Gucci Beauty | First Impressions: Bronzer, Powder, Eyeshadow Mono, Lipstick + Lip Gloss Review

Most of my Gucci Beauty order arrived the other day, so I wanted to share my first impressions with you! I ordered via the Gucci site, but I recommend pre-ordering from Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue due to their superior return policies. Gucci only allows returns that are brand new (meaning unopened and in plastic wrapping), meaning that you cannot try or swatch and return. Usually, that would not bother me whatsoever, but considering my experience with some of my order, I will definitely order Gucci products from only Neiman Marcus or Saks moving forward.

The linen paper packaging reminds me of Giorgio Armani's, though the gilded gold lettering on the Gucci boxes has a more luxurious feel. I'm not a fan of the excessive brand labeling and monogramming — since I personally prefer more subtle packaging — but I do think the overall design is in tune with Gucci's designs, target demographic, and buyer preferences.

Let's start with the bad. I was most excited for the lipsticks and the lip gloss, but I was most disappointed by them. The Vibrant Demi-Glaze Lip Lacquer is the worst of my haul. I expected full-pigment color based on the description, but the product has a very sheer, watery formula. The signature 'Blue Chocolate' scent and taste are VILE. Yes, it is so incredibly awful that I had to use the caps lock. I have a terrible sense of smell from having endured a long bout of bronchopneumonia as a child, but I could smell this lip gloss on my lips for a couple hours after removal. I tried my best to leave it on for as long as possible to see if the scent would dissipate, but I could only bear it for a total of 15 minutes. The taste was almost worse than the scent. It felt as though I was drinking a very bad vanilla-based perfume.

The lipsticks are a little more tolerable since the fragrance is not as overpowering, but the taste is unacceptable. The Moisture-Rich formula itself is well executed (creamy and smoothing with moderate coverage), but what a pity.. as such, I will definitely not be ordering any Color-Rich lipsticks.

The bronzer and powder foundation are quite nice. I cannot say that either was a life-changing experience or love at first swipe, but I have only tried them once thus far. The Finishing Powder (pictured above) is more mattifying than I had anticipated, but it should perform well on oily skin. The half-moon brushes included in both powder and bronzer compacts is lovely. The dyed bristles are actually soft, and I would recommend using the brushes for touch-ups. The Golden Glow Bronzer is smooth but not quite as silky as the description boasted, though I love that Carribean Ochre (the lightest of four shades offered) is shimmer-free. I do think it is an affordable alternative to Tom Ford's bronzer, one of my Holy Grail favorites. The best of my haul is undoubtedly the Shadow Mono in Iconic Copper, which is one of the impressive 19 shade lineup. I love the shimmery, slightly metallic finish. It is creamy, semi-sheer yet easily buildable, and wears well on my normal lids even without a primer. I will definitely be ordering several more of these single eyeshadows!

I also ordered a couple Nail Lacquers, but they had to be shipped via ground and will arrive Friday. I will purchase more single eyeshadows as well as duos, so please stay tuned for additional details and swatches. I did not order the Lustrous Glow Foundation since I have been testing one too many liquid foundations recently, but I will do my best to try it sometime this Fall.

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my permission. Be respectful of my time and effort in sharing these products. Many thanks.

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