Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Color - The Look of the Season

Bobbi Brown read my mind. Perhaps one of her fabulous employees heard me as I thought, "Not that I need another sheer lipstick, but wouldn't it be nice if Bobbi Brown created one?" I saw the new Sheer Lip Colors ($25) first at Bobbi Brown's Web site. Then I passed the display at Saks. I had hoped to buy locally, and I was thrilled that I could - until I got the advance notice about the Friends & Family Sale. Oh well.

Bobbi Brown calls it "mistake-proof, no-mirror lipstick." Check. That's one reason I adore sheer lipsticks and glosses. They are forgiving.

Bobbi believes that lipstick should be quick and easy - and Sheer Lip Color is exactly that. This super-lightweight formula glides on smoothly and evenly, delivering a sheer and slightly glossy finish that’s highly wearable. Formulated with luxurious shea butter, murumuru butter, and apricot kernel oils, Sheer Lip Color rejuvenates and nourishes, improving the overall condition of lips instantly and over time. Plus, the unique translucent base allows its true color to last for hours without feathering. It's available in neutral, bright, and deep shades (the hardest part is having to choose).

Here they are on display. Yes, I should have moved the water bottle, but I had was elbowing in to get the shot at Neiman Marcus and didn't want to ruffle any feathers.

Here are the 14 sheer shades. Just click on this photo to enlarge it. I shopped the shades in person - with the help of my wonderful makeup artist Loyd Cassler from Chanel - and I selected two. Then Loyd pointed out a third that I had to have. Sold!

Here are the three I purchased. They were rolling around while I was trying to photograph them, so I rolled down the color a bit to attempt to stop the motion. From left to right, they are #1, Passion Fruit; #3, Pink Rose; and #10, Carolina. I adore all three.

I took swatch photos this morning in full, morning sunshine. I swatched in the order above on my arm, from top to bottom.

Passion Fruit at the top of my arm was Loyd's choice, and I am so glad he "made me buy it." It's pink-a-licious. My own choices, which I selected pretty quickly, were #3, Pink Rose, shown in the middle, and #10 Carolina, shown at the bottom. I was aiming for a rose and a brown-rose, and I got them. Yea!

I would have taken one of every color on the display had I had the money. I love the feel, the look (not totally sheer), and the colors of Bobbi Brown's new lip colors. One is even called Bobbi. It's a brown-nude, of course. Plus, you must check out the plum Cherry Pink - and, well, all of them. The colors are scrumptious. An extra-added benefit is that the color lasts much longer than with many other sheers. Perhaps that's because of their pigmentation. They aren't see-through; they offer a semi-sheer finish. There is no discernible flavor or fragrance.

Even though these Sheer Lip Colors are scheduled to arrive at Bobbi Brown counters in May, both Saks Fifth Avenue, where I purchased mine, and Neiman Marcus have them available - as does Bobbi Brown's Web site. If you like sheer lip color, you must go see them. I love, love, love them.

Photo at top courtesy of Bobbi Brown; other photos by Best Things in Beauty