Hey! Look! Pay no attention to the blogger who hasn’t actually blogged in over three weeks. It’s the new L’Oreal Collection Exclusive Pure Reds range!
The launch consists of four reds, each one designed to flatter a different skin tone. Blake’s Red, the one I’m wearing above, is a very cool red, pitched at blondes with light skin. Warmer, darker skins are catered for with the warmer, darker Eva’s Red. Liya’s red is deeper with berry tones to flatter very dark skin. Porcelain redheads are the market for the bright tomato, Julianne’s Red.
It’s a guide, not an exact science. I’d wear ’em all, but it’s nice to have the shade selection simplified. Swatched below, from top to bottom are Liya’s Red, Blake’s Red, Julianne’s Red and Eva’s Red.
Texture is the same across the board. It’s a new matte – no slip or high gloss, but no dry, flat appearance. Contrast the lip swatch above with the one of me wearing MAC Ruby Woo. See how there’s no light reflecting off my lips in the latter, whereas there’s a shine in the former? That little different makes for fuller looking lips.
They last on the lips, especially as they lend themselves to blotting and resting as a stain well. It’s that high dose of pigment working – you don’t need extra layers, so there isn’t a lot to bleed out, transfer or smudge.
On an autumnal note, because autumn happened all of a sudden, these are blended with jojoba oil. Its moisturising benefits mean you won’t have to come in from the elements, pile on lip balm, light three candles and hope for the best.
So far, very good. Totally worth the €11.99. BUT THERE’S MORE. They smell like really fancy jam. Artisan jam. I think it’s a lovely little extra bit of luxury, but sniff ’em before you buy – the scent lingers and is hard to ignore. If you don’t like it (you probably will because, hello? posh jam) you might find it overpowering.
The packaging isn’t very weighty, but the lids click shut tightly and they look good. An embossed bullet, subtly printed casing and gold branding – lots going on, but it works.
I think I’ve covered everything, which is the kind of word vomity thing I expected after a three-week absence. The no-waffle gist? Yeah, these are lovely.
makeup monster
Always look forward to seeing your posts, you really suit red lipstick!
Sharon
I love ’em on you, but I can’t do red. Surprised that Julianne’s is SO red, her nude was (and is) one of my all-time favourite lipsticks, but there’s no way I could do that red. Or maybe I just think I can’t. Either way, you look fabulous x
emma
First of all, look at your brows! SO FAB! This is a gorgeous shade of red on you, I like the idea of these, even though I wear all kinds of reds, it makes it easier for people to find what suits them in the pharmacy where it can be a bit yucky to try lipsticks on.
I’m dying to smell these after your description!
Emma x
Emma (fluff and fripperies)
Well that is GORGEOUS on you!
YourBeauty.ie
Need them all!
Manwai
so… It’s the blake dupe of mac Rubywoo?
Lorraine Haigney
Not in terms of texture, Blake’s red is less matte. In terms of shade, they’re pretty close.