I have to say, I was pumped when I first heard about this set. A mix of full-size and mini lippies of various brands from Sephora? I’m down. While $59 isn’t exactly pocket change, it’s actually a great value for all the product you’re getting. This set it already sold out online, so you’ll have to scrounge around in-store to see if any still exist.
To help you figure out if you want this set (if you can find any!), below is a full review of each color. Be sure to read each of these, because there were more than a few manufacturing problems that made this kit less than A+…
Ciate London
Liquid Velvet in Risque
Full Size
This FULL-SIZE liquid lip color is fabulous! Not only is the bright, orange-red a stunning color, but the formula feels amazing. It’s matte but not drying. I will say, though, it didn’t exactly dry down completely, so it did transfer when I was drinking and eating. Major problem: The tube had some kind of manufacturing error, and the cap’s plastic was somehow stuck to the tube of lipstick. I had to keep twisting the top until it popped off, and there was clearly some kind of jagged plastic inside that had been keeping it stuck in place. No bueno.
Smashbox
Be Legendary Lipstick in Magenta Matte
Full Size
This is a full-size baby looked gorgeous in the tube, but it didn’t look so hot on the lips. It went on unevenly and wasn’t as opaque as you expect from a matte lip color. I had to apply several layers to get what you see in the image above.
Yves Saint Laurent
Rouge Pur Couture in Le Rouge
Deluxe Size
I was so excited to try this one. As the full-size normally costs $36 (holy balls!), I was pumped to see if this deluxe-size lived up to the hype. It did! The color went on smooth and creamy. The color saturation was great. This red was perfectly balanced and classic. It had a creamy, slightly shiny finish that looked refined and sophisticated. Basically, I don’t scoff quite as much at the price tag anymore.
Laura Mercier
Creme Smooth Lip Colour in Milky Way
Deluxe Size
This is a straight-up beige. It’s not very sexy in the tube, as it looks like a grayish, tan color. On the lips, however, it’s a pretty nice nude. WHen you’re rocking a heavy, smoky eye, it’s nice to balance it out with a light lip. Many nudes have a pinkish hue to them, which A) doesn’t flatter all skin tones, B) looks too “sweet” for some edgy, smoky eyes. This color is more mature and fitting for those purposes, but I wouldn’t wear it if I didn’t have a decent amount of eye makeup. You’ll come off a tad corpse-like if you do.
Tarte
LipSurgence Skintuitive Lip Gloss in Energy
Deluxe Size
I love Tarte as a brand, but I as super dissappointed with this product. It’s just a clear gloss. It didn’t turn any kind of color. This is why I’m not a fan color-changing products like this. It’s a gimmick. Even if it does change color, I’d rather know what color I’m going to see in the mirror. Also, the applicator tip isn’t very sturdy, and it bends with your lips as you apply, making it a bit awkward to put on.
Lancome
Lip Lover in 335 Framboise Etoile
Deluxe Size
I won’t lie. I’m not a lip gloss person. I find them sticky and hate having to apply them every 5 seconds. Lip Lover wasn’t any different, but it did provide a decent amount of pigment. Not everyone loves s bold lip, and this gloss allows you to have a non-sparkly, rich color that you can layer over a lipstick or wear on its own (like I did in the pic above).
NARS
Lipstick in Scarlet Empress
Full Size
I was ecstatic when I saw that this kit came with a full-size NARS lipstick. When I saw the color in the tube, I was a wee bit intimidated. It looked like dark purple-y black color. Uh oh. Too harsh for work, right? Then I put it on. It was a sheer, magenta-wine color. It felt moisturizing and looked great. Can’t wait to wear this for work and play.
Bite Beauty
Matte Creme in Cognac
Deluxe Size
This is one of my favorite brands and formulas. This matte lip color feels smooth and moisturizing. It’s a lot more user-friendly than matte, liquid lipsticks. This brown color might look intimidating, but it’s very on-trend right now. Inspired from the brown-hued lips of the ’90s, I appreciate that there’s a unique color in here besides pink or red.
Too-Faced
Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Peony
Deluxe Size
Gotta say, I was expecting more from this product. I’ve read so much about it, and I couldn’t wait to try it. I don’t know how long this was sitting in the warehouse, but the formula had separated. As I went to put it on my lips, a giant burst of clear liquid came out. Gross. The formula was much more watery than I was anticipating too, which you can observe in the picture above. It’s settling at the point where my upper and lower lips meet. Not so great. The color was alright. It was a bit too light of a pink for my taste. I don’t think it’s flattering on most skin tones. Oh well.
Urban Decay
Revolution Lipstick in Streak
Full Size
While I wish this was one of Urban Decay’s new, matte lipsticks, but that’s just a personal preference. This lipstick had a nice formula. I found the shape of the bullet a little odd to apply, as I’m not a fan of the semi-circular cut. Thr peach-y pink color isn’t the greatest on me, but if it’s your color, this formula is very comfortable. And, hey, full size!
Clinique
Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Super Strawberry
Deluxe Size
People flip their shit over Clinique Chubby Sticks, and I honestly don’t know why. This thing barely has any color at all. I literally sat for 5 full minutes swiping back and forth over my lips to get the teensy bit of color you see here. ALso, this is more of a grammatical pet peeve of mine, but why did they use the British spelling for “color” (“colour”) when they didn’t use the British spelling for “moisturizing” (“moisturising”). Stop trying to fancy Clinique. You’re not fooling anyone.
Fresh
Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment in Tulip
Deluxe Size
Typically, I really like these. While they melt into oblivion at the slightest amount of heat (don’t even keep them in your pocket. Not joking in the slightest), they do pack a punch of pigment that’s surprising for a balm. You can sheet it out or layer it for a pop of color when you don’t want to wear a full-on lipstick. This color looks bright in the tube, but it doesn’t go onto the lips as bright or as opaque. This might be exactly what you’re looking for, but this isn’t my favorite of the shades.
Kat Von D
Studded Kiss in Homegirl
Deluxe Size
I went through so many emotions with this lipstick. First I was pumped to have a Studded Kiss in this set, then I saw the color looked black and shuddered a bit. When was I realistically going to wear black lipstick? Then I started to put it on and saw that it was a lovely blackberry color. THEN, the color went on super patchy. I think it’s just a bad batch from the manufacturer, as I’ve tried other Studded Kiss lipsticks and never had this problem. Sadly, that doesn’t save this baby. It came off in chunks and went on uneven, which you can clearly see in the photo above. Le sigh.
Buxom
Full-On Lip Cream in Berry Blast
Deluxe Size
Again, I’m not a fan of lip gloss, but I appreciate that Buxom’s Lip Creams offer a ton of pigment. These babies have a cooling sensation that results from the lip “plumping” effects, though. Frankly, I hate that. I don’t want to feel my lips stinging, and I don’t like the feeling of lip plumpers. But hey, different strokes for different folks. The color did look nice, but it’s probably most flattering on predominantly cooler/neutral skin tones.
Buxom
Full-On Lip Polish
Deluxe Size
Frankly, I’m not sure why they put two products from the same brand in here. This guy is just a more sheet lip gloss than the Lip Cream that’s also included in this kit. Major problem, though? I couldn’t open it. Can you see my teeth marks on the top of it, as evidence to my efforts? So I can’t even show you what it looks like on. Yet again, another manufacturing error plagues this kit.
This kit, theoretically, has a great value, but Sephora needs to chat with their brands’ and tell them that their respective manufacturers need to work on their quality-control efforts. Not sure if I’ll return this set, as they’re almost all sold-out, and I doubt I’ll find one to exchange it for (not to mention, the new one could likely have the same problems). Decisions, decisions. If you find one in store in still really want this kit, now you’ll know what to keep an eye out for!
They are all beautiful but NARS would be my choice! 🙂
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Haha. Agreed! It’s perfect for the season. Not too opaque. Not too sheer. And FULL SIZE 😉
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Full size makes it even better! It’s such a great deal! 🙂
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