For Fall 2012, Paul & Joe Beaute has released 3 lipstick formulations with a twist. The lipstick bullets come in 3 textures, each in a variety of shades and then you place the bullet into a limited edition (I assume new designs will be released seasonally) decorative case of your choosing! It is almost like creating your own lipstick! Perhaps a bit gimmicky, but I love it! So does the lipstick live up to the gimmick? Let’s find out and let the fun begin!
I find the cases the most exciting part since I am a sucker for adorable packaging. For the current choices, there are five different prints on cardboard tubes, a classic pink and ivory plastic case (all of which retail for $5.00) and a minty green and gold metal case (retails for $20.00) for those who really want something extra special. I personally love the cardboard cases best, especially since there are a couple of cat-themed ones – one is sort of a graphic black and white cat face print while the other has a white cat on a peach background. Adorable! Anything pet themed and I am there! There are also a couple of florals and a bird/cloud/floral motif. All are beautiful and I nabbed four right away. The lipstick bullet slides into the casing and kind of clicks when it’s seated properly. Now you’re set and ready to go! So, cute packaging? Check! But what about the actual lipstick?
#302 Retro
There are 3 “textures” of these Paul & Joe lipsticks. I would consider them more of an opacity difference than texture, but whatever you want to call it, there are three distinct types of lipstick. The sheerest is aptly named “Sheer.” In the middle is “Natural” while the most opaque is, again appropriately, “Full Coverage.” I did not try any of the Sheer formulas because they just looked way too sheer for my liking. I am also not a fan of completely opaque lipsticks, but I ordered a neutral and a deep shade of the Full Coverage to see how opaque they were and I am pleased with the coverage. They both look very natural on the lips; not overly opaque, nor too sheer and highly pigmented. They are comparable to other full coverage lipsticks available from other brands. Good pigmentation? Check! So how does the formula perform?
#306 Avenue Montaigne
Beautifully!!! The lipstick is perfectly creamy and glides on easily without skipping, dragging or tugging. It does not settle into any dry patches or lines on the lips either. Not only is it comfortable right after applying, the Paul & Joe lipsticks stay buttery and creamy throughout the day. No parched lips two hours after application! And the application itself is superb! I used the darker, almost burgundy shade, #306 Avenue Montaigne, straight from the tube without any lip liner and I was able to cover my lips easily without a bit out of line! It has a nice satin finish which works beautifully with this color. Perfect for Fall! But now the question remains, how does it last?Again, wonderfully! There was not much transferring (I do tend to be a light applier, but still with a burgundy you would expect some good transferring). I blotted my lips on a tissue and very little came off. It did remove a bit of the satiny finish, but I just added a touch of lip balm on top and waited to see how long before it disappeared. Though it faded gradually throughout the day, it did stain my lips a nice cherry red that lasted almost all day without any touch ups! Granted this is a DARK color, but I was impressed. I even ate a pasta salad with an oil-based dressing and the color was still there, though it was more of a flush than a bold red/burgundy. Overall, I was quite impressed with the formulation of this Paul & Joe Lipstick Refill and, add in the adorable customizable packaging, and I am hooked!!!
#306 Avenue Montaigne
Paul & Joe Beaute Lipstick bullets retail for $17.00 and the reusable Cases range from $5.00 to $20.00 and can be ordered through the following sites:
www.b-glowing.com (Place a $75 order and receive $15 off when using this link!) www.dermstore.com (email me and I will send you a code for $10 off of a $30 purchase) www.beautyhabit.com
For more information about Paul & Joe Beaute, check out my post here.
#202 Pret-a-Porter, #306 Avenue Montaigne, #205 Strawberry Jam, #302 Retro
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Paul & Joe Beaute in any way, nor have I been compensated for this review.
