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Will Burberry Beauty Makeup Have Ladies Lining Up?

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burberry makeup burberry beauty reviews swatches photos
Burberry Beauty Soft Satin Lipstick in Nude Beige,

Pip pip, cheerio! Put down the coffee, love love , and bring out the tea, because the British are coming! — coming soon (later this month) to Nordstrom, that is. 🙂

British fashion biz Burberry is expanding its horizons, adding a line of makeup to its beautiful portfolio. The new Burberry Beauty line is now available for pre-order at nordstrom.com, and from what I’ve seen so far, the packaging is TO DIE!

The company, of course, isn’t new to beauty. They’ve produced beautiful clothing for years, and even in the beauty niche they’ve released perfumes (LOVE Brit Sheer).

The distinctive Burberry check pattern and textured trench coat themes weave their way into the new products for eyes, lips, cheeks and face; to my eye, the gunmetal packaging, embossed lipstick bullets/powder pans and textured boxes feel elegant, luxe and true to the spirit of the brand.

Even the color story reflects Burberry’s unique style. Unlike last year’s British beauty sensation, Illamasqua, a line that cultivates a fantastical, outrageous approach to color with their colorful alter egos, Burberry is hoping to focus a lens on light and effortless natural beauty, with products for gals (and makeup loving guys) who prefer an understated makeup look.

If you were hoping for budget beauty, well, Burberry did not comply. Products are priced near luxury lines like Burberry and Chanel, YSL and Dolce & Gabbana, with prices ranging from $27-55, yikes!

When I heard about Burberry’s new makeup line, there was a word that sprang to mind: hip. I wondered if they’d try to do something edgy and hip. I hoped so. After all, they’re known for timeless fashion, but I love it when lines, even classic ones like Burberry and Chanel, push the edge a little bit, ya know?

After taking a look at five of the items in the mammoth 94-piece permanent collection, my interest is piqued. I think we’re going to be getting some good stuff here.

The packaging: breathtaking (at least I think so). And the little details appeal to my inner design nerd. I’m impressed by how smooth these powder blushes and eyeshadows look and feel. The fine grains are virtually undetectable on my skin.

As a matter of fact, I think it’s time for a…

WARNING: From one makeup fiend to another, steel yourself before you try these blushes and eyeshadows, lest you spiral down a vortex into uncontrollable makeup lust!

burberry makeup burberry beauty reviews swatches photos
Clockwise from left: BurberrBurberry Beauty Sheer Eyeshadow in Almond, Burberry Beauty Sheer Foundation in Trench, Burberry Beauty Eye Definer Eye Shaping Pencil in Midnight Brown, Burberry Beauty Lip Cover Soft Satin Lipstick in Nudge Beige, Burberry Beauty Light Glow Natural Blush in Russet

Reviews…

Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow Eye Enhancer in Almond ($29)

Matte eyeshadows can be a bear to blend, but this golden brown spreads like buttah. Would-be jewel thieves might not like how readily the gunmetal compact captures their fingerprints, but the rich color and smooth texture more than make up for it, barring an arrest. 🙂 It’s definitely a splurge, but it’s not a bad one to make. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A

Burberry Beauty Light Glow Natural Blush in Russet ($41)

A definitive blush, and like the eyeshadow, this warm reddish peach, with its subtle golden glitter, seems to melt into my skin. It’s awfully spendy for a blush, but if you’re a girl who likes her luxury makeup and wears just one or two blush colors often, it might be worth the plunge. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A/A+

Burberry Beauty Soft Satin Lipstick in Nude Beige ($30)

WOW! Burberry did not hold back when they scented this lipstick. There’s something old lady/Miss Havisham from Great Expectations about it; my nose detects can’t miss the strong notes of baby powder, along with a spoonful of wealth and “maturity” thrown in for good measure (unflavored, though). Super pigmented, Nude Beige feels smooth on my lips, but the color only lasts about an hour before I have to reapply. For sure, I like this more for the packaging than the product itself. That said, the side detailing on the bullet and its cap, which has a smart magnetic closure, are kinda gorgeous. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B

Burberry Beauty Eye Definer Eye Shaping Pencil in Midnight Brown ($27)

A dark brown with subtle golden glitter, the tip of this pencil feels hard but applies smooth. The formula layers and blends easily beneath powder shadows, and it grasps my lash line for somewhere between four and six hours. On my waterline, however, it fades quickly, completely disappearing in less than an hour. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: C+/B-

Burberry Beauty Sheer Foundation in Trench No. 05 ($52)

Okay, this might be an Asian thing, but does anyone else remember Pearl Cream (“made from real crushed pearls!”)? It was a face cream popular in the ’80s? My mom and aunts always had a jar in their medicine cabinets. So, this foundation has that same strong talcum powdery Pearl Cream scent, ha! It’s uncanny! Anywho, the sample I tested, Trench No. 5, is a warm light beige and sooo not my color, but I wore it around the house for fun. It offers sheer coverage and feels feather light on the skin, almost like a tinted moisturizer. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B

burberry makeup burberry beauty reviews swatches photos
Closeup of the check pattern detailing on the packaging

burberry makeup burberry beauty reviews swatches photos light glow natural blush
Tabs approves of Burberry Beauty Light Glow Natural Blush in Russet…

burberry makeup burberry beauty reviews swatches photos light glow natural blush
Burberry Beauty Light Glow Natural Blush in Russet

burberry makeup burberry beauty reviews swatches photos sheer eye shadow almond
Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow Eye Enhancer in Almond

burberry makeup burberry beauty reviews swatches photos lip cover soft satin lipstick nude beige
Burberry Beauty Soft Satin Lipstick in Nude Beige,

burberry makeup burberry beauty reviews swatches photos eye definer midnight brown
Burberry Beauty Eye Definer Eye Shaping Pencil in Midnight Brown

burberry makeup burberry beauty reviews swatches photos sheer foundation trench no 5
Burberry Beauty Sheer Foundation in Trench No. 05

burberry makeup burberry beauty reviews swatches photos boxes
Detailing on the makeup boxes


Swatches from left: Russet blush, Almond eyeshadow, Midnight Brown liner, Nude Beige lipstick, Trench No. 5 foundation


Almond eyeshadow and Midnight Brown liner


Wearing Russet Blush, Almond eyeshadow, Midnight Brown liner and Nude Beige lipstick

The new line is available for online pre-order now, with products expected to ship later this month. Burberry Beauty will also be carried at the following U.S. Nordstrom stores (with possibly more to follow): San Francisco Center (San Francisco, California), Garden State (Paramus, New Jersey), Bellevue (Bellevue, Washington), South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa, California) and Michigan Avenue (Chicago, Illinois).

What do ya think so far? Is Burberry Beauty on the right track?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. If you’re new here, thank you for visiting. Makeup and Beauty Blog is a makeup blog with daily product reviews, beauty tips, giveaways and the random shenanigans of a crazy cat lady/makeup enthusiast named Karen (that’s me!). 🙂

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. yay! I heard about this from vogue awhile ago, but was curious to see the pricing. love the packaging, not so keen on the pricey cash range =(

    Reply

  2. Love the packaging- NOT about to spend that much though! Also, I’m curious to see if you can use the eyeliner with a regular sharpener- the square shape seems like it could be an issue. Do they sell an outrageously priced special sharpener :-p

    Reply

  5. The packaging is awesome. The prices are ridiculous. The lipstick looks pretty on you, though — I found it unappealing in the product shot. I think I was imagining some kind of matte disaster!
    .-= Amber’s last blog post… Balcony birds =-.

    Reply

    • I think the lippie depends on how you work it. If I lay too much of it down it’s a little too p0rn star, but with a light touch it’s actually very natural and pretty.

      Reply

  6. This looks like something my mom will be asking for during christmas, she loves anything Burberry. And yes, I remember pearl creme too, and it is such an asian thing(I’m Thai) and I when I was litte I was affraid of breaking the jar thinking it was soooooo expensive because it was made of real pearls.

    Reply

    • Does she wear blush? I’m betting she’ll love this!

      Isn’t that funny about Pearl Cream? I remember seeing the commercial and wondering why crushed pearls were such a big deal.

      Reply

    • Hi Jess,

      If you want to leave a link back to your site, just click the “comment love” box before you submit a comment. That way you don’t have to type in your URL each time you leave a note. It’s automatic and totally easy!

      Reply

  11. Karen – thank you so much for the review and putting together an AMAZING look! You’re as stunning as the models on burberry.com. If the result of the products on me is like it is on you, then it’s worth the 1.5 hour drive for me to go check it out.

    I cringed at the prices a bit, but I’m a luxury fanatic. So I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I will find something I like. I was most interested in the lipsticks & glosses, but now that you mention the scent, I’m a bit weary. I have an uber sensitive nose. But you have me intrigued. I must go to SCP when the line is launched.

    Will you perhaps do a close up of the eyeshadow on your eye? (Please? Only if you have time.) I love that picture of Tabs’ nose. Such a cutie.
    .-= Sabrina’s last blog post… Paul -amp Joe Eye Glosses- Celestial- Halo -amp Murmur =-.

    Reply

  12. Oh my gawd – the packaging is beautiful! So sleek … I want the lipstick and the eyeshadows, all of them.

    Must.practice.self.control. 😛

    Reply

      • Is your sweetie a Leo? Mine is too!

        I have NO idea what to get him for his birthday! Then again, I always have trubs shopping for dudes.

        Reply

        • Yepyep he is! Its hard to shop for him. Buying tech stuff and skateboards and men’s shoes (stuff he likes) is beyond my powers …. so I try to supply him w/ shirts, jeans and perfume. Kinda standard presents for my dude!

          Reply

  13. the lipstick looks beeyoootifull! too bad the staying power is so meh, cause i’ve been trying to find that perfect nude lippie.. problem is i’m pale as a sheet so most nude lippies are too dark. also, it’s frickin expensive!

    ps, if you have the time, please drop by my fledgling blog? I’m having a small giveaway =)

    http://beautystashaholic.blogspot.com/2010/06/giveaway-avon-smooth-minerals-blush.html
    .-= amy’s last blog post… LEMMING FOR UDS LOVECHILD =-.

    Reply

    • Amy, I’m super super pale (I have mainly Northern European heritage) and I love Revlon’s ColorBurst Lipstick in 035 Blush. It might be the perfect nude on you. It’s still dark on me but I love the color.

      P.S. You are not pale (which is a compliment, by the way). I’d love to have a little color. Ivory (the lightest shade in drugstore ranges) can be up to a whole shade darker than me.

      Reply

  14. Just curious, but since you’re always reviewing new makeup, what happens to all of it after you’re done reviewing? I know that you’ve done giveaways but it seems like you would still have a TON between product reviews and stuff you actually buy. I’d love to see your whole collection!

    Reply

    • Hi Kymberlee,

      I keep a lot of it for archival purposes, so when people ask questions like, “Is this green similar to the one released in 2007 from the fall collection?”, I can dig into the stash and answer.

      Reply

  16. WOW! Those colours are perfect on you! I always love that combo, soft brown smokey eyes with natural pinkish lips. But the price range means I’d only get these for my birthday or something, lol.

    Reply

    • I hear ya. I save my pennies every year for a few luxury birthday makeup items. Last month was my bday and I picked up T. LeClerc powder. Have you tried it yet?

      Reply

      • Holy smokes, that is some pretty packaging T. LeClerc have. I’ve never heard of them til now, I guess it’s on the “gift to myself” list now, haha. Happy belated bday 🙂

        Reply

  17. I am so excited for this. Called around and nordstrom in chicago is not getting it until early august and I wont even be in town at that point! I am interested in seeing the eyeshadows and blushes; i have a lot of lipsticks and while the packaging is really really really drawing me in, i think i can pass. cant wait til i can play in person.
    .-= beth’s last blog post… poizenisxkandee- -chicagostyle thats nothing Stuck b-w a couple on an escalator out of a busy red line stopInstead of let go 20sec- they reached around me =-.

    Reply

  18. Gorgeous packaging and product! Kinda a splurge though so it may be lucky it doesnn’t seem to be available in my neck of the woods…yet. lol I picture picking one of the compacts up and it having a luxurious weight-y feeling. You know what I’m talking about? Thanks for featuring this!
    .-= Sarah’s last blog post… Smashbox Beauty Bliss- Three Celeb Sightings- =-.

    Reply

    • Hi Oliviia,

      Thanks! Please note, though, that the foundation I’m wearing in the pic above isn’t the Burberry one. I mention in the review that the color is way light for me, so I wore it around the house to test. In the pic I’m actually wearing Laura Mercier Oil-Free topped with a 50/50 mix of MAC Blot and MAC Prep+Prime Powder.

      Reply

    • I pluck ’em myself. I try to do a little bit every day, like when I get out of the shower. When it’s time to put on makeup I use a very precise angled brush (the MAC 266!) and a pan of MAC Concrete eyeshadow.

      You get yours done at the Benefit Brow Bar, right? I’ve always wanted to try them, but I have weird control issues with other people touching my brows! Plus, I have an irrational fear of wax dripping into my eye…

      Reply

  22. This collection seems really pretty, but I’m not sure I prefer it to some of the other luxury brands out there. I think I’ll have to see this one in person before I make any purchases.

    Reply

  23. I will be checking these out in person, they do look lovely! Also, the Russet blush is almost the same color as Tabs’ nose! 🙂

    Reply

  25. Looks so so pretty. Of course it doesn’t help that I’m a sucker for all things Burberry… The only thing that really piqued my interest product-wise is the blush but I think that’s a bit expensive though to spend on a blush. I’ll have to see it in person first.
    Do you think the pan is small for the price?
    .-= Karen B’s last blog post… Organize Your Bling- =-.

    Reply

  27. I’m seriously thinking about buying that blush but aside from that your complexion looks stunning in that photo! What foundation and moisturizer are you using there? (you are just so shine free/even toned/poreless!)

    Reply

    • Hi Krys,

      For this pic I used Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation with a 50/50 mix of MAC Prep+Prime Powder and MAC Blot buffed into skin with a kabuki brush. This lil’ cocktail photographs really well.

      Reply

  28. Blah, too rectangular and lame for me. I don’t think Burberry Beauty is going to be available in my country/town, so I wont’t be missing anything.

    Reply

    • Hi Rita,

      I guess the style’s not for everyone. Still, if you ever get the chance you might want to check out the blush just to peep the texture… it’s lovely!

      Reply

  29. I love the colors. I see a rather large purchase in my future. Soo much makeup soo little time. I was wondering about the foundation shades. Was the #5 too cool and light for you? What color do you think you’d be? I normally wear BB warm sand in the moisture rich and shell in teint innocence and pro lumiere. I was thinking I’d be either 5 or 6 in the burberry foundation but I’m not sure. If you don’t mind my asking, what other shades of foundation do you wear.

    Reply

  33. *Big fat yawn* I’ve got nothing against them, heck I’ve been wearing their Touch perfume for almost 10 years and I own a few pieces of of clothing from them but this is just plain boring.

    Reply

  34. Hi Karen

    I’m curious to know if you feel that the foundation is running light and on the pink side? I almost ordered #5 as well (NC30-35) currently. The packaging is so luxe!!

    Reply

    • Hi LuvJ,

      It’s light, but more yellow than pink. I’m actually not wearing it in the pic below — in the review I mention that it’s way too light for me, but I tried it on just to test the texture and coverage.

      Reply

  36. Hi Karen,

    I’ve read your blog for a while, but this is my first comment. I check back here throughout the day, and I love your humor, and Tabs!

    Just wondering if you have the ingredients for the foundation? If you do, could you let me know if it has dimethicone in it?

    Thanks, and keep up the great work!

    Reply

  37. I have seen this in the mags and was immediately bowled over by the fab packaging…yes, I have been known to keep my makeup in boxes and line it up like at the store…This line will have to make an appearance on my ‘store’ shelves!
    Does the Midnight Brown liner have glod flecks in it or is that your camera magic?

    Reply

  38. I love the color of the lipstick. Is it more like a pale pink? And it looks very sheer on your lips, how much coverage does it provide?

    Reply

  40. Thanks so much for the swatches Karen. The packaging is so pretty but the colors are just not blowing me away. I know they’re trying to do the natural look but Chanel does it much better =)

    Reply

  41. Awesome! I can’t wait for this to come out so I can try it. I’m not big on different colored makeup and I usually go for the more natural look on myself so I’m excited to try this out.

    Reply

  43. I’m a little late, but I just had a Burberry Beauty makeover today at the Saks on Fifth Avenue, NYC.

    I fell in love with their products 🙂 Yes, super expensive, but I’m hoping they will be well worth it.

    I too bought the eye shadows….I purchased antieque rose (#10) and barley (#22). I have olive skin & brown eyes – these colors made my eyelids pop and several complimented on how great it looked. I bought the brown eye liner, but I don’t plan on using it for eyeliner (sorry, my heart and soul will always love MakeUp Forevers aqua black eyeliner), but for shaping in my eyebrows! I know in the product description it doesn’t say eyebrows, but the guy said it had universal uses! Score. I also bought the sheer concealer. Since I do use black eyeliner sometimes I can get that “black eye” underneath look and a dab or two with the concealer and POP my eyes are looking glam.

    The prices are a little scary, with my concealer purchase, two eyeshadows and eye liner my total came to $136 – YIKES. However, after having the super sleek packages that they came in I’m started to think that it was a deal! (what’s wrong with me?) I plan on going back to purchase the “hibiscus” sheer lipstick – which is awesome.

    Anyways, thanks for the great Burberry blog review!

    Reply

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