I went to Stage again! I had stopped shopping at our local Stage when they got rid of the Lancôme counter (and stopped carrying several lines of clothing). Now, they only have Estee Lauder and Clinique (however, they DO have a “Beauty Bar” with Studio Gear, Pur, NYX, etc.).
Estee Lauder always seemed a bit too “granny” to me, until recently, since they’ve started updating their products and marketing- so I now get that brand from my friend Firshelia. But, I still don’t care for Clinique- much of their skincare formulas are outdated, as is their packaging. And I don’t like the misleading “clinical” image they try to portray. Since Estee Lauder has stepped up their own game, I’ve been hoping they will do the same for their Clinique brand.
Anywho, while I was at Stage picking up a couple last-minute gifts, I remembered the new Clinique Pop Lipcolour + Primer. As I was genuinely curious about them, I went over to the counter on a whim and asked if I could swatch them. I’m so glad I did, I was actually pretty impressed, and Will was super helpful!
According to Clinique, this weightless, luxurious formula contains both saturated color and a smoothing primer, with color staying true and lips being moisturized for 8 hours. Will said the wear time was decent, but as always, for the best wear- make sure to use a lip liner. (He’s right- this is true of any lipstick.)
Left to right: Cola Pop, Berry Pop, Cherry Pop, Punch Pop, Passion Pop, Bare Pop, Fab Pop, and Grape Pop (Natchitoches customers are rough on lipsticks!)
I felt the most pigmented was Fab Pop, with Bare Pop being the least. Also, Berry Pop, Cherry Pop and Cola Pop didn’t really seem to be true-to-color. Although I don’t really like pink, I really liked Fab Pop for some reason- I may even end up purchasing. The primer didn’t really seem like it would extend wear, but would definitely help with smoothing.
Left to right: Cola Pop, Berry Pop (sorry for the double!), Cherry Pop, Punch Pop, Passion Pop, Bare Pop, Fab Pop, and Grape Pop
Another awesome thing Will showed me was a set- the Clinique Days of the Week Lipstick Gift Set, which includes seven minis of the brand’s long-wearing formulas, in limited edition shades. At $39.50, that’s just under $6 each- so this is an excellent value if you love lipstick, or know someone who does!
Clinique Days of the Week Lipstick Set
While the Clinique Pop Lipcolour + Primer still didn’t have that “wow” factor, it’s definitely an innovative idea, and a few shades were gorgeous. Hopefully Clinique will keep up the good work- I was impressed enough that, like I said earlier, I may actually end up purchasing Fab Pop!
If you’re in the central Louisiana area, stop by Stage and make sure to visit Will at the Clinique counter. If you need assistance with clothing or other goods, ask for James or Jordan- they are fantastic!
Clinique Pop Lipcolour + Primer retail for $18.00 each.
