Sephora + Pantone Universe Modern Watercolors Lipgloss Set Review, Photos, Swatches
Sephora + Pantone Universe Modern Watercolors Lipgloss Set
Sephora + Pantone Universe Modern Watercolors Lipgloss Set ($28.00 for 0.84 fl. oz.) includes six lipglosses. They’re supposed to be “playful pastels” that give “high-shine color payoff in a single stroke” with “deep hydration and conditioning.” They’re pretty subpar lipglosses; they’re the kind of product that gives house brands/drugstore brands a bad name. They’re uneven, lightly tacky, not moisturizing, and come off in an hour or two. The applicator is rough and barely flocked, so it feels a little sharp at times, and hardly any gloss gets on the applicator. I’m trying to understand the concept of “high-shine color payoff in a single stroke” when the gloss is neither pigmented nor high-shine; these are less shine than some lip balms at times. Though I’m not entirely surprised that a range of pastels ended up sheer and applied dismally, I know Sephora can do better (one of my favorite gloss formulas is by Sephora!).
Cantaloupe is a softened, light-medium orange with a cream finish. It had sheer coverage with barely-there shine as the gloss texture was quite thin and difficult to spread across the lips. It lasted for an hour or less on me. Maybelline Berry Chic (P, $4.49) is cooler (95% similar). Maybelline Coral Craze (P, $4.49) is darker (90% similar). Maybelline Citrus Evolution (115) (LE, $8.99) is lighter (90% similar). Sephora Happy Sunrise (25) (P, $12.00) is glossier (90% similar). Bite Beauty Eight (Watercolor) (LE, ) is more pigmented (90% similar). LORAC Belle-ieve (LE, ) is glossier (90% similar). Too Faced Poppin' Peach (P, $19.00) is darker, glossier (90% similar). Sephora Fresh Mango (26) (P, $12.00) is darker, more pigmented (90% similar). Chanel Exotique (12) (P, $34.00) is darker, more pigmented (90% similar). MAC Cheerful (P, $22.00) is more pigmented (85% similar). Becca Papaya/Topaz (P, $24.00) is more shimmery, darker, more pigmented (85% similar). NYX Cherry Cheesecake (P, $5.00) is brighter, more pigmented (85% similar). MAC Teen Dream (LE, $20.00) is darker, brighter, more pigmented (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Foxglove is a muted, medium pink with cool undertones and a cream finish. It had sheer color payoff that applied unevenly and emphasized lip lines. It was gone within an hour of wearing it. Urban Decay Failbait (DC, $26.00) is more pigmented, warmer (90% similar). Becca Lychee/Topaz (P, $24.00) is more shimmery, darker, more pigmented (90% similar). Sephora Paradise Pink (15) (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, more pigmented (90% similar). MAC Sixxx Pack (LE, $24.00) is cooler (90% similar). MAC Petite Indulgence (LE, $20.00) is cooler (90% similar). Chanel Baie Rose (89) (LE, $27.00) is cooler (90% similar). MAC Khaaannnn! (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Rose Quartz is a pale, milky pastel pink with subtle, warm undertones and a cream finish. It had semi-sheer to semi-opaque color payoff, but the milky quality of the color made it prone to emphasizing lip lines. The gloss lasted for less than an hour. Bite Beauty Three (Watercolor) (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar). MAC Dress the Part (LE, $20.00) is darker (90% similar). MAC Tender (P, $22.00) is cooler (90% similar). Bite Beauty Two (Watercolor) (LE, ) is lighter, brighter, more pigmented (90% similar). MAC Picture Pink (LE, $21.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). NARS Turkish Delight (P, $26.00) is lighter, more pigmented (90% similar). MAC Embraceable Me (LE, $20.00) is darker (90% similar). MAC Wanting More (LE, $21.00) is lighter, brighter, more pigmented (90% similar). Maybelline Passionate Peony (120) (LE, $8.99) is lighter, brighter, more pigmented (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Serenity is a pale, medium periwinkle blue with cool undertones and a cream finish. It made my lips appear almost purple as it had semi-sheer coverage yet a milky quality persisted. It didn’t emphasize lip lines as much as the previous three shades, but it only lasted for an hour. MAC Norwegian Sky (P, $21.00) is darker (90% similar). MAC Borealis (LE, $20.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Chanel Aphrodite (792) (P, $30.00) is less pigmented (85% similar). MAC New Galaxy (P, $21.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Pale Banana is a pale, light yellow with a cream finish. It had sheer pigmentation that didn’t look too streaky, but it still seemed to emphasize the lines on my lips a lot. It was gone before an hour was even up. MAC Bright Side (LE, $21.00) is darker, more pigmented (90% similar). Bite Beauty One (Watercolor) (LE, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Sunlit Allium is a light-medium, cool-toned lavender with a cream finish. It had semi-sheer coverage with a thin consistency that emphasized the lines on the lips. It lasted for an hour or less. MAC Japanese Spring (LE, $20.00) is more pigmented (90% similar). NARS Annees (P, $26.00) is more pigmented (90% similar). Bite Beauty Four (Watercolor) (LE, ) is lighter, more pigmented (90% similar). MAC Marvel-Lush (LE, $20.00) is lighter, more pigmented (90% similar). MAC Cinestyle (LE, $20.00) is more pigmented (90% similar). Illamasqua Fierce (P, $22.00) is darker, brighter, more pigmented (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Modern Watercolors
LELimited Edition. $28.00.
Cantaloupe
LELimited Edition.
Foxglove
LELimited Edition.
Rose Quartz
LELimited Edition.
Serenity
LELimited Edition.
Pale Banana
LELimited Edition.
Sunlit Allium
LELimited Edition.
Sephora + Pantone Universe Modern Watercolors Lipgloss Set
Sephora + Pantone Universe Modern Watercolors Lipgloss Set
Sephora + Pantone Universe Modern Watercolors Lipgloss Set
Sephora + Pantone Universe Modern Watercolors Lipgloss Set
Sephora + Pantone Universe Cantaloupe Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Cantaloupe Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Cantaloupe Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Cantaloupe Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Cantaloupe Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Cantaloupe Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Foxglove Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Foxglove Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Foxglove Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Foxglove Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Foxglove Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Foxglove Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Rose Quartz Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Rose Quartz Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Rose Quartz Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Rose Quartz Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Rose Quartz Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Rose Quartz Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Serenity Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Serenity Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Serenity Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Serenity Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Serenity Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Serenity Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Pale Banana Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Pale Banana Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Pale Banana Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Pale Banana Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Pale Banana Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Pale Banana Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Sunlit Allium Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Sunlit Allium Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Sunlit Allium Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Sunlit Allium Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Sunlit Allium Lipgloss
Sephora + Pantone Universe Sunlit Allium Lipgloss
Can I just say your eye makeup in these photos is absolutely gorgeous!! It’s a great look on you!
Thank you, Tiffany! 🙂
When I saw all the F’s, I just HAD to click through to see lip swatches. Sephora should have done two glosses: one each in the color of the year, and not promised “single stroke color”. Or made them “transformer” shades like Bite’s Opal. In fact, why promise single stroke color in something CALLED watercolor glosses???? This is sort of hilarious. They could have made these watercolor lip gloss colors into a mini lipstick set that would have been far more interesting and colorful!
Ah, I don’t know why I’m fired up about this because I have zero interest in the collection, but maybe it’s just because bad makeup products in general irritate me. Why release something that is just bad? How do some of these things get through testing? 🙂
Maybe someone should do watercolor-inspired lip pencils? I wonder if the lip pencil formula would at least apply a little better and force you apply in shorter, smaller areas vs. even a lipstick.
It’s just bizarre to me not to say “high-shine, sheer color.”
Why did they release these?? Quite a few of the Sephora house products are great, including the matte lipsticks, matte lipcreams, the lipliners… I have a feeling these Pantone colors won’t lend themselves to many high-quality products because those pastels are challenging. Oy.
Their Sephora Ultra Shine Gloss is SOOOOO comfy and shiny without wearing away in a nano-second, even if not every shade is perfect in application!
Sheer and sticky is what i got from swatching these in store yesterday….. Not a fun product.
I was so surprised that the gloss itself, regardless of pigmentation level, wasn’t even good.
An F rating all around? Yikes! That’s unfortunate. Love your eyeshadow though 😀
Just all around disappointing, unfortunately! 🙁
I had a feeling this would turn out to be a dud! Pity, because like you said Sephora does do glosses well.
They do! I was surprised that even if we ignore the pigmentation claim, the gloss itself isn’t great.
It’s too bad these don’t pay-off well, it’s a fun an smart concept for a product (seen the attention Pantone colours get the past few years)… In addition, Sephora usually makes worthy products! (e.g. bronzers and liquid lipsticks – especially the latter, omg, I could rant on forever).
Maybe they could change a lipstick’s colour a bit when put over it?
They might make one appear a little lighter or warmer/cooler, but they are pretty sheer. The one thing I could see being a real problem is just applying the gloss over something else – definitely use a lip brush!
These glosses may be a miss but your eyes are AMAZING!!! Great look Christine!
Thanks, Melissa!
I honestly think you rated these unfairly. They are called WATERCOLOR glosses. You can’t possibly compare them to something that is marketed as being opaque.
Hi Rachel,
Please see the review above: “They’re supposed to be “playful pastels” that give “high-shine color payoff in a single stroke” with “deep hydration and conditioning.””
Those terms are pulled from Sephora’s description of the product. I’m by no means surprised that these are sheer, based on this type of product and the iterations we’ve seen over the years, but the description doesn’t say “sheer wash” or “sheer” or “barely there” anywhere in it. I try to be very transparent about how I’m rating a product, which is why I pull and quote what the brand says.
What types of brands do you mean when you say “house brands”?
When a store also has their own brand sold within their store – like Costco having Kirkland products. Sephora has their own brand, Sephora Collection. They also own several other brands under Kendo Brands (Kat Von D, Marc Jacobs, Ole Henriksen, etc.), which I know has been more separated from Sephora (but still owned by LVMH and still collaborates with as far as I’m aware) but originally was started as a way to incubate new ideas/brands.
I could have easily predicted this miserable flop. They look pretty in their containers 😀
I figured there would likely be at least a few application issues due to the pastel color + gloss consistency, but I wasn’t prepared for how disappointing the gloss itself was going to be!
You just knew these would be an abysmal fail. Epic. I just don’t see why any brand even tries, when clearly the formula to keep these milky shades on, not settling in the lip lines, and with some wear time has not been invented yet. They aren’t even that well differentiated. Performance is the name of the game, not how lovely they look on the vanity. Bite fail all over again. Big surprise. Not.
That’s kind of how I feel! Like I totally get that this may be “as good as it gets,” yet there’s a reason why you don’t see a ton of these types of products on the market. Of course, no brand is going to be like, “Hey! Here are pastel glosses, they’re still pretty disappointing, but anyway…”
Oh boy – what a disappointment! At least your eye makeup looks dope 🙂
You’d think they would have taken a lesson from the Bite watercolor gloss set from last Spring. I really wanted to love these, too, just like Bite’s release. This is actually my first year since 2012 that I’m not purchasing anything from the Pantone collection :/.
No surprises here. I love your blue eye look, though!
Nice eye look!
While I love the two selected pantone colors for 2016, I just can’t get into the makeup .. I think these colors will translate better for fashion. I do LOVE your eye look though <3
Monica.
Here’s hoping they work well somewhere!
Well, I must be psychic, because I sadly predicted that some of these Panetone pastel products would be candidates for worst products of the year. My heart just dropped when I saw Panetone pick 2 pastels, as those are so difficult to get right. Like I said, if even BITE can’t get pastel lip glosses right (and all they do is lipsticks and lip glosses), what hope is there for Sephora? And shame on Sephora for even releasing this horrible product. The Sephora Holographic Lip Gels were so cool and rated really well, why didn’t they release a sheer, holographic pink gloss with pastel blue shimmer??
Exactly!! They could have said these were sheer and still taken inspiration from Color of the Year :/
Whoa. Is that a record, a whole range of Fs? Where is quality control?? Truly appalling.
I’ve definitely given out all Fs multiple times before!
I’ve been trying to figure out what bothers me about the packaging in general, and I think it reminds me of the tile flooring in my schools and doctors’ offices in the late 80s/early 90s. Sort of mismatched and washed out.
Sephora’s Ultra Shine glosses were some of my favorite new products last year, so it’s disappointing to see these rate so poorly.
Beyond bad!!! I now believe that the word “watercolor” when used in a makeup product definitely portends terrible quality to come. Oh man, these are ….. no *nice* words suffice!
Hey, but at least your eye look is on fleek! ?
Ugh, I think we all predicted that this year’s Pantone lip products wouldn’t be good. They should have just done a good job with Foxglove and Cantaloupe and only released those two as complementary shades to the Pantone blue/pink, if they were going to bother at all. This collection looks like they didn’t try but released it as a cynical cashgrab because they know collectors will buy it no matter what :/
Oops! Why, Sephora, why? Like you said, they could do better… And we deserve better.
Yup, total disaster, and a missed opportunity to do something interesting with pastels! I feel like Sephora really took the colors of the year literally this time, instead of offering wearable variation playing with textures, reflections and finishes. I don’t know what they were thinking… For the gloss part of the release, they could have used one of their existing good formulas and created a few more shades inspired by Rose Quartz and Serenity, with/without shimmer, duochrome effect, etc…
I have to say that I’m not into pastels to start with, but I feel like Sephora has made the worst possible pastel collection with these 2 shades!
This was just going to be a disaster from the start.. I just can’t get behind Pantones color choices this year so I was never really interested.. but I do find this all entertaining too look at however.
I’m just bummed that it seemed like a pretty subpar gloss formula, period! 🙁
Wow, giving all F’s is brutal but I don’t blame you! Have you ever considered giving U’s (Ungraded) ?? It’s a marvel they even made it to market, they are sooo bad! Any or all of the dupes would be way better!
Lots of other glosses that are so much better!
Your eye makeup is the most stunning aspect as the lip glosses are just plain awful. Beautiful colours Christine.
Thank you, Genevieve!
Has there *ever*, in your experience, been a line of pastel lip glosses that actually worked? This reminds me of the ones from Bite a year or two before – Bite is a great brand, but those were just a miserable failure.
I don’t think many put out a whole line of them, but here are some of the better rated glosses that are on the lighter end of the color spectrum and/or have more of the milky coloring of a pastel, though some I wouldn’t call pastel: http://www.temptalia.com/swatches?compare=165014,114628,197209,162723,171700,165261,173096,181691,162724,161880,162410,192743,106689,162917,194325,197065,164218,199724,193344,104918,106772,162459,147095,123531,166001,173092,162341,160165
I didn’t expect much when I saw the marketing but wow…epic fail. Your eye makeup, on the other hand, outstanding!!
Thanks, Carly!
What a sad collection. It could have been fun, but it’s so the opposite.
Agreed!
They remind me so much of the Bite Beauty Watercolor Glosses, but surprisingly, these ones make the Bite set look half decent… You’d think by now we would all expect the quality on pastel glosses to be poor though! haha 🙁
LOL! Sadly, these are so much worse.
Starting the year off right in the F zone!
LOOL well the packaging is lovely, I’ll give them that.
Well this is a shame. Still, these would make very pretty decorative pieces for a person’s vanity, that’s for sure!
I think you gave a fair review. These glosses are dismal at best. I was really shocked at the level of sheerness compared to their marketing statements!
I thought the Bite watercolor lip gloss was disappointing but I’d even take that over these! They all look the same!
I fell in love with the way these looked because they are deeper pastels and the packaging is attractive in a modernesque way. Conceptually, they seemed cool and the colors are beautiful upon glance.
I winded up getting these through Sephora.
I found that the Foxglove Lipgloss was the only one that really made any impression on me that was positive or noticeable. It was actually a little surprising. I found that it attractively enhanced my own nude lip color…gave my lips a slight blush affect, while still looking as if I had nothing on. However, it doesn’t last very long. I had to keep reapplying the gloss to keep the look constant.
I find that even in your photos the Foxglove Lipgloss has a similar affect. Attractive, slight enhancement of your lip color with a hint of pink, while the rest of the glosses barely show up, or look more underwhelming.
Not sure if anyone else has experienced the same with this color in the pack.
Overall, I wanted these to have a better formula…longer-lasting, and a slightly more pigmented while maintaining some sheerness (for highlighting or top layering)…if that makes sense.
Super disappointing 🙁
Sure was!
Is it odd I really like the blue one? All the others barely show, but I like how the blue one looks.