Le Métier de Beauté New Hydra-Crème Lipstick

Le Métier de Beauté's new Hydra-Crème Lipstick ($25) has arrived at counters. A fabulously long-wearing, ultra-moisturizing, and completely new formulation, the new "CC" lipstick is available in many colors in a new Le Métier de Beauté chrome package.

I had given Michael Reinhardt at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie free rein to select a few colors for me, which he did with his usual perfection. I went into the store last weekend and selected a few more. I ended up purchasing five shades. I sat with another of Michael's customers (and a Best Things in Beauty reader!) as we played with colors. They range from nude to classic, fire-engine red, with every shade between. Want bright orange? There's one for you.

Here are my five beauties - all predictably "me shades." From left to right, they are Botticelli Angel, Butterfield 8, One & Only, Rose Garnet, and Tea Rose. Aren't they pretty?

I'm not pleased with my swatch photos. Yesterday, I had perfect swatching weather - and totally forgot to take photos. My day got away from me. I took my swatch photos today when I got home from work - in other words, very late in the afternoon. The sun "shine" was direct and very bright. I tried to turn slightly away from a direct hit, which is why my arm looks almost deformed. Oh well, the things we do for photos.

My photos show the shades in the same order, starting with Botticelli Angel at the top of my arm and ended at the bottom with Tea Rose. Please try to ignore all the sunshine. These lipsticks do offer shine, but it's not over the top. Michael calls them a hybrid between lipstick and lip gloss, meaning you don't need to top them with gloss. I agree with that. They have enough shine unless you're looking for high, reflective shine.

Botticelli Angel is peach in color. Butterfield 8 is a warm pink. One & Only is a gorgeous mauve (my kind of lipstick). There is a second shot of these three shades immediately below.

Rose Garnet and Tea Rose are a bit darker on my lips than my "first three." For comparison, I showed One & Only at the top of my arm in the photo below. Rose Garnet is in the middle, and Tea Rose is at the bottom of the swatches.

Put these three together, and you've got my dream trio. I love the rosy shades. They perk up my face, which I think has been looking a bit wan during the last few days. It's time for a mask.

Here's a close-up of the two rose shades. They were taken pretty close to my elbow, and I was twisting my arm, which is why my skin is lined. I can flatten it out, but that was not to be the case as I struggled to get clear photos. I realize that Rose Garnet and Tea Rose don't look all that different in this photo, but they are different. Perhaps I didn't need both, but I wanted both.

The new Hydra-Crème lipsticks offer a semi-sheer finish with great coverage. I'd call it "in between" sheer and opaque. They stay on my lips a very reasonable amount of time - maybe three to four hours (most typically three so far), which is good for me. The luster goes before the color does, which is typical. The "feel" is fabulous. They feel creamy and hydrating on my lips.

I think these new lipsticks are going to be a big hit for Le Métier de Beauté. They were made in Italy (good), and they are substantial in the hand. I can't think of anything to say that's even slightly negative. I love my new treasures, and I'm glad they have joined the permanent line.

They should have arrived at all Le Métier de Beauté counters. If they aren't at your favorite counter, they will be soon. Will you be checking them out? If you want help, call Michael Reinhardt at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258 or 2236. Now that shipping is free, why not?

Photo at top courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté; other photos by Best Things in Beauty