The key word for this week on the blog has got to be “subtle”. Fitting the theme today is L’Oreal Colour Riche La Palette lip in Nude.

This was actually a surprise to me. Knowing how great L’Oreal Colour Riche lipsticks are in colour choices and pigmentation, I did not expect how subtle the colours in this palette are. You will see what I mean in a minute.

Technically, this La Pallet lip includes 5 “iconic” shades of nude that can be worn alone or layered for different colour effects, including ombre lips.

The packaging stays with the black/ gold theme of Colour Riche lipsticks. The palette is compact and thin enough to fit in your purse, includes a lip brush and a mirror under the lid for touch ups.

Normally I would not care much about the brush, but considering these are lipsticks, the brush is handy for mess-free application. And it is of decent quality, gets the job done.

The untouched surface of the lipsticks in the pan does look matte but turns glossy the moment the brush touches it. And that satin finish does transfer to the lip nicely without bleeding outside the lips and does not feel greasy. No scent detected either.

The colours fit the nude theme in the pans but swatch quite similarly, which is an unfortunate. I mean the Colour Riche line has so many colours to choose from, why pick some that are so close to each other?

These swatches are built up to show you the colours. Shades 3 and 4 are pretty much the same, and 5 is just slightly more brown than 2.

The only shade that is different enough is 1, and even then, it hardly makes a difference on my lips, colour wise. Because they all are lightweight and moisturizing on, these are great as toppers for a matte lip liner or lipstick.

I only recommend this Nude palette for those who need very subtle looks for work, or have naturally pink lips already and only if it is on sale – 0.15oz/ 4.2g for $20 vs. a single Colour Riche lipstick 0.13oz/ 3.6g, $11. Also available in Ruby with red toned shades.