Underrated Beauty Line - Albeit by Anthropologie

It's a funny thing. You know it's a trap. Your mind is screaming it at you. 

But the bins lining the corralled-off aisle you're waiting to check out in are just full of so. many. pretty. things.

You were never going to beat this. You might as well browse.

As I did, with great abandon as I stood in line at Anthropologie last week! And oh my, what treasures I found - dewy, luminous blushes and lipsticks, highlighters, and more, all packaged beautifully. And the brand? Anthropologie's own, named Albeit. 

Albeit's brand description reads: 

'A Middle English term meaning "although it be," Albeit is devoted to everyday glamour and the belief that confidence is a woman's greatest accessory. Exclusive to Anthropologie, the line invokes the Art Deco style of the 1920s and 30s, with products inspired by the romance, elegance, functionality and modernity of that era.'

You can see the Art Deco influence in the packaging:

Albeit Cheek Stick, top two; Albeit Lipstick, bottom

           

The colors are vibrant but flattering, and the formulas I tried on are pigmented but easily sheered out - forgiving for those unused to cream formulas. I bought two of the line's offerings. The first is the Albeit Cheek Stick, $20 for .21 oz., which I purchased in two shades - Bare Rose and Nectar. The second is the Albeit Lipstick, $18 for .1 oz, which I bought in one shade - Claret.

Albeit Cheek Stick -

'This translucent gel stick will have you looking askance at your powder blush. Silicone powder allows for a soft application and a silky feel, while a luminous gel structure leaves your face dewy and flushed. Dab and blend for easy sculpting and instant touch-ups.'

• Nectar - 'an oh-so-flattering coral'
• Bare Rose - 'a medium-intensity pop of pink'

Albeit Lipstick - 

'Blended with moisturizing argan oil and antioxidant-rich vitamin E, this lightweight formula can be swiped on for a luminous splash of color, or layered for a high-impact pout.'

• Claret - 'a deep, caramel-toned rose'

See below for swatches and pictures!

Indoor natural light, no flash; L to R - Albeit Cheek Stick in Nectar, Albeit Cheek Stick in Bare Rose, Albeit Lipstick in Claret

Indoors, with flash; L to R - Albeit Cheek Stick in Nectar, Albeit Cheek Stick in Bare Rose, Albeit Lipstick in Claret

Wearing Albeit Cheek Stick in Nectar on cheeks and Albeit Lipstick in Claret on lips - 

Direct sunlight

Direct sunlight

Indoor, natural lighting

Wearing Albeit Cheek Stick in Bare Rose on both cheeks and lips -

Indoor, in sunlight (no flash)

Direct sunlight

Indoor with flash

Indoor with flash

Indoor no flash

Final thoughts -

The shades I tried all had a translucent quality about them. These are perfect for a healthy, dewy natural flush on the cheeks and lips, but I would not recommend these formulas if you're looking for something more high-impact in terms of pigment. 

I tried several other shades in the store, and while there were several lipstick shades that packed intense color, for the most part the line seems to tend more towards this translucent quality. Personally, I love this type of formula, so I've been wearing these cheek sticks and lipsticks almost daily. Although not swatched here, I also picked up a few of the deeper berry shades to try out as we transition into fall. 

This is very emollient in application, so I found myself dabbing, blending out, and then repeating to build up sheer layers of flush. Once applied in this way, the color lasted on me for an entire day of running errands in the Texas heat, only fading slightly. If you want this to last a little longer, and want to ensure there's no chance of makeup migration, I think you could easily set this with a little translucent powder without taking away the sheen.

Overall, I really loved this line! Anthropologie occasionally puts the Albeit line on sale, so be sure to keep an eye out for that. The mix of colors are so vibrant and lovely, and I think the shades tend to be universally flattering. 

Let me know if you've tried anything from the Albeit brand, if you plan to, and what your thoughts are!

- Taylor