Is it ridiculous that I want to have this in my purse just because of the incredibly cool, city chic case? Whoever said looks don’t matter obviously hasn’t laid eyes on this one…

In all fairness, I’ve been dying to get my hands on this lipstick, as I always have an insatiable curiosity to find out how the cosmetic products of design houses stack up to their counterparts.

Tell me, what are your favorite “designer” cosmetic products?

Burberry Lip Cover Soft Satin Lipstick is available in 21 colors from Nordstrom for $30 each.

By: Monica Leitner

I don’t think a more divine lip color exists in all the world. Seriously.

To be fair, I was a little cautious when applying this one for the first time: in the tube, the color looked as though it skewed a bit too coral for my tastes, but undeterred, I pressed on in the name of beauty research. And it’s a VERY good thing I did!

The color itself is insanely gorgeous and gives my lips that slightly toasted color they turn after a few hours spent in the sun. On the CHANEL website the color is listed in the beige category, but this is definitely not as neutral as they make it sound.

The formula is impeccable – completely fragrance-free and silky smooth, it’s nearly imperceptible on, boasting long wear and lending just enough shine to keep my lips from looking flat. This one is an absolute MUST for me!

CHANEL Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Colour is available in 31 shades and can be purchased online at CHANEL.com for $30.00.

CHANEL Rouge Allure Lacque is a luminous satin lip lacquer that applies like a gloss but imparts a creamy formula with full coverage color.

This collection first launched in Europe, along with CHANEL Dragon Nail Lacquer as part of the Rouge Allure Lacque collection that is now available here in the U.S.

I was dying to get my hands on Dragon, a deep red that’s neither too orange or too blue, but I also got Santal (nude) and Mandarin (rose):

The formula is long-lasting and doesn’t dry my lips out, but the most impressive thing about Rouge Allure Lacque is the intense color payoff.

“To say the color is opaque would be an understatement,” says Makeup Bag intern, Monica. “The red color was beyond dramatic but truly beautiful. The formula is neither glossy nor dry, but nevertheless wore comfortably and well for hours.”

Rouge Allure Lacque comes in eight gorgeous shades:

• Coromandel
• Imperial
• Dynastie
• Dragon
• Ming
• Santal
• Phoenix
• Mandarin

CHANEL Rouge Allure Lacque is currently available online at Chanel.com.

Back in April I told you about the Prescriptives Summer 2009 Color Collection: Exhilarating.

My favorite products of the collection are the Exhilarating Lip Glosses. They’re guava flavored and come in three flattering shades: Mango, Pink Grapefruit and Guava.

Makeup Bag intern Monica tried the Papaya Exhilarating Lipcolor and was pleasantly surprised with its shine and shimmer:

“I’ll admit I approached this lipstick with a bit of trepidation (read: fear!), as it looked like a relatively loud coral in the tube. I am relieved to share that the color is indeed coral, but also surprisingly wearable. What I was afraid would look orangey turned out to be a true, warm coral with enough pink to counteract any possible ruddiness. The consistency was excellent, offering extremely comfortable wear and soft shine and just a hint of shimmer. So pretty for summer!”

I also have been wearing the Limited-Edition Calyx Sheer Exhilaration nearly every day here in Hawaii. The fruity scent is light and refreshing, a perfect complement to the humid Hawaiian air.

Check out the entire Prescriptives Summer 2009 Color Collection at prescriptives.com.