Our favourite MUA to the stars, author and makeup collector has released new lipsticks AND a foundation (and also has a pop-up in London’s Covent Garden until the end of December). I finally tested her True Velvet lipstick formula AND also the Seamless Skin foundation. Here’s my Lisa Eldridge Velvet Blush review!
What it is and what I want it to do
Since they launched, the True Velvet lipsticks have gained cult status. From the beautiful packaging to the velvet-seeming surface (it really looks very cool) to the formula: I’ve heard nothing but raves about them.
I, on the other hand, don’t really like matte lipsticks. I want my lipsticks to be hydrating, and love me a satin or glossy formula. Also, I think that luxury lipsticks are not for me (here’s why) and yes, I’m fully aware that I bought two Hermès lipsticks this year. (Totally NOT worth the price tag.) Velvet Blush was a belated birthday present, and I nearly hopped around with glee when I unpacked it. Because: it’s beautiful, and the colour is right up my alley.
Official description
Saturated and highly pigmented lipstick with a beautiful, true velvet effect on the surface of the bullet which looks exactly like velvet fabric. The formulation is a creamy, hydrating matte with a slight sheen – it’s not a ‘flat’ matte. The colour is long wearing and non drying on the lips.
Lisa Eldridge
Velvet Blush: A deep pink berry inspired by the flushed hues of Rococo artists Watteau, Fragonard and Boucher. A sensual boudoir shade with muted cool undertones.
Lisa Eldridge
Lisa Eldridge Velvet Blush review: Application
Here’s what I love about Lisa Eldridge’s web shop: all products are shown on different skintones. Yes, a little less photoshopping would be nice, but it really gives you a feel for the colours. Velvet Blush, though, isn’t really a pink berry in my book. Temptalia calls it a muted plum, but for me, it’s a very dark mauve with brownish-purple undertones. It’s a very unique and complex colour in my stash.
Application is incredibly easy. You can apply directly from the bullet without a lipliner, and it will look good. The formula is the good kind of thin: after the first swipe, you’ll still see your natural lip colour, but you can build it up for full intensity easily. To me, it feels faintly siliconey, which is a good thing here.
Different to Pat McGrath MatteTrance lipsticks, the last luxury lipsticks we tried here, both application and formula is better: the pigment is easily controlled, and never sits on your lips in an uncomfortable, thick layer.
Wear
Yes, it’s pretty. Velvet Blush doesn’t look dead matte on me, and it wears well for a few hours. It doesn’t hold up for a full meal though, and also is quickly worn off if you layer a balm or gloss over it. It also doesn’t stain. My lip lines aren’t overly pronounced, it doesn’t feather, and also, and most important for me? I can wear it for a few hours without my lips feeling like a shriveled raisin. It’s not exactly hydrating, though – don’t be fooled if you have dry lips.
Dupes and comparisons
The closest dupe I own is Burberry’s Oxblood, although it’s a smidge more purple. Like I said above, it’s a very unique colour.
A word on the Seamless Skin Foundation
There’s a video from Lisa with the deeds and how-tos. It comes in 40 shades, retails for 44£/53€/$60 for 30ml. The key points are: soft-focus, self-setting formula, skin-like finish, medium coverage.
There’s a shade finder tool on the website. (Which matched me with Shade 9, which feels – not right.)
I got a sample card from a friend (thank you!) and tested the formula, fully aware that neither of the shades are my perfect match. Shade 3 comes close, but is too light and too yellow. I applied it with a sponge, as I do with nearly all foundations, and was very surprised how much product I needed to achieve a medium coverage. Spot concealing with it? No chance.
It definitely has some kind of soft-focus thing going on directly after applying, but during the day, I could see the foundation break up on my skin. It looked as if only some pigments remained on my skin in little patches, while others pooled in pores and lines.
The feeling on the skin is truly lovely. I didn’t need any powder: the effect is truly skin-like. If you touch your skin, you can’t feel that you’re wearing anything. For me, I suspect I would need something to properly set it and make it “sturdier”: something like a primer or setting spray. I was very surprised to see that it doesn’t form a stronger film on my skin: I could see traces from water droplets on my skin.
It definitely oxidises a bit while it sets.
Worth it
For me, both products are truly luxurious splurges. The whole package is just simply wonderful. But, again, the formula of the foundation isn’t for me, while I had also given up on matte lipsticks completely. But even I’ve to admit that the True Velvet lipstick formula is a great one (maybe, for me, even the best): incredibly easy to apply, buildable, and doesn’t make my dry lips despair.
Price & Availability
Here’s the rub: Lisa Eldridge’s lipsticks are generally seasonal launches that sell out rather fast. Velvet Blush is sold out right now, but then, the good thing is that relaunches happen rather frequently. Keep an eye on her site!
One lipstick weighs 3.5g and retails for £26.00.
Please note that this post is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods or money for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.
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