Wearing some things from Dolce & Gabbana’s Midnight Bloom summer collection: Smooth Eye Colour Duo in Laguna (eyes), Crayon Intense in Blue (eyes), Luminous Cheek Colour in Tan (cheeks) and Classic Cream Lipstick in Delicate (lips)
I had a dream once where I was wandering through a beautiful tropical garden at night. It was just me by myself, exploring under the light of a full moon, and had I stumbled across it in the dream,Dolce & Gabbana’s Midnight Bloom summer makeup collection would have fit right in.
Clockwise, from upper left: Luminous Cheek Colour in Tan, Smooth Eye Colour Duo in Laguna, Crayon Intense in Blue, Classic Cream Lipstick in Delicate
The greens, corals, pinks and solitary electric blue look like the colors from a nighttime scene — soft, romantic and almost pastel — but while the colors befit a fantasy, the prices aren’t so dreamy. Ranging from $20-59 apiece, they’re definitely not as affordable as drugstore brands.
This week I took a look at four things from the collection.
Smooth Eye Colour Duo in Laguna ($36)
This powder eyeshadow duo comes with two shimmery shades, a forest and a seafoam green, that blend soooo crazy good. The soft, fine texture just melts right into your skin. And paired with a good base like Urban Decay’s Eden Primer Potion, they last all day long with very little fading or creasing. Who’s it for? Girls who love greens and don’t mind a splurge. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A
Luminous Cheek Colour in Tan ($44)
Like the eyeshadows, the powder blush boasts an exceptionally soft and fine texture. It applies as a neutral tan without any strong gold, orange or gray tones, and kinda reminds me of a less gold, matte version of NARS Laguna Bronzer.
I think Tan adds a healthy color to medium skin tones (around NC35). With it on I feel like I just spent a long lunch in the sun outside. If you’re lighter than I am, Tan might also make a good bronzer, but if you’re darker, you might not want to tempt Tan as it might look a little ashy on darker skin. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B+
Crayon Intense in Blue ($29)
I love how rich and shimmy this pencil liner is, but I don’t think it’s a love worth $29. I prefer softer liners, and this one’s hard as a rock, which for me means lots of unwanted tugging along the lash line.
It does have pretty good staying power and works fab as a base for powder shadows; however, it’s pretty damn bootsy along the waterline thanks to how quickly it disappears (within minutes!). Unless you’re a die-hard Dolce & Gabbana fan, you might want to pass. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: C
Classic Cream Lipstick in Delicate ($30)
The light, smooth texture of this shimmery golden coral lipstick reminds me of my beloved Chanel Aqualumieres.
I get about two to three hours of wear out of these before having to re-apply, which isn’t bad, and I happen to like the light rose taste and scent (it fades pretty quickly). Now, if only it cost $15 less, le sigh… Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B+
From left: Luminous Cheek Colour in Tan, Crayon Intense in Blue, Classic Cream Lipstick in Delicate, Smooth Eye Colour Duo in Laguna
From what I’ve seen so far, I think there’s some stuff to like about Midnight Bloom (price is not one of them). I get a soft, romantic feel from the collection, like it’s the kind of makeup I’ll wear with flirty dresses and sandals in summer. And I know some gals think the gold packaging looks cheesy and dated, but it works for me.
What do you think? Is it time for Midnight Bloom?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Rachael says
I want the make up, shocker, but my boyfriend got more excited when he saw the picture of your MAC. The computer, not the make up. Every time I talk about my MAC he gets super confused. I think it’s a guy thing… though I did see him looking through my green colors for a liner on St. Paddy’s Day. He can rock the guy-liner quite well
Genie says
I am in the L.O.V.E. with that lipstick! It’s a shame that once I buy it I’ll probably end up losing it.
Amber says
That liner looks gorgeous on your skin, but these aren’t for me. Wish I could rock blues like you!
I keep reading ‘Laguna’ as ‘lasagna.’ I think I need dinner.
.-= Amber’s last blog post… What’s your type? =-.
Rica says
Haha… I swear I did that before too lol
.-= Rica’s last blog post… Icy Look Book – page 1 =-.
Diana Lacayo says
Karen, that is GORGEOUS! Can you please show a close up of the way you used the eyeshadow and liner. It is absolutely STUNNING!
Rica says
The blue eyeshadow in the duo seems pretty wearable! And the blush somewhat remind me of Prim and Proper.
I wish I would dream about tropical garden like that. The closest tropical dream I got was I got lost in the forest, and it was so hot there. Makeup won’t fit in this dream.
.-= Rica’s last blog post… Icy Look Book – page 1 =-.
luv2smilexo says
too bad that liner is hard because its absolutely gorgeous!!
.-= luv2smilexo’s last blog post… Clinique Youth Surge SPF 15 =-.
Kathleen says
Lovin’ your hair in this pic, Karen!
Jennifer A. says
These are pretty, but there are three reasons high-end makeup brands merit the price to me: 1) the actual product quality, 2) the brand name, and 3) packaging. Unfortunately, I will never be excited about Dolce & Gabbana makeup because I think the packaging looks cheap.
D&G is very much a modern sexy brand, so I don’t get the rounded edges – so not D&G. The stamping on the products is weird to me too: “DG” doesn’t scream Dolce & Gabbana. Even their diffusion brand is not “DG”, it’s “D&G”, so it makes absolutely no sense to me. Plus, their nail polish brush is like a mop.
.-= Jennifer A.’s last blog post… BB Couture for Men, "Tools" Collection + some CND Effects =-.
Paris B says
I’m loving the look of that eyeshadow duo! My sort of colours. btw I’m loving your new sleek straight hair look 🙂
.-= Paris B’s last blog post… MWS Says: Never Stop Reading! =-.
lyn says
Oh, how I wish we get D&G cosmetics here in Malaysia! You look really pretty with these colours 🙂
.-= lyn’s last blog post… review : maybelline angelfit flawless natural liquid foundation =-.
Karen says
Hi Lyn,
The line’s pretty new, so who knows? Maybe in a few years you’ll find ’em in your neck of the woods. 🙂
Catherine says
Oh man, this collection looks so gorgeous on you! Summery, but so sophisticated at the same time! I am loving the eyeshadow duo and the lipstick!
.-= Catherine’s last blog post… Visee Glam Hunt Eyes G-6 =-.
Karen says
I figured the lipstick would totes be your thing!
What are you up to today? Doing anything fun?
Lindsay says
This looks so pretty on you! Bummer the eyeliner pencil isn’t creamy.
.-= Lindsay’s last blog post… FOTD: Not my dirty 30 =-.
Karen says
I was really hoping it would be softer, but alas, no! What are your favorite creamy liners? Right now I’m loving the MAC Pearlglides.
Roseline says
You look gorgeous with straight hair Karen =]
Karen says
Hi Roseline,
Aww, shucks. 🙂 How’s your day going so far? I hope your weekend is off to a good start!
marisol says
You look amazing in that picture. I see that you are already in spring mode! Enjoy your weekend.
.-= marisol’s last blog post… Liberty of London haul =-.
Karen says
What are you up to today, Miss Thang? It looks like it’s going to be nice and sunny in your hometown.
Marisol says
It’s so gorgeous right now. My friends are coming over for lunch. We are going to try this restaurant in SF called El Papalote. My friend saw ir featured on Bobby Flay’s Throwdown & they beat him with their triple threat burrito – chicken, carne asada & prawns. I also want to go see Remember Me. How about you? Have you gone to the Cheese Factory past San Marin High school? Perfect day to explore it.
.-= Marisol’s last blog post… Liberty of London haul =-.
Tiera says
I’m dying for that cheek color. And, may I just say, your skin looks AMAZING!!
.-= Tiera’s last blog post… March Madness! =-.
Karen says
The cheek color would look really pretty on you!
Ciambella says
You are one classy lady, Miss Karen! I love the way you did the touch of blue on the eyelids!
Karen says
Hi Ciambella,
How’s your Saturday going? I hope your weekend is off to a great start!
gio says
The blue liner looks stunning! What a bummer that it is so hard!
.-= gio’s last blog post… Sunday beauty reads, 21/03/10 =-.
Karen says
I know! I bet there’s makeup lovers out there who prefer the harder pencils, but I’m not one of ’em, le sigh.
cecilee =) says
you look gorgeous in that first picture! and i’m loving that blue liner colour <3
.-= cecilee =)'s last blog post… Skinfood Sweet Potato Prime Base Review! =-.
Karen says
The blue liner is very cool! I just wish it was softer, boo.
Brandi says
I actually squealed a little when I saw your makeup look. Enviably gorgeous!
Karen says
Hi Brandi,
Thanks, babe! How’s your Saturday going so far?
Jackie says
Karen-
Thank you sooo much for posting this. I was dying to see the colors on! They look beautiful on you. I love the quad but not sure it I can pull it off because even though I have dark hair and eyes I am pretty fair.
Your blog is the wonderful as always.
Karen says
Hi Jackie!
Would it help to see it on lighter skin? I think that you could pull of the shadows, even if you’re fair. You could probably use the lighter color on the lids and the dark green as a liner!
Jackie says
That would be great if I could see it on lighter skin. I like to do a really smokey eye but I don’t usually do green, that is why I’m so unsure.
Did you get your hands on any Chanel Les Pops yet?
Rebecca says
I am in *love* with the color of that liner! If it weren’t for the problems you had with it’s texture, I would actually consider dishing out $29 for that baby <3
.-= Rebecca's last blog post… Misikko’s Hana Flat Iron review & [my very first] GIVEAWAY! =-.
Karen says
If you love the color, you could probably warm it up by pointing a hair dryer at the tip for a few seconds to melt it down a little. That might make the tip a little softer!
Nina says
I like your hair!!!
And I am really, really digging the Crayon Intense in blue ….. the color is awesome and its sad that its got texture issues.
Have a great weekend!!!
Karen says
I loooove the color but the texture is too hard to work with… I suppose I could hit it with a blow dryer for a few seconds to heat it up, but that’s just an extra step, ya know?
Did you guys go by the pet store yet to look at puppies for Mojo (lol!)?
mkdallas says
Great makeup, great hair, great photo! Looking mahvelous for a Saturday AM, Karen. I’m mainly feeling the love for the lipstick (that color is pretty much my HG), but I think you could dupe it for less $$$ with a Benefit or Mac shade.
Karen says
Hmm, maybe Benefit Label Lover Lipstick?
Happy Saturday, hon!
Maria Barillaro says
I am loving these new D&G colors. I’m all about vibrant hues for spring! 🙂
.-= Maria Barillaro’s last blog post… The makeup primer you can’t live without =-.
Julbra says
Hey Karen, did you get that dress at American Eagle? I think I have the same one! Love the makeup look too!
Karen says
Good eye, Julbra! Isn’t our dress comfy? I love that I don’t have to iron it. 🙂
Julbra says
I haven’t had a chance to wear it yet (its been very cold here on the east coast) but I’m looking forward to it!
Katie says
you look so pretty in this photo! i wish i could find a job so i could purchase this collection, but summer is coming, meaning, lots of openings for students!
.-= Katie’s last blog post… Lady Gaga Telephone Makeup =-.
Summer Staff says
Oh my gosh, Karen you look AMAZING! Super fresh and summery. this could be one of your best pics yet! 😀
Beinha says
Wow I love your hair, it looks so beautiful! And the makeup looks amazing too. Have a great weekend!
Vonvon says
Love the eyeshadow duo in Laguna…the blue is so beautiful!
.-= Vonvon’s last blog post… Review: Dior Capture Totale One Essential Skin Boosting Super Serum……INDEED! =-.
The Crochet Queenn says
The colors are very pretty (*~*)!!
.-= The Crochet Queenn’s last blog post… Chocolate Brown Scarf With Colorful Recycled Sari Ribbon,Ready to Ship =-.
The Crochet Queenn says
Karen, can you show a close up of your eyes? If you have the eyeshadow quad in Fabulous plz show!
.-= The Crochet Queenn’s last blog post… Chocolate Brown Scarf With Colorful Recycled Sari Ribbon,Ready to Ship =-.
Suji says
ahh I love these colors! I HAVE to have the Laguna eye duo! I love shadows that are velvety smooth and easy to blend. I like the blue liner and lipstick too, but I think I’d rather splurge on the shadows. Actually I might have to get the lipstick too, haha 🙂
P.S. Has anyone told you that you bear a resemblance to Lauren Conrad? Maybe it’s just me, but I totally see it. You both share a gorgeous smile!
Hope you’re enjoying your weekend Karen!
amy says
I love the seafoam green eyeshadow, the cobalt blue eyeliner is pretty but I agree that $29 is too much.
.-= amy’s last blog post… NOTD Sephora OPI Nail Lacquer Go with the Flow-er =-.
Sabrina says
Everything looks so hot! Hot dress, hot pose, hot makeup. (Fans self a bit) I need that new blush + lipstick! Thanks for the preview 🙂
.-= Sabrina’s last blog post… Chanel Coromandel Le Vernis =-.
Michele DiCola says
Karen- I am so not in love with the D& G pigment. MAC is so much more bang for the buck,
Michele-
I am cleaning all my make up out for more!
Julie says
Love those colours on you Karen! I wouldn’t be so harsh on the liner though and perhaps consider keeping it in your kit. I had a body shop eye liner that was hard as well which I didn’t appreciate until the height of heat and humidity in Summer. Then suddenly all my usual soft eyeliners were useless unless I kept them in the fridge. The harder liner could travel then no problem and of course became the easier to apply.
nina says
karen! love this look on you -but can you pweaseeee do a step by step when you post a photo of your makeup? seems like you haven’t been doing many of those lately :/