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The Estee Lauder Blue Dahlia Collection Makes Me Happy to Sing These Blues

July 29th, 2010 by Karen 73 Comments

estee lauder blue dahlia swatches review photos

Do you ever just stop and stare up at the sky as it changes colors at dusk? As the day slinks away? Doesn’t it look like someone’s cranking up the saturation on everything? Okay, yeah, so it might sound kinda boring, but you gotta do it every so often.

Estee Lauder Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux says that’s the kind of light — the colors that emerge at the moment day turns to night — that inspired the company’s new Blue Dahlia collection (have you seen the 1946 movie of the same name?).

The punchy purples, electric blues, pale pinks, elegant taupes and juicy raspberries in the 16-piece limited edition release tell a tale of cool-toned colors for eyes, lips and nails.

Today I explored five of Blue Dahlia’s delights…

Both the Blue Dahlia Five Color Eyeshadow Palette ($42) and Sepia Sand Eyeshadow ($20) to my eye demonstrate how far Estee Lauder’s eyeshadows have come over the last few years, both in terms of color and quality. They strike me with a sharper edge than the EL of days gone by.

Despite how pigmented they are, these soft, smooth powder shadows could almost blend themselves. They’re everything I love most about what Estee Lauder has become — rich, classy and eminently wearable. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A

The non-sticky $19 Pure Color Gloss Sticks in creamy Mauve Mirage and creamy pink Night Bloom lavish lips with smooth, rich color and shine. I also really love the light strawberry flavor and scent, and I have a feeling that Night Bloom (my fave) will look stunning partnered with smokey eyes. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A

Pure Color Gloss in Twilight Petal ($20) adds a peachy pink opalescent glow to lips that reminds me of the shades that hide in seashells. With its non-sticky texture, medium thickness and moisturizing formula, it’s one of the most comfortable glosses I’ve come across in years (feels similar to Becca’s Sheer Lip Tints). LOVE THIS! Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+

estee lauder blue dahlia swatches review photos blue dahlia palette
Blue Dahlia Five Color Eyeshadow Palette ($42)

estee lauder blue dahlia swatches review photos sepia sand
Sepia Sand Eyeshadow ($20)

estee lauder blue dahlia swatches review glosses
Pure Color Gloss Stick in Night Bloom (left, $19), Pure Color Gloss Stick in Mauve Mirage (right, $19)

estee lauder blue dahlia swatches review twilight petal gloss
Pure Color Gloss in Twilight Petal ($20)

estee lauder blue dahlia swatches review blue dahlia palette swatches
Swatches of Blue Dahlia Five Color Eyeshadow Palette ($42) on NC35 skin

estee lauder blue dahlia swatches review blue sepia sand glosses swatches
Swatches from left on NC35 skin: Sepia Sand Eyeshadow ($20), Pure Color Gloss Stick in Mauve Mirage ($19), Pure Color Gloss Stick in Night Bloom ($19), Pure Color Gloss in Twilight Petal ($20)

estee lauder blue dahlia swatches review eye closeup
Wearing the Blue Dahlia Five Color Eyeshadow Palette and Sepia Sand Eyeshadow

estee lauder blue dahlia swatches review night bloom k
Wearing the Night Bloom Pure Color Gloss Stick

estee lauder blue dahlia swatches review mauve mirage k
Wearing the Mauve Mirage Pure Color Gloss Stick

estee lauder blue dahlia swatches review twilight petal k
Wearing Twilight Petal Pure Color Gloss

Blue Dahlia might not rock the socks off gals who prefer warm colors and/or bright, bold looks, but it might be just the thing to tempt girls who love classy, cool-toned shades. It’s one of my favorite collections to arrive for fall. Tommy baby, ya done good! 🙂

Let me know what you think of Blue Dahlia in the comments. Does it move you or make you want to turn away?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

The Estee Lauder Blue Dahlia Collection Makes Me Happy to Sing These Blues / Originally published July 29th, 2010

There are 73 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Makeup, Product Reviews Keywords: estee lauder

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Toni says

    July 29th, 2010 at 6:23 pm

    I have been seeing pics of this and people doing eye looks with the Blue Dahlia palette and I luvs it! I am so tempted to buy that palette, but I haven’t had the best of luck with blues lately (mostly from a MAC palette). However, if they’re soft and blendable, I might be persuaded to buy it. Does the Pure Color Gloss in Twilight Petal have a fragrance? You know I love my non-sticky, non-scented lipglosses! Thanks for the review!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 29th, 2010 at 6:35 pm

      The Pure Color Gloss does have a scent. It’s kinda fruity, but not overly so.

      Reply
  2. Alix says

    July 29th, 2010 at 6:34 pm

    Run out and get the Surreal Violet polish, too — it’s GORGEOUS!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 29th, 2010 at 6:36 pm

      The Blue Dahlia polish is sitting on my desk waiting to be swatched. 😀

      Reply
  3. Sarah says

    July 29th, 2010 at 6:36 pm

    I’m sooo tempted by the blue! I love putting blue shadow/liner on my lower lash line with more neutral colours on my lid. This is such a lovely fall look!
    Sarah recently posted … Sunshine on a Cloudy Day

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 29th, 2010 at 6:37 pm

      Thanks, Sarah. 🙂

      BTW, that’s my fave wear to work blues, too! I also love it on the lid with a bronze or brown in the crease.

      Reply
  4. ace says

    July 29th, 2010 at 6:40 pm

    i generally dont like estee lauder, but this looks great!! and it looks beautiful on you…
    ace recently posted … Too Faced La Vie En Rose

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 29th, 2010 at 6:42 pm

      They’ve had some very nice releases in the last couple of years. You should give ’em another chance!

      Reply
      • ace says

        July 29th, 2010 at 7:16 pm

        i do really love the pure color eyeshadow… unfortunately, the color range isnt great. i do have two of them, and i really like the two i have11
        ace recently posted … Too Faced La Vie En Rose

        Reply
      • Karen says

        July 29th, 2010 at 8:30 pm

        Which ones do you have?

        Reply
        • ace says

          July 30th, 2010 at 10:45 am

          i have cinnamon and smokey!
          ace recently posted … Too Faced La Vie En Rose

          Reply
  5. Amber says

    July 29th, 2010 at 7:17 pm

    Ohhh, pretty. I am loving all the shimmery navy shadows in the last couple years. I need to add one to my stable.

    Also, I want to move next door to you and play with your makeup stash all day. 🙂
    Amber recently posted … Night Flight earrings by Ornamental Things

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 29th, 2010 at 8:29 pm

      I wish you did too! You could play with makeup and I could mess with your camera lenses. 😀

      Reply
      • Amber says

        July 29th, 2010 at 9:03 pm

        Sounds good to me. Call me if you need an intern. 😉
        Amber recently posted … Oddball

        Reply
      • Karen says

        July 30th, 2010 at 8:23 am

        Yes ma’am!

        Happy Friday, btw. WOOT!

        Reply
        • Amber says

          July 30th, 2010 at 9:06 am

          Woohoo, happy Friday! Can I go home yet??
          Amber recently posted … Oddball

          Reply
        • Karen says

          July 30th, 2010 at 9:51 am

          LOL… I wish we could all take off early and just troll the makeup section at the mall.

          And eat french fries.

          And a vanilla shake…

          Wow, I’m PMS-ing!

          Reply
          • Amber says

            July 30th, 2010 at 10:15 am

            Ha! I don’t know what my excuse is, but I’m way deeper than I ought to be into this ‘family-size’ bag of Twizzlers that I bought just two nights ago…
            Amber recently posted … Oddball

  6. jenn says

    July 29th, 2010 at 7:22 pm

    This palette looks gorgeous on you! Will you be giving us a tutorial about how you put the look together? That would be great!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 29th, 2010 at 8:28 pm

      Hi Jenn,

      The eyes are really super easy. Here’s a quick breakdown:

      1. Apply Sepia Sands to lid and crease.
      2. Apply taupe shade to lid; layer black shade into outer 2/3 of lid, and then blend together.
      3. Line waterlines (upper and lower) with the black shade.
      4. Apply teal shade along lower lashlines.
      5. With an angled brush, layer dark blue shade along the outer 2/3 of the lower lash line (try to get as close to the lower lashes as possible)
      6. With a big fluffy brush (like the MAC 217), dust the glittery white shade over lids (from lash line to crease) to add some sparkle.

      That’s it! Lemme know if you have any questions. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Michelle says

    July 29th, 2010 at 7:40 pm

    Now, if only the fireman came to the door when you were wearing this hot look 🙂 LOL
    Love the pop of blue — so pretty! So glad Estee Lauder is stepping up their came (they have pretty much been off my radar). Might have to swing by to take a look at these . . .

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 29th, 2010 at 8:24 pm

      Ha ha, isn’t the universe funny that way? The only time a hot fireman comes to the door is when you look COMPLETELY NUTS!

      It you end up checking this out lemme know. 🙂

      Almost to Friday…

      Reply
  8. Michelle says

    July 29th, 2010 at 7:41 pm

    Umm, I meant “stepping up their game” . . .

    Reply
  9. BlovetBeauty says

    July 29th, 2010 at 7:49 pm

    The blue really makes ur eyes pop! love the intensity of it!
    BlovetBeauty recently posted … Weekend Beauty Buys &amp Finds

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 29th, 2010 at 8:23 pm

      Thanks! 🙂 Hopefully you’ll be able to swatch/play with this palette soon.

      Reply
  10. Paris B says

    July 29th, 2010 at 8:11 pm

    Thank you Karen! This totally reinforces the fact that I need this palette 😀

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 29th, 2010 at 8:22 pm

      It’s really very beautiful. I think you’d like it a lot!

      Reply
  11. Kayann says

    July 29th, 2010 at 8:53 pm

    While I love the way that looks, I may love your top more!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 30th, 2010 at 8:23 am

      I got it at Marshall’s about a month ago!

      Reply
  12. Christy says

    July 29th, 2010 at 10:59 pm

    This is really pretty pallet ! Matter of fact, Blue tone is perfect for my eyes. Thanks for sharing….You are one busy lady…

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 30th, 2010 at 8:21 am

      Hi Christy,

      If you wear blues well you might really like this palette. Have a good one!

      Reply
  13. Vesna says

    July 30th, 2010 at 12:42 am

    Palette is just wonderful! I still don’t have anything from EL. In Croatia this brand is ridiculously expensive, like it’s Guerlain or somethin’….
    Vesna recently posted … When Beauty Goes Bizarre

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 30th, 2010 at 8:20 am

      Really? That’s fascinating! I guess every country has certain things that are pricey.

      Reply
      • Steph B says

        July 30th, 2010 at 6:14 pm

        I noticed how similar this palette was to the fall Guerlain as well. Their palette is twice as expensive. It is very pretty and you do get an eyeliner, but c’mon.
        http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod114210021&parentId=cat13520734&masterId=cat11760731&index=0&cmCat=cat000000cat000285cat4830738cat000294cat000308cat11760731cat13520734

        Reply
  14. makeup morsels says

    July 30th, 2010 at 12:42 am

    I like the look you did with these! I’m not sure how well these eyeshadow colors would work with my skintone, but I love the finish of those Color Gloss Stick.s. Definitely have to check those out
    makeup morsels recently posted … EOTD- Black and Gold

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 30th, 2010 at 8:19 am

      I wasn’t sure at first either because the colors seem very cool in the pan, but they’re actually really wearable. You could definitely pull off the blues and the black shade in the middle.

      Reply
  15. Tiffany says

    July 30th, 2010 at 4:45 am

    Love your eye look with the turquoise on the bottom! The lippies and gloss look great too. And i want your shirt!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 30th, 2010 at 8:19 am

      LOL, that’s a $15 Marshall’s shirt! Gosh I love that place.

      Reply
  16. Holly says

    July 30th, 2010 at 5:01 am

    Wow Karen, the blue under your eyes is really gorgeous! it really makes your eyes pop 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 30th, 2010 at 8:18 am

      Hi Holly,

      It’s an easy way to wear color without having it be too much. Do you wear lots of blues?

      Reply
      • Holly says

        July 31st, 2010 at 1:35 pm

        Hey Karen 🙂
        Yes I do love to wear colour 🙂 Today I was wearing purple on the lower lashes.
        I love blues too, it can look so fresh and pretty if done right 🙂

        Reply
  17. Martha says

    July 30th, 2010 at 5:13 am

    I got the Blue Dahlia palette and LOVE it! I am have used it quite a few times already. Estee Lauder will be getting more of my moolah if this is the direction they are heading!
    Martha recently posted … Blue Dahlia FOTD

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 30th, 2010 at 8:18 am

      Hi Martha,

      Things have been on the up and up with the line, especially in terms of color. Did you check out their summer stuff? I thought it was great!

      Reply
  18. Kim says

    July 30th, 2010 at 5:40 am

    I really love the navy, but it is almost impossible to get me off a neutral pallet (I’m terrified of looking like Mimi from Drew Carey). Btw, EL should actually use your FOD instead of their promo pic – yours is 100x prettier! 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 30th, 2010 at 8:17 am

      I know what you mean. When I first started wearing blues I was terrified of the same thing. You could always start slowly — maybe try it along the lower lash line like in this look (w/browns or taupes on the lid).

      Reply
      • Kim says

        July 30th, 2010 at 12:23 pm

        You’re giving me courage.. I’ll seriously consider it! I have very green eyes so I always think purple will be a good choice. It’s just hard to find the right shade. Maybe I’ll split the diff with a purpley-blue? 🙂

        Reply
  19. Carolina says

    July 30th, 2010 at 5:48 am

    Oh, how beautiful!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 30th, 2010 at 8:16 am

      It’s a gorgeous palette, right? Are you going to check it out?

      Reply
  20. gio says

    July 30th, 2010 at 6:08 am

    This is a beautiful palette and I love the look you did with it. The blue on the lower lashline really makes your eyes pop.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 30th, 2010 at 8:16 am

      Thanks, Gio. 🙂 Have a great day!

      Reply
  21. Nina says

    July 30th, 2010 at 6:38 am

    Lovin both the eyeshadow palette and the single. OMG Estee you make my heart skip!

    Your look is awesome, Karen! 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 30th, 2010 at 8:16 am

      Thanks, Nina!

      We made it to Friday… WOOT!

      What are you doing this weekend?

      Reply
      • Nina says

        July 30th, 2010 at 8:36 am

        Yay for Friday Witwoo! 😀

        Were going to Old Town Spring (around 30 mins away from Houston) to just walk around and browse tomorrow.

        Sunday – were going to make home made noodle soup, but before that were going to hit 99 Ranch for the stuff to make it with.

        Hubs is off all of next week, im off some days so were kinda stoked for that.

        How bout you? 🙂

        Reply
        • Karen says

          July 30th, 2010 at 8:52 am

          We have 99 Ranch Stores here too! Not so much in the area where I live (the minorities here are mostly Latino), but in the East Bay where I grew up there’s an Asian store on every corner.

          I have a LOT of cleaning to do. The in-laws are coming on the 12th to stay with us for a few weeks and the place looks like it got hit by a tornado. I hate cleaning… sigh.

          Reply
          • Nina says

            July 30th, 2010 at 11:29 am

            I hate cleaning too, mostly because I get bored and my allergies act up! Good luck, I hope it works out perfectly w/ you and the cleaning!

            Love love 99Ranch, I actually get my shampoo and facial cleanser and other toiletries there too! 🙂

            If the great noodle soup experiment goes well, were going to have my bestie and her family. my sister and her best friend over one sunday afternoon for noodle soup and dessert, probly after the Hubs’ birthday!

  22. lexi says

    July 30th, 2010 at 8:36 am

    OOOOH I like this on you. I do have to ask – if I had to choose between Benefit’s Scene Queen in Annie or this – what would you choose? Just based on shadow choices of Scene Queen.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 30th, 2010 at 8:50 am

      Hmm. That’s a toughy. I’d give this a slight edge because the shadows last a reeeeeally long time (seriously, I put the black shade on my waterline yesterday and it was on until 10 at night), and it’s more portable.

      Reply
      • lexi says

        July 30th, 2010 at 10:10 am

        Okay – I am taking your word for it!

        How did you use the black shadow on your waterline? Did you wet your brush with it and then lined? Did you use your MAC Pencil brush? I am very intrigued now! Also did you use a primer?

        Reply
  23. Melissa W. says

    July 30th, 2010 at 10:08 am

    This looks like my ideal collection of shadows. I love it. That is such a nice deep blue shadow. 🙂 I love what you’ve done with these shadows, Karen!
    Melissa W. recently posted … Perfume Review- Kenzo Amour

    Reply
  24. Patty says

    July 30th, 2010 at 12:36 pm

    I seriously love those taupe shades. Is That Sepia Sand on your lid or the taupey shade from the pallette?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 30th, 2010 at 12:40 pm

      Hey Patty!

      That’s Sepia Sand on the lid and crease, and then a layer of Taupe mixed w/Black (outer 2/3rds) on the lid.

      Reply
      • Patty says

        July 30th, 2010 at 1:02 pm

        Thanks! The combination is just beautiful and different than most taupey shades. I just did a “chat” with an EL advisor to ask if the shade in the palette has a name…it doesn’t. I told her to check out your blog to see how gorgeous it looks on you and she said she definitely will do so! I really wasn’t too interested in this collection until I saw it on you and now am going to open my tightwad purse and go shopping.
        LOve and a gentle hug to the Tabser!

        Reply
  25. Katrina says

    July 30th, 2010 at 1:36 pm

    Oooh those shadows are beautiful! i don’t know if I could wear them though, I don’t tend to do well with cool shades

    Reply
  26. Margaret McDermott says

    July 30th, 2010 at 2:28 pm

    I’m a sucker for blue eyeshadow and this one look s gorgeous!! That alone has me sold on the Blue dahlia! 🙂
    Margaret McDermott recently posted … Fierce Plus Size Fashion- Monif C

    Reply
  27. Leslie says

    July 30th, 2010 at 2:49 pm

    Those colors are gorgeous on you. Neiman’s is having a great EL GWP next week, so this post is timely. I cannot wait to check out the collection in person.

    Reply
  28. Sharon says

    July 30th, 2010 at 4:24 pm

    I really like the palette and the Mauve Mirage gloss stick. Both would get a lot of use from me (the darker blue in the palette is especially pretty).

    Reply
  29. Diana says

    July 30th, 2010 at 4:42 pm

    It’s gorgeous on you. You look so good in greens and blues! Work it, girl!

    Reply
  30. Vonvon says

    July 31st, 2010 at 4:53 am

    I have been lemming for this collection so much! Thanks for the swatches. They just give me more reasons to own this collection!
    Vonvon recently posted … Photos- My Little Girls Nail Spa Session &amp Hair Highlight

    Reply
  31. Sam says

    July 31st, 2010 at 10:37 am

    I NEED this palette! The look you created is gorgeous!

    Reply
  32. Joey Chong says

    August 1st, 2010 at 2:06 am

    Can’t wait to check this collection out when it’s available here 😉

    Reply
  33. Diva Style says

    August 2nd, 2010 at 7:05 pm

    Oooohwheeee!!! Love the blue shadow as liner. 🙂
    Diva Style recently posted … -Dorm Room Design Day-

    Reply
  34. krista says

    October 12th, 2010 at 6:20 am

    What is the number of “Twilight Petal” lipgloss? does anyone know? Was asking today, and the checkout girl kept asking me product number, but all i knew was the name of lipgloss “Twilight Petal” so i didnt get it…? HeEEEElp!!!

    Reply

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Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

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