[unpaid/purchase/affiliate] I was about to order a replacement for my beloved Gucci Rene Balm Lipstick and got very side-tracked on the Harrods website by the new Carolina Herrera Lipsticks so ended up with one of those instead. I think the launch of these coincided with the country shutting down so they didn’t really get any attention and instead went into store without much fanfare. But, fanfare is needed because I’m so pleased with my purchase. Incidentally, Carolina Herrera is owned by Puig, who has recently bought Charlotte Tilbury.
It’s a customisable system – so you choose your case, your lipstick, your finish and any charms you might like to add (tassels, scarabs, flowers) to make it fun and more ‘yours’.
The charms aren’t as easy to fit as I’d hoped – in fact, retrospectively, I should have bought the linking ring but in any event, I had to get the pliers out which I wasn’t expecting. But worth the fiddle as I think this looks nothing short of splendid and needs nothing more but a couple of beetle charms on it (stop me!). SEE NB AT BOTTOM OF POST
The finish – sheer – is much stronger than my Gucci balm finish but the shade is near-ish so I’m happy (although I probably will get another Gucci because it’s almost down to a stub and I cannot remember using a lippie to its very end for many a year so we are fated to be together). The case is £17, the lipstick £25 (35g) and the tassel was £10 which brings it all round to £52. If you don’t want any fiddly bits, obviously, knock a tenner off that. By the way, I am noticing that brands are slowly knocking a few grams off their bullets – one or two here and there so if you think your new lippie looks a little shorter than it used to, it probably is.
The shade, Good Girl, is a kind of coral pink – a very summery, face brightening shade that feels silky on the lips and has given good, moistureful last.
So, they’re cousins, not sisters, colour wise – if I’d been at counter I might have chosen a closer shade if there was one but to be honest, I like it on myself and I’m pleased with it. You can find it HERE, non affiliate HERE. Actually, I’ve just panic-bought a new Rene Pink (£34) HERE because Harrods has run out and what if there’s a global shortage. 🙂
NB – So – apparently the tassels are supposed to attach magnetically to the bottom of the lipstick. I didn’t need the pliers after all (which I did think was a bit weird at the time) BUT it needs flagging more prominently I think because I literally had no idea there was a magnet at all. Much easier with the magnet and no pliers required…. unless you want your tassel on the top like mine (incorrectly) is. I haven’t got the energy to reshoot the pictures :-))
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11 comments
Hi Jane. I think the add ons with this can be confusing. Perhaps with more description being needed on the items? The tassels are designed to attach magnetically to the bottom of the lipstick. Pliers x
What? Really? I had no idea…. I will go back and try again although to be honest, now it’s on with the pliers it’s fine. Thank you so much for flagging this :-))
Glad if it helps anyone deciding to get one. Honestly, when I read things back again. I did mean more description of the items on the websites that are selling them.
I wouldn’t have known how to fit the parts if I hadn’t seen a couple of reviews. I recommend the beetle btw 😉 love mine.
I want the beetle! I looked again and it’s really not at all clear- sorry not to have been more comprehensive in description.. I though the pictures did the talking but I take your point and thanks for making it and thank you again for saving my blushes on the magnet!!
I love it that you just spent £52 on a lipstick (plus more for the Gucci one) when I’m fairly sure you have a pretty comprehensive stash already… This is the kind of dedication to the cause that brings me back to your blog every day! ❤️
You’re right – I DO have an extensive collection! But I felt that it needed to be seen because it’s so fabulous and I never mind buying if that’s the case – just doing my job ma’am :-)))) Also, Gucci is ‘the one’ so I can’t run out…
I’m in love with packaging! So chic!
Interesting that nowhere does it say that the tassels are magnetic! I had a look on the CH website and there’s a little video on how to customise your lipstick and it does show that the tassel attaches magnetically but that’s the only hint you get of that fact!
https://www.carolinaherrera.com/us/en/herrera-beauty/the-lipstick/
It’s so annoying – why can’t they just call them ‘Magnetic accessories’! I didn’t watch the video so that’s my mistake but all my pictures are wrong and I can’t face doing them all again!
Not sure why you thought you needed pliers bless you,just strongly attaches itself to the bottom with the magnet,also found the red lips goes patchy after an hour not good.
I know – I totally didn’t understand! I do now and no pliers have been involved since!