Coffee and makeup are probably the two topics I’m the most passionate about. I require coffee just as much as I require lipstick, and when my day doesn’t involve either, you know I’m not quite myself. Winky Lux’s coffee-themed (and scented!) makeup collection is a collision of my interests that I was grateful to receive.
Winky Lux sent over the Coffee Palette ($25), Coffee Bronzer in Mocha ($20), Glazed Lips Donut Lip Gloss in Praline Glaze ($13), and Creamy Dreamies Conditioning Lipstick in Leche ($14) for me to try. The brand is best known for pill-shaped lipstick packaging and clear lip stains that contain real flowers, but these are the first products I’ve had a chance to try.
My first impression when I opened the box is that the packaging is absolutely incredible! From the inside of the shipping box to the boxes the products come in (unit cartons), everything is cohesive, floral printed, and adorable. When I opened the eyeshadow palette & bronzer, I was greeted by a burst of artificial coffee fragrance, reminiscent of instant powdered cappuccinos, that I really enjoy while applying my makeup. Just like with the Too Faced peach collection products, I realize that it won’t be for everyone.
Winky Lux is cruelty free, paraben free, gluten free, and the Leaping Bunny logo can be found on the back of the eyeshadow palette & bronzer product packaging.
Continue reading for my thoughts on each individual product.
Winky Lux Coffee Palette
The Coffee Palette contains nine eyeshadows for $25, with four mattes, two satins, and three metallics. Overall the shades lean warm, perform well, and effortlessly work together to create a wide variety of looks without the need to bring in any other shadows from outside the palette. Although it doesn’t contain a mirror, it has a magnetic closure and sturdy cardboard casing, making it the perfect travel palette.
Cold Brew, the silver shade on the bottom row in the middle, is a bit deceptive. Although at first glance it appears to be a cool-toned silver, it’s more of a dirty taupe thanks to brown undertones. My most used shade is Frappe, the rose gold in the middle of the palette. The metallics, like Frappe, can have some fallout thanks to the chunkier texture, but it’s nothing that can’t be remedied by dampening your brush. Otherwise, the powders are smooth, pigmented, and blend well.
Coffee Bronzer in Mocha
Mocha is the deeper of the two bronzer tones available for $20 each and has a satin finish. Although I am quite fair, I enjoyed using Mocha with my warmer-toned eye looks, which made it perfect to pair alongside the Coffee Palette. The powder is smooth, finely milled, and has a satin finish that makes this formula not only easy to apply but to blend as well. The compact contains a mirror as an added bonus.
Glazed Lips Donut Lip Gloss in Praline Glaze
The return of lip gloss places Winky Lux’s Glazed Lips Donut Lip Gloss in Praline Glaze amongst stiff competition. This gel-like formula has the slightest mid-tone pink tint with multi-colored micro-glitter sparkle. On bare lips, the sparkle is evenly distributed but barely perceptible unless seen in the right light at the right angle. It has a sweet, unidentifiable scent that is vaguely reminiscent of baked goods and an adorable white poodle stamp on the top of the wand. Overall, it gives the lips a healthy, glossy appearance without being sticky. I’d compare the formula to that of Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb or Pat McGrath’s new Lust:Gloss but slightly thicker.
My biggest complaint about this gloss is the wand. I have to dip back into the tube a couple of times per application to apply a healthy amount of gloss because the wand doesn’t pick up as much product as I’d prefer. I also suspect that it takes up quite a bit of space within the tube, as it only contains 0.07oz (2g) of gloss. In comparison, Fenty contains 0.30oz and Pat McGrath contains 0.15oz.
Creamy Dreamies Conditioning Lipstick in Leche
I was thrilled to finally get an opportunity to try Winky Lux’s widely loved lipstick formula. As the name implies, Leche ($14) has a very creamy, rich texture that can either be worn sheer or built up to full opacity. Being included in this collection, I might have assumed that the shade would be warmer to work cohesively with the rest of the products, but Leche is actually a deep mauve that leans purple. Their site describes it as a “flattering nude-brown”, but that isn’t wasn’t my experience with my fair skin tone. I would love to try other shades from this line, as the formula is so comfortable to wear. It has the same fragrance as the Glazed Lip Donut lip gloss mentioned above.
Overall, my first experience with Winky Lux products has been overwhelmingly positive. The thoughtful packaging design ensures that anything from this collection a great gift and the performance makes it worthy of keeping in your collection.
If you’ve tried anyting from Winky Lux, please tell me about it in the comments below! I’d love to hear what I’ve been missing out on.
