic by nature and for me reviews are sometimes hard to decipher. We all have different tastes, opinions, and preferences, so what works for some might not be my cup of tea. I don’t have immediate access to Paul & Joe in person, so these reviews gave me a good idea of what to expect. Each have their own unique style, but there are multiple items they’ve reviewed on occasion that I love, so I found their perspective and descriptions extremely helpful. Check out their reviews:
  • Lotus Palace’s review of Halo 04 + eye swatch here
  • Josie’s review of Celestial 01 and Murmur 05 + swatches here
  • Gaia’s review of Moonlight 03 and Murmur 05 + swatches here
  • Tali’s review of Celestial 01 + eye swatch here
The Eye Glosses retail for $24 each and come in a tube with a sponge tipped application with a whipped gel type of formula. My picks from Beautyhabit (online) & Bergdorfs (instore) in 01 Celestial (sparkling pale gold), 04 Halo (light frosted cool pink), and 05 Murmur (shimmering grey-taupe) are shown below:





The first one I played with was Murmur 05, a shimmering grey-taupe. It took some experimenting before I could get the application right. My first tries left me with either a finish that was too sheer or lop-sided (because they dry pretty fast). I found this one works best when applied in light layers. They dry and set pretty fast once brushed onto the eyelid, so I had to use my cream eyeshadow brush to apply in quick strokes blending fast. I like this one just by itself with mascara.

Next, I tried Celestial 01, a super sparkly pale gold. When it comes to shimmer, we all have our own personal preference for how much shimmer we feel comfortable with. I have to say this one is a lovely shade of pale gold, but the sparkle factor is extremely intense! Gaia from The Non-Blonde described it perfectly when she says it’s more for date night. We have similar tastes in brands and products, just typically pick colors on different ends of the spectrum. I’m all about shimmer, but I’m pushing 30 and this seems a bit over the top for conservative-me. It’s borderline glittery. Gorgeous, but it’s definitely out of my comfort zone.

Halo 04 was the last one I tried out, a cool pale pink shimmer. It’s sparkly as well, but the finish is less glittery than Celestial. This one blends to a lovely pink shimmer wash.

So the verdict – I like the packaging and the lasting power. They dry fast, but once they are set, they stay put. Murmur is lovely when layered properly on the eye and is subtle enough for everyday wear. Halo and Celestial are a few notches up in the shimmer factor. I think these are better suited for going out. I could possibly wear Halo (the pink one) for every day, but only when applied with a light hand.

If you’ve tried these – what are your thoughts? Are there any other colors you feel are must-haves or must-try-outs? If you’ve reviewed it feel free to link in the comments below 🙂

Or if you have any suggestions on what you coordinate with these I’m all ears!

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