Burberry Kisses | Nude Beige, Rose Pink, Oxblood, Military Red

Press samples provided for my unbiased consideration

Luxury beauty brand Burberry has just launched a new lipstick range, Burberry Kisses (CAN $36.00), 28 shades of ultra-moisturizing yet buildable sheer to full coverage lipsticks, from nudes to brights – and the best part? They are all available via the Hudson’s Bay website, making them finally accessible to all Canadians. About time, am I right?

Burberry is a brand that’s been on my radar ever since it launched, and now that I’ve had a chance to play with the four iconic shades I was sent, I can truthfully say that yet another new beauty addiction has been created. But first, a few words to set the tone, starting with the packaging where no detail has been overlooked – from the tweed-like embossed exterior boxes, to the elegantly modern square cases with their nickel finish (along with an understated rendering of the brand’s iconic check motif etched on the surface) and innovative soft metallic closures, which I actually like to call ‘smart metallic closures’ because you’ll always know your lipstick is securely closed, seeing as how there’s only one direction it snicks shut – you actually can’t properly shut them, otherwise. No more stray lipsticks caps at the bottom of your purse/makeup bag … brilliant, no? Then there’s the stunning detail of each lipstick, carved with Burberry’s signature plaid along its entire length, but which in no way affects the application of the product and all are infused with Burberry’s signature blend of tea, lavender and rosehip for up to six hours of continuous hydration.

Application on all four is superb, without the usual slip you get with other lipsticks of this genre (the ultra-hydrating type). The ‘buildable sheer’ description is spot-on, as one swipe of each shade will give a light wash of colour, while subsequent layers deepen the tone & opacity, and all without creating a thick or tacky sensation upon the lips. Buttery soft in texture, they all express a beautiful glide and manage to keep my lips feeling moisturized throughout the wearing, and long after that. Longevity will really depend on the shade selected (with the palest lasting less than the darker hues) as well as activity (eating/drinking), although the brighter/darker shades have the added bonus of leaving a nice & even stain effect on the lips, even after the majority of colour has faded.

Burberry Kisses | Nude Beige, Rose Pink, Oxblood, Military Red

Nude Beige N°01 is a mid sheer fairly neutral beige hue with just the slightest hint of pink undertone in the base, although not enough to have it lean either too cool nor warm. On my lips which are fairly pigmented to begin with, this is the perfect nude shade and one which does not wash out the rest of my face. Bonus: the perfect swipe-and-go, no-mirror-needed shade (how’s that for easy?).

 

 

Nude Beige N°01 swatch, in sunlight

Nude Beige N°01 swatch, alternate lighting

Rose Pink N°33 is a petal pink hue that can appears warm leaning in bright light, but then morphs into something a touch cooler in deeper lighting. As someone who rarely wears pale pink, I am obsessed with how this shade seems to add a brightness to my face, without coming across as either trendy or juvenile. Finally, a pale pink that’s versatile enough to be both modern and elegant.

 

 

Rose Pink N°33 swatch, in sunlight

Rose Pink N°33 swatch, alternate lighting

Oxblood N°97 is a deep berry/burgundy hue and applies surprisingly sheerer than the almost scary-dark colour you see in the tube. From the four, this was the only one to give me some trouble, as it didn’t seem to want to apply as evenly as the rest – but I solved that issue by blotting the first layer off completely, then starting over. That creates a base for the second coat to adhere to and gives a more even finish.

 

Oxblood N°97 swatch, in sunlight

Oxblood N°97 swatch, alternate lighting

Oxblood N°97 swatch, blotted

 

Military Red N°109 is a drop-dead stunning & utterly sexy red, with a good combination of both cool and warm undertones in the base that makes it universally wearable for all complexions along the spectrum. Highly saturated, the coverage here is amazing, and I love that I experience no feathering or bleeding into surrounding lip lines – bonus points scored for that.

 

 

Military Red N°109 swatch, in sunlight

Military Red N°109 swatch, alternate lighting

Military Red N°109 swatch, blotted

 

All four of these Burberry Kisses (how cute is that name?) get my seal of approval, and I look forward to adding several more to my collection. A perfect combination of colour, shine, and hydration, these meet all criteria that lipstick fans expect, and are the perfect antidote to the plethora of matte lip products that have been flooding the market lately – and so much more wearable too. As a final crowning touch, there’s the added bonus of the magnetic closure to play with – yes, I can be childish like that.

Available now exclusively through thebay.com (Canada), burberry.com and select Burberry stores.