A Pink Mist

As mentioned in my post on Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in Pale Barley, a Lip Mist in Camelia Pink (No.207) was included in the gift with purchase that I qualified for after spending over $79 on Burberry at David Jones. I don't have a lot of high end lipsticks because of the crazy number of lipsticks I have from more affordable brands that I find to be just as good in quality, so it was a genuine thrill to be able to welcome a Burberry lipstick to my collection. There's much to admire in the somewhat masculine, architectural packaging with the gunmetal exterior, signature check and nifty magnetic closure. I looked forward to seeing whether a pricier lipstick was really worth the extra dollars.

l-r: Revlon Sweet Tart, Burberry Camelia Pink, Revlon Lollipop, MAC Plumful

Camelia Pink is a sheer but buildable medium hot pink with a distinct fuchsia tone. The colour isn't exactly modern or revolutionary, but you can't go terribly wrong with it either. With 1-2 coats it's fresh and understated, your natural lip colour still visible underneath, but it can be intensified to more of a party/going out lip with several coats. Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Sweet Tart is similar in texture but warmer and more neon. Revlon Lip Butter in Lollipop is significantly darker and more opaque, much more of a true, bold fuchsia. MAC Plumful is darker, more rosy/plummy and overall subdued in colour, not as bright or pink.

What surprised me about the Lip Mist was just how glossy the formula is. It imparts an almost wet-look, lustrous shine to the lips, making them appear hydrated and plump, but not as if covered with a liquid product like a standard gloss. There's the same semi-translucent juiciness as a lollipop that's been sucked on or a slice of coloured jelly. The lipstick itself has a tacky, slightly thick consistency, and there's a bit of resistance as the lipstick bullet tugs against the lips when it's applied. While it doesn't settle into lip lines, it can be a little uneven in terms of pigmentation, particularly after the lips are pressed together to blend the lipstick.

Despite its relative sheerness, isn't what I'd describe as glide-on smooth, creamy and weightless like the Chanel Rouge Coco Shine or Maybelline Color Sensational Color Whisper lipsticks. I definitely get the sensation of something covering the lips, though it's not particularly drying or uncomfortable. One offputting aspect is the smell, which is your traditional 'grandma' lipstick scent, but fortunately it's not too strong.

If it hadn't been included in the gift with purchase, I probably wouldn't have selected Camelia Pink, mainly because I find myself tiring of these bright, blue-based pink/fuchsia shades (I have way too many and I don't particularly love any of them). At least Camelia Pink isn't too cool-toned or vivid, making it a safer pick for a casual wash of glossy colour during the day.