April 19, 2012

Sephora + Pantone Universe Color of the Year Creme Lipstick Review & Swatches

The Sephora + Pantone Universe Color of the Year Collection continues to impress. I’m kinda surprised it didn’t sell out. It’s made the rounds on the blogsphere and has a ton of raves so count me shocked they didn’t sell out of at least one or two pieces.

Maybe everyone isn’t digging all the tangerine as much as I am.

One thing I can’t pull off? Sephora + Pantone Universe Color of the Year Creme Lipstick in Tangerine Tango Cream.

Sephora + Pantone Universe Color of the Year Creme Lipstick came with my Color of the Year Gift Set so I kinda thought of it as a nice extra along for the ride. In the back of mind I knew I couldn’t wear the shade but I was somewhat kinda sorta just wanting it because…

Don’t tell me you never purchased a beauty product for the hell of it before, you’d be lying….!

Facts is facts it’ll sizzle on darker skin tones but on my own medium fair skin it looks like Bozo the Clown went orange instead of red. Not pretty.

Color aside, the formula and packaging can’t be disputed. This is really quality makeup at an affordable price. Purchased alone it’ll set you back $18 and it’s worth every single penny.

This has a soft, buttery application with a high shine finish and plenty of pigment. The lightweight texture wears so very comfortable and the slippery feel of the lipstick keeps lips feeling hydrated throughout the wear.

Packaging is quite weighty! This isn’t a cheap plastic tube. This is a metal-like tube that has a good deal of weight backing it up, quite luxurious. I’m a little iffy on the magnetic closure which I fear might open up in a makeup bag that’s tossed around in your purse or tote, just a warning. Outside of the cap issue, the packaging is modern elegance.

It might not be my shade but facts is facts the formula reigns supreme.

Sephora continues to surprise and impress with their latest makeup offerings.

Well done.

Muse Approved for purchase.

Available now at Sephora and Sephora.com

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

  • Shamim

    I’ve been trying out revlon lip butter in tutti frutti which is a delicious shade of orange/tangerine and it looks fantastic. it’s sheer-ish and plays with your own lip colour so you don’t come out looking weird orange. highly recommended for people who wants to try orange on their lips =)

  • Lulubelle

    I couldn’t carry off this color either, but it is gorgeous. I got the nail polishes instead.

  • Ruth

    I wish that your enthousiasm for orange would rub off on me! It’s so pretty but doesn’t excite the “oooohhh, gotta have it” part of me.

  • Bell

    My skin tone in MAC is NC20 and I can wear this color! Maybe not applying the shade full on, but try applying it with your fingers or with a lip brush….it will apply sheerer and it won’t look weird 🙂
    I got the kit too and I loved everything!

  • Meghan

    The pretty packaging and pantone hype drew me in to this lipstick, but against my porcelain fair skin this lipstick looks absolutely terrible on me! I am bound and determined to find someway to layer it that will work on my skin though.

    • the Muse

      ME TOO meghan! there has to be some lipgloss in my stash that will make this wearable!

  • IJ

    Oh Muse, I have a deep complexion and I couldn’t carry it off either.
    I ended up going with the NARS gloss in Wonder. All of the orange, none of the bozo.

    • the Muse

      LOL all the orange none of the bozo I heart you so hard right now!

  • Jes

    Hmm. I’ve been wearing it a lot lately. Blot, and apply the sheerest gloss from the Pantone gloss set. I think it looks bright, but good on my light, Asian skin, but maybe I’m making a fool of myself….oh well, fuggit. I want to wear the tangerines at all costs.

  • HautePJ

    I love this lipstick. For reference I am NC50, so I have darker skin. The formula is AH-MAZING and it stays on for a good time while not drying out my lips. I have applied it sheer and topped with Nars Wonder lipgloss. I’ve also topped it with MAC Lychee Luxe for a pretty, juicy pinky/orangey effect :).

  • Mer

    I bought the set and love it, and I’m super pale (nc15 or a bit lighter). Here’s one way i wear this: i line and fill in my lips with Prestige lipliner in Sierra, which is a sort of shimmery dark orange, but not orange-orange, its very muted. Then i put a coat of Tangerine Tango on top. It gives that gorgeous orange color without being too bright. Personally i love orange or coral lipcolor on light skinned girls, it just looks so fresh and pretty. I hope you find a way to wear it 🙂

  • charlotte

    A lot of it simply has to do with skin tone.. not necessarily how light or dark you are. I’m quite pale, but have really warm toned skin.. and just cannot wear those bright cool pinks no matter what I do to them. This one is super-duper warm. You would think they would offer a more neutral shade, or at least two shades, one warm and one cool, to make the collection more wearable. It does look like this years emerald collection is leaning towards the cool side if the blush is any indication, it’s the only part I have seen.

    I own the Pantone Precious Metals palette, and it has been my favorite purchase all year, high or low end. A huge variety of very good quality shadows, yet they are coordinated with similar shades from light to dark.. not just a random offering of various colors, and the palette itself it very well made. I could easily wear just that one palette forever and be perfectly fine.