Edward Bess Ciao Threads of Silk Powder

Edward Bess Ciao Threads of Silk Powder ($45.00 for 0.42 oz.) is a medium, rosy copper with warm undertones and a luminous sheen.. MAC Highlight the Truth (LE, $34.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). NARS Sugar Spirit (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). NARS Savage (2020) (P, $30.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Laura Geller Golden Apricot (P, $28.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Anastasia Taffy (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Sydney Grace Morning Glory (P, $9.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). MAC Peachtwist (P, $24.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Jouer Hot Coral (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Ciate Date Night (P, $26.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Laura Geller Pink Grapefruit (P, $28.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). MAC Margin (P, $24.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Cover FX Warm Honey (Right) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). NARS Embruns (-, ) is warmer (90% similar). Too Faced Papa Don't Peach (P, $30.00) is cooler (90% similar). LORAC Golden Hour (LE, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar). ColourPop Total Package (DC, $12.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). MAC Perfectly Lit (LE, $34.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). MAC Highly Illogical (LE, $34.00) is less shimmery, darker, more muted (85% similar). NARS Orgasm (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Milani Bronze Burst (P, $13.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

The formula is supposed to “infuse the skin with luster” with a “satiny smooth powder.” It’s available in two shades (the other I already reviewed here), and I think there could have been a third–something cooler, more pink-derived. As I mentioned in the prior review, the texture is smooth and blendable once on the skin, but the powder is denser. It is oddly firm but not stiff; it takes more to dislodge the powder from the surface–not sure if it’s related to the design or formula itself–and does get a little easier with multiple uses. If the texture was more forgiving and easier to use, though, this would be a real winner, as the end result is a glowing and gorgeous on the skin. It had medium, buildable coverage with a luminous finish that didn’t emphasize pores and wore well for almost nine hours on me.

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Edward Bess Ciao Threads of Silk Powder

Edward Bess Ciao Threads of Silk Powder

Edward Bess Ciao Threads of Silk Powder

Edward Bess Ciao Threads of Silk Powder

Edward Bess Threads of Silk Powder

Edward Bess Threads of Silk Powder

Edward Bess Ciao Threads of Silk Powder

Edward Bess Ciao Threads of Silk Powder

Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder ($45.00 for 0.42 oz.) is a medium, rosy bronze with warm undertones and a luminous sheen. Laura Mercier Rosé (LE, $42.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). NARS Hot Sand (P, $30.00) is warmer (90% similar). NARS PYT (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Moodlight (Candlelight) (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Smashbox Shimmer (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar). Milani Rosa Romantica (P, $7.99) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). NARS Tempted (P, $30.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Stila Sending My Love Highlighter (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). LORAC Sunlight (LE, $23.00) is brighter, warmer (90% similar). MAC Nuanced (LE, $34.00) is warmer (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Nude Glow (LE, $46.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Surratt Beauty Coup de Genie (P, $32.00) is lighter (85% similar). MAC Pearl Sunshine (LE, $22.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Becca Rose Gold (LE, $38.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Chanel Metal Peach (LE, $80.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Lightgasm Multi-Glow (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). NARS Unlimited (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery, lighter (80% similar). ColourPop Beach Party (LE, $10.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

It seems like a new formula, as it recently popped up on Neiman Marcus (which is where I purchased mine from); the first thing I noticed about it was actually that it is a very large-sized powder–generous compared to most cheek and face products. The formula is supposed to “infuse the skin with luster” with a “satiny smooth powder.” It’s available in two shades (and I will review the other soon), and Bellissima ended up being the first one I tried. It has a firmer, denser feel to it overall; I wouldn’t describe it as stiff necessarily, but it doesn’t respond well to a feathery or really soft brush; I had to use a denser blush brush to get enough color to show up on me–I think it could be softer/looser overall. It has more medium coverage that’s buildable, and the powder is very blendable on the skin. It highlighted without emphasizing pores, and for me, gave a warming color on me. I expect on fairer complexions, they will see even more warmth, while deeper skin tones will find it highlights more. The color lasted for eight and a half hours on me before fading just slightly.

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Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder

Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder

Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder

Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder

Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder

Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder

Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder

Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder

Since we looked at pewter last week, I thought that we should focus on taupe this week, because it’s an equally complex and interesting color.  I love how it can run warm and cool-toned (or even nearly neutral), so it’s a very versatile shade to work with.  Check back tomorrow for my top five picks on cool taupes as well!  I’d love to hear about your personal favorites in the commments–always looking for suggestions!

1. MAC Tailor Grey — a subtly warm-toned, gray-taupe in cream form
2. theBalm #19 — a light-medium, golden taupe
3. Makeup Geek Moondust — a dark, bronzy taupe
4. Giorgio Armani #09 — a brightened, medium-dark golden taupe
5. Edward Bess Dusk — a deepened, warm taupe

>> See side-by-side swatches! <<

Edward Bess Dusk Ultra Luminous Eyeshadow ($30.00 for 0.07 oz.) is described as a “mossy grey.” It’s a warm-toned, medium-dark taupe–a mix of brown and gray–with a frosted finish. Disney Jaq is darker. Urban Decay Stray Dog is lighter. Urban Decay Lost is similar. See comparison swatches.

It had excellent color payoff that was true-to-color. The consistency was incredibly soft, silky, and finely-milled, so the eyeshadow applied smoothly and evenly. The texture was just ever-so-slightly powdery, but it was very minor.  Dusk blended beautifully on the lid, and it could also be softened and sheered out to wear more as a wash of color as well. Without a primer, it wore well for seven and a half hours, and after eight and a half, I could see some light fading and very faint creasing.

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Edward Bess Dusk Ultra Luminous Eyeshadow

Edward Bess Dusk Ultra Luminous Eyeshadow

Edward Bess Dusk Ultra Luminous Eyeshadow

Edward Bess Dusk Ultra Luminous Eyeshadow

Edward Bess Dusk Ultra Luminous Eyeshadow

Edward Bess Dusk Ultra Luminous Eyeshadow

Edward Bess Cosmic Bliss Prismette Eyeshadow Quad ($68.00 for 0.25 oz.) contains four eyeshadows in a “smooth, long-wearing formula” with textures that range from “soft matte to high pearl.” The palette was really nice in terms of quality, but it could have used more contrast, depending on your skin tone. I think fairer complexions may notice the subtleties between each shade more so than medium and darker skin tones. For example, on my medium complexion, it definitely runs together and loses something.  I wore all shades, and they lasted eight hours well and were a little faded before the ninth hour.

Cosmic Bliss #1 is a light-medium beige with warm, caramel undertones and a matte finish. It looked a lot lighter in the pan than it did swatched. It had a soft, buttery texture and had great color payoff. NARS Biarritz is lighter. MAC Call Me Bubbles is lighter, more shimmery. MAC Grain is more shimmery. MAC Bisque is lighter. Chanel Beige Lame is warmer, darker, more shimmery. See comparison swatches.

Cosmic Bliss #2 is a warm, golden-shimmered, medium-dark brown with a frosted sheen. The texture was a bit drier compared to the first shade, and the resulting color payoff was good but not as easy to blend out. MAC Bronze is darker. MAC Woodwinked is warmer. MAC Soba is darker. Dior Golden Savannah #1 is less shimmery. Benefit Thanks a Latte is more metallic. bareMinerals Cognac is warmer. See comparison swatches.

Cosmic Bliss #3 is a medium-dark, warm-toned taupe with a frosted shimmer. It had good color payoff, and the texture was really soft and smooth. Urban Decay Stray Dog is darker. Urban Decay Lost is much darker. Urban Decay Midnight Rodeo is cooler-toned. Urban Decay Rehab is a cream product. Chanel Topkapi #2 is similar. Chanel Raffinement #1 is cooler-toned. See comparison swatches.

Cosmic Bliss #4 is a medium-dark bronze brown with a frosted sheen. It had nice pigmentation and a soft, buttery texture so it applied smoothly and evenly. Bobbi Brown Bronze is less warm-toned. Urban Decay Deeper is slightly darker. Maybelline Bad to the Bronze is browner. MAC Buckwheat is redder. Dior Fairy Golds #5 is less shimmery, darker. Inglot #421 is warmer. See comparison swatches.

Edward Bess Cosmic Bliss Prismette Eyeshadow Quad

Edward Bess Cosmic Bliss Prismette Eyeshadow Quad

Edward Bess Cosmic Bliss Prismette Eyeshadow Quad

Edward Bess Cosmic Bliss Prismette Eyeshadow Quad

Edward Bess Cosmic Bliss Prismette Eyeshadow Quad

Edward Bess Cosmic Bliss #1 Prismette Eyeshadow

Edward Bess Cosmic Bliss #1 Prismette Eyeshadow

Edward Bess Cosmic Bliss #2 Prismette Eyeshadow

Edward Bess Cosmic Bliss #2 Prismette Eyeshadow

Edward Bess Cosmic Bliss #3 Prismette Eyeshadow

Edward Bess Cosmic Bliss #3 Prismette Eyeshadow

Edward Bess Cosmic Bliss #4 Prismette Eyeshadow

Edward Bess Cosmic Bliss #4 Prismette Eyeshadow

Edward Bess Cosmic Bliss Prismette Eyeshadow Quad

Edward Bess Eternal Passion Ultra Slick Lipstick ($32.00 for 0.13 oz.) is described as a “bright red.” It’s a brightened, medium-dark red with subtle, cool undertones and a glossy shine. Chanel Dialogue is less pigmented. Giorgio Armani Red Fuchsia is darker. NYX Chic Red is more matte. MAC Everyday Diva is warmer. MAC Ronnie Red is darker, more matte. Guerlain Gwen is darker. Guerlain L’Heure Bleue is more shimmery. See comparison swatches.

It has a very creamy, slick texture that feels (and looks) almost wet once applied. The color coverage was mostly opaque, but there was a very slight translucency that kept it from looking too heavy or thick on the lips. The lipstick never pulled or dragged across the lips, and the formula was long-wearing, lightly hydrating, and comfortable to wear. Eternal Passion lasted six hours well, and then it stained for another two hours or so. The lipstick had a sweet fig scent but no discernible taste.

Edward Bess Eternal Passion Ultra Slick Lipstick

Edward Bess Eternal Passion Ultra Slick Lipstick

Edward Bess Eternal Passion Ultra Slick Lipstick

Edward Bess Eternal Passion Ultra Slick Lipstick

Edward Bess Eternal Passion Ultra Slick Lipstick

Edward Bess Eternal Passion Ultra Slick Lipstick

Edward Bess Eternal Passion Ultra Slick Lipstick

Edward Bess South of France Quad Royale ($45.00 for 0.25 oz.) is described as a “shimmery sand.” It’s a pale, pink mauve with a golden shimmer and sheen. Milani Dolce Pink is warmer, darker. MAC Rosy Outlook is pinker, less shimmery. MAC Blush All Day is less shimmery, darker. MAC At Dusk is less shimmery, darker. Chanel Pink Cloud is similar. Bobbi Brown Peony is darker. See comparison swatches.

It was fairly true-to-color as it looked in the pan, which is rather light, so this is a product that will work best on fairer complexions. On my medium skin tone, it’s mostly a highlighter that adds a little plum to my cheeks, but I really had to layer it on – and as a result, it looked a bit cakey and did emphasize pores. When I later tried to wear it as more of a highlighter, then it looked better and only slightly emphasize pores (the finish is rather frosted). The texture of the blush was soft, though a bit powdery, but finely-milled and easy to blend out. It seemed to last about seven hours on me, and then it looked somewhat patchy after eight hours of wear.

Edward Bess South of France Quad Royale

Edward Bess South of France Quad Royale

Edward Bess South of France Quad Royale

Edward Bess South of France Quad Royale

Edward Bess South of France Quad Royale

Edward Bess South of France Quad Royale

Edward Bess South of France Quad Royale

Edward Bess South of France Quad Royale

Edward Bess South of France Quad Royale

Edward Bess South of France Quad Royale

Edward Bess South of France Quad Royale

Edward Bess Forbidden Flower Ultra Slick Lipstick ($32.00 for 0.13 oz.) is described as a “beige coral.” It’s a warm-toned, light peach with a hint of pink and a creamy, shiny finish. Chanel Sentiment is more frosted. MAC Sweet & Sour is lighter. MAC Style Surge is darker, warmer. MAC Razzledazzler is pinker. Burberry Pink Apricot is more matte, slightly darker. Burberry Devon Sunset is slightly darker, pinker. See comparison swatches.

Forbidden Flower had full color coverage with little effort or product needed. The consistency is slick, creamy, and not too thick or too thin. With a lighter shade like this, though, the creaminess does lead to “lines” showing up, which make the color look somewhat uneven, when you press your lips together. Luckily, it’s not too noticeable from afar. It lasted four hours well, and it was nicely hydrating during that time. The formula has a sweet fig scent to it, but I didn’t notice it once applied.

Edward Bess Forbidden Flower Ultra Slick Lipstick

Edward Bess Forbidden Flower Ultra Slick Lipstick

Edward Bess Forbidden Flower Ultra Slick Lipstick

Edward Bess Forbidden Flower Ultra Slick Lipstick

Edward Bess Forbidden Flower Ultra Slick Lipstick

Edward Bess Forbidden Flower Ultra Slick Lipstick