This must be one of the most anticipated collaborations this year. I was rather excited to read all the pre-launch press as I adore Victoria Beckham and the packaging is right up my alley. So I ordered a few items online from Estée Lauder website on the release day.
With much self-control(haha), I purchased the Modern Mercury Highlighter, Bitter Clove Metal Eyeshadow and Brazilian Nude Lipstick.
Today I’m reviewing Modern Mercury and Bitter Clove. Undecided at this point if I will be keeping Brazilian Nude(the packaging is so tiny:( ). Below is a photo of Brazilian Nude for your viewing.
Without further ado, here comes some photos of the gorgeous, sleek and sexy packaging:
I think we all know when we buy luxury brands you are paying for the name and the luxe packaging. I absolutely love the leather-feel, fluted black case with gold rims. Admittedly, I am not a fan of the clasp, it’s a tad too chunky!
Personally I think Victoria Beckham has created a collection that is a reflection of her, i.e very wearable, chic and sophisticated. The price point could be lower however!
Modern Mercury is a rose gold with a metallic finish. The texture is silky and smooth. There’s hardly any powder kicked-up. It is pigmented and can emphasise pores as well as skin texture with layering. It wears well for 8 hours before fading away. I love that it has a hint of rose and pink. You can use it as a nude blush providing your skin can take it:) It is a lovely blush topper. I love pairing Modern Mercury with Tom Ford Savage blush and MAC Highly Illogical(Star Trek Edition).
To satisfy my curiosity, I had a dig through my stash to see if I have anything similar. I was a little surprised when discovering the darker shade in Tom Ford Moodlight is quite similar to Modern Mercury, around 90% I would say (it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise as Estée Lauder owns Tom Ford). Modern Mercury is slightly lighter.
Over to Bitter Clove, it is a bronzy green with fine gold shimmers. It wears well over 8 hours with minimal creasing ( I do use Nars Prolong Wear Eyeshadow Base always). It looks much more intense and dark bronze in the pan. When swatched with a single wipe, you can see the gold shimmers are suspended in a thin green film. The shimmers thankfully stay put and I don’t end up with a disco face at the end of the day:( You can wear Bitter Clove as a sheer wash or build it up to a much more intense effect. You will see in the heavy swatch below. I have been pairing it with Tom Ford Spring 2015 Cream Eyeshadow or Urbandecay Naked Smoky and quite like the final looks.
I tried using Bitter Clove wet with a damped brush. This would yield a darker shade with less obvious shimmers. To be honest, I don’t think I would use it wet again…just not my application preference.
I find the best way to apply Bitter Clove is actually using my fingers. However this way you would get hard-pan quite quickly.
These swatches were taken by a large window in natural light. Both were build up heavily.
Here’s a video of the swatches.
Overall I love having them both. Although they are not extraordinary shades that you would need. Bitter Clove has won me over much more than I thought so I have ordered Black Myrrh.
Let me know if you have any questions. The collection is selling fast so if there is anything you’re eyeing on, you need to decide ASAP!:)
Until next time.
Much love always,
Sandyxo
This post featured purchased item. My opinions expressed here are honest and unbiased.
Lovely swatches Sandy ! You know how much I want this collection and I’m very eager to pick Modern Mercury and the eyeshadows palette 😉
Have a great day ! xoxo
Kédidja
Author
Thank you Kédija! Hope you get your hands on them soon! Thanks for stopping by!xo
October 3 here ! Can’t wait 😉 xoxo
Wow this collection is amazing ?, I want that highlighter so much, part of me wishes it sells out to save money ???, but I will just end up getting it on eBay for a much higher price tag, great review Sandy and I glad I found you. X
Author
Hi Esnath, you know what they say “Nothing haunts you like things you didnt buy”:) Victoria Beckham has done so well with this collection. Thank you for stopping by, I really appreciate it.xo
Whole collection is amazing but that highlighter looks gorgeous! Love your swatches
Author
The collection is so luxe. I wish the prices were a little more wallet-friendly of course. Thank you so much for your kind comment as always.xo
This collection Is absolutely amazing!! Just got my order and immediately fell in love with every pieces!!! ❤️
Author
Yes! I want every piece from this collection if my wallet wasn’t crying too much lol Thank you for stopping by lovely.xo