little white truths

It feels like ages since I've done a review of a makeup product. This is partly because I've had so many skincare items up for review, and partly because I've had issues getting decent shots of coloured products now that the weather's getting worse.

Happily I trawled through my draft posts this morning and came across some shots of this lipstick, which I'd completely forgotten about. Woot woot! We received it in Marie Claire's Autumn Edit of The Parcel (reviewed here), and I was super excited to see it because I'd never heard of Gilded Cage before and it's a not a lip product you can pick up in the chemist, which is normally the kind of makeup item we receive from Marie Claire (fingers crossed that's changing!).

Anyhoo. Looks pretty special, yes? I like the packaging, and I'm also pleased to see that Gilded Cage is an Australian brand because I do like supporting homegrown companies.

About Gilded Cage

Just briefly - in case you hadn't heard of Gilded Cage either - while the brand in Australian, the products are designed in Paris and made in Italy.

According to Gilded Cage's website: 'we felt it was really important not to aspire to a collection that distorts and conceals who you are. Instead our textures are formulated to highlight and reveal your natural beauty.'

Also, 'our suppliers have certified our formulations in compliance with strict EU cosmetic regulations, including certification for Not Tested on Animals and EU Good Manufacturing Practices... Our brand will continue to promote individuality and to not have to look like someone else. Our promise will be to nurture, highlight and promote the many ways a woman can be beautiful.'

Sounds good to me!

• Unleash the power of six moisture-rich natural actives in a soft, silky full colour-release creamy texture
• Contains a combination of synthetic waxes and a gelly base 
• Creates the ideal silky texture that glides into a weightless thin film of pure colour and extreme comfort
• Formulated with a synergy of an amino acid derivative, wild mango butter, water lily and orchid flower extracts for smoother lips
• A new and unique sugar-derived molecule works to create a 3-D structure to firm and lock in moisture over time for a smoother, softer lip surface
• Medium to high coverage shine
• Available in eight shades
• To use: apply directly to lips or with a lip brush for a more precise finish; use more or less product for your desired pigment 
• RRP $40 AUD for 3.5g

There's the bullet above and a swatch below, both shots taken in direct sunlight.


My bare lips for reference:


Wearing a light application, natural light:


Same shot, direct sunlight:




Same shot, taken indoors: