When makeup marketers name a product “Pretty Amazing,” they’re setting the bar high. I mean, what do they do if the product only ends up being mediocre? How do they answer their boss when she asks, “How did those new Pretty Amazing Lipcolors turn out?” Well, miss, I think they turned out…fine.
Ouch.
I have to admit, I had high expectations when I heard about the new Bare Minerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolors line of hybrid liquid lipgloss/lipsticks ($16 each). I wondered if they’d make my eyes roll back in my head in ecstasy (I hope!). Would I find myself speaking in tongues?
Judging by their names, the eight new Lipcolors do have a certain swagger. There’s Bravado (a brick rose), Charisma (a coral pink), Ambition (a fuchsia), Courage (a warm strawberry), Fearless (a rosy mauve), Free Will (a pink nude; oddly, I keep wanting to call this one “Free Willy”), Moxie (a bright petal pink) and Strength (a vibrant red). Hot. I’ll call your positive messages, Bare Minerals, and raise you some power. 🙂
No, these aren’t lipglosses for wallflowers. They’re much stronger than that. These are like lipglosses on P90X — super thick and sticky with full-color coverage and subtle shine. Imagine the thick, sticky texture of a MAC Lipglass coupled with the uber-pigmented power of the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams and BAM! — you’re Pretty Amazing.
They’re also unscented and unflavored, but neither of those is their most amazing trait. That distinction goes to their color. It’s saturated and opaque, like the stuff of technicolor dreams.
Even though I find some of the brighter, bolder shades like Strength a little tricky to apply, the flocked applicator helps. As long as I use it with a slow, steady hand, I’m able to precisely draw crisp lines along the edges of my lips.
Beside an iPhone for scale…
Swatches from left with the flash: Bravado, Charisma, Ambition, Courage, Fearless, Free Will, Moxie and Strength
Swatches without the flash
Courage
Free Will
Fearless
Charisma
Moxie
Bravado
Ambition
Speaking of Ambition, Bare Minerals showed some with these, but would I call them amazing? Maybe. I was hoping they’d feel more moisturizing and would last a little longer on my lips. I get about four hours with them, which is good for a long-wearing lip product, but is it amazing? 🙂
I think their texture and finish also leave some room for improvement. Bare Minerals calls it a high-shine finish, but I have to respectfully disagree. As far as shine, I find myself wanting more. I also feel like my lips look older and drier wearing Pretty Amazing, as the product eventually settles into my larger vertical lines.
I love, LOVE these rich colors, and I really dig their names (Fearless? That’s great!), but calling them Pretty Amazing just might have been a stretch.
PRICE: $16 each
AVAILABILITY: Available in May at Bare Escentuals Boutiques and also online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Goodness, what happened to Tuesday? It’s like I opened my eyes this morning, answered some emails and now it’s 8:30 at night. I can’t believe it. Well, I guess it means we’re one step closer to Friday.
dani@callitbeauty says
April 19th, 2011 at 8:35 pmLOVE courage, fearless, & ambition! those are the shades i tend to gravitate towards.
i’m a little concerned about the thickness, though. it looks like it would be pretty gloopy and i’m kind of fussy about textures.
also, strength looks super, SUPER gorgeous on you!
dani@callitbeauty recently posted … Collection Spotlight- Giambattista Valli – Spring 2011
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:38 amMe too! I don’t mind a little bit of stickiness, but these are REALLY sticky.
Rachel says
February 7th, 2013 at 10:02 amCourage and Bravado look great on you! I love ambition though…
Vijaya says
April 19th, 2011 at 8:42 pmWell, they said “Pretty Amazing” not “ZOMFG, This Is Seriously Amazing”. I do like the looks of a couple of these. I love your lip swatches!
Vijaya recently posted … Linnaeus Cosmetics Review- The Overview Details and Things
Saffron says
April 19th, 2011 at 9:41 pmYou could totally start a line of cosmetics called “ZOMFG!” – I for one would be a customer. ><
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:37 amHaha!
Tracy says
April 19th, 2011 at 8:44 pmI’m loving Ambition! And Moxie! And Courage! You look great in ALL of them!
Tracy recently posted … LashControl Mascara Is Genius In a Tube!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:37 amThanks, Tracy! 🙂
Siena says
April 19th, 2011 at 8:51 pmbeautiful colors, although I’m a little worried about the cons that come with these :/
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:37 amYou might want to try it out first when it hits counters. The texture’s VERY sticky and thick.
Molly SC says
April 19th, 2011 at 8:55 pmI might just have to snatch up Bravado- that is SUCH a great color!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:37 amAnd isn’t the name cool too? Love!
Sarah says
April 19th, 2011 at 8:57 pmKaren,
Those lipcolors look so fab! I’m around the same color as you so I’m hoping I look even half as good in them as you do! By the way, what blush are you wearing? It also looks gorg!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:41 amHi Sarah,
That’s NARS Orgasm mixed with a little bit of NARS Laguna bronzer. 🙂
AnieJ says
April 19th, 2011 at 8:58 pmFrom the swatches, I was going to say that Charisma was my favorite, but seeing that picture of you with Courage on….whoo dang girl! You just blew my mind! I think I’ll be picking Courage up for a night on the town…just me and the lipcolor, mind you, you gotta romance it a bit.
AnieJ recently posted … Bobbi Brown Award Winning Face Touch-Up Stick in Warm Ivory 1
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:41 amLOL… thanks for making me laugh, Anie! I needed that this morning. 🙂
Valbona Prokshi says
April 19th, 2011 at 8:59 pmVery pigmented and cute!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:42 amSuper pigmented! Love!
Appu says
April 19th, 2011 at 9:09 pmThey seem mighty pigmented! My fav. is Courage 🙂
Appu recently posted … Stila Convertible Color in Lillium
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:43 amThey are! Courage is a very pretty color.
Jessi says
April 19th, 2011 at 9:13 pmI think calling them Pretty Amazing is just setting themselves up for disappointment. They should have been named “Pretty Mediocre” so that when people tried them they would be astonished at how much better than mediocre they really are. i have to say they do look all kinds of gorgeous on you, though.
Jessi recently posted … Random NOTD- Hidden Treasure over OPIs Im His Coral Friend Matte
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:43 amOr maybe Pretty Darn Good?
shontay says
April 19th, 2011 at 9:17 pmYou look gorgeous, Karen. Seriously, all of these work on you. Now I am interested. I just hope these don’t cause a reaction with me b/c I definitely cannot wear their foundations. I’m willing to find out, though. 🙂
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:44 amHi Shontay,
You and I are in the same boat. I tried the foundation years ago and broke out like CRAZY. The lip and eye products seem to not irritate my skin though…
Ashley says
April 19th, 2011 at 9:19 pmKaren are you wearing “Strength” in the main photo?
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:44 amHi Ashley,
Yup, that’s Strength. Thanks for reminding me — I need to caption that photo.
Jan says
April 19th, 2011 at 9:26 pmThese look similar to Chanel Rouge Allure Laque.
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:45 amYeah, it’s a little bit like the Rouge Laques. These are much thicker though, and very sticky.
Jen says
April 19th, 2011 at 10:01 pmAh, I love this! I have yet to try the NYX cream ones but I imagine these are wonderful! ^_^
Jen recently posted … Two week cleansing cycle DONE!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:45 amThe NYX ones are really nice! The scent can be overpowering though.
Charisse says
April 19th, 2011 at 10:29 pmCourage looks amazing…but WOW these are super pigmented! IM IN LOVE!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:36 amAwesome, Charisse! Glad you like them. 🙂
claudia says
April 19th, 2011 at 10:34 pmcourage looks super pretty on you!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:36 amThanks, Claudia! Hope you’re having a good day.
elisabeth says
April 19th, 2011 at 10:46 pmDo you remember MAC Lip Varnish in Autobody Red? That’s what the red one reminds me of…
gio says
April 19th, 2011 at 11:14 pmThey look so pretty and pigmented! Love courage!
gio recently posted … Is Mineral Makeup Drying
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:36 amI knew you’d like these!
Jen W says
April 19th, 2011 at 11:27 pmLove the look of Bravado and Courage.
It’s a shame that they’re not ‘pretty amazing’ though in terms of the texture. I loathe lippies that settle into lip lines
Jen W recently posted … Bobbi Brown Lip Balm SPF 15- a review
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:36 amI wouldn’t mind it if it wasn’t so obvious… these really emphasize the vertical lines!
Bellyrockin says
April 20th, 2011 at 12:55 amThey remind me very much of MAC’s Kissable Lip Colours
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:35 amThey do share a resemblance in terms of pigment. I feel like these are much thicker and sticker though.
a!kO says
April 20th, 2011 at 12:57 amWow, I am loving the colors of these 😀 Especially Bravado.
x0x0
a!kO recently posted … Wishlist- I want that!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:34 amGlad to hear you like these!
Wendy says
April 20th, 2011 at 1:11 amCourage was the only swatch that looked like something I might try. Then I saw it on you. The color looks amazing on you. I’m going to have to pass on it due to the thick, goopey, heavy textured look. Too much of a good thing just like P90X. It was more like P110X for me. Towards the end, I just couldn’t stomach the same workout.
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:34 amI have a friend who does P90X; he told me it’s pretty hard core. I dunno… I don’t think I’m ready for that jelly, LOL! I’ll stick to running.
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 2:36 amI looovvveee how courage looks on you!!!!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:34 amThanks, Karen!
kalcedon says
April 20th, 2011 at 3:58 amI pretty much like Courage :).
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:33 amLove the name of that one!
shiny says
April 20th, 2011 at 5:13 amRhetorical question: Why is ‘Ambition’ fuschia? 🙂
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:33 amHmm? Good question!
Kim says
April 20th, 2011 at 5:14 amBravado and Courage look great on you! The swatches remind me of brightly colored latex, though, especially in the flash photos. 🙂 I wasn’t impressed with Bare Minerals foundation (and one of their brushes came unglued the 2nd time I used it), so I am definitely biased against the brand. I should probably let that go!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:33 amI know what you mean. I tried their powder foundation years ago and broke out, too. They were painful pimples — you know, the ones that feel like they’ve got roots? I’m slowly getting to know the line and I like some of their color stuff. They definitely seem to have a cult following!
Kim says
April 21st, 2011 at 10:02 amI’ll try to check out some of their color stuff; after all, even makeup lines need a second chance sometimes! 🙂
Karen says
April 21st, 2011 at 10:28 amI’m still very nervous about the face products, but I think venturing into color’s pretty safe. A lot of people seem to really love the line. You never know…
Nicky Bromow says
April 20th, 2011 at 5:46 amBravado is, to me, the one that suits you best, It makes your skin pop and look gorgeous!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:31 amThanks, Nicky! I take it you like really pigmented, rich lip colors. 🙂
jillian m. says
April 20th, 2011 at 5:59 amin spite of the cons, these look amazing on you (especially courage)! rich, vibrant colors–i love it!
jillian m. recently posted … things i learned from michael pollan
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:31 amThanks, Jillian. 🙂 Do you think you might pick one of these up?
Jade says
April 20th, 2011 at 6:20 amI love ’em! All of ’em! But I think courage and charisma might be my favorites.
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:29 amBoth of those shades are very pretty.
Nina says
April 20th, 2011 at 7:05 amunscented and unflavored? count me in! im loving ambition, strength courage and m moxie! 🙂
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:29 amAren’t those great names? Love ’em. 🙂
Nina says
April 20th, 2011 at 9:52 amthe names are so awesome! 🙂
im going to the mall on friday for a little alone time ( i have the day off, the hubs doesnt lol!) … ill stop by the BE store to check these babies out!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 2:10 pmAlone time is always GOOD! I seriously need a mall day…
Tracy Hathaway says
April 20th, 2011 at 7:42 amAre these comparable to the Chanel Rouge Allure Laques?
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:04 amThe pigment is, but the texture isn’t.
Tukta says
April 20th, 2011 at 7:57 amIs it similar to Chanel??? I don’t remember the name of Chanel products but they have this kind of lip that not gloss, not lipstick
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:03 amNot really. The Chanel products are thinner and non-sticky. These are very thick and sticky.
Amista says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:30 amI LOVE Courage! Very beautiful!
Amista recently posted … LUSH NEW! Solid Shampoo
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:39 amThat color’s a lot of fun!
JoElla says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:31 amI have one of these from a TSV from QVC, and I like the color, but found them to be quite sticky and gloppy. It felt sticky on my lips and almost hard to control the application.
What worked for me was blotting the heck out of it, and throwing a bit of gloss over it. They are long wearing, but I am just not a fan of gummy lip sticks.
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:39 amThanks for the application tips, JoElla.
Christy says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:37 amCourage looks amazing on you!
Christy recently posted … Chanel Mimosa- Morning Rose & Beige Petale from Sumer 2011 Collection- Swatches
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:39 amThanks, Christy!
Trisha says
April 20th, 2011 at 11:59 amBravado looks great on you! It totally goes with your shirt.
Trisha recently posted … Giveaway- Lumixyl Topical Brightening System
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 2:06 pmOh, I didn’t even notice that it matched, LOL!
Basak says
April 20th, 2011 at 12:38 pmWell, my favorite is Bravado on you Karen!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 2:04 pmHey, Basak! It’s been a while. How are you?
Barb says
April 20th, 2011 at 12:38 pmThey all look great on you but I think I like Fearless the best for me. I saw these on QVC but resisted ordering them then ( I hate having to pay shipping unless I’m getting an awesome deal). I’ll definitely have to check them out.
I used BE foundation for years but recently converted to Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation. I got a TSV kit of Tarte makeup from QVC and love it!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 2:04 pmThat foundation from Tarte is great! Have you tried their new blushes? AMAZING!
Solangel says
April 20th, 2011 at 2:26 pmI’m sure these are so not good for kissing 😛
Solangel recently posted … Grandpas things- Rose bundt pan
Rachel says
April 20th, 2011 at 2:34 pmOMG Karen! I think these look super on your lips! I want to try them out but still have trouble finding a pretty lipgloss because I’m so pale. What would your suggestions be?
Karen says
April 21st, 2011 at 8:37 amHi Rachel,
It depends on what look you’re going for. I personally love the contrast of bold lips against pale skin, so I think you could do any of these colors…
nia says
April 20th, 2011 at 7:45 pmbravado & courage looks awesome on you~
i wonder how does these fare to illamasqua’s intense lipglosses?
Karen says
April 21st, 2011 at 8:35 amHi Nia,
These are waaay thicker and stickier!
Moni says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:52 pmI *need* Courage!
Do you have a picture of your bare lips? I’m trying to figure out if our colouring is similar!
Karen says
April 21st, 2011 at 8:35 amHi Moni,
Unfortch I don’t think I do. Mine are pretty pigmented though… Do you ever wear MAC Subculture Lip Pencil? That’s like the same color are my lips.
Instant Karma (formerly L) says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:59 pmAw, that’s a shame. Strength looks GORGEOUS. Then again, I really don’t need another vibrant red lip gloss, considering I already own approximately eight million of them…
Karen says
April 21st, 2011 at 8:33 amHa! I know how that goes. I can’t even begin to think of how many pink lipglosses live with me.
Anh says
April 21st, 2011 at 10:38 amI have a Bare Escentuals gift card with nothing that interested me at BE until these glosses. Thanks for the post and swatches Karen!
Anh recently posted … masquerade masks
Rhapsode says
April 21st, 2011 at 11:18 amI suppose saying “pretty amazing” is akin to saying “virtually guaranteed”–weasel words, them.
Rhapsode recently posted … Help Mother Earth Live Long And Prosper- Zoyas Earth Day Promo!
Lisa B. says
April 21st, 2011 at 11:44 amNuts, I was hoping they’d be nonsticky as well…as a few people already said, it looks a lot like those Rouge Allure Laques…
Amanda says
April 21st, 2011 at 5:16 pmThe glosses look great on you. I was actually wondering what blush and eye shadows you had on in these pictures. They look natural and fresh, I love them.
karen says
May 8th, 2011 at 8:13 pmdo you find strength to be more warm-toned or cool-toned?
Megan says
September 28th, 2012 at 4:39 pmHi Karen
Long time follower/lurker/non poster!
I have to politely disagree with the comment of these being sticky. in Australia these are fairly new and maybe, just maybebthey have a different formula here? these definitely feel thick but creamy like a cream liquid lipstick. they feel smooth to me, in no way sticky!