There's no one like Sophia Loren. None. At eighty one she's still a beauty icon with a coveted style and energy. "Would Sophia wear this?" has been my mantra when looking at clothes for years, even though she's significantly taller than me. So it makes sense that Dolce & Gabbana makeup created a lipstick in collaboration with the divine Ms. Loren. From it's name, Sophia Loren No.1 we can hope that it's a first from several. Especially since No.1 has been selling quickly. This Dolce & Gabbana lipstick received more press and PR overseas, but even with this relatively soft launch stores in the US that got it last month are nearly out of it by now. It sold out on Sephora before I even knew it was already in stock, so I bought mine at Macy's. as of this morning, Saks 5th Avenue flagship store still has it, as are probably various counters around the country, so my advice is to give them a call. Like right now.
With or without Sophia Loren's embossed signature, this Dolce & Gabbana lipstick is excellent. I don't know why the promotional materials call it "cherry red" when this is a rich and deep rose color that for me (and I'm guessing for Sophia as well) as is the perfect "my lips but way way way better" color. On me it's very close to neutral that goes with anything and looks very polished and beautiful. I adore this color and it stands out even my not so small collection.
The lipstick has a very strong classic makeupy fragrance that you either love or hate. I'm a fan, especially in this context. While looking at the lipstick in the tube the finish appears matte, but it isn't. The texture is lightweight and creamy and the finish is a true satin. Again, a classic. Longevity is average (survives a cup of tea, fades after a meal), and performance is great: no pooling into lines and scars, and no bleeding beyond the lip line even when applied directly from the tube.
Bottom Line: get it while you still can (unless you hate heavily scented lip products).
Dolce & Gabbana Sophia Loren N°1 Lipstick ($35.50) is a limited edition item, available at select Saks, Macy's, and Sephora location. You'll need to call them individually to find where it's still in stock. NYC area seems like the best bet, but please comment if you manage to locate it elsewhere.
Book in the background is Classic Beauty- The History of Makeup by Gabriela Hernandez.
I've been avoiding new makeup launches (trying to save money) BUT I HAVE TO HAVE THIS. Lovely color inspired by a lovelier woman.
ReplyDeleteI know. I had sworn off new lipsticks, but this one called my name loudly.
DeleteI lovelovelove this lipstick! So much so, that after I received the first one (hunted it down, calling everywhere) I ordered another one! The color is really nice - not sure where the cherry red description came from, but so so pretty and I love the fragrance. And glad to see Sophia Loren as their muse, and not a - oh, I don't know - 20 year old actress with no oomph in her walk, life, eyes. Looking forward to more Sophia Loren colors.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely worth the hassle of locating the lipstick. I know I'd do it again if they release more colors.
DeleteUh oh...I see this lipstick in my future! Better get on it before it disappears!
ReplyDeleteThe answer is tenacity. Call every department store and every D&G counter you can find. As of last week there were still lipsticks in several stores.
DeleteI'm really the odd one out here. I ordered this sight unseen as soon as I heard of it because, well, Sophia Lauren. But I hate the lipstick. The color is just slightly off for me--simultaneously too bright and too uninteresting against my skin, if that's possible. (I'm lighter and yellower than you are.) I also find the lipstick drying (as I've found other D&G lipsticks). Hopefully I'll run across someone who likes this lipstick it so I can give it to a good home.
ReplyDeleteAs an aside, I got the Guerlain holiday Rouge G at the same time, and while it's not my favorite color either, it's SO much better on me. Still quite light, but it illuminates my face at least. (I think the base is yellower--so perhaps it goes better with my somewhat sallow skin.) And the lipstick formula (one of my absolute favorites) is infinitely superior. In my opinion, at least.
I can see why there'd be too much of a contrast with yellow skin. Sophia is more olive, much closer to my skin tone, though still a tad warmer.
DeleteI eventually broke down and bought the Guerlain holiday lipstick (as well as the stars and the gloss). I've come to realize it's going to haunt me if I don't, and I know I'll get a good use of all three.
What a gorgeous color! But I remember buying another D&G lip color and gagging over the scent of it. Thanks for the scent warning. Money saved for something else.
ReplyDeleteI know where you're coming from. The scent is what I'd call "dated". Most companies no longer use this type of fragrance in they lipsticks. I sort of like it for nostalgic reasons, but could have easily lived without. But that color...
DeleteVery willing to try this, but it was all gone everywhere I looked. I hope your loyal readers don't pay pumped up secondary market prices....shame on those offering it for $65!! Nordstrom site said it was back-ordered until late November.
ReplyDeleteKathy
Bloomington
Kathy, I'm strongly opposed to paying over-inflated eBay prices for cosmetics. It's just wrong, especially while with some effort (ok, a lot of effort) you can locate the lipstick at various counters around the country.
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