One of the first full press kits I ever received was from Versace Make Up. I have yet to fish it out, but I will in due course, but it was SO stunning I couldn’t actually believe that this was how brands presented their products to the press. Press kits still can have the ability to wow but these days I’m more used to a couple of lipsticks shoved in an envelope and no release or information at all :-). There’s nothing more lacklustre than loose make-up that’s been a bit bashed on its journey but I can see why ‘kits’ are more limited now – they cost a fortune to produce and we have more of an eye on sustainability .. and of course, with the onset of social media, so many people to send out to.
Surprisingly, Versace Make Up didn’t last very long at all – it started in 1998 and ended in 2009. I used to pass the stand in department stores (perhaps Debenhams) and they just looked so shiny and glamorous but perhaps it was just too expensive at the time and didn’t earn its keep on the shop floors – the usual reason for discontinuation. As you can see, it has the classic Medusa head that’s the brand emblem on the lid in a raised relief.
Inside, the blush is very, er, pink! It’s such an uncomplicated colour – almost a bit neon – and weirdly, for such a creative brand, there is no shade name, just a number: V2008-M. All the blush shades started with V200. On the front of the packaging under the product description ‘Compact Blush’ it says ‘tested in a dermatologist’s clinic’ which is the most bizarre way NOT to say that it’s dermatologically tested. On the plus, it’s fragrance free!
As the compact opens out, it reveals a top layer to hold the brush as well as a mirror.
On USA eBay a used compact is around $20, but unused it seems they fetch around $70. Of all the discontinued beauty ranges, this is the one I wish would come back the most.
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11 comments
Oh yes, how very glam was Versace makeup. The blusher is stunning. So gorgeous and OTT. I agree on the names of the products… where were Medusa, Gianni, Donatella, palazzo etc ..I bought a very pink lipgloss. It was a wow colour!
I used to wear the mega tuberosey Blonde scent. It was big and very long lasting. Really wish they’d bring it back. The current scents aren’t quite there for me and whilst some of the ads are a hommage to the Avedon (I think) era they are a bit meh. I am going to see if I can find my Versace Jeans mini perfumes later today and have a nostalgic scent journey.
Remember Swedish hunk Marcus Schenkenberg wearing just a tie 😉 in those ads.
I wonder what’s next out of the BBB vault. Thank you for these posts Jane. It takes me back to maybe kinder times and just a little less of everything. xxx
I DO remember that tie – well, perhaps not the detail of the tie due to other distractions :-)))))
And I am sure there was a Sylvester Stallone one too (ad I mean). Not sure if it featured a tie 😀
Oh my gosh, I COVETED Versace makeup. The nearest counter for a long time was seven hours from me and it was far outside my teenaged budget. I did finally get a lipstick – it had a funky but not totally unpleasant herbal flavor (was it anise?). It was so wonderful.
Ah that’s nice to know that you got one eventually!
Harvey Nichs sold this in Leeds. My friend bought the compact, which she bought as the products were reduced in 2009 – you are right, they were expensive. I wonder if she still has it? I remember buying a reduced Aucoin metal eyelash comb the same day. I know she used it as I recall admiring the translucent Medusa many times. Wow, that decade sped by. It seems more like 5 or 6 years ago, not a decade.
I know.. time has flown! I love the idea of a metal lash comb Sue.
They are the best – Tweezerman do one at present if you fancy getting one. Otherwise a nit comb makes a good lash comb lol
I’ll take a look!
I had the compact containing powder foundation back in the day, and was crushed when I dropped it and it smashed both foundation and the hinge.
oh no!