Beauty Giants Pay Lip Service with Launches

You know Spring is right around the corner when the new color cosmetics collections debut. Estée Lauder, Christian Dior and Guerlain are all launching new lipcolor in the coming weeks.

For example, next month Estée Lauder will roll out new versions of its Pure Color brand with two reformulated lipstick lines and a new nail polish range designed by Tom Pecheux, the brand’s creative makeup director.

The first, Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick, is a collection of 25 intensely pigmented, full medium to full-coverage shades intended to last all day. Two finishes are available: Satin Creme, with a soft shiny finish, and Lustrous Shimmer, a multifaceted, bright finish.

The second, Pure Color Crystal Lipstick, is a lineup of 10 sheer-to-medium-coverage shades in two textures: Sheer Shine (exactly what it sounds like) and Brilliant Shimmer, a sheer multifaceted effect. The formulas are powered by the proprietary True Vision Technology, which involves pigments wrapped into a crystalline laminate polymer. The formula also includes apricot kernel oil and shea butter. Two textures will be offered: Each lipstick will retail for $24. Packaging remains the same as past Pure Color offerings.

The brand will also launch 16 shades of Pure Color Nail Lacquer in March, also incorporating the True Vision Technology. Shades will be available in creme, shimmer and sparkle finishes. Nordstrom will carry all 16 shades; the remainder of the brand’s 2,200 doors will carry eight shades, beginning in March. Each shade retails for $19.

Meanwhile, Christian Dior is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Dior Addict lipstick with a new collection. The 44-color Dior Addict line is billed as offering the widest shade range on the lipstick market. Reformulated, the products contain 25% less wax than traditional lipstick and include “Mirror Jelly,” a gel created with polymers and oils. Mirror Jelly is said to heighten light reflection and therefore allow for a “spectacular shine.” Although the product only leaves a thin film on the lips, Mirror Jelly purportedly allows for “plumping hydration.”

There are also five new Dior Vernis nail polish shades and a smoky topcoat, whose prices in France will be 20.51 euros each and 19.51 euros, respectively, or $28.28 and $26.90 at current exchange. Each lipstick is to be 28.42 euros, or $39.19, in France.

Dior Addict was pre-launched on Feb. 15 at Sephora in the U.S. and Canada before a full rollout there on April 1. Japan started selling the collection on Feb. 16, prior to an Asia-wide launch starting March 1. That’s when Latin America is to begin selling Dior Addict, as well.

The collection will hit shelves in Spain and Denmark on Feb. 28 and then debut elsewhere in Europe.


Finally, Guerlain, in a nod to its past, will roll out Rouge Automatique, a 25-shade lipcolor line in April. The name comes from a Guerlain product that debuted back in 1936. What’s more, each shade is named for a Guerlain fragrance. Shades range from beiges and reds to corals, oranges and pinks. According to Guerlain, the texture is a balance between being shiny and long-lasting (up to three hours).


Rouge Automatique will be available in about 300 U.S. specialty store doors.