A Quick Look at D & G Mandorla…Yet Another Nude in the Line Up

Above: Dolce and Gabbana lip color is enshrined in a square metal gold case.

When Dolce and Gabbana debuted a beauty line a couple years ago, I was thrilled…the luxe gold packaging, wide range of shades and exclusivity fueled my pursuit of D & G foundation, lipgloss and eyeliner a plenty.  Recently, I picked up the Classic Cream Lipstick in Mandorla, a creamy nude pink (surprise!) that has pleasantly exceeded my expectations.

Retailing for $32, Mandorla, as well as the rest of the Dolce and Gabbana line, can now be purchased online at Sephora, which is where I purchased mine.  I couldn’t find the full list of ingredients anywhere online so I have typed them up (directly from the box) for your convenience (phew!):

Ingredients:
Octyldodecanol, polybutene, diisosteryl malate, polythylene, hydrogenated C6-20 Polyolefin, cera microcristallina/microcrystalline wax, caprylic/capric triglyceride, stearalkonium bentonite, mica, propylene carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, phenoxyethanol, parfum/fragrance, alpha-isomethyl ionone, benzyl benzoate, hydroxycitronellal, aqua/water, lauryl methacrylate/glycol dimethcrylate crosspolymer, glycerin, dicaprylyl ether, titanium dioxide, pisum sativum (pea) extract, algae extract, cassia angustifolia seed, polysaccharide, gellan gum, wxanthan gum, polyglyceryl-2 dipolyhydroxysterate, sorbic acid, sodium citrate.  May contain: Iron oxides, carmine, red 6 lake, red 7 lake, red 30 lake, red 28 lake, yellow 5 lake, yellow 6 lake, blue 1 lake.

Above: As is the case with all Dolce and Gabbana lipsticks, the bullet is embossed with a very chic DG insignia. 

Here is the official word from Sephora on this lipstick…

A cream lipstick for sublimely sensual lips. 

What it does:
The Classic Cream Lipstick’s luxurious formulation provides bold color that is both provocative and disarming. With smoothness that exudes sensuality, this truly sublime lipstick glides along the lips with a moisturizing, color-consistent application. Each shade is as rich and passionate as it is feminine. 

What else you need to know:
“Apply lip color then blot with a tissue after application to help set the color. Then, reapply lipstick. The result is a significantly more intense color effect. It’s a great method to use when you want to draw attention to the lips.” —Pat McGrath, Global Creative Advisor



Above: Mandorla is actually a bit darker in the tube then when swatched on the skin or lips.

Mandorla is extremely pigmented.  It is has a perfect blend of beige and pink and gives full opacity with a single swipe.  For reference, it is lighter than LMdB San Tropez (to be reviewed soon!) and darker than Tom Ford Nude Vanille.  The texture is very creamy, but it feels a bit matte upon application.  I haven’t noticed any inordinate dehydration from this lip color, but it isn’t what I would deem excessively moisturizing either.  Overall, it is most comparable in moisture level to the Tom Ford lip color (which I happen to love).

It is lightly fragranced (it leans more floral than candy) and has a slightly sweet taste, which was a pleasant surprise.  This lipstick does not migrate and the wear time is 3-4 hours without need for application…both of these realities are a definite plus in my book!

Above: Note how Mandorla looks significantly darker in the tube  than when swatched on my wrist.  
Above: Mandorla alone on the lips…this is befitting shade for lighter beige skin–NC20/25–as mine is in the winter. 

Bottom Line: Dolce and Gabbana Mandorla is a perfect nude…the quintessential balance of peach, beige and pink, full coverage, long lasting and non-drying.  I wasn’t sure if there was room for another nude in my life (who was I kidding?) but Mandorla is a uniquely wonderful addition to my pale lip color stash.  Highly recommended!

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Comments (10)

  • Unknown Reply

    Can´t ever have to many nudes..obsessed!

    http://jezzdallasmakeup.blogspot.com/

    February 11, 2013 at 10:23 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Jezz,

      I am with you on that one!

      Hope all is well!!

      xo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      February 11, 2013 at 11:10 pm
  • Gummy @ Gummy Vision Reply

    Someday maybe you could post your entire nude lippy collection!! This one is a beautiful color on you 🙂

    February 12, 2013 at 2:57 am
  • The Beauty Professor Reply

    Hello Dear Gummy!

    Thanks so much for the sweet compliment and great idea…I think I could do that!!

    Hope your week is off to a good start…xo,

    –The Beauty Professor

    February 12, 2013 at 5:18 am
  • Unknown Reply

    This looks lovely! I have to try it out… I never managed to find a good nude. They all look like a concealer on me

    xx

    thebeautyresidence.blogspot.com

    February 12, 2013 at 6:23 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thank you, Zein! Nudes lipsticks are always a challenge…some are too pale, others to brown…I am really happy with the balance on this one!

      Can't wait to hear your thoughts once you try it!

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      February 13, 2013 at 12:44 am
  • Egle - MD VS Reply

    It's not easy to find a good nude lipstick, but this one looks great and reliable product 🙂

    February 17, 2013 at 10:37 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Absolutely, De Mons! This nude definitely fits the bill! What are some of your favorite nudes?

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      February 18, 2013 at 3:02 am
  • Unknown Reply

    i don't know if im going to buy MANDORLA, or the one in the monica collection,TRUE NUDE. are they very similar? it seems true nude has more pink in it? don't know. haven't seen any swatches. thanks for this, i was afraid mandorla was way too white,almost colorless, i was mistaken.

    July 10, 2013 at 9:11 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Christina,

      Thanks for your question…here is what I will say about Mandorla…as far as I can tell, it is a slight bit darker than the images I have seen of True Monica and Nude Monica (mind you, I haven't seen them in person…just in swatches on the web). Mandorla is a peachy beige nude (rather than the light pink tones of True Monica) so it will just come down to what undertone you desire: peach or pink!

      I hope that helps…xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      July 11, 2013 at 2:02 am

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