Dolce & Gabbana Passion Duo Gloss Fusion Lipstick

I really didn't want to fall in love with a new lipstick - much less one from a line that I can't buy in the DC area or one that's just a little pricey. I did fall in love, though, the moment my Saks Fifth Avenue order arrived with four of Dolce & Gabbana's new Passion Duo Gloss Fusion Lipsticks ($34).

The description online read like marketing hype on steroids. Thrilling? Explosions? Mercy!

A collision of rich cream color and satin gloss in a thrilling encounter of impeccable contrast, in a way that no one else has done before. Resplendent with contrasting texture, it offers a layer of rich, creamy lip color elevated by a playful burst of gloss. Luxuriant cream bullet and smooth gloss prove the ultimate partners in crime; a collision of two powerful forces in an explosion of vibrancy and excellence.

I was intrigued with the design because I like Estée Lauder's Pure Color Sensuous Rouge LipColors very much. When I had seen in WWD that Dolce & Gabbana would be launching a lipstick with a similar concept, I felt the lure. Take two elements I value - color combined with magnificent, hydrating shine - and combine them into one lip color. It's genius. There was no question. I had to try Passion Duo Gloss Fusion Lipstick.

I agonized over the colors I would order. Never having seen these lipsticks in person, and with little familiarity with Dolce & Gabbana's makeup, I found myself facing 20 shade options online. I love having options, but those little rectangles aren't the most helpful for determining the actual "live and in-person" shades. So, I relied on my instincts and selected two, then three, and finally cut myself off at four. I fully expected that one might be a "throw away," given my method of selection. I was OK with that. The throw-away makeup I've purchased always makes someone else very happy.

When they arrived, I unwrapped them eagerly and popped one shade out of the box at random and applied it. Wow! My heart started racing. I couldn't believe how gorgeous it was. I couldn't help myself, I just had to try it. That's why you might see a little nick in one shade below. Before I could take a photograph, I had already messed up one of my new lipsticks a tiny bit.

In the photo directly above, the shades are, left to right, Rose (04), Darling (10), Sensation (20), and Devotion (220). I think all four shades I ordered are drop-dead stunning, and now I'm close to buying more. I may be fickle, but I've got a new love.

I swatched in numeric order, with Rose at the top of my arm, followed by Darling, Sensation, and Devotion. My photos were taken in full sun. I applied each shade relatively heavily (3-4 swipes). I tried to get two angles against the sun.

Rose is just that - rose at its prettiest. Darling is peach, with a very slight hint of pink. Sensation is a warm pink - one of those instant-attraction shades. Devotion offers more intensity than the other three and is a rose-brown-plum hybrid. I think these colors will look great on everyone. I'd describe the finish as semi-sheer (or semi-opaque), with a gorgeous gleam. Passion Duo Gloss Fusion Lipsticks are not easy to categorize.

I love the slender, fashionable, gold cases. The Passion Duo Gloss Fusion Lipsticks feel hydrating on my lips and offer an impressive length of wear. They do have a very slight fragrance - almost too slight to mention - and no taste. I'll admit there are at least four more in my future. Once I fall in love, I fall hard.

You can purchase Dolce & Gabbana color, brushes, and fragrance at Saks Fifth Avenue (online and select stores) or at Dolce & Gabbana's Web site. For a store locator, click here.

Photo at top courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue; other photos by Best Things in Beauty