Byredo lives in my mind rent free and it’s not okay. I’m obsessed with their fragrances and have to actively stop myself from buying every perfume they create.
Also, I can’t afford it.
When I first learned that Byredo was launching a makeup collection I knew I was in trouble. Never one to deny myself pleasure, I hightailed it to their Soho store on launch day to play and test every product. Due to Covid, I couldn’t swatch every item so I purchased these slightly blindly and hoped that they looked good one me.
Created in collaboration with makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench, the Byredo makeup collection includes 16 multi-use color sticks, 15 lipsticks, a lip balm, mascara, liquid eyeliner, and three eye shadow palettes. The eyeshadow palettes weren’t available but I noticed them in the promo photos on Byredo’s IG.
Byredo Makeup: Space Black Mascara ($45)
WAY TOO EXPENSIVE FOR MASCARA. I bought this out of sheer curiosity but I find it hard to recommend such an expensive mascara when Maybelline has got your back. That said…this is beautiful.
With mascara, it’s all about the wand and this one has a silicone brush that’s short and precise. I love how black it coats my lashes and how easily it applies. Lashes are combed through with little to no clumping and my lashes do look long.
Byredo Makeup: Technical Black Eyeliner ($40)
Another item that hurts when you think about it. $40 is so much for a liquid liner and there’s nothing too special about this one. Unlike the mascara, this product neither amazed or disappointed me. I was…whelmed? It’s a nice eyeliner. The tip is thin and easily creates a black liner look. It’s easy to control and not too liquidy. I didn’t have any issues with is smudging or rubbing off. That said, there are other items in this collection that I’d recommend over this.
Byredo Makeup: Lipstick ($42)
With two different finishes within the range (satin and matte), it’s easy to find one (or a few) that you’ll be into. Of the entire collection, I recommend picking up the lipsticks simply because of how beautiful they are. The packaging is so chic, albeit completely not storage friendly.
According to my research, the shape of the lipstick case echoes bamboo or bone. The formula is so comfortable when applied and very pigmented. Since these are your classic lipsticks, they do rub off when you’re drinking (or, ahem, on your mask) but it’s so lightweight and hydrating I don’t mind. The lipsticks apply in one easy swipe and are easily buildable. I picked up two shades: Divorce, a satin orange-red, and Lascaux, a deep matte burgundy.
Byredo Makeup: Color Stick ($30)
These were what excited me the most. The Color Sticks are a multi-use cream stick to be used all over the face: eyes, cheeks, and lips. Many of the colors aren’t suitable for taste in cheek color (hard pass on the blue highlight) but if you’re into a more alternative makeup look, there are a variety of color options. I noticed while in the store that there were two formulas — a creamy shimmer or more metallic shades.
The metallic shades are very shimmery while the shimmer gives pretty wash of color. I applied it as eyeshadow by swiping the color stick directly on the eyes and it worked like a charm. the pigment didn’t lift or shift as I swiped across the eyes and I needed very minimal blending. The dry cream texture is easy to blend and glides like a dream.
These are shades that you may want to check out in person as I found the payoff on deep skin to be a bit disappointing for some of them. Sick Pink isn’t nearly as shocking pink as I thought it’d be. I ended up picking up Sauce, which is described as an ultra glittery vivid orange but I find it to be more of a champagne.
That said, these crease on the eyes like a mofo. I wore these for about six hours and by the end, I had the crusty settling into the lines of your lids look that’s not cute at all. It’s not the end of the world (I’d like to test with a primer) but something to consider if you’re keen to buy these.
I didn’t get the lip balm because no matter how financially irresponsible I am, I could not justify the cost. I did peep a bottle of micellar water at the Byredo store which piqued my interest so I’m hoping they do release one. If you’re keen on picking up something from the collection, I would prioritize the lipsticks followed by the color sticks. If you’re feeling spendy, the mascara is nice to have.
Byredo Makeup is available at Saks Fifth Avenue in the US as well as Byredo.com.
