For lips, I like to wear sheer see-through colors for brights. What I like (left to right from above): NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in New Lover, Dior Addict in Model 564, NARS Angelika Lip Gloss, Chanel Nakkar Glossimer, Chanel Pink Pulsion Glossimer (see it here) Paul & Joe Lip Lacquer in 08 Bouquet, Bobbi Brown Hot Pink Lip Gloss, Edward Bess Island Rose Compact Rouge.
Swatched on arm, same order, in direct sunlight:
One more view, with flash:
I haven’t done lip-swatches of all the colors yet, but here are the ones I do have:
NARS New Lover (also here), this is a unique shade that looks different on everyone. It looks so different on my hand compared to my lips. See it on Cafe Makeup on Liz who is fairer and slightly cooler toned (here) while this is what it looks like on me below:
Nars Angelika Lip Gloss:
Paul & Joe Lip Lacquer 08 (looks brighter in real life, flash washed out color a bit, all my Paul & Joe Lip Lacquers here they are among my favorite lip glosses, I have almost every color):
Edward Bess Island Rose Compact Rouge (also here and swatched for Karlasugar here):
I apologize if all the links have you clicking in too many places. I’ve just referenced them in case you wanted to see more detailed reviews or comparison from past reviews. Have a happy Friday!
Edward Bess has a beautifully edited, sophisticated and classic beauty line. I first discovered his products while flipping through a Bergdorf Goodman catalog and was instantly intrigued by the sleek black lipstick tubes all lined up in a row. I googled it but to my dismay, found it was only available in NYC. I could not see the items in person. Thanks to LeslieCZ, Alexa, Leanne, Blogdorf Goodman, Fab Over Forty among other Edward Bess fans, I was able to get the scoop. Several gave me wonderful recommendations and urged me to contact the Edward Bess counter Bergdorf Goodman. I’m so glad I did. I’ve never met a more helpful team of artists. On each and every occasion that I’ve called them, they have given helpful descriptions and recommendations over the phone as they listened to me describe my tastes/likes/dislikes. They put me completely at ease ordering items sight-unseen.
The items from Edward Bess are classics and naturally flattering. They are reliable staples in my beauty wardrobe and versatile to create a number of different looks.
Many of you have asked for my own recommendations of what I like from Edward Bess. I thought I’d put together a resource page of what I’ve tried that has been reviewed since I can imagine what a hassle it must be to search through over 600 posts =) I’ve loved almost everything I’ve tried (with the exception of the original mascara). I hope this helps!
Where to buy & info
Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills, EdwardBess.com (prices, full collection and other locations on his website)
The Beauty Look Book’s Top Five Favorites from Edward Bess
(only because so many have asked)
Daydream Bronzer (my holy grail)
Pure Impulse Lipstick
Forever Yours Lipstick
Dusk Eyeshadow
Soft Smoke Eyeshadow Trio
Island Rose Compact Rouge (oops, six!)
* Tip – Yes, the price points are high, but Bergdorf Goodman occasionally puts together beauty events and gift-card events, many times with nice gift-with-purchases. Their GWPs are usually one full-sized item (they pick out the item) and occasionally they have a step-up gift. I think their next one is in April.
Here is the second installment of the Bobbi Brown & Tibi collaboration, new for spring 2011. We got our first sneak peek with an exclusive set from Neimans Preview Set (reviewed here). I finally had a chance to see the other items in the Python & Peony Collection and fell in love with the new eyeshadow palette, Lilac lipstick and Pale Peony gloss.
Lilac Rich Lip Color has previously been reviewed and swatched here. To recap, it’s a lovely lilac-pinkish cream color. It’s on the neutral-cool side, but not too cool. Beautiful full coverage, soft lightweight but creamy texture, long lasting. Pale Peony Rich Color Gloss is a sheerish cream pink – compared to other colors in this formula I found Pale Peony on the sheer side, but it still gives a noticeable coverage. There is a slight mint scent. Texture is not as sticky as her regular glosses. Here they are compared to the Pink Lilac Brightening Gloss so you can gauge how cool/lavender/pink these are.
Pale Peony lip-swatched by itself (no liner or lipstick underneath):
I was going to pass on the Python & Peony Eyeshadow Palette mainly because I wasn’t too keen on the packaging. The zip closure is a bit difficult to handle for me (not to mention a bit difficult to hold while applying). However I was smitten with the color palette – I do wish these were available in individual pan form (would have passed on Cool Ivory, Plum Orchid and Eclipse). Opal is a pale cool greyish cream, Lavender is a cool pinkish lilac, Cool Ivory is a grey beige, Cobra is a metallic steel grey, Plum Orchid is a sheer plum, Eclipse is a sheer black. I found the matte colors chalky by themselves, but liked the way they layered over her gel liner or applied with a slightly damp brush.
Over the weekend, I applied Laura Mercier’s Gold Metallic Creme shadow on the lids and topped with Opal 1/2 way up the lid, layered Cobra on top mixed with the Plum Orchid & Eclipse over a dark black liner smudged and then blended.
Today for work, I applied UD’s Sin Primer Potion all over the lids, applied Opal as a wash with Lavender on the center of lids and blended softly upwards. Then I mixed Cobra with Eclipse together as a smokey liner over her Caviar Ink Gel Liner.
Swatched on the arm:
I do think the Lavender in the palette can look a bit too cool if applied with a heavy hand by itself. I’m one who loves light purples but often times in saturated doses it can look very dated. I personally think it looks best when combined with the other colors in the palette. Layering it over a sheer gold cream shadow (not something I think most think of) like Laura Mercier’s Gold Metallic Creme shadow can help balance out the pink/cool tones. If you are finding it too cool – play around with it and layer it on top of other shades or add a smokey silver on top and blend together.
Overall love but I do hope Bobbi Brown slows down with the palettes. I like to pick out my own colors =)
It’s that time of year when Laura Mercier releases several limited edition value sets at Nordstrom (here), Neimans (here) and Saks (here). Each store has their own special kit with exclusive items including a mix of full size products plus minis for $68. This year, the Saks Premiere Beauty Collection appealed most to me with the following items:
Brown zippered bag with a paisley lining
Full sized Tightline Cake Eye Liner in Ground Espresso
Full sized Lip Glacé in Pink Lilac (sheer milky lilac pink)
Eye Colour Duo in Dusk (shimmery pink-lilac) & Chocolate (shimmery brown)
Mini Black Full Blown Volume Lash Building Mascara
Double-Ended Pony Tail/Flat Eye Liner Brush
To break down the cost per full sized items: Liner $22 + Eyeshadow $22 + Lip Glacé $22 = $66. For the additional $2 you get a decent sampling of other items not to mention a nice travel brush (I’ve collected a number of mini brushes from LM sets over the years and rely on them when traveling).
I purchased this sight unseen online, mainly for the new Lip Gloss, Eyeshadow Duo & Brush. I plan on regifting the other items. I’ve had the Cake Eyeliners used on me on multiple Laura Mercier makeover events but I prefer pencil or gel liners to liquid or cake (so this item won’t be swatched). Dusk/Chocolate is a gorgeous combination – I already have Dusk in a mini sample size and like that it’s lilac and cool-toned but not too purple. I find that lilac/lavender eyeshadows can sometimes look dated.
Pink Lilac is beautiful in the tube but very sheer and practically invisible on the lips. I think it will make a good enhancing color for sheer pink and lilac colored lipsticks.
Overall a great value and nice combination of colors. I would have preferred something other than the cake liner since there is already a dark shadow (Chocolate) – like a blush or lipstick, but I know it will be easily regift-able. The lip gloss is pretty but sheer and light, perhaps it will show up better on girls with lighter lips or lighter skintones. I know I’ll get a lot of use with layering it, but I would have preferred more pigment and color. The set also comes with a mini instruction card but I found it very basic.
Have any of you checked out any of the Special Edition sets at Saks, Neimans or Nordstrom? Did any of you pick one up? Thoughts/rants/raves?
There are a few previews of the upcoming Bobbi Brown & Tibi collaboration for the Peony & Python collection floating around the web. We finally have our first glimpse from Neiman Marcus in an exclusive preview set which includes the following ($95):
Pink Peony Illuminating Bronzer (new) – a cool pink with gold flecks
Black Mauve Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner (repromote) – taupe purple bronze
Two Mini Brushes
I bought this mainly because of the new Pink Peony Bronzer & the cute zippered pouch it comes in. Pricey for just 2 things but I am nearly out of my Pink Lilac gloss and can easily re-gift the Black Mauve Shimmer Ink gel liner. To breakdown the cost by full-sized individual product, Illuminating Bronzers $33 + Gel Liner $21 + Brightening Gloss $22 = $76, which means you pay $19 for the pouch and two mini brushes. Unfortunately the two mini brushes are pretty crappy – the blender brush sheds like crazy and the gel liner brush is too small in the handle to get an easy grip with your hand. Pretty disappointing.
As disappointing as the brushes are, the colors are beautiful Pink Peony is a cooler and slightly deeper version of Maui & Antigua Illuminating Bronzers. I thought Antigua/Maui were pinkish, but Pink Peony is more of a true pink while the others are warmer. Pink Peony is also a more pigmented version of Pink Sugar Shimmer Blush (which goes on sheer on me). Here are the comparisons:
Black Mauve Shimmer Wash is a repromote. Bobbi Brown Gel Liners are among my favorite for gel liners. Here it is compared to a few other brownish & purple colors from Bobbi Brown. If you haven’t checked out Black Mauve Shimmer – definitely do!
The Brightening Glosses are sheer but luminous. I love these alone, over liner or over lipstick for a soft sheen. The texture is smooth and semi-thick, but not too sticky. They do have that annoying bristle brush which can get messy from inserting back into the tube. I love everything about Bobbi Brown’s glosses from the small simple packaging and texture and scent but I keep hoping one day she will change the brush tip.
All the comparisons swatched:
Overall lovely! If you don’t have the gloss or gel liner I think it’s a decent deal. As much as I hate the brushes in this set, I find they are usable and ok for touch ups – just far below the quality of her full-sized brushes. Brands need to take lessons from Laura Mercier who produces wonderful mini brushes in her sets & palettes which I find are of excellent quality (not identical to her full size, but still very very good).
As far as I know, in the US, the items are exclusive to each category listed above. I did not have in person access to any of these, but thanks to the blogs Café Makeup, Makeup Magpie and The Stash Archives, I was able to find out more about these colors and make a purchasing decision.
Up first: Chanel Liberté Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss #54 is a soft peachy-pink with subtle shimmer. The texture is creamy and thick yet smooth with medium coverage. The color is gorgeous but close to my natural lip color so it looks sheerish on my lips. (No lip swatches yet, it’s been cloudy and dark so I can’t get good lip photos.) I called up Nikki from Dolce & Gabbana at Saks Houston as soon as I spotted the Liberté gloss online and luckily she located a few for me. I can’t rave enough about how awesome and helpful she is (more D&G reviews to come soon). Definitely check out Makeup Magpie and The Stash Archives for more amazing swatches/reviews from different points of view.
Compared to a few other RAEs, #55 Confidence and #56 Imaginaire, the exclusive Liberte is more peachy pinky, similar to Candy Glow Aqualumiere Gloss (scroll down for swatches):
Up second: Baroque Rouge Coco #30 is a hard one to describe and extremely difficult to photograph accurately. In the tube, it’s a browned plum, leaning more towards brown, but depending on the angle you hold it, you will see it flash plum. On the lips, it’s a deep brownish-red-brick type color. I don’t own anything like it, but Sycamore Rouge Coco seems to be in a similar color family. I like it for holiday/fall but it will probably be too dark and dramatic once spring (the real spring season that is) arrives.
Finally: Berry Precision Eye Definer #58 is a beautiful taupe-plum frost. Hard to envision, but it’s like a silvery purple. (Scroll down below to see swatches.) I love how different this is from anything I’ve ever seen. Not a straight plum, not quite brownish, not taupe – but rather a mix of all three. The application on these pencils is smooth with rich pigment. Staying power is average. It doesn’t fade or disappear fast, but it definitely won’t last from morning to night.
On the nails, OPI Holiday Glow (from 2009) over Dior Aztec Chocolate
Overall:
Liberte – I love this color, it’s right up my alley, but it’s better when layered over a lipstick. By itself I find it too sheer. I think it will complement colors like MAC Ramblin Rose or Chanel Muse Rouge Coco well. For some reason, peachy colors blend in more naturally for me. The other pinks like Confidence (reviewed here) and Imaginaire, although similar in intensity (or lightness) show up significantly more because they are pinkish rather than peachish. Weird, right?
Baroque – Beautiful rich dark, but not too dark. Like Amy from Cafe Makeup says, it’s good for right now.
Berry – Love. Definitely check out Amy’s review (linked here). Her photos are better than mine and capture that beautiful silvery quality that is hard to photograph.
Swatches below (detail can be viewed better if you click on these images for larger viewing):
If you’re on the distribution list for the Bergdorf Goodman Catalog then you’ve probably already seen the lovely preview of the new lipsticks and glosses from Edward Bess. Also, Amy from Café Makeup provided us a swatch sneak peek along with the color names here. The new items have finally arrived in-store at BG in two special sets. Trios which are each $75. One has the 3 lipsticks, the other has the 3 glosses. I found these to be a good deal since each lipstick and gloss is $30+.
New Lipsticks L to R: Blush Allure, Demi Buff, Rose Demure
New Glosses L to R: French Lace, First Kiss, Amor
The lipsticks are all natural and neutral. Even though the packaging is different, the scent, textures and formulas all seem to be the same quality. All (as usual with Edward Bess lip products) are a cream finish-formula without any shimmer. At first glance, the lipsticks all look similar, but you’ll see the differences when swatched below. Here are my descriptions:
Blush Allure is a pastel neutral nude-pink, it seems to be a pink version of Pure Impulse
Demi Buff is a neutral pink-brown
Rose Demure is a neutral-cool mauve pink
French Lace is a light grey-beige-pinkish nude
First Kiss is a vibrant healthy pink glow (love this one)
Amor is a deep raspberry almost fuschia reddish color
The lipsticks are full coverage and lipglosses semi-sheer with a high gloss finish. You can read my previous reviews of Edward Bess to get a more detailed idea of his lip products, but overall are high-quality, fig-scented, naturally flattering and beautiful. In this next photo you can see the subtle underlying differences in tone for the lipsticks. Blush Allure is more nudish, Demi Buff is the most brown, Rose Demure is more mauvey.
Now onto the packaging. I have a love/hate relationship with packaging changes. I tend to like it when packaging changes are minimal because I like consistency for storage sake. For Edward Bess, the lipstick packaging is now square and made of a plastic casing. The new case is very sturdy and the benefit is that now there will be less rolling off the table casualties. However, I really loved the sleek metal round tube he used to have. Weight/product wise, the older lipstick tubes were .14 oz/4 g while the new ones are now .13 oz/3.8 g. Not a huge difference so it’s not something I think anyone will make a fuss about.
The lipgloss packaging seems to be virtually the same to me. The old and new are very similar and the differences are slight, but I feel the newer tubes are less angular and have a slightly softer look. The old packaging glosses were .19 oz/5.8 ml if made in Italy or .16 oz/4.4 g if made in the USA. The new packaging glosses are .20 oz/5.9 ml.
Packaging L to R: New, Old, Old, New
Swatches:
Overall I find them very different from the existing EB lipsticks and glosses. This is the first time he has released lighter neutral pinkish colors. The closest ones Tender Love, Pure Impulse and Natural Attraction are all significantly darker/deeper.
Those not familiar with Edward Bess’s line, check out the tag/label below for past reviews and info on where to buy etc. I’ll feel like a broken record if I repeat where the items are found or can be purchased again since I’ve done so numerous times already. Also you can reference the tear-out from the catalog up above 🙂
I haven’t had time to try these on the lips yet so I can’t say for sure how these look on the lips. They literally arrived a couple days ago from Bergdorf Goodman and I haven’t had time to test them fully. Lip swatches to come soon.
