As this is a new cosmetics brand, I decided to try out the lipsticks and placed an order for the lipstick sampler set. The order was placed on June 2nd, shipped out on the 4th and delivered on the 8th - about a week since the order was placed.
Packaging
The order arrived in a bubble mailer and the contents were wrapped together in a light blue tissue paper tied with a brown paper string. Unwrapping the tissue paper revealed the products sitting inside a clear ziploc bag alongside the brand's business card. Each lipstick sample came in a transparent clamshell. Overall, I've been pretty happy about the packaging; it was pretty neat and organized.
One thing to note: Recently, the brand owner made a public service announcement ("PSA") regarding fibers found in their packaging. The fibers were from a cloth she used to clean the containers. Fortunately I didn't notice any weird fibers in my order. If you happen to encounter them in your own order, please contact the brand owner. From the PSA, the owner stated that she will be disposing her remaining batch just in case they also contain the fibers.
Swatches & Reviews
Note: All swatches have been made with a lip brush.
Mourning Dove:
Store description: Peachy-toned nude
First impression: This is a lovely nude shade that doesn't really change much between the light swatch and heavy swatch. It's definitely a lot lighter than I expected. Unfortunately, that also means that it might not work for me in the summer. I tan easily, so there will be more of a contrast in the next couple weeks. As a summer color, this will definitely be for those with lighter skin tones.
Bullfinch:
Store description: Orange-red with the slightest yellow sheen
First impression: Oh my the orange is strong in this one! Even with the light swatch, it's still pretty bright. Depending on how bright you want it to be, you can easily build up the color, as shown in the heavy swatch.
There is some discrepancy with the sample portions as shown here. This is the only one of the samples where the lipstick covered the entire bottom of the clamshell.
Frigatebird:
Store description: Balanced fire red
First impression: This is an interesting shade. On the light swatch, it comes off more as a lip tint, giving the lips a nice dose of color. However, as you build up the color, the classic fire engine red appears. It's definitely a balanced red that can work with all skin tones.
Rose Robin:
Store description: Slightly neutral-leaning purple/pink with a little bit of shimmer
First impression: This is a very pretty shade where it gets more cool-toned the more you apply. I would love to have a flower in this color. However, it just does not work with my skin tone. When I wear it, I kinda look like a hoochi mama lol. It's definitely much better suited for a paler complexion.
Varied Bunting:
Store description: Warm purple - leaning on mulberry
First impression: This shade is the most sheer of the batch and application can be a little patchy because of that. (My application of this is horrible.) It can be used as a lip tint with a light swatch and can be easily built up to a lovely warm purple. I do wish that it was more opaque though. The patchiness can be really annoying.
More Swatches:
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| Daylight lighting |
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| Under daylight bulbs |
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| Fancy side shot |
Overview
Alrighty. Let's get down to business. The lipsticks here are some of the most moisturizing lipsticks I've ever tried. I haven't had any issues with dryness or my lips getting chapped after wearing them. They also smell very nice to boot. The product goes on like butter and are very opaque, even with a light hand. With light applications, you can see around 4-6 hours of wear time while heavier applications will be even less (if you want to maintain the same color intensity). Based on the swatches on the brand's store, I believe that the lipsticks are meant to be used with a light hand and heavier applications will be based on one's personal preference.
There is one thing I've noticed with the product that I will need to keep an eye on. When I used a lip brush to pick up the product for application, the lipstick just seems to "melt," for lack of a better word. While it's great that it's so easy to pick up and the product applying like butter, I do wonder how the lipsticks will fair in the summer heat. Will it melt into a puddle of goo? That's something we'll just have to see as it gets warmer.
So far, my favorite is Frigatebird. I usually use a light hand when applying the lipstick and it's still pretty in your face. I mean... just look at it:
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| Excuse the lack of makeup btw. I was too lazy to do a full face. |
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| Some... silliness. I don't even... |
Of the samples, I was most disappointed in Varied Bunting. It would've been better if it was more opaque and would've easily been my favorite. But because it's more sheer than the others, I've had issues with patchiness and a lackluster heavy swatch. If it was more opaque, it would've been beautiful.
Custom Shade:
One of the benefits of Preen's lipsticks is that it's also very easy to combine colors due to it's buttery formula. Here's one that I did where I darkened Frigatebird a bit with Varied Bunting to make the color less "in your face":
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| More silliness. ...Okay. I'm just camera whoring now. I don't even know what I'm pointing at... |
Final Thoughts
For a new cosmetics brand, its first products have been pretty promising. I have since placed an order for a full-sized lipstick of Frigatebird and Varied Bunting, as well as an order for one of their Sweet Balms. Even though I was most disappointed in Varied Bunting, I loved how well it combined with Frigatebird in the custom shade. I do look forward to seeing what else Preen Cosmetics has to offer and how they'll grow. If you're into lipsticks, I definitely would recommend that you check them out. :)
These colours are gorgeous! and you really suit Frigatebird
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