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A Look at the Dolce & Gabbana Ethereal Beauty Collection Holiday 2010

by 80 Comments

Oy, what a relief! My poor luggage found its way home last night, none the worse for wear, and when I busted it open, BAM! Tabs jumped inside. 🙂

Somehow he even knew which compartment held the Dolce & Gabbana Ethereal Beauty Collection products for holiday 2010.

I’ve been meaning to swatch these for you for days! Most of the colors in the 15-piece collection, a collaboration between makeup artist Pat McGrath and designers Dominico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, are totally new. Only two of them, Volumizing Lashes in Black ($29) and Intense Nail Lacquer in Pink 100 ($20), are re-promotes from the permanent line.

dolce gabbana ethereal beauty collection holiday 2010 photos all

None of the products, which arrive at Saks Fifth Avenue stores in mid-October, are exactly bargains, unfortunately, but the prices are typical for a luxury line, ranging from $20 at the low end all the way up to $59 at the top.

The D&G dudes say that light, and the delicate, feminine chiffons, silks and laces from their 2010 runway collections, inspired Ethereal Beauty, and I think I can see their point of view in the makeup. Most of these are nude colors, airy, tender and ladylike. There’s still variety, however, in both texture and opacity, particularly among the lip products.

I think it’s an unusual holiday collection, and not as reddish, golden or dark plum as we usually see from releases around this same time of year.

These Ethereal Beauties — the soft nudes, warm honey browns, delicate pinks, subtle bronzes and solitary orchid — feel more like spring or summer products to me, and for that, I applaud! Simply put, I’m nowhere near ready for this summer to end.

The nuanced color palette might not make this a favorite collection for gals addicted to big, brash and bold. The warm brown, beige and bronze eye colors, here in a variety of shimmery and matte finishes, complement the matte pink cheeks, while the shimmery peach, pink, beige, brown and bronze lips fit well within the overarching theme of the look.

dolce gabbana ethereal beauty collection holiday 2010 photos quad
Smooth Eye Colour Quad in Desert, $59

dolce gabbana ethereal beauty collection holiday 2010 photos duo
Smooth Eye Colour Duo in Desire, $36

dolce gabbana ethereal beauty collection holiday 2010 photos blush
Luminous Cheek Colour in Rosebud, $44

dolce gabbana ethereal beauty collection holiday 2010 photos bronzer
Bronzer in Cashmere, $47

dolce gabbana ethereal beauty collection holiday 2010 photos lipsticks
Lipsticks counterclockwise from left: Classic Cream Lipstick in Desert, Shine Lipstick in Rosebud, Classic Cream Lipstick in Glitz, Shine Lipstick in Shimmer, each $30

dolce gabbana ethereal beauty collection holiday 2010 photos lipsticks
Lipsticks counterclockwise from left: Shimmer, Rosebud, Glitz, Desert

dolce gabbana ethereal beauty collection holiday 2010 photos glosses
Shine Lipgloss in Shimmer (bottom) and Honey (top), each $29

dolce gabbana ethereal beauty collection holiday 2010 photos pencils
Pencils from left: Eyeliner Crayon Intense in Shimmer ($29), Precision Lipliner in Cinnamon ($30), Precision Lipliner in Cashmere ($30)

At first glance, I felt the Desire eyeshadow duo (gotta say it all sexy-like!), with its rosy bronze on one side and orchid (a light purple) on the other, was out of place, but as soon as I swatched the lipsticks, it made more sense. The bronze shade keeps Desert lipstick company, and the orchid shade relates to Rosebud, a shimmery purple-pink.

I like my brights, but there’s something to be said for products that I know I’ll use often — colors that I know I’ll be able to incorporate into my daily routine, like the nude quad (Desert), pink blush (Rosebud) and the nude lippies, which should feel right at home with conservative colors or more dramatic looks like smokey eyes.

Wearable is an overused word nowadays, but I think it really does describe these shades.

I’ll knock out some lip swatches over the next few days, and I’m definitely going to use the quad in an upcoming face of the day (can’t wait!). 🙂

Now that you’ve had a better look, do you see anything you really like?

dolce gabbana ethereal beauty collection holiday 2010 swatches eyes
Eye product swatches from left: Smooth Eye Colour Quad in Desert (first four swatches), Smooth Eye Colour Duo in Desire (fifth and sixth swatches), Eyeliner Crayon Intense in Shimmer (last swatch)

dolce gabbana ethereal beauty collection holiday 2010 swatches lips
Lip product swatches from left: Shine Lipstick in Shimmer, Classic Cream Lipstick in Glitz, Classic Cream Lipstick in Desert, Shine Lipstick in Rosebud, Shine Lipgloss in Honey, Shine Lipgloss in Shimmer, Precision Lipliner in Cashmere, Precision Lipliner in Cinnamon

dolce gabbana ethereal beauty collection holiday 2010 swatches cheeks
Cheek product swatches from left: Bronzer in Cashmere, Luminous Cheek Colour in Rosebud

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Reader Interactions

Comments

  4. Tabs looks sooo much like my cat Carlos in this pic! Except that Carlos is a little “rounder” Does he have relatives in Austria?! 😀

    Reply

  5. Be careful, he may just hide all the collection somewhere at the safe place where you can’t reach and with time he may even take the MBB from you to share HIS thought son makeup and his sweet lill’ Karen, lol 😉

    And I am happy that you had a lovely time in Milan, the photos are great thank you for sharing.

    As for this collection, it’s nice but not sure there is anything I can’t live without.
    Marina recently posted … Fall Trend- Green Nail Polish

    Reply

    • Hi Marina,

      I wouldn’t be surprised at all that happened. 🙂 In fact, I can’t seem to find my MAC Hello Kitty Lucky Tom palette and I think it’s because he hid it somewhere (no joke!).

      Reply

  6. great collection, as you say more of a spring summer feel for me, but love it. the quad is great and both the blush and bronzer looks great. Regarding the bronzing powder, it looks pretty mat on your skin, is there any shimmer. I guess this bronzer is their lighter one since it does really match your skintone. which actually is great for winter time when you do not want necessarily looks tan but more healthy..
    tahnks for a great review, as usual

    Reply

      • If anyone wants to try the products on the skin and doesn’t live near a counter I can send you a face chart with my little trip so you can try them. I take dispossable applicators for shadow and put as much eyeshadow as I can on the and attach then to the chart showing a few options with the quad. If your interested just send me your name, address and email at my Saks fifth Avenue email.

        Maygan_Dale@s5a.com.

        I’ve been sending a tons of these and it really helps to see them on your own skin.

        Reply

  10. OMG karen how was milan! you shouldve told us you were going earlier, maybe you did i may have missed it :$ the dolce and gabbana makeup looks ABSOLUTELY GORGOEUS, the lipsticks and bronzer and everything– woW

    Reply

  11. Pretty! It’s all stuff I would go for. My make up look is usually the “you’re wearing make up?”. They can’t tell when I have it on, but then they suddenly notice something is different if I don’t.

    Reply

  12. I Love Love LOVE the lipsticks! So colorful yet muted!If that makes sense hah It’s a shame I don’t have much money to spend for them :p Very pretty collection though

    Reply

    • Hi Tori,

      If you’re ever in the mood to splurge at least you know these are around. One good thing about the lippies — they have a great wear time, and you don’t have use much.

      Watcha up to this weekend? Got any fun plans?

      Reply

  13. I would think that this would be right up my alley, but for some reason, it’s not speaking to me. Maybe it’s because it looks spring-like to me too (and I’m in a fall mood). I’m sure I’ll find lots to like when you do the FOTD, though. 🙂

    Our kitties are the same way with luggage. I think they know it means we’re leaving for more than the day, and they’re not liking it! Though I can see Tabs thinking “you want to get at this make-up? You’ll have to pay a LOT of attention to me first!”. 🙂

    Reply

    • Hi Kim,

      It feels *very* spring/summer, especially the lips!

      Are your cats also obsessed with laundry baskets? That’s another thing that Tabs can’t get enough of.

      Happy Friday!

      Reply

      • Yes, very! We have sort of a bad habit of folding the clothes, but not putting them away immediately. The next thing I know, there’s a layer of gray fur on all the top articles of clothing!

        They also like licking out of the sink, tub and even toilet if we’re not careful. They’ll drink out of their water bowls too, but it’s clearly less fun! 🙂

        Reply

  14. So glad that you were able to swatch this collection for us! I’ve been dying to see swatches since you first showed us pics last week. This is really a lovely wearable Holiday collection – but then again, I’m a sucker for anything shimmery. 🙂 Glad you’re back from Italy!

    Reply

    • Hi Jaime,

      It’s very different from the usual holiday colors, right? I’ll have some lip swatches up soon… after you see those you might fall more in love. 🙂

      How’s your Friday going so far? I can’t believe it’s already October.

      Reply

      • I am SO happy it’s Friday. 🙂 I’m with you, too – I can’t believe 2010 is on it’s way out. I do love the fall though, so that is my solace.

        Can’t wait for the lippie swatches!

        Reply

      • This year has gone by SO FAST. It seems like the older I get, the more time seems to speed up. It’s the weirdest thing…

        Anywho, I love fall too, but mostly ’cause the holidays focus on food. 🙂

        ((Damn those mini Halloween Snickers bars!))

        Reply

  15. Im lovin’ the Desire eyecolor duo. I kinda said no more makeup til next year — but ive been known to be weak and swoon at the sight of pretty colors!

    Tabs <33333333333333!!!

    Reply

    • LOL, I don’t believe it! You won’t be able to resist the siren call of the holiday stuff that’ll be coming out in the next few weeks, babe!

      Tabs is sitting on my lap right now! He says, “Mrrrrow!”

      Reply

      • hahahah you know me so well, girlfriend.

        i dont think ive told you but — i also got the darkly my dear blush from vv. i am weakkkkkk … 😀

        i really am lovin’ that desire duo. the colors are pretty unique. im almost 1000% sure i dont have any of those colors in my 6000 eyeshadows! :d

        Reply

  17. I lurve these colors, so timeless. I’d be reaching for these all the time. The price is kinda steep, but now that I’ve broken the price ice with the Chanel Stunt lip laque I bought, I’ll feel more inclined to spend a bit more.

    Reply

  20. I would have cried if my luggage never made it back to me and meaning the loss of an awesome D&G loot bag! Those colors are lovely. Yes, I know I have said this in many a past posts but I am now working up the courage and desire to test drive a few of these products out at Saks. I will just have to avoid the perfume counters because that’s another weakness of mine!

    Reply

    • When you go definitely check out the eyeshadow quads, blush and the lipsticks. 🙂

      Aw, just give in and visit the fragrance counter!!

      As for the bag… I’m a little embarrassed to say that I actually teared up at the airport when I found out my bag was MIA. I felt like a weirdo but the airport staff assured me that people cry at the baggage claim ALL THE TIME.

      Reply

  23. I’ve been getting updates from your blog for a few years now and I must say I’m a big fan..I’m usually not a commenter but I have to ask- Where did you get Tabs?! He’s absolutely adorable! I’m thinking about adopting a cat but I’m still not sure what kind I should get..

    Reply

  25. I like the colours Karen, especially the eyes, but ouch the price!

    I just tried to introduce Rooster cat to Tabs cat, but he wasn’t having any of it. Too busy sleeping in the spot that he just stole from me on the settee.

    Reply

  26. I have the same exact luggage! Same color, same style – aren’t those wheels the best?? I get so many people asking about the bag and always highly recommend it 🙂 Thank goodness your luggage made it back okay – lost luggage is such a bummer.
    Sally recently posted … The Dog Ate My Homework

    Reply

  28. I’m glad that the your luggage arrived safe and sound. My brother’s cat immediately jumps into (or on top of – he’s not picky) any luggage that is in his vicinity.

    The makeup is lovely! I’ve never tried anything from the D&G line.

    Reply

  30. Not a big fun of this collection- doesn’t look like a particularly radical take on the natural look. I am lovin’ the eye duo in ‘desire’ though, especially the reddy brown shade. Never had any D&G products before, how are they in terms of pigmentation?

    Reply

  31. I’m loving this collection…especially the “Desire” duo and the lip colors! They are soft and Spring like, but it’s refreshing. Love your site, btw.

    Reply

    • Yes! The browns are red based brows and anythng coral or red based is amazing on blue eyes!

      The blush (rosebud) is also great. Its not too peach not to pink so its very wearable!

      xoxox
      m

      Reply

  35. WOW DG packaging looks as luxe as Guerlain.

    Tabs is so cute, he has the *oh, you caught me!* look!!! He is such a big cat, the more I see his pic, the more I want to pick him up & mollycoddle him. 😀

    Reply

  36. They’re here!! We just received the collection this morning and its even prettier in person!! Its a great time to order because this weekend is friends and family at Saks!! Also something you wont get from ordering online there is a beautiful eyelash curler as a gift when you get it from the stores with any 100$ purchase! This will not be avalible for online orders! If you need more info dont hesitate to get in touch. It will be 10% off this weekend only!

    Also if you mention MBB I will be sure to throw in some extra samples and goodies 🙂

    Maygan

    Maygan81@aol.com
    603 661 1632!

    Happy shopping!!

    Reply

  37. Hey Karen! I just recently started reading your blog, and I LOVE it! Thank you for being a nice little gateway into the world of makeup. I just started getting more into the makeup world, and Its so much fun! :] Anywhos, these D&G products all look fantastic! I especially love the lip gloss.. very tempting, Although, i don’t know how you would want to use the eyeshadow and lipsticks… with that little D&G indent it in. :] hehe, maybe its just me. 😛

    Reply

  38. Karen, could you post at least one look using this collection, if you have posted one already could you post where to find it. Thanks. Great swatches.

    Reply

  39. Karen, I love the D&G makeup and saks has 25 dollars off 150. Do these eyeshadows go on and stay on good? Thanx so much, have a nice day.

    Reply

  40. Karen,

    I like this collection, but I can’t tell how different it is from what may be similar cosmetics from other lines such as NARS, I am hoping that you can help me.

    Is there a dupe for the cashmere lipstick–is it similar to NARS Falbala or Beautiful Liar lipsticks?

    Also, is NARS casino or laguna brozers a dupe for cashmere bronzer?

    Lastly, would it be possible for you to do a look using this collection if you haven’t already?

    Love your blog:)

    Reply

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