Bobbi Brown Fall 2012 Collection: Desert Twilight | Review & Swatches

“Inspired by Desert Light. Sun-swept nudes and pinks evoke a beautiful late Summer glow.” – Bobbi Brown

Collection Includes (Limited Edition ): Desert Twilight Eye Palette ($60), Bronzer/Blush Duo in Bahama Brown/Pink Peony ($36), Lip Gloss in Evening Rose ($23), Creamy Color for Lips & Cheeks in Pink Truffle and Honeyed Tea ($20), Nail Polish in Twilight and Turquoise ($22), Desert Twilight Mini Brush Set ($55), Shimmer Lip Gloss in Pink Sunset and Twilight ($23).

New Shade Introductions: Lip Gloss in Honeysuckle ($23), Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Twilight Night Shimmer Ink ($22), Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Blue Moon ($24).

QUICK COLLECTION REVIEW: These lovely tawny-pinkish nudes work wonderfully with sunkissed skin tones, while unexpected bolts of blue lend an interesting twist.

I spotted Desert Twilight (Fall 2012) on the Nordstrom website while searching for “What’s NEW!” and immediately fell in love with the buff, tawny tones and playful blue nail polish and shadow. While I’m sure I could recreate the shades with colors I already own, the Desert Twilight Eye Palette ($60) was a must-have and one of the prettiest combinations of matte nudes (Navajo, Cement and Chocolate Mauve can be used to create a simple nude eye) and shimmery buff tones that can be used to enhance or alone for a simple Summer eye. Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Twilight Night Shimmer ($22) is a unique black plum gold infused shade that enhances any eye color and is the perfect partner for the eye palette.

TIP: Chocolate Mauve can be used wet as liner or to create a smokey eye, while Cement makes a great neutral brow color.

Bobbi Brown Creamy Color for Lips & Cheeks in Honeyed Tea has a texture similar to Bobbi’s Pot Rouge and works well as a sheer cream blush or lip color that has just enough punch to avoid looking drab. Top lips with Bobbi Brown Shimmer Lip Gloss in Twilight ($23) for a touch of depth and shimmer.

WHAT I LEFT BEHIND: While I loved the nail colors, Twilight looks very close to NARS Tokaido Express (blackened amethyst with gold) and Turquoise was similar to Sally Hansen Blue Me Away!. I’m not a fan of bronzer/blush combinations – so the Bahama Brown/Pink Peony was a hard sell. I also like bronzers that are a bit more golden vs. brown – although Pink Peony would make a pretty pop of color on the cheeks with the otherwise muted palette.

The Desert Twilight Mini Brush Set ($55) did get an “ooh” with its metallic gold case and turquoise interior, but since I don’t do a lot of travel or on the go touch ups (that’s another story altogether) I couldn’t justify the purchase. However, if your GPS travels far out of your comfort zone – its incredibly cute and a useful, versatile collection of brushes.

Do I really need to say anything about the Lip Gloss? I wanted them ALL – they are simply gorgeous nude based shades. I will eventually purchase Honeysuckle (I love this shade in the Creamy Lip Color) but since its a new shade, not a limited one, I simply put it on my list.

the FINAL ROAR!: While nudes can be boring, Bobbi Brown’s Fall 2012 Collection: Desert Twilight manages to overcome the monotony by carefully infusing each limited shade with enough depth and character to keep it fresh and interesting. Unexpected pops of blue and plum add contrast

SWATCHES (TOP/BOTTOM, L-R): Desert Twilight Eye Palette – Navajo Eye Shadow (creamy pinkish white), Twilight Metallic Eye Shadow (pink bronze), Pink Dusk Metallic Eye Shadow (pink bronze mauve), Water Color Pink Sparkle Eye Shadow (silver baby pink), Twilight Pink Metallic Eye Shadow (pale nude pink), Cement Eye Shadow (grey beige), Dusk Sparkle Eye Shadow (silver heather pink), Chocolate Mauve Eye Shadow (black chocolate plum). Long Wear Gel Eye Liner in Twilight Night Shimmer Ink, Shimmer Lip Gloss in Twilight, Creamy Color for Lips & Cheeks in Honeyed Tea.

(Photos in artificial light one medium/tan skin tone L-R): Shimmer Lip Gloss in Twilight, Desert Twilight Eye Palette (Navajo on brow bone, Twilight on upper lid and lower lash line, Cement on brow and crease) with Long Wear Gel Eye Liner in Twilight Night Shimmer Ink, Creamy Color for Lips and Cheeks in Honeyed Tea.