L'Oreal Privee Collection Lipstick

When the L'Oreal Privee Collection was launched, I really wanted to try it but I just never got around to it until sometime in March (which seems like a long time now). I was in Sainsbury's as usual picking up some grocery and looking out for some offers in their beauty, skincare and makeup section as I always do. The L'Oreal Privee Lipstick Collection was on offer for 3 for 2 and I thought I might as well give this a try. The Privee Collection (or is it Collection Privee??) is a nude lipstick collection which spans a range of skin tones and complexions that match various women from all walks of life. L'Oreal decided to use famous actresses, singers and models for its campaign and these stunning women include Cheryl Cole, Julianne Moore, Liya Kebede, Doutzen Kroes, Jennifer Lopez (J-Lo), Eva Longoria and Frieda Pinto. The shades were designed to match their nude lip colour which is an interesting concept. These lipsticks are all named after the relevant actress/model/singer complete with their signature on the packaging.  All the shades were available except the Doutzen Kroes, Jennifer Lopez(I heard it's only available in the US) and the Liya Kebede shade which I really wanted to try because that would have been the closest for my skin tone. However, I picked up the following shades: Eva (Longoria), Frieda (Pinto) and Julianne (Moore) and while I knew all the shades were not going to be a good nude match, I felt the shades will still look nice and flattering. Plus, it was on offer and picking up 1 would just be a waste :-) (that's what I told myself).








Shades
Eva's Nude: I think this is my favourite because it is the perfect shade of  flesh pink with earth/warm undertones. It comes off quite flattering on my lips and I reach for this more than the others.
Julianne's Nude: This has more of a bright pink hue to it but it still looks good on the lips especially if you have fairer skin. I was scared this would look unflattering but it's actually nice especially for Spring/Summer.
Frieda's Nude: I had high hopes for this as well because she was the nearest to my skin tone from the whole lot but I don't really like it as much as the other. It has a very slight lilac tint to it which may look flattering for other skin tones but it just fell flat on mine. I still like it paired with other lipsticks or even some from this range so it's not completely a waste :-)

Packaging
I am not even going to lie; I really wanted this because the packaging is adorable and classy (my fav word). It feels a whole lot more expensive than it looks and it has a nice secure click which I love because it means the lipstick is secure and it would not make a mess in your bag. Black packaging with gold rims and detailing just looks...oh so lush!!!

Formula/Application
I am so pleased it is more of lustre finish.. I was scared it would be one of those that would drag across the lips like MAC Ruby Woo style but thank goodness! it's not. It also does not cling to dry patches or rough patches on the lips assuming your lips have not been well exfoliated. If your lips are well smooth and freshly scrubbed /exfoliated to get rid of dry and rough cracks/patches, the experience with this lipstick will be heightened. Having said that, not all the shades seem to have the same consistency but maybe that's just me. They all really apply well and I have not had any trouble with its application. You need a lip liner with these shades which matches your skin tone especially for the brighter ones just so it blends properly.

Lasting Power
Although it has good pigmentation for a nude lipstick, I don't think the lasting power is that great but I really don't mind reapplying it if I have to. I just really like the formula so I am not really fussed about the lasting power. The colour pay off on application is great and it actually lasts for a good while if there are no lip actions like eating, drinking, kissing, etc.

Cost
I have seen this priced for about £8.19 which I think is the RRP. I got this for £7.99 from Sainsbury's which is not a huge difference per say but it was also on offer as 3 for 2 so £16 for 3 lipsticks I think is fair. At the moment of writing this, Superdrug and Boots all have offers of 3 for 2 across their range so now is a good time to pick it up.

Personal Thoughts
I have been using this almost everyday since I purchased them because they are just the kind of shades and formula I like for my lips especially as an everyday/work type of lipstick because it's really subtle and classy. I love the packaging and I may just be tempted to try the other shades in the range. Have you tried any of the L'Oreal Privee Collection? See you in my next post...x