Makeup Magpie

Bobbi Brown's Nude Beach collection for summer 2013 introduces two new shades to the range of Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks: Sunlight Gold and Golden Bronze. Where have I been that I did not know this product even existed? Apparently, these launched around the beginning of this year, but I just discovered them. As you may know, I have a weakness for Laura Mercier's Caviar Sticks and Bobbi Brown's version seems to be just about identical in both texture and package design.

This was not a planned purchase, but, oh boy, I knew I was in trouble when I swatched these two new shades last week at Macy's...I think other neutral shadow-lovers may agree, these are gorgeous! (Scroll down to see swatches and a simple look below.)

I was also attracted to the shimmery bronze cheek stick, Sunlit Nude and may go back for Summer Pink, which is a sheer, bright rosy pink (Nude Beach was also pretty, but seemed the sheerest of the bunch). I also purchased the one limited edition nail color included in this collection, the lovely Pink Pearl.

Below is a list of all of the items included in the Nude Beach Collection, as described by the brand:

Face & Body Bronzing Duo ($42.00) (Limited Edition) Bobbi’s cult classic bronzer goes double-duty for face and body so you get a true, allover glow. Use each shade separately or blended together—the generous compact makes it easy to sweep bronzer over the face, neck, décolletage and arms. Create a sun-kissed, natural-looking tan whether you’re headed to the beach or want to look like you just came from one.

Sheer Color Cheek Tint ($26.00) (Limited Edition) Bobbi’s new Sheer Color Cheek Tint gives cheeks natural-looking color. The translucent, lightweight formula glides on and blends evenly into skin. Packaged in a travel-sized swivel-up stick for convenient and easy application.

Nude Beach
Summer Pink
Sunlit Nude

Tube Tint ($19.00) (Limited Edition) Bobbi has brought back her most popular shades from past collections for pretty, hint-of-color glosses. A range of limited edition shades in easy-to-use tubes give lips a sheer, beachy tint. Wear them solo or over your favorite lipstick – without ever feeling heavy. Ideal for warm weather beauty.

Air Kiss
Bronzed Pink
Naked
Pink Cloud

Sunless Tanning Gel for Face & Body ($32.00) (Limited Edition) Skip the sun and achieve a natural-looking tan from head to toe with Bobbi’s Sunless Tanning Gel.

Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick ($28.00) (New)

Golden Bronze
Sunlight Gold

Shimmer Nail Polish ($18.00) (Limited Edition) Pink Pearl

Sunlit Nude Sheer Color Cheek Tint

Sunlit Nude Sheer Color Cheek Tint is a beautiful sheer peachy bronze, similar in tone to Nars' popular South Beach Multiple. However, it is more reflective and has a somewhat sticky texture (similar to Tarte's gel cheek tints) which may be a plus or minus depending on your personal preference. I have dry skin and found that this texture gives a dewy glow that I lack naturally, but if you prefer a matte cheek you may want to try these on in person to see whether they will work for you. Like many cream and gel blushes and bronzers, the product can settle around any skin imperfections resulting in a blotchy or uneven appearance, so I recommend exfoliating before applying. I have only tried this over bare skin, and due to the slightly tacky consistency I'm not sure how it would affect any foundation underneath. That being said, I think these were designed to be worn casually in warm weather, on the beach, etc., when we do not normally pile on layers of makeup.

Left to right: Nars South Beach Multiple (mini) and Bobbi Brown Sunlit Nude Sheer Color Cheek Tint

Left to right: Nars South Beach Multiple and Bobbi Brown Sunlit Nude Sheer Color Cheek Tint

Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks - top: Golden Bronze, bottom: Sunlight Gold

Golden Bronze is a beautiful, medium-dark metallic bronze that has a lovely refined shimmer, without any obvious glitter particles. It's a great basic to have on hand and works well to define the lower lash line as well as an all-over lid, or crease color. It is not overly warm so should work well on a wide range of skin tones.

Sunlight Gold is an ethereal, pale oyster/champagne shade. This one does a great job of brightening the eyes when worn on its own, and it would also make a great base for other shadows. I like to use this one on the inner corner when wearing Golden Bronze, to balance the darker tones. They also look great layered.

Both of these apply smoothly, are water-resistant and last all day. They are blendable but you must work fairly quickly before the product sets.

Pink Pearl is a demure, pale, iridescent pink that reminds me of the color of a seashell or pink sand. It's a beautiful neutral that is a nice departure from the edgy and elaborate manicures we've seen in recent years (although I like those too!). I did have just a tiny bit of the streakiness that is common with pearly shades, but nothing troublesome. I haven't had a chance to wear this for a long period yet, so can't speak for the formula, but will update once I find out how it performs.

Shimmer Nail Polish - Pink Pearl

Left to right: Sunlight Gold and Golden Bronze Shadow Sticks & Sunlit Nude Cheek Tint

Left to right: Sunlight Gold & Golden Bronze Shadow Sticks, Sunlit Nude Cheek Tint, Pink Pearl Nail Polish

Cheeks: Bobbi Brown's Sunlit Nude Sheer Color Cheek Tint (without foundation underneath)
Eyes: Golden Bronze & Sunlight Gold Shadow Sticks + black liquid liner and mascara
Lips: Armani Silk Lipstick #21 and Dolce & Gabbana Gold lip gloss

Can you see the shine on my cheeks from Sunlit Nude Cheek Tint? I think this is a nice shade to fake a bronzed glow, but when I wear it alone I feel like I still need to add something pink to the apple of my cheeks.

What do you think about Bobbi's summer collection? Do you have any favorites?

I picked up just two items from Tom Ford's summer collection: Escapade and Pink Haze Cream Color for Eyes. I regretted missing out on last year's cream shadows, so jumped at the chance to try these out. I am not sure how the texture of these compares to prior versions, but judging by photos alone they seem to be exactly the same. I was happy to see that the packaging has been improved--no longer is the TF logo a mere sticker placed on the top lid--now it is metallic gold-tone lettering on what seems to be a metal sleeve over plastic. The jar itself is made of glass and contains the same amount of product as in the past, .21 oz/6 g (made in Italy). The price remains the same as last year, at $40.

These have an interesting, slightly whipped, dense cream texture. They are a bit more malleable than Chanel Illusion D'Ombres and blend easily. Only a small amount of product is needed for each application, as the pigment is quite concentrated. Unlike, for example, MAC's Paint Pots, these do not dry and set completely, but remain transferable throughout the day. I like that they do not make your eyelids feel dry or uncomfortable like some long-wearing cream shadows can do after a while. I wore the two shades together today (look shown below) and did not have any issues with creasing and only minor fading at the end of my 9-hour workday.

05 Pink Haze

Pink Haze is a beautiful, shimmery, mid-tone copper-rose. While I was at the counter a woman with olive-toned skin, a few shades darker than mine, tried both shadows on and she chose this one, which was very flattering on her skin tone. Pink Haze is not an entirely unique shade, but nevertheless it is gorgeous and I think any pink lover would be pleased!

06 Escapade

Escapade is a pale, sunny chamois yellow. Of the two, this is my current favorite. It makes a great, brightening, base for other shadows and is also perfect on its own as an all-over lid shade. Love it! It has a sophisticated shimmer that is not overly metallic or frosty.

Below are a few comparisons. I don't own anything identical to either of these colors, but hopefully this will be helpful to give you a better idea of the true colors of these two. (You may notice some of the product slid around in the jar--this happened after I took photos of them in the sun. Lesson: don't store these anywhere too hot!)