Sound the alarm and man the battlements, fellow Dolce die-hards, because it looks like someone raided the treasure room!
But wait — from the look of things, they didn’t escape with much. In fact, they appear to have left us something instead, the new quad in the Dolce & Gabbana Ruby holiday collection, an apparent tribute to those of us with a thing for cool-toned taupes and browns.
Like other precious stones, this gem commands a high price, in this case $75, but within its limited edition ruby packaging reside four easy-to-blend powders almost incapable of fallout. The matte grayish brown, shimmery violet taupe, sheer matte black and shimmery white are capable of looking elegantly dressed down one minute, like in the neutral look I’m wearing here, and more exhilarating and dramatic the next, by using the black shade to “smoke it out.”
I feel like the Ruby collection really revolves around the five red lipsticks in the release, which I think are served well by the accompanying blush in Peach and this quad. And the quad doesn’t bestow so much color to the eyes that they end up overwhelming the rest of the look.
I love how the shadows perform, and I was surprised to find myself liking the way these cooler shades worked with my warm skin, but at such a high price point, I see this quad as more of a collector’s keepsake for Dolce-philes than as a piece of everyday makeup for practical gals.
Perhaps in a way it’s like a pair of Jimmy Choos… If you’re sure that 1) you’ll be able to wear it often and 2) you love everything about it, then this Femme Fatale could be something you’d really enjoy.
PRICE: $75
AVAILABILITY: Coming soon to select Saks Fifth Avenue stores
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. I hope you’re having a nice Monday so far. Sorry if it seems like I’ve been MIA lately, but I’ve been swept away by the pre-turkey day rush! I still have so much to do before we head out to see our family on Thursday… I just keep telling myself that all I have to do is keep it together until we start bringing out the food, and then it’s game on!
Antonia at Swedish Love Affair says
Wow, those rubies are spectacular! After looking at the packaging I expected much more eye-catching insides of this palette, to be honest. It looks nice on you, though:)
Karen says
Hi Antonia,
Aww, thanks. 🙂
I guess it makes sense seeing how the lipsticks are so bold. If they went all out with the eyeshadow it might be too much, you know?
Tiffany says
The packaging is gorge! I’m such a sucker for nice packaging 🙂
Karen says
Hi Tiffany,
Me too! 🙂 I love the limited edition stuff as it is, but when it comes in special packaging I love it even more.
Have you worn Dolce & Gabbana makeup yet? They’ve got some really beautiful eyeshadows and blushes.
Em says
Such a nice compact, and who doesn’t want an excuse to go to Sephora! But even if they are necessary neutrals, I’m not sure if I’d be willing to dish out $75 for an eyeshadow quad….but it’s such a PRETTY eyeshadow quad at that…and I’m sure I’d use it…ARGH.
Karen says
Hi Em,
It’s very pretty! How often do you wear taupes/cool browns? If it’s an everyday thing, then it might be worth it. 🙂
Em says
I’m usually a struck eyeliner girl, but every couple of days I like to switch things up and make a simple Smokey eye, and I usually use these colours. 😉
Karen says
Well, if it makes any difference these are REALLY easy to blend. You could probably do it in your sleep! 🙂
bonnie says
this doesn’t pertain to this post at all! but … do you still love your amazon princess blush from the wonder woman collection?
Nina says
the quad does seem extremely cool toned, but there’s always a way for warmer toned gals like us to pull it off.
the price is a bit steep though, for something that ill have to work extra hard with … 🙂
harmreduction says
Could. Not. Resist.
I pre-ordered mine from Saks-San Francisco today…