That’s mah vampire face!
Dear Diary,
My list of the day? Makeup I’d Wear If I Were a Vampire.
But not just any vampire. Not one of those goody-two-shoes Cullens. I’d be more like Pam from True Blood, and I’d wear dark lipstick, skintight jumpsuits and leather. I’d hang out at all the coolest underground vampire techno clubs, too, because, as you know, vampires must techno.
Yeah, I’ve watched Blade one too many times…
Moody dark burgundy Dolce & Gabbana Passion Duo Gloss Fusion Lipstick in Intense ($34) would go right up at the top of my list. One of 20 gloss/lipstick hybrids in the recently launched Gloss Fusion Lipstick line, it’s perfect fare for creatures of the night!
But if your heart’s still beating, don’t worry. The line also contains colors that the living should like. I sank my teeth into four of the shades this week — Intense (a dark burgundy), Dazzle (a bronzy gold), Sensation (a shimmery golden pink) and Infatuation (a creamy brick red).
Notice the filling in the center of each bullet? It’s a shiny gloss, surrounded by the creamy lipstick on the outside — a similar idea to the $28 Sensuous Rouge lippies from Estee Lauder.
From the left: Dazzle, Infatuation, Intense and Sensation
Swatches from the left: Dazzle, Infatuation, Sensation and Intense
Dazzle
Sensation
Infatuation
They’re not copies, though. I think Dolce & Gabbana’s gloss-filled goodies are noticeably shinier, more pigmented, softer and more moisturizing than EL’s. That, and they last a little longer on my lips.
More to like…
- They have a dainty rose flavor and scent
- Gold packaging that looks expensive (and it should for $34)
- Feel light on my lips
- They come in vampire-approved colors!
That’s $34 for a rich, elegant lip look with the benefits of a moisturizing gloss.
If you like high-end moisturizing lipsticks with a glossy finish, a la the Chanel Rouge Coco Shines, you might wanna sink your fangs into some of these.
PRICE: $34 each
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Dolce & Gabbana counters and also online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A
It’s a dance par-tay!
Silly, yes, but I’ve been committed to shaking my booty for at least five minutes every day this week. What can I say? Dancing makes everything better, and today’s song of choice at Club Karen has been Wale’s World Tour.
Turn the volume up!
Are you dropping it like it’s hot (or lukewarm)? 🙂
So what have you been up to tonight? I made grilled tilapia with rosemary (’cause lawd knows I have enough rosemary), brown rice and a diced tomato salad for din-din, and now I’m getting ready to watch Law & Order: SVU.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Larie says
These colors are gorgeous, and you look fab 🙂 I love the packaging for these, too! So lux 🙂
Karen says
Me too! Love it when lipsticks look luxurious. 🙂
dani@callitbeauty says
Infatuation and Sensation are gorgeous!
But both put together don’t top your vampire faces :p.
Karen says
LOL! I just need some fangs. Oh, and to be undead…
Makeupandbeautyjunkie says
Hello Infatuation!
Vijaya says
Seconded!
Karen says
Love it!
Rads says
The photos….you really make the craziest faces!!! 😀 😀 The packaging is so classy…
Karen says
It’s what I do best, LOL!
Christina says
Omg thank you for those pictures! You are so hilarious. 🙂 I nearly woke up the house with my laughing.
Sensation looks amazing on you. Then again, all those lip colors looked fantastic on you. 🙂
Karen says
You’re welcome, Christina! 🙂
Jessi says
Your vampire faces are the BEST THING I HAVE SEEN ALL DAY! Maybe even all week. Maybe it’s just because it’s following the vampire faces, but the picture of you wearing Dazzle is one of my favorites of you ever. You look stunningly gorgeous.
You’re the best Karen; you brighten my day AND create new lemmings.
Jessi says
Oh, and I love your multicolored nails on your swatching hand! 🙂
Karen says
Aww, Jessi! You just made me so happy. I hope that you’ve been having a nice week so far. 🙂
Anna says
I gotta check these out! I love glosses but I’m trying to transition into lipsticks 🙂
Karen says
Lipsticks are so much fun! BTW, are you a MAC fan? They’ve got some gorgeous lippies out now in their limited edition collections, too!
gio says
The shades are very pretty and the packaging so elegant-
Karen says
Glad you like this line, Gio!
Rae // theNotice says
Aaaaaaahh!! KAREN. Oh my god! Your vampire photos are the best thing I’ve seen all day 😀
Er – anyhow. The lipsticks look absolutely gorgeous! (Infaturation in particular; what a great red.) Thanks for sharing the swatches… and FOTD shots 😛
Karen says
LOL, thanks Rae! 😀 That red would look awesome on you, btw!
Advah says
Hahaha love the photos, and especially the various nail colours on the first one! Makeup blogger in action! 😀
Those lipsticks look gorgeous, although I still want to try EL’s first – that Wistful Wisteria shade? Still lusting over it..
Karen says
Yup, Wistful Wisteria. It’s very pretty… not as pigmented, but still gorgeous. It might be good for your everyday lippie!
Eli says
These remind me of a lipstick Avon released a few years ago… But this is much more classy 🙂
Karen says
These feel really classy! Have you ever worn Dolce & Gabbana makeup before? They have lots of great pieces.
Sonya says
All of these swatches look gorgeous! My favorite is Infatuation 😀
Karen says
Super pretty! Love that one, too.
Marian says
ooooo…..I like these! They look fabulous on. Infatuation is my favorite!
Karen says
Yay! Do you live near a Dolce & Gabbana counter, Marian? If you don’t, you can order over the phone w/Saks.
Kim says
Of course, they all look fantastic on you. 🙂 I think Dazzle or Sensation would probably work for me – but I’d totally rock Intense if I was undead. Btw, are you using the polish on your left hand to glamour people? Hey, look, it’s taupe… green… pink… blaaa (chomp). 🙂
Karen says
I’m pulling for Sensation on you. It is really, really beautiful!
LOL re: the polish! Here’s a closer look at the mani:
http://www.refinery29.com/coolest-nails-in-san-francisco/slideshow#slide-10
Kim says
Oh, I love it (esp the gold glitter, of course)! And, I’m such a fan of that fridge magnet. 🙂
It also made me google Instagram. I am so painfully out of touch sometimes!
JoJo says
I love the Infatuation
Karen says
It’s gorgeous! What are some of your fave reds, Jojo?
Nina says
i love the colors, and the packaging really makes me drool!
Karen says
You know what’s cool? The packaging has a nice weight to it. It feels expensive!
Nina says
i like that! i mean if im spending that much on a lipstick, it better feel luxurious!!!
Glosslizard says
Wow, I am in lurve with those smooth, pigmented colors! I have got to obtain one of these, stat! Also, you would make a bad-a$$ vampire! 😀
Karen says
As would you! I can see you rocking leather jackets and purple lipstick with your hair all crazy, curly and wild! Of course you’d have to utilize your martial arts knowledge when you go hunting for food…
Angelic Mariposa Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ says
love your silliness!! HAHAHAHA!!
Karen says
Thanks, hon! 🙂
Angelic Mariposa Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ says
😀 makes your blog so fun!!
Lola says
All of these are very pretty, but my favorite is definitely Sensation!
Karen says
I love that color too, Lola!
Elle says
I laughed out loud at my desk right now. HA! Love the pics!
Karen says
😉 Thanks, Elle. Hope you’re having a great Thursday.
Got any plans for the weekend yet?
Swatch And Learn says
Hahahaha! I love how you’re not afraid to be silly and run with it. 😀 Hehe, those vampire faces!
Karen says
It never hurts to be prepared. 🙂 Who knows if/when one will join the legions of the undead?
Trina L. Grant says
I love the gold color on you, Karen. I am very pale right now, so I think it would probably be best for me, though I ADORE “Intense”! Thanks for this article. I normally don’t spend that much on lipstick, but I like the infusion of glossiness you pointed out.
As for your dancing, props to you, girl! I have taken to dancing on a regular basis in my house, usually with my kids. I figure it’s great cardio for a minute, and I love teaching my girls to have the confidence to ‘dance like no one is watching’.
Great post.
Karen says
Hi Trina,
If you’re very pale you might want to try Sensation, too!
Dawne says
I’ve been waiting for reviews of these. Great! I can’t wait to try these out. Thanks.
Karen says
You’re welcome, Dawne. Let me know what you think of them!
Heather says
Woo hoo! That music got me revved-up for my workout this morning – thanks! The lipsticks are pretty, but I’m not sure if they’re special enough for that price tag – and I’m not sure I could tell the difference between Dazzle and Sensation when they were on you.
Karen says
Hi Heather,
Glad to get you fired up for your workout. What did you do this morning? I ended up doing a Jillian Michaels DVD, and whew! I’m tired.
Heather says
I spent a half hour on the elliptical machine and then did core stuff with the exercise ball – boring, but it had to get done! I’ll have to check out that Jillian Michaels DVD for a change. : )
Karen says
Good for you! Those exercise ball workouts are killer. I have a really weak core and they always leave me dripping in sweat.
The JM DVD I did was really good! It’s called Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism, and it’s great if you want to get your butt kicked, LOL. I did a review of it a while back; here’s the link in case you’re interested:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/product-reviews/the-jillian-michaels-banish-fat-boost-metabolism-workout-dvd-hurts-so-good/
Stèphanie says
Sensation looks pretty.. I remember the same kinds of glosses(with the glossy filling in the centre and the creme color around) I had as a little girl!
Karen says
Hi Stephanie,
That one’s my fave for an everyday lip! 🙂
tasha says
YOU MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD. I love your style!!! 😉
Karen says
Thanks, Tasha! Hope you’re having a nice Thursday.
morrigan says
Lol!!! I scrolled down, saw that epic face, and snorted XD. U make my day, Karen 🙂
Gotham Polish says
I love what you’ve got going on with your nails here 🙂 This lipstick is like sushi lipstick lol
Stephanie says
Best pictures ever!!!! Lovin the vampire faces 😀
Phyrra says
OMG! Your vampire face is so adorable!