Ever had one of those moments when you have something new, use it for months on end and then think “You know what? I really want to tell someone about this!”? No? Just me then! LOL!
That’s how I feel about the Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Color lipsticks that dropped on us some time last year. You might remember seeing the shiny gold packaging everywhere, a sharp contrast to Bobbi’s regular black offering. They made for some pretty pictures!
I received 2 in shades that were remarkably well-chosen for me (red and RED! 😀 ) and I only just realised last week that despite keeping one of them in my daily makeup pouch and rotation, I hadn’t yet blogged about them! Oops! 😛
The Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Color is a permanent range of lipsticks that, true to their name, have a more luxurious packaging of gold metal, with a black band. The boast of this range is to deliver bold, opaque and vibrant lip colours in one swipe on your lips without drying it out. By jove, they did it! 😀
True to their word, I do find that the Bobbi Brown Luxe lip colours swipe on like butter, without tugging and leaves an opaque layer of colour on your lips with just 1 swipe. I didn’t quite believe it myself, but I had to, the minute I swiped it on.
However, unlike many creamy or emollient lipsticks, these BB Luxe Lips aren’t shiny or glossy on the lips. Unlike many bold, longlasting lip colours, they aren’t matte either. I find that they have a satin finish, that stays on me like they’ve been painted on. I mean that in a good way! I’m not a fan of matte lipsticks in general, so these suit me fine.
Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Colour L-R: Russian Doll, Retro Red
The texture is so light that I don’t feel them when I’m wearing them, yet they look and remain so amazingly opaque on, even though I’ve greedily devoured lunch and drank cups of water and coffee in between. Sure, it marks my mugs, but it doesn’t seem to fade very much.
I’m not the biggest fan of long-lasting, creamy finishes, as they tend to dry out the lips, but I didn’t experience any drying from this range of lipsticks. Dare I say that these Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Colors are very close to taking the place now occupied by my favourite Guerlain Rouge G lipsticks (which are now so mind-bogglingly expensive that I can barely bring myself to indulge anymore!). That’s saying a lot mind you! To top it off, these are almost unscented – almost because there is some scent, but nothing strong or lasting or overpowering.
I have 2 shades on hand – Russian Doll (a cool toned deeper red) and Retro Red (a slightly warmer, brighter red) which I tried very hard to swatch for you on my arms just to show you the texture, but I failed, because both shades looked so similar in pictures that I didn’t see the point. In person, they are very similar, but Russian Doll looks a little deeper, with a slight berry base, while Retro Red lives up to its name as a bright, retro, red-red.
Here’s how they both look when I wear them – they may look similar, although depending on your monitor, you may notice a VERY slight difference in the 2 lip colours.
I wear Russian Doll more often. While red, I find that the slightly deeper red and cooler base makes it a little easier to wear when meeting people. Retro Red, while a colour I thoroughly enjoy wearing as well, is a little brighter and more in your face. I like to think of it as a pin-up red. I just need to tog up in a 50’s style and I’d be in character 😀
I hadn’t been wearing red lipsticks for a while, favouring a more neutral rose or pink shade for daily wear, but these have given me a little jumpstart to reignite my passion for red lipsticks! So, PB is back in the red! 😀 The finances will go that way too if I’m not careful LOL! 😀
IN A NUTSHELL
The Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Color collection boasts 30 shades of beautiful, creamy, opaque and vibrant lip colours that swipe on creamy like butter and stay put for hours without drying out the lips. I love wearing these on days when I don’t really want to think about touching up my makeup, and if I want my lipstick to last through lunch (provided I don’t do anything vigorous like tear into greasy ribs or hearty sandwiches). I like the texture, opacity and the shades available. I would even go so far as to say that they are very close to taking top spot of my favourite creamy lipsticks, now occupied by Guerlain Rouge G. Very close! 😀
PROS: Lightweight texture, Creamy formula, Not drying, Opaque in 1 swipe, Vibrant colour, Long lasting, Does not fade off easily
CONS: Gold packaging is a bit gaudy
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who enjoys wearing creamy and opaque lip colours
PRICE: RM107 | US$35
AVAILABILITY: Bobbi Brown counters and stores, Bobbi Brown online, Sephora, Nordstrom
You may have noticed I didn’t mention this was expensive. At the current price, I don’t consider it too expensive, putting it against other similar brands with lipsticks of similar textures like Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy (less luxe packaging, similar creamy texture but not as long lasting) or Guerlain Rouge G (more luxe packaging with similar creamy texture but scented and drop-dead-in-a-faint pricing). I didn’t think this too pricey at all! I think they’re worth checking out, and while I’m late telling you about this, I’m glad it’s permanent, so better late than never! 😉
Have you tried the Bobbi Brown Luxe Lips? Do you have a favourite shade?
I know I’m big on red lipstick, but I think Russian Doll is a gorgeous lip colour that most people can wear. It’s bold, yet not distracting and makes putting on makeup a doddle. Do your base, brows, eyeliner if you like and a light blush, slick on Russian Doll and you’re DONE! 😀 If you have other shades you like, please tell me! 🙂
Paris B
I am absolutely obsessed with these! I bought two nudes – Neutral Rose and Pink Nude, but after seeing your beautiful lip swatches I know my collection is missing Retro Red.
And you’d love Retro Red if you love red lipstick! The formula is quite something and now I’m going to have to check out the neutrals 😉
I bought the Bobbi Brown Nourishing Lip Color in Rosebud and I like it very much. I had been wondering about the Luxe Lip Color because I need a lipstick that isn’t drying. I’m glad I read your review. I can check out the Luxe Lip shades.
The Nourishing lip colour is going to be available here soon! I think I have that one too 😀 I didn’t find these Luxe lip colours drying but I have to say that some people have. But if you’re familiar with the regular Bobbi Brown lipsticks, I’d say it’s much better 🙂
Wow, definitely more affordable than Guerlain. I’ll have to convince my mom to test these out with me.
Teehee… did you end up trying any? 🙂
Not yet – very slow about these things 🙂
I already have a powerful red from Bobbi Brown called Red Carpet (can’t remember which line, hehe). I think it might similar like Retro Red and I much prefer that shade than the Russian Doll. And yes, I do wear the vampy, pin-up red anywhere when I’m in the mood LOL But the problem with the powerful shade, you can’t eat big bite or some lipstick smear on my chin, hehe.
I’ve seen this lipstick online but haven’t tried in person. I like how you said it didn’t dry out on lips (cough Art Stick cough) and just one swipe, the colour already ready to go 😀 But the packaging gold and black … hmm. On one hand, it reminds me of classic old Hollywood but on other hand, can look gaudy like you said LOL
Mmm you’re a bold one Fathin… I like that! 😀 I love it when people wear red lipstick – it bucks the whole trend of nudes out there. I always said that if I”m going to wear a lipstick, I might as well LOOK like I’m wearing lipstick haha! 😀 While I agree that a bold colour smears/transfers more easily, it’s also taught me to not be too rough when I eat LOL! So, being dainty is the way to go when wearing red. I have an Art Stick and I’m with you – ugh! So drying! I didn’t like it at all 🙁
Thanks, I like being call bold 😀 Or quirky, haha. When I wear my red lipstick, I feel more confident with myself as it’s my favourite colour (lipstick, clothes, shoes) and I will get two reactions – either people like it because they like the shade but not dare to wear it in public OR people will complain that the shade is too much, hehe.
Nudes and orange tone, those are not my favourite 😛 Not quite sure why people like the nude look. Isn’t natural is much better where you lips look you have blood instead of dead lips LOL And orange (orange red usually) somehow doesn’t sit well with me, there’s something not right with that shade – like blue, green and grey lipsticks but at least those three looks gothic while orange just … weirdly orangey haha.
Bold and quirky are good traits! 😉 I never got the nude look either. I look like death. But I had a friend who used to rock the nude lipstick look – looked so amazing on her! I wonder if it’s her skintone coz she had a deeper skintone and she looked stunning!
Maybe it’s not her skintone but her natural glow 😀 Try ask for her secret 😛 I feel so cheated when I see those people can look good with nudes lipstick but I can’t, haha. I’ll stick to my red, pink and purple colour group – I know what’s best for me not what others said 😀
Haha try a nude with some pink in it. I find that the most flattering for me. Besides, our natural lip colours aren’t a dead beige, so I can’t imagine why anyone would paint their lips beige LOL!
I have a fairly brownish neutral shade, Downtown Plum (I think..) and love the texture of it. One swipe and good pay off without looking all creamy and moisty. Being a fan of brown family shades, never looked at the red shades before. But love the Russian Doll shade on you. Looks absolutely gorgeous. Agree with Fathin about the art stick. Have chapped lips after using them though the colour really stains and lasts. And thank you for the foundation cushion week. Can imagine the effort and time that went into the blog. Good Job and truly well appreciated.
Ooh I’m not a fan of the Art stick too! I kept putting off blogging about it because it just didn’t excite me at all and something tells me I might never blog about it haha! 😀 Glad you enjoyed the cushion foundation week, and happy you too like this range of lipsticks! I do like the texture a lot so take a look at the red – I on the other hand can’t wear brown shades 🙁 Doesn’t suit me for some reason.
You need a red fedora to go with the red lipstick!
Don’t give me ideas! 😀
I’m still thinking to repurchase or not. Finishing the black Bobbi you gave soon. Now, this adds on the confusion. I reckon it’s a better formula compared to the usual black packaging? I really should check them out.
Haha I personally prefer this formula to the usual black tubes which I find a little drying and drier. These are creamy and, as the name implies, luxe! No harm taking a look, if you’re in the market for an intense, creamy colour 🙂
Ah, these lipsticks are so creamy! I really like Russian Doll on you and like you said, easier for daily wear. I bought 3 art sticks recently, and I love them! They’re matte in finish, and can get a little clingy after a few hours, but I just love how easy they are to use. I suppose those with dry lips won’t like them much, but for some reason, I just love them!
I love the Luxe Lip Color’s texture! And that’s saying a lot, as I find myself wearing less vibrant lipsticks (I find they can be more drying than rosy, everyday shades), and reaching for only a select few glossy lipsticks that don’t dry out my lips and flake off – a very real concern since starting on Roaccutane.
I think the colour payoff and longevity is close to that of a lip paint or lacquer, but without the sticky, goopy texture and shine – unless the new generation lip paints have improved by leaps and bounds. I was really impressed by the satin finish which looks matte but certainly didn’t feel matte.
The gold tube can seem a little over the top. But I like that it feels really solid and has some heft to it (something I won’t be so grateful for when travelling), so yes, at a glance it does look kinda gaudy, but it doesn’t look and feel as tacky as some other gold-coloured items I’ve seen, luxe gadgets included 😉
Yikes! Just realised I replied to a comment when I meant to leave a standalone comment. Sorry Lily!
You are actually right about the heft and solid feel of the gold tube, which is nice, considering the name and the price. All things considered, I do think Bobbi Brown hit it out of the ball park with this one – it ticks all the right boxes and even the price isn’t as scary, when the competition is considered! Glad to know you found a vibrant coloured lipstick to love 😉
Haha unlike you, I’m not a fan of the Art Sticks. I found them too drying. But they’re kinda cute and I love how they come with their own sharpener! Although by now that means you have 3 of them LOL 😀 Glad you got them to work!
Retro red brightens your skin tone while Russian doll actually dulls/darkens it. Observation based on photos 😀 I can’t wear red lipstick. I look scary/fierce.
Aww Rin, you just haven’t found the right red! 😉 Try a berry red or a pink-red. It’s usually lighter and looks less scary 😉 And you’re actually right in a way. Retro Red is bright and does brighten the complexion more than Russian Doll does