Fans of non-makeup makeup, pay attention: Burberry's new beauty products are so subtle and muted you'll forget they're even there.
Launched last summer, Burberry Beauty is still limited to a simple collection of lip glosses and lipsticks, blushes, eyeliners, and foundations and powders, but the color selection and formulas are pretty extraordinary—even to someone like me, who's not usually wowed by makeup.
It's actually not too surprising: The British fashion house is no stranger to beauty, with more than 100 years of experience with gorgeous clothing. Burberry underwent a much-needed revitalization in the early 2000s after experiencing an unwanted takeover by “chavs”—think the Brit equivalent of “white trash.” In recent years, Burberry's collections have been revered by all, with its classic trenches still leading the way, but buzz items such as studded-leather motorcycle jackets and over-the-knee leather boots have been making appearances on every fashion editor's want list.
Burberry Beauty doesn't stray from the company's reputation: A favorite item is the Lip Mist ($30), released this month. The Lip Mists are really just lipstick with a perfectly sheer coverage—just the right amount of color and shine, available in nine colors. Inspired by the Burberry Spring/Summer 2011 color palette, the Lip Mists boast an almost-gel-like feel that not only make them easy to apply, but also make them feel as though you've got on just chapstick. The lightweight coverage makes even the most daunting of colors—like that classic, bombshell red you've always wished you had the courage to wear—less intimidating and bold. Apply straight to the lips or just dab with your fingertips for a dewy, nonchalant look.
Other standouts include the blush ($42), which provides a natural glow that other full coverage brands such as MAC just don't have. Oh, and my favorite part about the Burberry Beauty line? How gorgeous the packaging and presentation is: Encased in shiny gunmetal packaging with that familiar plaid pattern, each lipstick, eyeshadow and blush is also embossed with that distinctive tartan.
Oh, and also? While I've never ever believed the hype about makeup that's “good” for your skin, Burberry Beauty states that its Lip Mists line incorporates wild rose extract, which contains Vitamin C, to help keep your lips hydrated and smelling nice. That's great and all, but know this: It looks good.
This column appeared in print as “Burberry Good.”
