August 24, 2011

Victoria’s Secret Hypnotic Beauty Perfect Lipstick Exotica Review, Swatches, Photos

The Victoria�s Secret Hypnotic Beauty Collection launched this week so I ran right quick over to my local store to pick it up. I basically hauled it all.

Could not resist.

Some of the pieces are real gems but I haven’t tested it out yet so, of course, I have to fiddle a bit more before deciding if I should tell you guys to get it.

One item that surprised me was the Victoria�s Secret Hypnotic Beauty Perfect Lipstick in Exotica. The promo image does nothing for this shade as it looks pink in that image.

Take a look, you’ll probably love it as much as I do if you love MAC Pink Grapefruit.

Jump!


A lipstick in a fiery shade of bronze-y coral!


Ah Pink Grapefruit! My HG Lipglass shade from MAC, oh so beautiful! Fans of the shade will absolutely adore Victoria�s Secret Hypnotic Beauty Perfect Lipstick in Exotica.

This is a fiery shade of bronze-y, coppery coral which shouts Summer but with Fall quickly approaching the color will remind you of falling leaves. This is very warm, rich, and will pair up beautifully with nude, natural eyes using shades of gold and brown.

The formula isn’t really all that amazing for a $14 lipstick but it falls into the good category which is somewhere in between being not so bad and not so great for me, merely good. I find it hydrating with a good glide but not crazy moisturizing. It wears comfortably although it will fade away during a meal so a touch is required but the wear is fairly well during normal usage and the colors doesn’t fade nor does the product migrate.

The real appeal here was the gorgeous color for me!

I was shocked by the fact…


That the packaging was so incredibly flimsy. I’m fuzzy on Heida’s Collection (which was very similar in design) from last year but I do remember it having some weight behind it when I saw it in store and just from my general experience with Victoria’s Secret Makeup particularly the gorgeous selection of Holiday 2010 goodies, all of which had incredible packaging.

This….was bad.

First off all they went the label route for the design. Around the inner tube of lipstick they have a sticker design which is already peeling off on me after a single use. The top of the lid also has a label but thankfully that seems to be fine. The entire packaging has little weight behind it and is very, very flimsy. It’s not something you’ll wanna toss in your bag as it will get easily scratched up.

I did find the packaging surprising as one thing about Victoria’s Secret Limited Edition selections they normally have really fantastic packaging.

Secondly, a big pet peeve of mine, the lipstick does not swivel all the way down (see above image). I’m clumsy and when I’m rushing I wanna be able to slap the lid on and go without fear of slicing off some of my lipstick. Having it swiveled up like this means I have to patiently put the top back on and proceed with caution to avoid messing up the entire product.

  • Those who adore MAC Pink Grapefruit!
  • Those who wear shades of fiery copper well.
  • Those who want a warm, rich hue of lipstick that will look exotic and beautiful for Fall (the color simply screams Fall).

  • Those who are easily irritated by packaging flaws.


I’m giving this a Muse Approval because the shade is simply stunning….but it really doesn’t deserve it because the formula isn’t all that unique or special and the packaging simply stinks. I am a little shocked. Victoria’s Secret normally puts alot of effort into their packaging and this is very much a downsized, economized packaging.

The shade gets a huge hooray from me but the packaging and formula just a meh.

Have you explored the Hypnotic Beauty Collection already?

What were your thoughts?

Do share!

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Tammie

    Blah that’s too bad to hear! Pretty much what impressed me was the packaging design as I’d been burned by VS makeup in the past ^^;;

  • Sara

    I hear ya, Tammie, VS makeup is usually a burner. It’s like, either a good product in poor packaging, or poor product in good packaging. I don’t think I’ve ever purchased anything that was good, in good packaging, at a reasonable price. On the plus side, I know people who work there and if I ever want anything, can get it at a slight discount. So maybe I’ll chuck this on my list to see if I like it.

    Looking forward to the rest of the haul, Muse! Might be on a makeup ban for myself, but that doesn’t mean people can’t stockpile for xmas presents. 😀

  • sakex

    is it just me or is the design for this collection like a cheap, knock-off version of Guerlain?

  • coco

    I picked up the blush/highlighter from the collection. I like it….but I really just bought it for the packaging 😛 I’m still trying to figure out if the color goes all the way through or if it will be all pink eventually.

  • jerseygrrrl78

    Love the color of this, it looks especially pretty when topped with a little gold gloss. I agree with you about the packaging, though, it is cheap, cheap cheap! And I broke off the tip of the lipstick because it doesn’t swivel all the way down, ugh!