A rainbow of lipsticks! Karen Murrell “Summer bouquet” lipsticks review

Every time I apply a new lipstick is like a makeover for me. Hence why I really enjoy playing with different shades and experimenting with more daring colors (more on the latter in a future post!) But let’s stay in a soft pastel atmosphere, and have a look at these gorgeous  lipsticks, coming all the way from New Zealand. I was full of the joys of Spring, when the postman delivered the latest lipsticks from Karen Murrell*. Called “Summer Bouquet” this series of 5 lipsticks could also be seen as a floral incarnation.

While one shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, the lipsticks are definitely dressed to impress! I was immediately enthralled by the artsy packaging with the feminine illustrations and the vivid colors. The best part? It’s also recyclable! Free from mineral oils, parabens and preservatives, each lipstick has the adage “Nothing nasty touches my lips” engraved on it.

My overall impression:
The pigmentation is superb, and these are five beautiful floral and unique shades.
Buildable, they are semi-matte, and contain no shimmer.  Orchid Bloom and Peony Petal are a bit more sheer and require more coats than the others.
The formula is creamy and contains avocado and primrose oils for hydration. However, I do recommend applying
some lipbalm beforehand, because it’s still a bit drying on the lips.
Long-lasting, the color wore strong for good five-six hours.

All the lipsticks have a sweet aroma of cinnamon and orange! (for those not too fond of cinnamon, no worries the scent is subtle 😉 Cinnamon also adds a little plump effect to the lips.

left to right : Camellia Morning, Orchid Bloom, Peony Petal, Lavender Laughter,  Poppy Passion

Swatches: after one coat

I added a picture of my natural lip color, since the color might differ according to one’s natural lip tint.
Camellia Morning 13 : A feminine cherry blossom pink, this is the one I’ve been wearing the most. Because this shade is so complimenting and versatile, it works great for a day-to-night makeup look.
Orchid Bloom 14: This is a nude/beige shade, very subtle and discreet and as you can see, it softens, tones down my nautral lip color. Perfect for a natural everyday makeup look. A little sheerer than the others, it requires several applications for a full coverage.
Peony Petal 15: When I first swatched it on my arm, I thought this one was going to be my favorite, however, this
pastel coral-peachy
shade doesn’t translate much after one application. Just like Orchid Bloom, Peony Petal is a bit more sheer. It also requires you to give an extra bit of tender loving care to your lips. My lips need to be perfectly
glossy and exfoliated prior to application, because this color has a slight
tendency to settle into the fines lines. But it’s worth it though, because once you apply several coats, the lovely coral shade starts to show.
Lavender Laughter 16: A beautiful lilac/orchid shade. A very unique shade. It is s rather pale, so it might be more suitable for cool undertones. Wearing it was a surely a step out of my comfort zone, but I’ve grown to love it. No need for a full makeup face when you put this on.
Poppy Passion 17: The quintessential statement lipstick! The showstealer of the pack.
Hot pink with blue hues, it’s a very flattering color and probably the most universal of the 5. This vibrant shade, brightens up the complexion and definitely puts a smile on your face every time you put it on.

Ingredients (Poppy Passion): Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax,Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Esters,Isopropyl Jojobate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Alcohol, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Limonene, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cinnamal, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea), Cinnamomum Cassia (Cinnamon) Oil, Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange) Oil, Linalool, Eugenol, Tocopherol.  Product May Contain: CI 77019 (Mica)CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide)CI 77491 (Iron Oxide)CI 77492 (Iron Oxide)CI 77499 (Iron Oxide)CI 15850 (Red 6 Lake, Red 7 Lake)CI 45410 (Red 27 Lake)CI 17200 (Red 33 Lake)CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake)CI 45370 (Orange 5 Lake)CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake) CI 77861 (Tin Oxide) Calcium Aluminium Borosilicate, Calcium, Sodium Borosilicate, Silica Corn (Zea Mays) Starch

Would I recommend them? Yes!
From the eco-friendly, sleek and cool packaging to the ingredients, Karen Murell lipticks are crafted with utter care and detail. I’m already wearing them a lot this Spring, and will continue doing so in the Summer. Once I use up my some of my little lipstick collection, I’ll definitely get my hands on some more lipsticks from Karen Murrell (there are 16 shades available on the website).
Like a genuine bouquet of flowers, Karen Murrell’s lipsticks are a treat. They are visually beautiful, smell lovely, and are an instant pick-me-up.

Have you tried Karen Murrell lipsticks?

Take care,

Liz