I have been an admirer and fan of the House of Balmain for as long as I remember. Their iconic military style double breasted blazers and heavily adorned and embroidered clothes have me drooling.
When I read that L’Oréal Paris and Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing joined forces to create 12 limited edition shades, I was chomping at the bits for this collection to come to Australia. It seems like an unlikely partnering: Haute Couture and “drugstore” cosmetics but I believe it appeals to those of us that have a yearning for high fashion but will never own any. Fortunately, the double breasted blazers with gold buttons are currently found in many different stores, and even though it is not Balmain, it feels like my outfit is inspired by their look.
Who is wearing Balmain? Kimmy?
Or moi? I guess we will never know
Similarly, the packaging and fashion forward colours makes me feel that I have a designer lipstick at a not so designer price.
The 12 limited edition collection is divided in 3 colour themes representing the Modern Balmain Tribe and the exclusive packaging is also designed by Olivier Rousteing ( I love how inclusive of ethnicity the campaign is!)
Rock – Blue Malachite case:
- Legend
- Power
- Rebellion
- Freedom
Safari – Malachite Green case:
- Fever
- Urban Safari
- Balmain Instinct
- Glamazon
Couture – Black Onyx case:
- Liberation
- Domination
- Confidence
- Confession
A beautiful orange, quite pigmented.
Balmain Instinct
A surprisingly easy to wear Khaki, easy because it turns a little brown on me. There is a gold fleck through this. Can be quite patchy and will pick up any dry skin.
Liberation
A gorgeous deep wine colour, be aware with dry lips this one is going to accentuate! It felt a little on the drier side.
Confidence
I saw this shade on Doutzen Kroes and fell in love. This is however a topper for other lipsticks to add gold shimmer and flecks. Does not show up much on my lips. I wear a gloss over the top and that is just beautiful!
Power
Strong, deep brown. Again, this can look a little patchy.
Legend
A cool brown, between a taupe and greige.
I am a fan of the L’Oréal Color Riche lipsticks. I love the texture, I love the smell (some people do and some people don’t!) and I love how it is affordable, especially when there is a sale on at our local stockists!
If you like the look of these lipsticks, you better hurry. Once they’re gone they are not coming back. Overall I love what I have, the darker colours can be a bit patchy and staying power is not the best I have ever had – but then again they don’t dry out my lips either!
The collector in me now wants the other 6, just because…
Which one appeals to you?
Til next time,
