Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick - Impassioned

Last Saturday I learnt exactly how susceptible I am to advertising. The answer is VERY, at least when it comes to makeup. Earlier in the week, Estee Lauder uploaded a picture of their Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick in the shade Impassioned to their Instagram feed. It was posing seductively by the sea, all shiny and gorgeous in the sunlight, and as soon as I saw it, the following thoughts ran through my brain:

1. I NEED this lipstick for my summer holiday.
2. I cannot possibly contemplate going on holiday unless I have this lipstick.
3. If I do not own this lipstick, my life will suck.

In my defence, it had occurred to me on a previous occasion, independently of any advertising, that I might like to own a lighter, more orange version of YSL's Le Orange (a gorgeous lipstick which I mentioned here). Judging by the Instagram picture, that's exactly what Impassioned was.

However, when I picked it up in store I could tell that it was a lot redder than the picture had suggested, redder, in fact, than the YSL. Yet such was the power of that beachside image that I bought it anyway. I know. I'm hopeless.

Incidentally, my Mum, aka my shopping partner-in-crime that day, bought Powerful, which is a beautiful mid-pink shade. Mum suffers a lot from FOMO (fear of missing out). I believe her exact words were: "If you're having a lipstick, I'm having a lipstick." She's ended up with a gorgeous product that she loves and that looks great on her, which is generally how things seem to work out in the happy world of Mum.

So back to Impassioned. Do I regret my rather rash purchase? Well, it is very similar to the YSL. Very, very similar. If it had been more orange in colour as I initially thought, I'm sure I would have loved it, but I didn't really need another red/orange. Definitely not at this price point (I paid £24). On the other hand, it's a really beautiful lipstick. The colour is lovely, the formula smooth and creamy, and it is hands-down the nicest-smelling lip product I've ever owned. Honestly - it smells of pralines.

It's slightly messy to apply and has a remarkable talent for finding its way onto your teeth, but then that's true of most bright lipsticks. The packaging is attractive, if not particularly special, and the magnetic closure is a nice touch. The only thing I can't comment on is its staying power, as I have yet to wear it out. All in all, I like it, and I would definitely consider trying more shades in this range. (Preferably ones that are different from lipsticks I currently own, next time.)

 

Now I just need to find that perfect orange shade. Any recommendations? And what do you think of the Pure Color Envy lipsticks if you've tried any?

Kate x