Bonjour mon cherie,

Les Merveilleuses Laduree debuted on January 29th, 2012, a collaboration between patisserie Laduree and the Japanese cosmetic company Albion. Currently, this highly luxurious cosmetic brand is sold exclusively in Japan.


 Now, I don't normally put too much stock in regards to exterior packaging, but the texture and quality of these boxes is luxe. The print is so delicate and feminine, it's almost a shame to throw it away.

 From left to right: Pressed Cheek Color 19 and 05.

The Pressed Cheek Color blushes retail for 3,990 yen ($48.96) and the compact (sold seperately...BOO!! HISS!!) is 1,575 ($19.33). These blushes go on quite sheer, but they can be built up for a more intense color. They apply smoothly and feel velvety on the skin. The Pressed Cheek Color blushes do have a baby powder/rose scent to them...I've never really gotten the concept behind scented face/cheek products. I was very disappointed with the Blush compacts. The compact comes with a brush that rests under the pan. As with most accompanying brushes, it's pretty much useless. Also, to my dissatisfaction, neither the blush pan nor the compact are magnetized...huge fail in my book. For the price of these products, Les Merveilleuses Laduree should have done a better job at securing the customers lavish investment. 

 Cream Cheek Base in 03

Next, we have the Cream Cheek Base, retailing for 4,410 yen ($54.08). By now, you should all know that I'm OBSESSED with blush, so I had to try this lovely out. The way your suppose to apply these cream blushes is by tapping the product directly onto the cheeks and then blending out with either a brush or your fingers. I really like these cream blushes. They are extremely pigmented, blend well and long wearing. 

 Rouge Lipstick in 05.

Finally, the Rouge Lipstick, retails for 4,410 ($54.00). Surprisingly, the rouge lipstick turned out to be my favorite product in the Les Merveilleuses de Laduree collection (the pressed cheek blush coming in second). This lipstick is creamy, moisturizing, and has a nice semi-glossy finish. It wore very well, lasting through several drinks and a sushi lunch :) I truly enjoyed wearing this rouge lipstick. My only issue with this product lies with the mechanics of the packaging. The tube has a clicky rotating buttom that distributes the product, but once the rouge is out, you cannot retract the remaining lipstick back into the tube. So, if your not careful, you run the risk of making an exquisite mess of your lovely rouge lipstick.

From left to right (indoors): Rouge Lipstick 05, Cream Cheek Base 03,Pressed Cheek Color 19, 05.

Rouge Lipstick 05: A warm browned peach.

Cream Cheek Base 03: A red-orange coral. 

Pressed Cheek Color 19: A cantaloupe orange. 

Pressed Cheek Color 05: Due to overcast skies, 05 looks like a blue based bright pink in the swatch, but it's actually a  watermelon pink.  

With flash.
Just got home from a day of running around.

Trying to get Aki in the shot, but he was feeling camera shy and said NO!

Products used:
Face
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (Medium 2).
Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Pressed Cheek color in 19. 
Eyes:
Mac Studio Sculpt Concealer in NW20.
Estee Lauder Signature Eyeshadow Quad in Spiced Peach G05:
The upper left shade all over the lid.
The upper right shade on the brow bone.
The lower right shade in the crease.
The lower left shade, used to line the upper and lower lashline.
Mac Eyeshadow in Gleam, placed on the ball of the eye.
Mac Eyeshadow in Paradisco, outer corner.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Pressed Cheek color in 19, outer crease.
Calvin Klein Electric Edge Liquid Eyeliner in Electric Brown, used to line the upper lashline.
Lips
Mac Cremestick Liner in Caramellow. 
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Rouge in 05.



Aki working in the back ground :)

I'm crushing his head!

Overall,  Les Merveilleuses Laduree is an extravagant brand that's not for the faint of heart or pocketbook. There is one item in this collection that's not featured in this post, the Face Color Rose Laduree, the lines signature piece. Basically, it's rose petal shaped papers coated with blush pigment. I played with this rose petal blush at the counter, and found that it hardly gave off any pigmentation once applied on the cheeks. I really had to swirl the brush in the pot and apply several time to finally get a flushed cheek. The Face Color Rose Laduree retails for 7,350 yen ($90.11) and the Face Power Pot 3,150 yen ($38.62), totaling 10,470 yen ($128.71). An obscene amount to pay for a product that seems more gimmick than innovative. I'm still debating on whether I should buy one just to review. Although the products are lovely and performs well (at least the one's I tried), I'm not sure if their superior enough to warrant their retail price. Les Merveilleuses is a lavish indulgence for anyone who loves makeup. If you asked me "are the any products in this line that I would consider a must-have", I'd say "no", would I repurchase from this collection...yes, I have a membership card :P


Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

38 comments:

  1. Ooooh, Les Merveilleuses does seem like an extravagant brand, and I love~~ Macaroons!! You look gorgeous ;)

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  2. The pressed cheek color was a bit of a disappointment to me too. The cream blush and lipstick is pretty but I'm not really sure its worth $50. You on the other hand look fantastic in everything!

    P.S.- got the package today, ty again! :)

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    1. I really like the lipstick, but still not sure if it's worth the price. With that said...I purchased another one :P

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  3. wow you are absolutely gorgeous!!! and all the color swatches look beautiful :)

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  4. You look gorgeous and the swatches of everything look beautiful. As attracted as I am by this brand, I dislike the packaging and the prices seem too high for what it is.

    Oh and the macarons look incredibly tempting too!

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    1. Thank you darling :) I agree, the price is a bit offensive, but this has to be my tastiest post, since I got to eat all the macarons :D

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  5. Wonderfull packaging <3 (I love ladurèe macaroon...)
    Congratulations,your swatches are always perfect!
    You are italian? :)

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  6. I like the packaging of the cosmetics and you are very beautiful.

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  7. The packaging is so exquisite and the colors are gorgeous! The prices are outrageous though. You don't need $50 makeup products - you're already gorgeous to begin with!

    -Jane, http://lifesentropy.com

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    1. The price is a bit ridiculous. Thank you for the sweet comment Jane...can I keep you :P

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  8. fantastic stuff! Girl, I know i said it before, and i will say it again- you are stunning!!

    yuliconversations.blogspot.com

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  9. Doll, i tagged you in a 'get to know me' tag, go to my blog to see what its all about ;)

    yuliconversations.blogspot.com

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  10. Goodness, they are pricey! Some lovely colours though. I'd have to agree with your final thoughts, as beautiful as the packaging is and though the products deliver, I'm not sure that they're so standout that they warrant their price. I'm sure there are cheaper products that perform just as well. Also, thank you so much for the two awards, you are far too sweet :)

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    1. Yeah, I'd recommend sticking with Nars, if you're looking for a high performance pigmented blush. No need for the Thanks sugar, I love your blog :)

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  11. Wow it looks gorgeous, i really love the design and the colors are great. :)

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    1. I'm really enjoying these blushes and the lipstick! I haven't stopped wearing them this week.

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  12. Wow that is an amazing line. I don't think I would be able to use it though because it is so pretty just to look at!

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    1. Hi Kristin, I understand what you mean, but that only feeling only last for bout a minute, then I tear into it :)

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  13. Thank you Demi!!! on my way to your blog :)

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  14. Several years ago Physicans Formula had eyeshadows that looked almost like those pressed blushes! I bought two of them, I might still have an unused one somewhere in my stash... ::will look:: That cream cheek base in the egg is *gorgeous* Which store sells these?

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    1. Hi Renee!!! I've missed you woman!!! At the moment, there are only three stores that sell this brand. They are: Mitsukoshi in Ginza, takashimaya in nagoya and Perfumerie Sukiya s-pal in sendai. I hope this helps. If you like, I can buy them for you :)

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    2. Hi Liz! I've missed you too :)) I'm sorry I didn't notice this earlier, I've been away for a little while (friends were visiting)

      If it's not too late, please pick up the blush in the egg for me! I will be going to Tokyo with Erika in August, so I can either pay you back or pick up something for you here in Osaka (if you want anything) then, we can have a little beauty meetup :)

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    3. Hey Renee!! It's never too late :)

      I have another egg container blush to post. so once it's up, I'll message you and you can let me know what color you want.

      You guys are coming to Tokyo!!! I would love a beauty meet up!!! When are you coming? Aki and I are planning a trip to Denmark in August, so hopefully I'll be here when you guys visit :DDDD

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  15. Hey sista girl. I so love the pictures in this post. Its so pretty and dainty just like you. I hope all is well, any weekend plans? Me and my guy are headed to Walla Walla for a staycation. A High School friend of mine moved there with her hubby and opened a thrift shop. Walla Walla is known for their exquisite wineries. Im about to get my drink on!-I'm so excited. Always, SOULBeautiful. xx*s<3.

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  16. beautiful products, but I am shocked that the blush cases are not magnetized! that would bother me ! for the price, I would probably pass on these but they are a lovely sight to see!

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    1. Yeah, I was pretty upset to find the neither the pan nor the case were magnetized. Negative points in that department, especially since they're ridiculously expensive!

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  17. Laduree cosmetics make me crazy:)))) Cannot wait when it will appear in Europe this Autumn, and hope in Switzerland too))

    You look very beautiful!!!

    Following your blog
    xxx
    Katya

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    1. Thank you for the lovely compliment darling :D

      If you can't wait and are in need of any of these products, just let me know ;)

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  18. You are drop dead gorgeous! It looks great on you, and the packaging is so cute! <3 Kirstie

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  19. where can i buy ?
    or can i order it??

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    1. Laduree is exclusively sold in Japan, but you can purchase through http://www.ichibankao.com/Pages/Laduree.aspx. Keep in mind, the mark up is a bit exorbitant!

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