Ladies, I haven’t felt very glamorous this week… On a scale of 1 to 10, my glamorousness has been hovering around a -3. With scrunchies in my hair and my bum glued to the couch and wrapped in stretchy pants, I’ve watched just about every zombie movie and TV show released since 1969. Has it been educational? Sure, but it hasn’t been great for glamor.
The new Clarins Barocco Holiday Collection couldn’t have come at a better time.
Look at all that fancy… 🙂 It’s like a shot of fabulous straight to the heart!
The floral swirls/filigree designs both inside and out, and the rich berry, gold, black and peach shades seduced the sweat pants right off me (actually, they were raggedy yoga pants). These are products begging to be worn with a shimmery golden gown and dangerously high heels.
Clarins drew their inspiration for the collection from the Baroque style, characterized by dynamic movement, overt emotion and self-confident rhetoric, and prevalent from the late 16th century to the early 18th century in Europe.
The collection itself is limited edition and very small, with just four pieces, but man, oh, man they’re striking!
Clarins Barocco…
- Barocco Face Palette ($55)
This golden peachy pink powder adds a warm, subtle sheen to the cheeks and face. I lightly brush it on the apples of my cheeks with a blush brush for a softly illuminating effect. - Barocco Eye Colour Trio ($40)
To my eye, this powder shadow trio’s stunna shade sits in the center pan, the shimmery sunset gold with flashes of blackish brown (like a tiger’s coat!). It sits between a matte brownish black and a shimmery blackish gold. NOTE: These shadows go on very sheer, so I’ve been applying them with a wet eyeshadow brush to help ’em along. - Barocco Shimmering Gold Powder for Face and Decollete ($35)
WARNING: Danger Will Robinson! Be super careful when you open this, especially if it was shipped to you. I wasn’t, and subsequently ended up with powder all over my shirt, in my hair and on the bathroom floor. Several of the gold nuggets, which feel soft and almost creamy to the touch, must have broken in transit. If you’re looking for a gold powder for face and body with big chunks of uber-shimmer, you might really like this a lot. - Barocco Rouge Prodige ($24)
If you’ve watched many period pieces, you’ve probably seen purple velvet drapes of the kind that inspired this opaque berry lipstick. I like the way the deep shade, with its semi-matte texture, contrasts with the gold in the collection, and the scent- and flavor-free formula feels creamy and thick on my lips.
Barocco Rouge Prodige
Barocco Face Palette
Barocco Eye Colour Trio
Barocco Shimmering Gold Powder for Face and Decollete
Swatches from left: Prodige lipstick, far left eyeshadow from the Eye Colour Trio, middle eyeshadow from the Eye Colour Trio, far right eyeshadow from the Eye Colour Trio, Face Palette, Shimmering Gold Powder for Face and Decollete
Barocco Eye Colour Trio
Barocco Rouge Prodige lipstick
Well, what do ya think? Did Clarins successfully go for Baroque? 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Holy mother of… 😀 Those products look LOVELY! The lipstick (the shade, the description, and that *gorgeous* packaging) really gets me. Wow. Just… wow!
I know! Clarins really got this one right!
Karen you look GORGEOUS!! That lip colour and the eyeshadow palette are stunning on you! I am going to take a look at this beautiful collection for sure.
What zombie movies did you watch this week? Have you ever heard of Fido?
Oh gosh. Dawn of the Dead, Shaun of the Dead, 28 Days Later, 28 Weeks Later…
I’ve never heard of Fido. Is it good?
You need to see Fido-it’s hysterical. It’s a kitschy 50’s style movie where Zombies wear collars and people have them as helpers around the house or doing menial jobs. Carrie Ann Moss from The Matrix is in it-it might be a Canadian movie, not sure about that. It’s my third fave Zombie movie.
I love her! I wish she’d do more films.
Okay, am adding it to the Netflix queue. I’ve got a billion movies I need to watch! So many zombies, so little time.
Those are some sexytime products! Now these are some products im going to check out. I have a big sucker sign on my forehead for pretty packaging.
Hi Lindsay,
You’re so funny!
That eye shadow trio is calling my name!
Hi Heidi,
Well you better answer the call then, LOL!
Gosh! As much as I was taken with the product and how lovely they look on you, I was also taken in by how flawless your skin looks. This is a beautiful collection… which we aren’t getting in my part of the world. Boo! 🙁
Hi Paris B,
I think it’s a combo of a few things working together — the Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation, MAC Prep + Prime, plus the Clarins Face Powder & Shimmer Powder doing some cool reflective stuff. The light in my house was also good at the time… good ambient lighting makes a huge diff in how makeup photographs, I’ve noticed.
Karen, I’ve been following for a little while now and I’m loving your reviews, keep them coming!
That shade of lipstick looks PERFECT on you, I’m in school to be a makeup artist and this looks has totally inspired me =) you’re amazing!
Hi Brittany,
Yes ma’am! 🙂
That’s so cool that you’re learning about makeup artistry. How are your classes? Are you enjoying them?
Talk to you soon!
Must…have…lipstick……………..!!! lol This collection looks so awesome on you!
Thanks, Evelyn!
Oooh, if you like this color then you might like Guerlain’s Bee, too. It’s pricey, but very pretty.
Could Guerlain Rouge G Le Brilliant Bee the Lipstick You’ve Been Looking For?
lol oh I definitely like it, I saw your review and went out and bought it! I can’t have too many lipsticks. 🙂
Hi Evelyn,
You and me both. 🙂
I think I might be addicted to those Guerlain lipsticks now… I don’t know if it’s a good or bad thing!
That is a really stunning collection on you! I like the lipstick, but I think I’m going to get Guerlain’s Bee instead! I’ve been lemming it hard since your review!
Hey, lady!
Are you in Vegas, baby, Vegas?
I will be tomorrow night! 😛
*Kinda excited*
Don’t forget to bring your feather boa and false lashes!
I kind of really like these pieces. Especially the face palette. I’m all about the pretty packaging!!
I just started studying the Baroque period in music history! Apparently the word was originally an insult, as it’s origin (barroco, I believe, from… Portuguese?) means a misshapen pearl – it was used as a descriptor for something that was grotesquely malformed. Which, when you look at some baroque art/architecture (and theoretically, listen to some music), the image seems to fit, lol. They tended to be a bit… gaudy… in that era.
Hi Shannon,
Oh, how cool. I remember learning how to play a few baroque pieces when I was a teenager taking piano lessons and they totally kicked my @ss. It’s great stuff, but so complicated. I like listening to it more than playing it.
Lovee the packaging on these, and the necklace you’re wearing there is gorgeous 🙂 This is one of the holiday collections I’m most excited about.
Hi Makeup Morsels,
Sweet! Do you have plans to check it out soon?
I love the packaging of this collection, it’s beautiful and classy! It’s a shame the eyeshadows are sheer but that lipstick looks gorgeous!
Hi Gio,
I know you love your pigmented eyeshadows! Maybe check this one out just for fun… they intensify nicely a wet brush!
This is the best collection from Clarins in a long time. I absolutely love the promo image and I love how it looks like on you!
Hi Marina,
Thanks, hon! I love this collection, too.
Oooh! Interested in both of these powders! I love the packaging design! Karen, your totally rocking that lipstick shade!
Hi Ithfifi,
I love the packaging design, too. Clarins does amazing stuff for holiday… they totally hit it out of the park this year!
I love the packaging and the face palette looks amazing :DD the gold looks wonderful on your eyes!
Thanks, Mint! 🙂
Oh, my! I’m not usually one for black and gold (or just gold) packaging, but this is beautiful. I’m having a hard time deciding which is better: all that sparkle or your “Danger Will Robinson” line. Both are awesome in their own way. 🙂
Haha! Sometimes all those hours of watching sci-fi come in REALLY handy!
I agree! Robot’s arms flailing and torso twisting while warning of danger is my favorite part! hee hee! My friends still haven’t forgiven me for dragging them to the cinematic version with Joey from Friends. I didn’t get to choose a movie for a long, long time after that. And to this day, when I suggest something they might not like, they yell “Lost In Space?!”.
eversince that spring/summer clarins palette that i got, ive fallen in love with this brand. im loving the blush and the lipstick!
Hi Nina,
Yay for discovering (and loving) new brands! Have you ever tried any of their skincare? Their Hydraquench cream is the best.
i ordered the hydraquench cream from nordstrom — hasnt gotten here yet! cannot wait to try that too!
but that blush — its calling my name!
Oh, goody! I hope that your skin likes it. There are two versions — one for normal to dry and another for super dry skin. I like the normal to dry one because it seems to sink in faster.
I literally go through JARS of the stuff. I wish I didn’t like it so much sometimes because it’s so pricey!
I like how glam packaging can make you feel like a movie star sometimes! The colors are great, and I will have to check this out, just to keep something fancy in my handbag. =)
Me too! The face powder compact has a nice weight to it, which I think adds extra glam.
Gorgeous colors! I especially like the eyeshadows. I love the packaging as well.
Hi Ruchita,
The packaging is gorgeous! One thing that they did that was interesting with the packaging is that while the face palette compact is very heavy, the eyeshadow isn’t — it’s kind of an odd thing (I think all the pieces from last year’s release were in these heavy, gilded cases), but maybe they were trying to save money or something.
Anyway, are you already a Clarins fan?
Oh, I’m all hypnotized by those gold pieces. I would probably not use that gold powder that much, but I’d really like to own it!
It seems to be one of those “pretty to look at products,” ya know? Unless you go clubbing a LOT or just really love glitter it’s not easy to incorporate it into every day wear… but it’s gorgeous!
That lip colour really looks amazing on you. Plus gold is totally your colour for jewellery (love your necklace)
Hi Karen B,
Thank ya, miss!
What’ve you been up to lately?
First of all, you look stunning! Love this on you! (and I love your bangs too) The packaging is so pretty. It’s nice to see a holiday collection that doesn’t have a bajillion products to confuse me (yes, I’m looking at you, MAC). I love the lipstick and the eye shadows might actually work for me, because I like sheer applications. Let’s just say that dark shadow looks and I don’t get along well. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Toni,
I think sheer shadows can be really great, especially if you have pale skin and/or are perpetually in a hurry! I know you’ve been trying to curb your makeup lemmings, but did you see this review Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Palette? Might be a nice to add to your holiday wish list!
The Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Palette Helped Me Face My Neighbors (and the Day)
I was going to ask what you thought the colors might be like for those of us with year-round pale skin. I will wear darker colors if I go out and about at night, but can’t pull it off during the day.
And I just have to say the colors look abfab on you!!!
Hi Paula,
Oh, totally. The shadows are really sheer, so you should be able to dust on a layer for the day and look work-ready.
Have you checked out any of the MAC A Tartan Tale eye palettes yet? There’s a lot of sheer shades that would work nicely with lighter skin.
I did see the new MAC colors – to be honest, they really didn’t do much for me. I usually just buy lip colors – I love the Viva Glam (especially since they donate the full amount to AIDS-related causes) and I am waiting for my Cindy Lauper/Lady Gaga lip colors to arrive!
Karen,
Thanks for the link to the Bobbi Brown Smokeyy Eye palette. It looks sooo pretty! I am pretty pale and smokey eyes in general don’t do it for me. I will definitely have to check this out and see about adding it to my Christmas list. Thanks so much!
Holy Cow! That’s just gorgeous! This might just be my first Clarins purchase.
Hi Marian,
Awesome! I think you’ll like the makeup a lot. They have some really nice textures. Sometimes the color collections can be hit or miss, but the holiday releases in general tend to be stunners!
Love the eye color trio, and the price is pricey but not as bad as it could be. Also love the lip color but It’s really tough for me to pull off that kind of color. And I have to say these colors look “softly dangerous…..” ;0)
Hi Lisa S.,
Oh, I like “softly dangerous!” I can totally imagine a Bond girl wearing these colors in a fancy gown as she slinks across the casino floor… Okay, I clearly watch too much TV, haha!
You have a great Thursday!
This is a set that I can really go for. Great colors and just the right amount of shine. 😀
Hi Michou,
You’re right; Clarins handled the shimmer in this set very well. It’s there, but it’s not overly glittery.
Are you a fan of the makeup line?
It all looks gorgeous on you! I love a collection with pieces that actually seem to work together.
Thanks, Amber.
I like that this one is small. I mean, I think having lots of choices in a holiday collection is cool, but it can be so overwhelming.
I have never been interested in Clarins make up until now. This collection looks amazing and it is stunning on you. The eyeshadow trio is coming home with me! I love the gold and black!
Hi Haute PJ,
Ya know, I wasn’t for years, but then I saw a summer collection they did a few years back where they had this CRAZY teal mascara… and from then on I was hooked! Sometimes the color releases can be hit or miss, but when they’re on, they’re really ON!
I really hope you like the trio. The center color is amazing.
Well, you just upped your Glamour score!! So pretty! I love that swirlyd design in the face powder!
Hi Michelle,
I love it too. What’s nice is that the design isn’t just an overspray — it’s raised, so it’ll keep for a while!
It drives me nuts when you get a pretty palette and the design disappears in one swipe.
Karen, I LOVE this look on you. So gorgeous.
Thanks, Mandy!
Have you worn Clarins makeup before? They’ve got some great stuff.
That is a super cute picture of you. The red lipstick looks very good on you.
Hi Laura,
Thanks, hon. 🙂 The lipstick in this release is amazing! It’s really, REALLY opaque.
I love the face palette and the lip colour is so beautiful on! However, I think that I’ll just have to think about them as I can’t imagine Santa will be bringing them to me.
Hi Emma,
You’re so cute. Santa needs to give you more makeup lovin’!
Ooooh….this lipstick is totally making it onto my wishlist!
Hi Katrina,
Fabulous! I hope it makes it way into your stocking. 🙂
You look SO awesome. It looks like you’re ready for a holiday dinner party or something.
I know what you mean about not feeling glamorous. That’s how I felt last week. I was very “blah” indeed.
Hi Trisha,
I WISH I was going to a dinner party! The only party I going to that day was the one in my kitchen… the guest of honor was the pile of dishes I had to wash.
Well, at least you looked fabulous doing it. 😉
What gorgeous packaging! Is the face palatte refillable? Would be such a shame to not be able to carry around that compact forever.
Hi Steph B,
I just checked and can’t really tell. The edges are hard to get to with the pan filled to the brim, but I *think* you can shimmy out the pan with some finesse once it’s empty or nearly empty.
I want that trio!
Do it, do it, do it!
LOL, I’m not a makeup pusher or anything.
Shannon says:
November 10th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
I kind of really like these pieces. Especially the face palette. I’m all about the pretty packaging!!
I just started studying the Baroque period in music history! Apparently the word was originally an insult, as it’s origin (barroco, I believe, from… Portuguese?) means a misshapen pearl – it was used as a descriptor for something that was grotesquely malformed. Which, when you look at some baroque art/architecture (and theoretically, listen to some music), the image seems to fit, lol. They tended to be a bit… gaudy… in that era.
Reply
Shannon -that was a great lesson!
And the lipsticks and shadows are fabulous! *
I am ordering the them right now. I am not sure if they still have Clarins at the mall where I live, but I am going to check,
Michele
Hi Michele,
I hope that your mall carries the line. I know both Macy’s and Nordstrom have counters… good luck!
I think this is definitely my favorite Holiday collection though I’ve never tried anything from Clarins. But the packaging and the shades really do get me <3
The lipstick is especially *my* way <3
And I love your necklace! I've noticed it before but never told you how great it looks! I love asymmetry any unusual design in jewelry (I design some jewelry myself so that's something that always catches my eyes). 🙂
I have always liked Clarins skin care. First time I’m going to get their make-up, thanks to your review.
I think I’m in love with the eye-shadow, blusher and Gold Powder. I love lipstick too, but I’m not brave enough to go for such bright shade myself. It looks fabulous on you though.
I’m off to Selfridges.
I browse your blog every now and again and came across the post with your kitty and the Clarins Barocco collection. I LOVE that es trio on you (also love your blog you are so awesome) Of course, immediate lemming initiated…and today with the friends & family, I Just ordered it. Ugh and I told myself no makeup, at least this week!! I have no will power!!
That’s a beautiful lipstick shade on your skintone. I love berry reds on warm-toned skin!
Face Palette and lipstick look so gorgeous. apart from this packaging is also very lovley.
I am in love with this collection… hope Santa will drop this under the xmas tree for me!