This spring Burberry Beauty has released a new lipstick formula called Burberry Kisses ($33 each for 3.8 g / 0.13 oz, made in Italy). There are 28 shades of this new hydrating lipstick formula. It appears these have been launched to replace the original Lip Cover Soft Satin Lipsticks (still available at Nordstrom and Saks). A few of the older colors have been relaunched in the new formula but most of the shades are new ones. I was a fan of the Lip Covers and Lip Mists for their soft natural color and flawless application. Burberry has released some released soft pinks, nudes, mauves and roses but I know many could not wear the lipsticks due to the rose scent. The good news for those with sensitive noses is the new formula has no detectable fragrance or taste. I didn’t think the formula could get better but it has with improved wear, texture, buildable color.
I have six shades to share thoughts on today. The Burberry team kindly sent over a diverse range of six colors for me to test. I have yet to make a trip to my local Burberry counter to see all the colors in person but after putting six to the test I can say I will definitely be checking out the others soon. The packaging of the new Burberry Kisses is the same in size, design and form as the original lipsticks. They come in a silver squared tube that come with magnetic snap lids.
The formula of the Kisses lipsticks is like no other lipstick I’ve tried. These are like a weightless velvety cushion for the lips with truly buildable pigment. These are described as being able to give you sheer to high coverage and the formula is just that. One swipe gives a sheer even wash of color, multiple swipes will add more color without feeling heavy or looking cakey. Compared to the Lip Covers, the Kisses Lipsticks have less of a slip and less shine, but still look natural and meld into the lips. If you’re well acquainted with the lipstick formulas Burberry has released, I’d describe the finish somewhere in between that of the Lip Velvets and Lip Covers. They do have a moisturizing and hydrating feel but don’t feel heavy or thick. Lasting power is quite good, I had no fading within 4 hours of wear (but I didn’t eat or drink in that testing period).
The 28 colors are grouped into five main color categories of Nude, Pink, Coral, Brown/Rosewood and Red. Six shades I have to share, all are creams without any visible shimmer:
- Blossom Pink is a soft neutral pink nude that leans more pink
- Garnet is a medium rosewood plum mauve, it’s a nice polished medium-dark pink mauve that doesn’t pull brown or too dark
- Bright Coral is a vibrant coral that is very bright on my complexion
- Nude Pink is just that, a nude pink, very similar to Blossom Pink (which is more pink), this is a flawless nude pink lipstick, it’s light on my pigmented lips but doesn’t wash me out, if you have lips that are lighter this will look darker on you
- Rose Blush is a soft mauve rose about 1.5 shades lighter than Garnet
- Oxblood is a classic deep vampy wine color
Swatches and more views:
Lip swatches, for skintone reference I’m wearing NARS All Day Luminous Foundation in Punjab mixed with Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow mixed together:
I pulled a few of the older Lip Covers to compare with the new Kisses formula. There is only one that I have both the old and new formula of to compare, Oxblood is identical in the new and old formula in color and coverage, the older version is slightly more glossy.
* Note Devon Sunset has also been released in the new formula, but I haven’t seen both side by side to compare the colors
One last shot below of the new Burberry Kisses, left to right is Nude Pink, Oxblood, Bright Cora, Nude Blush, Blossom Pink and Garnet
Bottom line gorgeous. The formula of the Burberry Kisses is really good. I plan on looking into the other colors very soon. There are quite a few new lipstick formulas that have been launched this spring and you may be wondering which one is best. I think each brand has developed unique formulas to suit different tastes and likes. My quick take based on what I’ve tested:
- The Marc Jacobs Sheer Lip Gels offer a range of lighter colored nudes to brighter neutrals with a glossy sheen. If you have dry lips you need to prep your lips otherwise the colors will emphasize lip lines. Range offers one shimmer (Have We Met?) and the rest are non-shimmers. These have a very soft vanilla scent (emphasis on very soft).
- The Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Cremes are for those who like strong bold colors with super saturated pigment and long wear color. This range does have a few neutrals but the focus is on bold rich color, all are creams. The formula is hydrating. The color options are heavy on the reds and corals. There are also good mochas, plums and brights. These have a soft vanilla scent.
- Chanel relaunched their Rouge Coco Lipsticks (to be reviewed soon). This range offers a wide selection of neutrals in the nude, pink and rose range, there are also a couple medium mauves and then you have the jump to brights and deeper colors to choose from. The colors have a soft shimmer mixed in for dimension with a medium glossy finish. Some have more shimmer than others, but they all have a luminous look. These have a rose scent.
- The Burberry Kisses Lip Colors are somewhere in the middle of all the others with coverage that is buildable from sheer to medium-full coverage without any shimmer but don’t look flat. The finish is very natural with a slight sheen but don’t have that high shine finish and the formula melds into the lip for a natural look. This launch has the widest range of colors to choose from neutrals, roses, pinks, mauves, reds and corals (although it does seem to lack any brown-tones).
I’ve found something likable in all the formulas I’ve tested but I think the Burberry line will appeal to more people due to the color range and the fragrance-free formula. You can find the Burberry Kisses Lipsticks at Burberry.com right now. Also available at select
Have you tried the new Burberry Kisses Lipstick formula yet? What did you think?
The Burberry Kisses were provided courtesy of Burberry for review consideration.
