8.11.2010

Burberry Cosmetics - An Overview


General Thoughts: This line is targeted at fair-skinned women and is not well-suited for those over NC35 or NC40. Online swatches, other than for eyeshadow, are very inconsistent with how the products look in real life and I recommend you use caution when ordering online. Burberry has created a range of cosmetics that caters to the insanely popular and in-demand "make-up but no make-up LOOK." Only a few of the products have metal packaging: the foundation compact and powder compact, for instance. The lipstick and liquid foundation are plastic, as well as several others. The price point of the range is justified, right on target with other designer cosmetic ranges. Currently, it is only available for purchase at 6 Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom Online. The US Burberry site recently launched the cosmetics as well. I enthusiastically recommend their products and if you're interested in seeing the products in action, please watch my video!

Packaging: You can see the gorgeous texture of the paper. It is heavy cardstock and I absolutely adore this attention to detail! It's just a nice touch to the Burberry tradition. I didn't take photos of the metallic paper inside the boxes but I showed it in the video!
Photobucket
Photobucket

Foundation Powder Compact: It was difficult to capture the embossing on the metal packaging but I did the best I could. I should have taken a picture of the closed compact but obviously, I forgot to. This is my second favorite product from the line! Available in 9 colors and let me just say.. it is one tough foundation to match to! A perfect online match will be impossible to achieve. Just pick whichever color you are in the liquid foundation. I use a large powder brush to sweep it all over my face to set the Burberry liquid foundation. This is so lightweight and sheer a powder that your foundation will never cake up or look too powdery-matte. Full-coverage lovers beware :)
Photobucket
Photobucket
Details, via Nordstrom Online: Formula - An outstanding texture to be used dry for a sheer finish, or damp for more intense coverage. Comfortable all day long, it blends effortlessly. Benefits - An innovative formula that protects and refines the features. Seamlessly adherent and imperceptibly smooth. Protection - The formula keeps the skin soft and supple. Contains UV filters to protect from damaging environmental exposure. How to use - Burberry Sheer Foundation helps minimize any unwanted shine. Apply lightly for a natural look. Apply with a wet sponge for a velvety finish or a dry sponge for more sheer finish. Includes protective fabric pouch debossed with Burberry check. $55 USD.

Burberry Sheer Luminous Fluid Foundation: I have discovered my replacement for my favorite [now discontinued] Dior HydrAction tinted moisturizer! The shades run very fair and I have 05 Trench, my summer shade, as I am quite tan at the moment. I would say 05 is best suited for NC25-30 so it's noticeably a bit dark for me, even now. I will DEFINITELY need to purchase 04 or 03, come winter! I use my fingertips to apply this and I don't use a moisturizer, only primer, beforehand, as this foundation is very moisturizing. The fairest of fair ladies will appreciate this range of colors most but if you are very oily or acne-prone and you are looking for a foundation with at least medium coverage, this foundation is NOT for you! The finish is very luminous and if you don't want a dewey look, you should also avoid this product. I have combination skin and it lasts at least 4 hours alone, just like my Dior HydrAction, but it does make me look oily at 3 hours if worn alone! It's best to set with a long-wearing powder, like the Burberry compact foundation.
Photobucket
Photobucket
The foundation display was unlike any other I've seen so I couldn't resist throwing in a picture! And isn't the foundation bottle an architectural marvel? Okay, I admit that's a bit extreme but it's a foundation bottle, for goodness sake.. I think we can afford to drool over it, right?! I love it ^_^
Details, via Nordstrom Online: Formula - A sheer and light cream fluid. A gelled structure for optimum light diffusion. Benefits - A subtle finish and natural glow that illuminate the skin. The skin feels beautifully bare, supple and comfortable. Protection - Hydrating formula. Contains UV filters to protect from damaging environmental exposure. How to use - Gently shake the bottle. For simple application, rub the foundation in your fingertips and gently sweep across your face, as you would a moisturizer, to give a really even tone. Apply with a brush for medium cover or with a sponge for a maximum coverage. 1 oz, $52 USD.

Blush: Peony 04 is well-pigmented and easy to use. It reminds me of Dior's blusher but it is much more powdery in texture than I would prefer. I don't like messes of powder dust all over my compacts. Nonetheless, the shimmer is very understated and this color is best for those of a fairer complexion. 03 Rose Blush, however, is the most universally flattering!
Photobucket
Details, via Nordstrom Online: Get a bright and radiant finish with warm glowing skin, reminiscent of the freshness of a spring morning. Formula - This airy micro-powder ensures rich shades. Silicones provide an easy glide. Benefits - An effortlessly natural fresh complexion and a healthy glow. Protection - Provides moisturizing benefits. How to use - Apply Burberry Light Glow on the hollow of your cheek to slim face, or apply it at the top of the cheek to highlight the face. Includes protective fabric pouch debossed with Burberry check. $42 USD but it comes with more product than your standard designer blusher!

Burberry 'Lip Cover' Soft Satin Lipstick: I purchased Tea Rose 08 based off the Nordstrom swatches but they are absolutely NOT true to color. Be wary if you choose to order online! Granted, the color is growing on me and I love that it leaves a stain behind. This means I don't have to reapply every 3 hours. The lighter shades, however, do not leave a stain so you will have to reapply every 3 hours - maybe every 2, depending on how often you sip on a latte. The next color I will be purchasing is Cameo 02, a must-have peachy pink! I added swatches to the video so check it out if you'd like to see what Cameo, Cameo Pink, and a couple others really look like.
Photobucket
Photobucket
Details, via Nordstrom Online: Discover supple and light colors that reflect the natural lip tones. Formulas are hydrating and give a full lip in tone, coverage and color fidelity. Formula - Super-light 'second skin' texture provides intense moisture immediately after application. Combination of oils and light waxes helps easy application and extreme comfort. Benefits - Pigments dispersed in a clear gelled structure ensure high color fidelity. Shiny polymers offer perfect luminosity. Balanced color palette from nude trench tones to Burberry reds. Protection - Contains anti-aging ceramides for fuller lips. Guarantees continuous hydration. Contains UV filters to protect from damaging environmental exposure. How to use - Apply like a normal lipstick or apply to your finger and push into the lip to give a more natural color. To enlarge the mouth, use a lighter lipstick in the middle of the mouth. To reduce the mouth, choose a darker shade. $30 USD.

Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow: My favorite product from the entire range. I plan to collect every single shade.. and this is coming from a woman who is reluctant to purchase single shadows. They are so pigmented, last all day without a primer, and are true to color in pan. They also blend like a dream but I wish the packaging was a bit less bulky. They're slightly inconvenient to travel with.
Photobucket
Photobucket
I took a photo of some of the shadows and edited the picture to show the shadows as true to color as possible. Unfortunately, Nordstrom has very yellow fluorescent lighting so you'll have to refer to my photo of Almond 06 and compare it to the color of Almond in this photo as a reference point!
Details via Nordstrom Online: Experience natural and earthy tones reminiscent of the English countryside and adaptable to all skin tones. Color selection captures the ease and versatility of the collection and ranges from classic trench coat-inspired shades to smoky metals. Formula - The innovative composition reconciles comfort with long-lasting wear. Light, yet creamy, this performing powder offers optimal adherence. Benefits - Ensures a smooth application and flawless color fidelity throughout the day. From the most natural look to the most sophisticated finish. Protection - Silicones provide extreme emollience and comfort. How to use - Enhance the contours of your eyes to give them a stronger definition. With the applicator, sweep the color gently across the eyelid to achieve depth. Apply to lower lashes if needed, taking it a little lower than you normally would across the eyes. For best results, apply effortlessly which will enhance natural contours of your face.
Includes protective fabric pouch debossed with Burberry check. $29 USD and worth every penny!

Burberry 'Lip Glow' Natural Lip Gloss and Burberry Lip Definer Shaping Pencil: The gloss is best suited for those who do not want a pigmented gloss. Unfortunately, my lips are quite pigmented and I prefer color that is apparent to the eye. Furthermore, the gloss is rather sticky, which my ultra-sensitive lips cannot tolerate. At the $27 USD price point, you're better off purchasing a Chanel Glossimer. The lip pencils are nothing interesting. Truly rectangular, black packaging with a metal cap with Burberry emblazoned on one side. Nice color selection but each one will cost you $27 USD. Personally, I'd never dish out that much on one lip pencil. [My favorite is Lancome's Le Lipstique - not only do you get a ton of product but it comes with a brush on the end!]
Photobucket
These are NOT true to color! I wanted to show you the packaging :)

Burberry 'Eye Definer' Eye Shaping Pencil and Burberry 'Effortless Mascara' Volumising Enhancer: The eye pencils and lip pencils have the same packaging, which I really love. Though the packaging could have sucked me in, I didn't purchase any of the eye pencils because they reportedly have no lasting power and smudge easily. I suggest you avoid, too, at the price point - $27 USD. The mascara didn't really strike me as MUST-HAVE, either, and at $28USD, I would much rather pick up a YSL Effet Faux Cils or DiorShow. Still, I might give it a try eventually ;)
Photobucket
I apologize for the blurry photo but once again, it was just to show the packaging of the products.

Burberry Sheer Luminous Pressed Powder: The Pressed Powder is very similar to the Foundation Powder but without the bottom compartment for the sponge. My best friend purchased 01, which is for those who have yellow undertones and 02 is for those with pink undertones. Purchase the Foundation Powder instead! I don't recommend this product at all. This is $45USD but believe me, the foundation powder is sheer enough to set your foundation with and you're better off investing an extra $10 for one that you can use wet as a true foundation. Plus, you can use the powder foundation for touch-ups, too. Versatility always wins!

Burberry 'Warm Glow' Natural Bronzer and Burberry Beauty Brush: I do not want to pay $48USD for an orange bronzer but if you're of an olive complexion, it may still work for you. The brush is a masterfully designed Kabuki brush, priced at an exorbitant $52 but quite worthy of the price. It is incredibly soft and dense. At far as I've heard, there is no shedding, and it is best suited for its design intention - BRONZER. The shape would also work for all-over powder but I prefer using a shorter-bristled brush for powder.


This post took me over 3 hours to compile. Whew! Now on to edit my video.. I will post a link to the video once I upload it later tonight! Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0WobS1CQ9A
In the video, I demonstrate how I used the products since I'm sure everyone is dying to see them in action ^_~ If you read this review first, you can watch the video from the start or opt to skip all the talk and head straight into the demo.

Best,
Rae <3

42 comments:

  1. :) Glad to hear you're enjoying the line. I too feel the same way about most of the products. Lipstick in #2 is definitely a beautiful peachy pink color.

    ReplyDelete
  2. As usual, your attention to detail is impeccable! Can't wait to see the video. Welcome back, we've missed you!<3

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Rae! My favorite products thus far has been the liquid foundation and eyeshadows. I have very oily lids so the eye pencil didn't stand a chance. :( Didn't last very long on me before I turned into a panda at work haha. Anyway, great post as always! Looking forward to your YT video. :D

    ReplyDelete
  4. oh my, the packaging alone is making me want to just go out and buy some!!! i must resist.. at least until your video, haha! super excited. the eye shadows are what I'm most excited for...!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. i tried out the eyeshadows and now i'm really thinking of purchasing at least one shade. Plus, I absolutely love the plaid embossing. *sigh* Maybe after my next paycheck lol.

    Thanks for the overview. Lovely layout, by the way.

    ReplyDelete
  6. im sad that its not well suited for darker skintones

    ReplyDelete
  7. wow, thanks for the gorgeous pics rae :D you really do put a lot of love into your posts!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Amazing review as always!

    I really love how you included a lot of extra detailing about the packaging and what-not here. yay!

    I'm excited for these, I wonder if they're going to hit the stands in AU. -_-

    ily~ <3

    ReplyDelete
  9. I do not know if this is available at my local Holt's yet in Canada, but I will definitely be checking out the lipsticks. As always thank you so much for the reviews, you pay so much attention to the finest details which is why I love reading/watching them! Take care!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Nice review :3
    I hope this collection will be released in Italy too,sooner or later *wishpers* ._.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hello Rae, really appreciate the in-depth post/review! I am very interested in their eyeshadows & have tried to locate stores in NY that they are available in. Do you know of any? Please let me know, thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh gee, I have never tried out their cosmetics but I'm a huge fan of their perfume ! A little grumpy about the price tag though. =0( Thanks for sharing this comprehensive post on Burberry!

    ReplyDelete
  13. those eyeshadows are gorgeoussss. definitely looking forward to getting one ;D
    i love these pictures. thanks <3

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi, I hope you have the time to answer a few questions. I was wondering what bronzer you would suggest since burberry is kind of orange for fair skin? And i watched your youtube tutorials and reviews and you have so many foundations!!! I dont know which one to choose from, could you tell me which is your fav in the liquid, loose powders, and compact foundations? I want to buy all 3 types, I would very much appreciate it! Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thank u for doing all these for us!! SO very informative, thank u a lot!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Rae, thank you for the amazing and in-depth review. I was wondering how the foundation color in No.5 trench compares to Nars sheer glow in Fiji. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  17. ooooh!! What an amazing review! I really appreciate how in depth your reviews are!! The Burberry cosmetics all look fab. Gahhh I love Burberry! haha. <3

    ReplyDelete
  18. An - I'm not sure if they are available in NY. You will have to call Nordstrom's and ask if there is a counter on the East Coast somewhere! Good luck :)

    Anonymous - Chanel's Soleil de Tan Creme bronzer is best for fair skin. And it really depends on what kind of skin you have.. I can't make proper suggestions until you tell me what kind of foundations and powders you're looking for. I have dry combination skin and I love Chanel Teint Innocence Cream Compact, Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Loose, and Dior Forever!

    Sally - Trench is definitely a shade darker than Fiji.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Rae, I've been looking around but can't find any answers to this, but I figured you might know since your nickname was Encyclopedia :)
    I have normal skin that does get dry in the winter, so I use a daily spf moisturizer and a night cream. I've also tried many different samples of moisturizers. I noticed that when I put the moisturizer (cream form), whether it's Ole Henrickson, Aveeno, or Olay, directly on my face, it somehow becomes gluey and accumulates into this white, rubbery (or gluey, kind of like when you put elmers glue on your hands, let it dry, then rub your hands together) stuff that falls off my face. It seems that everything gets absorbed into my face except this component of the moisturizer, which, from getting massaged into my skin, instead falls off in clumps. I did notice that wetting my face first prevents this, but I'd really like a moisturizer that doesn't seem to contain a filler ingredient that I suppose only serves to make the cream gummy...Any suggestions? Do you know why these moisturizers do this? Thanks!

    ~Wini

    ReplyDelete
  20. Dear Raeview,

    I've been looking for a good loose/pressed/anykind of powder to set my foundation. I have an oily skin (not too extreme), which one would u recommend me to get? Open for any brands/types/etc.

    I loooove your reviews! Keep it up!

    ReplyDelete
  21. great post. thank RAE for the detailed run through and pics - really appreciated - especially when they're investments. could the packagine be anymore devine
    lots of love from australia
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wini - What you're talking about is called "pilling." I can't tell you exactly why it happens but it may be that the products are using may be irritating your skin or simply cannot be absorbed. Instead of rubbing products into the skin with your fingertips, just tap the lotion onto your face with your hands. Also, pick up a sample of oil-free moisturizer, like the one by Kate Somerville (available at Sephora) and see if the pilling effect happens again.

    Lani - My favorite pressed powder is Shiseido's Sun Protection Compact Foundation. Not only is it convenient to throw in your purse for touch-ups, but it gives you 38 SPF protection! It will also keep your oil production under control. The best loose powder for oily skin in Bobbi Brown's Sheer Finish Loose Powder!

    ReplyDelete
  23. aw man, I've been waiting to read your review on these products. You have such fine taste. Can't wait for the video!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Rae <3 thank you so much for this review! So helpful as always :)
    i actually have a non-makeup related question, but where did you get your top from in your burberry video? I love the puff shoulders! I hope I can order it online since i don't live in California! thank you ^_^

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hey Rae! i'm having a hard time finding the right foundation for my skin type.i have combination skin,redness on my cheeks.Can you recommend some for me? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hey Rae! What's your take on Lancôme dual finish, and how would you compare it to the MUFE foundation powder/Burberry compact? I want something that will come on sheer, but can be buildable to give more coverage to certain spots for redness. I don't want full coverage, just something to even out my skin tone.

    Btw I looked into your suggestion for the Hourglass TM but I've been hearing it comes on like foundation and can be pretty thick... I want something relatively sheer, and I know your feelings on Laura Mercier, but I can't ignore the rave! What do you think, taking into account I just want to even out skin tone and cover redness around the nose.

    Thanks so much I ALWAYS look forward to your videos!

    -Teilse

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hey Rae, I never really used primers and I want to start! Which Face primer would you recommend? I have normal skin, although my t zone does get oily at times.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Teilse - The Hourglass is indeed more of a foundation than a TM but I really love how well it covers. No need for concealer! And if you're that tempted, pick up a sample and see how well the LM TM works for you :) If you don't have as much redness as I do, you may very well end up loving it! The Dual Finish.. I love the coverage but the rose scent is a bit much. My twin is a DF fanatic and that's the only powder she uses, though! I've never tried the MUFE Duo Mat but I have heard that you run through product very quickly! I would recommend you stick to the DF or the Burberry foundation compact.

    Anon - My favorite primers are Hourglass Mineral Veil for day and Laura Mercier Mineral [Fluid] Primer for flash photography!

    ReplyDelete
  29. RAE, please keep these videos/blogs coming. Just wanted to let you know you really are helping us out there. I went out and purchased the Ole Henrickson 3 Little Wonders series and the Clarins gentle cleanser after watching your review and so far I am absolutely thankful that I've tried these goodies out. I know you might not have this problem quite yet but when you start seeing necklines I recommend you try out the Advanced Extra-Firming Neck Cream by Clarins. I am extremely content with the results and ahem, the peachy scent! :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Great photos of the new line from Burberry cosmetics. I'm a brand/packaging whore but this line does not appeal to me that much. I tend to associate Burberry with quality trench coats/winter clothes, scarfs, bags, perfume and watches.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I always look forward to seeing your videos, thanks for taking the time to make all these videos! BTW, If you have time, I would love to see a tutorial on the Mac trio "Soften the Mood!"

    ReplyDelete
  32. I was wondering, how would it look if I wore the Burberry Foundation Powder or the Bobbi brown sheer loose powder over my Chanel teint innocence instead of my chanel pressed powder? would it look too matte?

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi Rae,

    Thank you so much for the wonderful review and detailed pictures/descriptions~~

    Just a question: do these eye shadows contain BHT? Is it possible to show a picture with the ingredients list on the packaging of the eye shadows?

    Thanks!!!!!!!!

    Bobo

    ReplyDelete
  34. Anon -The Bobbi Brown Sheer Loose is slightly more matte but not noticeably so. And I wouldn't say either would look too matte but you're talking to a matte fanatic so it'd be best to judge for yourself.

    Bobo - I believe you posted your question on my YT page. At the moment, I cannot find my eyeshadow box.. I have a knack for losing things. If I do find it, I will let you know but if anything, call the South Coast Plaza Nordstrom. I am sure a Sales Associate would be willing to read off the ingredients for you!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hey rae would you recommend the YSL Matt Touch Compact Foundation and Ysl's semi loose powder?

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hi Rae, how do you balance such a hectic work schedule and studying/classes that you have going on? Any tips? you must be burnt!

    Thank you for such a meticulous review.

    -Mel

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi rae, which false eyelashes do you use?

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hi I loved your nail color in this Burberry products review video, could you tell me what color is it?

    ReplyDelete
  39. I watched your video review of the burberry products that you purchased...

    1. If you bought the products online, how do u know the glosses are "extremely" sticky??
    They are oil based and are not sticky AT ALL ... i'm sure those who have actually tried it will agree with me.

    2. "i don't need a mascara so i don't think i need to even try Burberry's mascara".......so why do u blog? Shouldn't a beauty blogger be open to all products/lines so they can give their opinion before even trying them?

    3. Sheer power is supposed to be sheer.....there isn't supposed to be coverage....it works like a translucent powder....thought you would have known the purpose of a pressed powder.

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. Jane - I prefer YSL's Matte Touch!

    Anon - I use Darkness lashes from Korean cosmetics shops :)

    Wxn - I was wearing Chanel's Particuliere on my nails! I always list my varnish colors in my videos' description boxes.

    Anon - Get your facts straight, please. I purchased all these products IN STORE, as is made obvious by my foundation display photo. "Sticky" is a relative adjective. The Burberry glosses were, in my opinion, sticky and caused my lips peel within the hour of testing one. Furthermore, my blogger status does not require that I try EVERY SINGLE mascara available on the market. I only have so much money and YOU are not giving me money to purchase these products. And while the pressed powder is sheer, it is so sheer that it ultimately has no function since it can't control oil or last more than an hour on the skin. I am not going to recommend a $45 product that isn't worth $45.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Thank you so much for helpful review and recommendations Rae. And ignore the unthoughtful comments =)

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hi, I'm a new reader.
    Really nice review and love it.
    Will keep follow you on youtube.
    Keep going!:)

    ReplyDelete

Please do not leave blog or advertising links in the comments section, as they are considered spam and will not be published. Thank you for stopping by!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...