A Cult Classic Goes Mainstream: The Clinique Bamboo Pink Collection
Thu, 06/25/2009 by Karen | Posted in: Makeup, Product Reviews
What’s up, my fellow makeup lovahs? Have I mentioned that Clinique’s Bamboo Pink is one of my favorite lip colors, ever?
When I heard Clinique was doing an entire release based on it I went nuts!
The color itself is a cool, silvery pink — a cult favorite — and I was stoked to see that a lot of you are just as hyped about the news as I am.
Who could blame us, right? The limited edition summer release for cheeks, eyes and lips (available now) includes a color palette of cool pinks, bronzes and taupes that work together beautifully.
So far, I’ve played with five items from the 11-piece collection.
Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad in Bamboo Pink, $25
The Bamboo Pink Eye Shadow Quad comes packed with four perfectly coordinated shades of shimmery light pink, shimmery copper, shimmery taupe and shimmery rose-pink.
All apply on the cool side, so I’m guessing cool-beauties will be able to TURN THIS MUTHA OUT.
No doubt, the shades are shimmery, but they aren’t overly frosty, which I think makes them pretty easy to wear. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A
Cream Shaper for Eyes Duo in Chocolate Lustre/Cocoa Shimmer, $15
Okay, I’ll come clean — at first glance this dual-tipped pencil didn’t give me lusty makeup thoughts. I thought Cream Shaper for Eyes Duo in Chocolate Lustre/Cocoa Shimmer looked kinda ho-hum on the outside, but inside it’s a gem. The pencils are super creamy and glide on without skipping. They’re also water-resistant and don’t smudge for nuthin’.
I like how well both Chocolate Lustre (a shimmery brown) and Cocoa Shimmer (a shimmer taupe) work as eyeshadow bases layered beneath the colors in the Bamboo Pink Quad, yes! Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+
Colour Surge Butter Shine Lipstick in Bamboo Pink, $14
Butter Shine Lipstick in Bamboo (a shimmery, silvery pink; taste- and fragrance-free) has a hydrating formula with moderate color coverage. I like the shine and dig the moisture, too. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A
Fresh Bloom Allover Colour in Bamboo Pink, $30
WOWZAS! Fresh Bloom Allover Colour in Bamboo Pink packs a lot of shimmer. I found this out when I accidentally applied too much of this cool-toned light pink highlighting powder on my cheeks and nose. I had Mickey D’s deep fryer written all over me, so next time I’ll use a lighter touch and hope for a less obvs shimmery glow. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B
Limited Edition Bamboo Pink Powder Brush, $30
I really wanted to love the Bamboo Pink Powder Brush because of the cute handle and densely packed bristles, but it feels a little scratchy against my skin and — bad news — deposits color unevenly.
Of the items I’ve tried from the release so far, it’s my least favorite. I wish it wasn’t $30, either. For only so-so performance? That’s asking a lot. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: C
Swatches
From left to right: four shades from Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad in Bamboo Pink, Colour Surge Butter Shine Lipstick in Bamboo Pink
Fresh Bloom Allover Colour in Bamboo Pink, Cream Shaper for Eyes Duo in Chocolate Lustre, Cream Shaper for Eyes Duo in Cocoa Shimmer
Wearing Bamboo Pink on the cheeks, eyes and lips!
Final thoughts
I can’t remember the last Clinique makeup collection I liked as much as Bamboo Pink, and I’m surprised the company didn’t release it last spring. The colors almost seem more springy than summery, but in the grand scheme of things that doesn’t really matter to me. Pretty makeup transcends the seasons! — and this stuff is timeless and wearable all year long.
More than meets the eye
LOL! El Hub called a few minutes ago to ask if he could go on a man date to see Transformers 2 with his buddy from work, so it looks like I’m fending for myself tonight.
I might treat myself to cheesy romantic comedy DVDs from the video store. The last good one I watched was What Happens in Vegas with Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz.
How about you? What are you up to tonight?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
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1. Paris B said, on June 25th, 2009:
Oh my! Cool sounds right up my alley but we aren’t getting Clinique summer here – can you believe it?!
I’m digging the Pink Bamboo lippie too! 
2. Nosh said, on June 25th, 2009:
OMGGGGGGG… I’m just, in love
Love hurts!
3. ines said, on June 25th, 2009:
i love the lip gloss with spf in bamboo pink! i’ll go check it out!
4. Karen said, on June 25th, 2009:
Hi Ines,
Oh yah, that stuff rocks. The Butter Shine rocks — feels really moisturizing on the lips and it’s so shiny.
5. Karen said, on June 25th, 2009:
Hi Nosh,
No, it feels GOOD!
Bamboo Pink wants you to LOOOOOOVE it!
6. Karen said, on June 25th, 2009:
Hi Paris B,
That’s a TRAVESTY. It’s one of the best one’s they’ve released in a really long time.
7. Shiny said, on June 25th, 2009:
I am digging the quad and liner. Do you think the quad is good for warm toned ladies?
8. Karen said, on June 25th, 2009:
Hi Shiny,
I think so. Maybe add a copper cream shadow beneath the shadows if you still find it too cool.
9. Marcela said, on June 25th, 2009:
Hey Karen! Clinique is looking promising yah? I have the Duo Creamshaper and I can assure you it’s true love…
Ah yes…What happens in Vegas for some reason is a movie I like to turn to when I’m feeling rather uninspired -”There’s been a noise complaint…You’re not making enough noise!” LOL!!!
10. Lina said, on June 25th, 2009:
Nice! I checked this out a couple weeks ago, but your pictures have convinced me I need to go back and get that liner duo!
11. Gracie said, on June 25th, 2009:
so is the cream shaper a base, eyeliner or both? But i’m really digging the quad! And 4 shadows for $25? that’s pretty good! Plus my skin is in the NW range, so finally getting a cool summer collection rocks! i am going shopping tomorrow, so i might have to check out the Clinique counter
12. Vonvon said, on June 26th, 2009:
What a great collection!
I have the Bamboo Pink lipstick but didn’t use it yet. Thought the color a bit too brownish…now, you make me so want to try it!
13. Tali said, on June 26th, 2009:
Anything with the name chocolate in it lol even if its just a shade description.. makes me want it!!
Tali’s last blog post… Honey & Bronze
14. Lipstickrules said, on June 26th, 2009:
Stop doing this to me Karen! Your swatches and photos make me want to SHOP!! LOL. I’ve said it before but I really dig your blog.
15. marmar said, on June 26th, 2009:
EEEE.. I heard the Transformers movie sucked hardcore. Kinda sad since I loved the cartoons so, so much as a kid. I MIGHT still give it a chance.
Hmm.. the Allover Colour scares me a little. I saw the sample at Macy’s about a week ago and it looked ultra fem and gentle in person but I didn’t actually test it. (I thought I was sold already). Glad you reviewed these today since I was gonna snag me a lil bundle this evenin’… I’m not too keen on overly shimmery/glittery things. Sounds a little like the Kose powder I bought: it’s a tinted, scented, light shimmer powder but the second you apply it, it’s like a glitter smackdown. You would never guess from just looking at it.
I have to work tomorrow (6 days ;___; ), so tonight it’s a quickie trip to the mall then back home to hit the hay.
marmar’s last blog post… animal abandonment is not okay.
16. Nicole15 said, on June 26th, 2009:
Gosh, those earrings Karen are unbelievably friggin’ HAWT! You rock them girl
17. Karen said, on June 26th, 2009:
Hi Nicole15,
Thanks! I got ‘em at H&M a billion years ago… they were like $2! I’m all about the cheap (but sassy) accessories.
Hope you’re having a nice Friday so far.
18. Karen said, on June 26th, 2009:
Hi Marmar,
Awww, maybe you should just give it a try? You never know. With the right brush (like a MAC 187 Duo Fibre) you can make it work.
19. Karen said, on June 26th, 2009:
Hi Vonvon,
Hmm, maybe try it with a pink lip liner underneath? Do you have MAC Pink Treat Cremestick liner?
20. Catherine said, on June 26th, 2009:
Awww, Clinique eyeshadows and I just don’t get along, but I am totally checking out that all-over shimmer powder – it looks gorgeous! I’m finding recently that cooler-toned colors (not too cool though, lest I look ill lol) really help take the sallowness out of my skintone, so I’ve been rockin’ the light blues and purples along with MAC Dainty a lot lately. Bamboo Pink looks like it’d fit right in. =)
Catherine’s last blog post… Review: The Body Shop Shimmer Cube palette 06
21. cloudburst said, on June 26th, 2009:
I’m liking the liner duo – I only wish the shadows were as pigmented as the liners! I love BP l/s too, it’s def a winner.
22. Karen said, on June 26th, 2009:
Hi Lipstickrules,
Thanks. I hope that you check out the collection… it’s even prettier in person.
23. Karen said, on June 26th, 2009:
Hi Tali,
HA! Me too.
24. Karen said, on June 26th, 2009:
Hi Gracie,
It’s an eyeliner, but I like to use it as a base because it amplifies the color of the powder shadows on top and gives ‘em more staying power.
And yup, the quad is $25 for four shades!
25. Karen said, on June 26th, 2009:
Hi Lina,
The liner duo was the surprise out of the bunch. I really liked it!
I’m thinking I need to get more of those Cream Shapers in my life, ASAP.
26. Karen said, on June 26th, 2009:
Hi Marcela,
LOL! That movie turned out to be really funny! I liked it a lot!
Which Cream Shapers do you have? I think I’m going to pick up a few more colors.
27. Michelle said, on June 26th, 2009:
Ooh I really like this collection, it’s so pretty
LOL, you didn’t want to see Transformers 2? My husband & I are taking our son to see it tomorrow. We’re all excited about it. I’ll be staying in tonight, my sister’s here so maybe i’ll steal your idea and rent a movie. Have fun!
28. Karen said, on June 26th, 2009:
Hi Michelle,
LOL, the first one was sooo painful. I really wanted to like it, too, because I was such a huge fan of the cartoon when I was a kid. Have fun at the movies tomorrow and eat some popcorn for me.
29. Heather said, on June 26th, 2009:
Hmmm…… I suspect a future giveaway with these items. Hopefully!! I want it all.
30. Alexandra said, on June 28th, 2009:
Looks really pretty,shame im skint right now