Let's Discuss The Rouge Dior Lip Coffret Gift Set: Less Is Not More Dior

Frankly, I've been keen on but never purchased Dior's annual holiday Coffret Lipstick Sets -- in 2022 it's called Rouge Dior Lip Coffret Gift Set (see above image👆) -- but I enjoy Christmas browsing and always look for the limited edition gift bag, um set after Thanksgiving.

 

2018 edition - photo pulled from the internet, it is my favorite design - a constellation

Over the last few years, it sold for $175 and included 6 lipsticks, a lipstick holder, and a popular cosmetic bag that customers enjoy using as a clutch purse, as well as, finding clever ways to add hardware, converting it into a small shoulder or crossover bag. It's become a convention among handy Dior beauty buyers.

2019 edition

This holiday season after a tough couple of years for many consumers, how are the luxury brands treating their loyal customers? By hiking up their already steep prices and giving clients even less value for their money. One retailer is Chanel whose, classic double-flap bag rose in price to just under $10,000 without improving its craftmanship.

2020 edition of the gift bag.

Dior is now charging $240 (a $75 price increase) for this year's Rouge Dior Lip Coffret Gift Set but has reduced the lipsticks to only 5. Adding insult to injury, the gift bag no longer has a faux leather outer surface, but is hard plastic! Dior added a gold metal clip-on chain to the plastic box, so consumers no longer have to be clever to turn it into a crossover bag, and yet it's plastic! Really Dior?

Here's a clever YouTuber showing us how to convert a 2021 Dior makeup case into a bag.

Why are multi-million dollar companies treating their customers this way? In fact, skimping them! Charging customers more and giving them less. And ... how will loyal customers respond?

As a longtime admirer of Dior and Chanel, I'm disappointed! I suppose I should thank the exclusive duo for removing all potential temptation, but I'd much rather appreciate top-of-the-line quality and fair pricing.

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Drew Barrymore's Valentine To Customers: Lip Kit Duo

Flower lipstick by Drew Barrymore has become one of my favorites. The reason? Because of its stellar quality in addition to its array of natural, gorgeous colors rivals the luxe brands at a fraction of the cost. If you wish to try it, now may be a perfect time because ...

For Valentine's Day, the beauty company is offering a limited-edition bundle lip kit duo pairing a full-sized lipstick with a full-sized lip liner to create cupid-approved lips at the special sale price of only $16 per kit. When I went to the website a promotional coupon also popped up to reduce the final price further, and free shipping was offered, making a purchase that arrives in your mailbox a steal!

Although you can mix and match the hues yourself, Drew has the following guide of complementary colors for those who seek help:

There's absolutely no reason to pay more when you get the quality and beautiful hues, bar none of Flower to create lusciously rich pigmented and moist lips. I have several Flower lipstick shades ... all of them super wearable, not to mention, relatively cheap! Plus the packaging looks as good as the luxury brands.

Now is your chance to splurge, save and discover a great makeup brand simultaneously!♥💋

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Dior 7-Piece Refillable Lipstick Set

For a makeup maven, Christian Dior is one of the Holy Grails of a luxury lipstick. And for the holidays you sometimes splurge on a gift when the rest of the year you try to save. 

Christian Dior is offering an awesome holiday 7-piece lipstick set selling for $180 but if you search retailers, you'll find deals to bring the price down to about $150. No, it's not cheap by any stretch of the imagination, but a single Christian Dior lipstick costs $40, so it is a "bargain" for Dior makeup. 

    

The colors in the set are gorgeous and very wearable. It includes:

Modified case by owner

• Rouge Dior 999 satin finish
• Rouge Dior 999 matte finish
• Rouge Dior 988 satin finish
• Rouge Dior 481 matte finish
• Rouge Dior 458 satin finish
  
• Rouge Dior 772 matte finish

The 7th item in the set is what everyone is raving about: A glittering star midnight blue limited edition couture case that customers say is reuseable as a Dior evening clutch bag. This Dior keepsake case seals the deal, making the 7-piece set a fabulous splurge .... for yourself or someone special on your list. Six Dior lipsticks will last for quite a while, then you are left with a glamorous bag for special occasions! 

Dior goes the extra mile by wrapping the set in ritzy, festive packaging that is fun to give or receive. So you get lots of jazz-and-pizzaz for the buck.

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Charlotte Tilbury Limited Edition Bridal Lipstick Collection

The proper name of the limited edition collection is a mouthful: Matte Revolution Love Filter Lipsticks.

"Angie Smith," said I, "what's exciting and new in the beauty world? What should I write about next?" Turns out, Angie has already ordered it! Charlotte Tilbury who has a whole line of beautiful, natural lipsticks recently launched a limited edition of 3 Bridal Matte Colors that universally flatter every skin tone. Creating shades that look fabulous on all complexions -- light, medium, or dark -- has become a trademark of the Charlotte Tilbury brand. The limited edition bridal collection is no exception.

Lined up in order of the top image, the new shades are:

1) Wedding Bells - It is a nude pink with a matte finish.

2) Ms. Kisses - A lipstick shade in golden peachy pink with a matte finish. (The iconic NARS Orgasm hue is also a golden peachy pink.)

3) First Dance - A blushed berry rose leaving you with a pretty rose petal pout.

The texture of Charlotte Tilbury's matte lipsticks never dry out your lips ... but is creamy and moisturizing which adds to their popularity.

Wow, all 3 of the bridal matte colors are gorgeous! You did great, Ang!

See a YouTuber swatch the colors. Cute bracelet, no?

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Dupes For Charlotte Tilbury In Pillow Talk

Unlike reds or bight pinks, nude lipstick is so wearable for daytime because it's also low maintenance. I can't bring myself to spend $34 for one designer lipstick, the price of one of my favorite brands, Charlotte Tilbury. Pillow Talk, a brownish (hint of peach, hint of pink) nude is a huge seller as you can wear it every day. A matte formula, it feels creamy on your lips and has staying power.

'Tis time to find its dupes. Costing $5.82 - $9 depending on the retailer, the following have a matt finish, the creaminess and staying power of Charlotte Tilbury in Pillow Talk the original:

1) Flower Beauty Pouty Lipstick: Spiced Petal - the #1 doppelgänger

2) Flower Beauty Pouty Lipstick: Naked Blush

3) L'Orèal Color Riche Matte: #633 Moka Chic

Even the 3rd choice, L'Orèal's Moka Chic, if not an exact match, is a near-perfect match and beautiful shade for less! So alike on your lips, you won't notice the difference.

Perhaps 6 times more for the luxe brand is never worth the price. Think of all the money saved in a year's time by buying a dupe.

You're welcome!


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Color The World Lipstick

Color The World artisan lipstick is founded by two internet start-up brothers, Stephen and Wayne along with Stephen's makeup maven wife, Stephanie. The company's goals are 2-fold: Make amazing lipstick that is 100% vegetarian; containing organic and natural waxes; and is cruelty free ... and then use some of the profits to support worthy causes around the world. 10% of the profits of each color of lipstick is targeted to go to a specific (listed) charity -- causes the company wants to connect with to make a difference.

For now Color My World focuses on just lipstick, but oh, what lipstick it is. The lipstick is hand poured, smooth and moisturizing. Created to be not too shiny or matte, the color doesn't feather out or bleed. The rich emollients are especially beneficial to lips that are 40+ years of age, but as you can see the beautiful array of colors appeal to all ages.

There are lots of flattering and everyday shades offered at a reasonable price. Mid-priced lipstick for top-notch vegan ingredients. Some of the multi-sets are good deals, and the (recyclable) cardboard tube packaging makes adorable gifts. 

What fun to try new, indy brands, and this one gives a little back to the world.

The one bit of oddness is the owners have an internet presence -- a  business website and facebook page, as well as, good customer (via Google and YouTube) reviews -- but no last names to be found! Transparency is an asset, so when will the world know?

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One Stroke Launches From L'Oreal And Tarte

There is something about a warm balmy climate and more daylight that sparks many of us to up our makeup game with lovely new colors.

👀Tarte has launched new eyeshadow with the Tarteist PRO REMIX Amazonian Clay Palette. Formulated with earthy, yet vibrate pigments, apply any of the 20 hues with a single stoke and be done. The new palette is sold at Ulta.com for $25 and comes with a free gift. (Ulta's free gifts are usually good ones, and customers earn points on purchases!)

💄I wear nude lipstick frequently. Often if it has staying power, it dries out my lips. But if it conditions my lips with moisturizes, the color fades licketysplit fast after applying.

L'Oreal Colour Riche has created a collection to overcome both annoyances. The 16 shades give you ultra matte highly pigmented nude lips that stay put. They are formulated with super intense hydration and a super matte finish. With one stroke, you get lasting lip color and "comfortable wear."

Some of the 16 "nude" choices, in fact, look more brown, pink or plum. Nonetheless all are natural, attractive colors, and one is a true classic nude. I'm fine with that ... and may even venture over to pink, rose or plum.

One drawback to be aware of: Customers say the lipstick bends and breaks easily. So to avoid a mess, don't roll it all the way up (i.e., out) to apply. For under $10 bucks, it's a steal!

The rule of spring/summer is: New makeup for new seasons!

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Yves Saint Laurent Babydoll Kiss & Blush Duo Sticks

Photo: Yves Saint Laurent

YSL is launching a new spring collection of creamy muti-tasking lip/cheek colors that the company calls Babydoll Kiss & Blush Duo Sticks. At $34 for 5 ounces, they are not cheap, but you get rich lasting pigments in two hues. Apply it sheer with one application, or heavy with two strokes. The mult-purpose color comes in a sleek and compact case, which makes it convenient to take on overnight trips. There are 6 duo color sticks ... all fresh with a smooth matte finish. Bring lips and cheeks to life with a swipe of flattering color! 

New makeup is eye candy for grown women. 👸🏻

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Two Faced La Creme Lipstick: Unicorn Tears

Unicorn Tears is one of the 10 new colors.

Two Faced has 10 new shades of their La Creme lipstick. The formula is a combination of creamy color and intense hydration. All 10 hues, ranging from naughty nude to candy apple red, are pretty and wearable.

Photo: New Beauty. A swatch of Unicorn Tears

I am wild about the shimmering Unicorn Tears color (above) for holiday parties, although I could also make a case for Wham!, an iridescent raspberry and Sugar Daddy, which is a lovely nude rose. 

Somehow the 10 new shades have a wow factor, as well as, an understated and classic look. As you can see from the color drenched Unicorn Tears in the images above, they flatter both fair and dark complexions.

A tube of Two Faced La Creme Lipstick makes a coveted stocking stuffer, or anytime gift. 

Do you like to pick out a shade for someone, or play it safe with a gift card?💋

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E.L.F Lipsticks Have A Hidden Feature

photo: livelifegorgeous.nl

Look closely at the tubes of the E.L.F Moisterizing Lipstick in the image above. Did you know that the color markers at the bottom of the lipstick tubes are removable? I sure didn't! Lipstick.com just sent me an email that says those bottoms aren't just "color identifiers." Actually, they are detachable pots of (matching color) lip balm! Well, knock me over with a feather ... that is cool!

Three other brands have the same hidden feature: L.A. Girl, Makeup Revolution and Sania Kashuk Satin Luxe Lip Colors.

How did we not know this? Hidden in plain sight!!! Twitter is blowing up over the discovery of this little bonus, and now the secret is out!

Photo: makeupfu. Lipsticks with hidden pots of matching color gloss

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Trust Fund Beauty

Photo: Trust Fund Beauty from Tumblr

The average person puts a ton of personal care products on their body in a given day. Ever worry about their safety? Many people look for non-toxic beauty products that are effective. That is to say, cosmetics without harmful chemicals, that are 100% vegan and not tested on animals.

Trust Fund Beauty is an indy brand that fits the need by offering creamy "Lipgasm" lipsticks with sassy names in vivid colors, as well as, provocatively named nail polish that is organic and cruelty free. They cost a bit more, but you have the assurance that the ingredients are clean, yet the quality of the makeup is good.

Lipsticks are $22 each while the nail polish costs $15 each, not an outrageous price for an organic line. (And too, when products are not mass produced, they tend to be more expensive.) You may be able to afford one, or two (sans a family trust fund :), plus think the higher cost is worth paying for clean ingredients. Select from an array of appealing colors!

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Moodmatcher Luxe Twist Sticks

Recently, I discovered the best long lasting lipstick on the market! Women have used Moodmatcher Luxe Twist Sticks for 30 years. So where have I been?

Don't let the initial odd hues fool you.  They go on one color, but instantly change according to your body's chemistry. You get customized color that is ideal for you. Each lipstick transforms into one-of-a-kind color that is perfectly suited for your complexion and mood.

The silky smooth formula has "12 hours of staying power" without bleeding. It is "smudge proof, sweat proof and kiss proof," according to the retailer. I can verify that the color lasts for hours, but haven't actually tested the 12 hour claim. After several hours, I usually dab additional lip gloss over the Moodmatcher color to freshen up.

With vitamin E and aloe vera as ingredients, lips do, indeed, feel hydrated. Although Moodmatcher colors like a lip stain, it works like a lip treatment, or stay-on chapstick.

There are 6 rich colors -- that react differently to each person's lips.

The yellow turns into a light pink.
The green becomes a bright rose.
The orange transforms into a pink-coral.
The blue and pink sparkle turn into darker pinks.
The red becomes a red/plum shade.

Fran Wilson is the genius who created the innovative Twist Sticks to deliver soft, matte lip coverage that can take you from the office to a night out on the town. At $2.99 each, they are a steal!

This cart lets you know what the intensity of the color is, but isn't totally accurate. The yellow, green, red and orange are warmer pinks, while the blue has cooler undertones.

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The Best Lip Color Brands Under $10

Lipstick is a makeup item that lipstick wearers should splurge and save on. Splurge when rich pigments matter. The color will stay on your lips all day long; and save on a few trendy colors you won't mind reapplying.

Lip color comes in a variety of textures, including lipstick, lacquer, gloss and lip stain. Luckily, today's corner drugstore sells lip color with real lasting power at a reasonable price. Here is a roundup.

The Best Lip Color Brands Under $10:

1. Revlon's Utra HD Lipstick - The secret ingredient is a clear gel base (instead of wax) that provides a light, smooth, even application of rich color. There are 20 vivid hues in nudes, pinks, reds, plums and browns.

2. Revlon's ColorBurst Balm Stain - Revlon has sooo many different lip formulas, it gets another entry. Throw one of these ten shades in your purse to reapply throughout the day. Moisterize your lips with a pop of color.

3. NYX Matte Lipstick and Soft Matte Lip Cream - Don't let the cheap price fool you. This brand's lipsticks and lip creams are highly pigmented, moist and durable. Truly, the whole line of makeup for face, eyes and lips gets top ratings from customers and makeup artists alike.

4. Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick - It's a step up from chapstick in eight ultra flattering shades in peaches, roses, plums and browns. 

5. Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor - Formulated with pure pigments for crisp color. Lips feel creamy, not dry. There are 52 shades. In the past, women turned to Chanel, or NARS to get unique or subtle hues. Not anymore! Maybelline is another makeup giant with colors and textures galore. Browse their website to select a lip color to fit the benefit you're after. I like watching this fun, lip-color tutorial. Learn how to create different looks with  nudes, pinks, plums and reds. The brief video has me convinced I will look exactly like the gorgeous model by wearing the lush Maybelline shades. :) What? ... I can hearrr you!

So on a visit to the neighborhood drugstore, you can pick up a new lip color without breaking the bank.

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TotalBeauty: 3 Lipsticks That Flatter Every Woman

Savvy Shoppers strive to make smart decisions.  The goal is to live well while spending less, as well as, avoiding mistakes.  Do you buy lipsticks that are all wrong for the undertones in your skin?  It's disappointing when a new color doesn't work for your complexion.

After consulting celebrity makeup artists, then testing their recommendations on women of varying skin tones, TotalBeauty came up with three no-fail lipstick shades, which flatter everyone, regardless of a woman's (cool or warm) undertones, or her (fair, medium or dark) coloring.

The three universal lipsticks are:

1. Light pink: Prestige Lipstick in Passion, $6.50.

2. Coral: Maybelline New York Color Sensational Lip Color in Coral Lustre, $7.49.

3. Wine Red: Two Faced Lip Of Luxury in Drop Dread Red, $16.

So you can reduce and save. Get rid of all those other lipsticks you never wear, and spruce up your look with just three, mistake proof, hues.  Now ... that's savvy shopping at it's core.

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