March 28, 2012

Estee Lauder Mad Men Collection Lipstick Estee Lauder Mad Men Collection Creme Rouge Review & Swatches

The Estee Lauder Mad Men Collection has officially launched on counter and online at www.esteelauder.com! Curious minds, have you indulged in the compact and lippie?

I was wishing for a set that included both pieces in a fancy vintage box, wouldn’t that be lovely?

Take a look!

I must say, in true vintage style, Estee Lauder did a wonderful job with the packaging here.

With 60’s flair the compact that houses the Creme Rouge is a gorgeous gold plated piece with a weighty feel, full size mirror, and embellished closure. The compact is smaller in comparison to present day powder and blush compacts but very fitting for the era it’s inspired by. Estee Lauder also included a gold, velvet lined case to carry the compact in so you don’t scratch it during travel. Although small it does house a whooping .22 oz of cream blush. At $40, it is a value in regards to the quality of the overall presentation as well as the actual makeup contents. I do believe this much cream blush is slightly intimidating particularly if you own a ton of blushes already, as how will you get through it all? But do remember, the shade is limited edition, and if you end up loving it as much as I do, you’ll be ever so happy you have a ton of it when it disappears for good. Agreed? A few reader’s had questioned if it is refillable. It doesn’t appear to be so once the blush is gone you won’t be able to snap out the pan.

The blush happens to be my favorite piece from the collection. It’s a rosy pink in the compact and gives a lovely, gentle little flush to cheeks that’s quite flattering. The formula blends easily and has a surprisingly strong wear time. It also proves snappy for touch ups as creams are always easier to apply than powder when you’re on the go however not as hygienic.

In true 60’s spirit, Estee Lauder decided to go with a smaller tube lipstick for the collection. Over 40 years ago, the size of lipsticks simply weren’t the whooping size we are used to today. This might prove shocking when it arrives on your door step should you order online or head to counter. I imagine people will look at it and think “sample size”. As you can see below, I placed it next to a MAC, Avon, and Drugstore Lipstick so you can judge the size for yourself. However, it does house, regardless of how small it is, .07 oz of lipstick, nearly the same size as a MAC Lipstick that is 0.1 oz.

They definitely went with a more wearable shade of red here. I suspect that many expected more of a pin up girl red, something vampy and shocking. This red has more of a cherry element to it which makes it wearable for many skin tones versus a truer red which could end up looking clown-y. It’s surprisingly wearable although I lack the face (I’m cute at best not flawlessly gorgeous) to give it that sophisticated look that Estee Lauder is going for.

Formula wise, I wasn’t completely impressed so I do think the master element here is the gorgeous packaging. It has a nice glide but isn’t terribly moisturizing. It’s not matte but more of a semi-matte cream. That could be why I’m not highly interested as I’m more a shimmer girl when it comes to lipsticks. Needless to say, it goes very well with the cream blush.

(Swatched Left to Right: Cream Rouge & Lipstick)

Overall, the Estee Lauder Mad Men Collection oozes elegance and sophistication when it comes to the packaging. As for the color selection, it’s not spot on sixties but put it all together with a winged eye look and you indeed, have the simplicity and gorgeousness of your mother or grandmother’s makeup.

(Cheeks: Estee Lauder Mad Men Creme Rouge Lips: Estee Lauder Mad Men Lipstick)

I liked both pieces but the Creme Rouge most definitely has a soft place in my heart. It’s gorgeous!

Next year, Estee Lauder will release a second collection, I look forward to seeing what they come up with.

What do you think of the collection?

Did you purchase any of it?

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

  • cheryl

    that blush & lippie combo looks AMAZING on you!

    how well does the blush build up/ layer? (i’m not sure what the correct terminology is :S)

    • the Muse

      it builds quite well Cheryl, I’d say most any skin type can use it thanks to the fact that you can build it up to a nice intensity, only if you’re super dark you might not see it but fair, olive, tan, medium, etc…should work great on all those tones.

    • the Muse

      hey nikki! aw thanks! I’m not so sure…the blush yes, the lipstick maybe haha!

  • Eli

    Awwww! So, so, very fcucking nice! I need those, and I am ready to splurge should they arrive here 😀

  • Tammie

    O. M. G. I am so happy to hear they will have another collection next year! I can’t wait to see it!!! Aaaaa!

    On another note I just got the cream blush a couple days ago and wore it yesterday, it’s FANTASTIC. Lovely color, lovely formula, AMAZING packaging. I am soooo in loooove with it <3 Absolutely worth every penny!

    • the Muse

      AGREED! very nice blush! The lipstick was nice but must say the blush is the best part ;D!

  • Roxane

    Thanks for these swatches! But while the colors are gorgeous and I am a big fan of Mad Men, I won’t splurge here. I really wish they had come out with shades that were popular in the sixties, especially since they are so difficult to find now. This is pretty, but probably dupeable, and the most Mad Men thing about it is the packaging. I’m a little bummed. 🙁

    • the Muse

      my pleasure roxane! aw sorry chica to hear your disappointment maybe the next release!

  • Stacy

    Absolutely looks BEAUTIFUL of you!!! I really wasn’t much interested in this collection at first glance(even thought I’m a HUGE Mad Men Fan).
    However, seeing the swatches and how amazing it looks on you I have to have it!!!

    • the Muse

      aw thanks stacy! you’re lovely to say so! yay! go get it girl! the cream blush is AMAZINGS!

  • Noelle

    You look beautiful Muse!

    I love that lip color! I was going to pass based on images I’ve seen. However, after seeing your post I will have to take a second look!

    • the Muse

      you’re lovely to say so noelle, thank you very much! def do, especially the cream blusher, I think you’ll like it!

  • Themakeupism

    D’aw, you look so lovely in the blush + lipstick combo! I actually think these are very fitting for the Madmen show and I probably won’t partake in buying because of the price, I do think these are quite nice.

  • Kate

    Wow, they are both so lovely on you!
    I do love Mad Men and every about 60’s inspired makeup but I wasn’t sold on these until I saw how flattering they can be. I’ll have to add them to the purchase list 🙂

  • Bonnie

    you look great!

    LOVE Mad Men and will have a hard time resisting this. 🙂

    what did you think of the premiere of Season 5?

    • the Muse

      hey bonnie thanks ;-D I didn’t watch it, I just started season 1 recently, I never watched it up until recently when a ton of people told me how great it was so far I like it!

  • BooBooNinja

    Do you know what MAC or NARS blush colour the EL one is comparable to? I’m trying to figure out if it will suit my NC20/25 colouring.

    Err… or maybe you shouldn’t answer my question. I think I’m getting suckered by the luxe packaging. (eek!)
    I didn’t know it was actually *gold* plated!

    • the Muse

      mm not sure booboo…sorry! lol the packaging def appeals ;D!

  • Delmy

    I am happy to have found this review. I purchased the lipstick, but I was undecided about the blush (i have so many blushes). But, the whole presentation is gorgeous. I think that I will order it right now.
    I love the lipstick, but I do agree with you: it is really small. I was expecting a, well; bigger lipstick. But, I do get the concept of the collection. I also think that the blush is really small, but I will treasure that compact for years and years.
    Thanks for a great review.
    Delmy

    • the Muse

      it’s really a nice set delmy ;-D I think I loved the blush even more than the lipstick ;-D I think I was too, I was a little shocked, but it is a full size lipstick even though a smaller packaging haha ;-D

      My pleasure hun!