Lay on the Lippy! x
How much love is involved in the beauty of a vintage lipstick case? They exude the allure of times gone past with fleeting glimpses of decadent Hollywood glamour. Let alone that evocative smell that is like no other.
They speak of a time when the packaging on the outside was as precious as what went on inside.
I don’t have one – partly because I’m wary of investing in something that can’t be used, which would be heartbreaking.
But I’ve spotted these by Paul and Joe (also available at ASOS) – refillable lipstick cases – the cases are about £7 and the refills £14 and, whilst I applaud the concept, and as much as these are fun (great little present) it’s a bit like comparing cheap fizz with Veuve Cliquot.
Does anyone know – CAN vintage lipstick cases still be used? Does lipstick come in a universal size?? If so, I’d be one happy bunny!
Or maybe one of the big Cosmetic companies are still making proper, metal, swanky lipstick cases that can be refilled it’s just we rarely hear about them?
If they’re not – why aren’t they? They’d be little bits of every day heaven to treasure, with the joy of upgrading and swapping colours – or buying new cases! I’d buy in like a shot! – I really can’t think of anything chicer to have in my bag…
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 
Those are magical. I’d love one for my classic red.
That’s exactly what I want one for..the siren call of red! x
wow, gorgeous! each one is like a piece of art.
I can feel my magpie instincts hitting in big time! xxx
Beautiful & grown up. I still remember feeling like a proper grown up buying my first top tier lipstick.
Yes!! Mine was an Yves Saint Laurent in..surprise, surprise ..red! But now my favourite is my cheapest..definitely needs a case to disguise it!..is Kate Moss’s red..is fab but not pretty..sigh xxx
Mine was a Chanel with the push button secret. Hush – I’m currently on Maybelline:-0
We need to raise some funds for the pretties xx
I am intrigued!! push button secret???
Ah, always this conflict between enjoying a comfortable and natural look and wishing to be a sophisticated elegant lady who uses magical lipstick and even put it ostentatiously in public. Thanks for this post.
Not a fan of the pancake..but red lipstick is a bit of a love! I’ve even been known to wear it when running!! xxx
That´s great: running with red lipstick on! Just great.
Hehe!!..5k next week..will it last?! (will I?!) xxx
I have no idea about the answers to your questions but the old cases really are gorgeous. At some point, it must’ve been possible to refill them, I would think, since the cases were too nice to use and throw away. Hmmmm . . . i bet there’s info out there on the internet about this.
Here you go!
http://christinasbeautymark.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-put-your-new-lipstick-in-vintage.html
http://www.voluptuousvintagevixen.com/2013/05/how-to-refill-vintage-lipstick.html
Whoooooo hooooooo! THANK YOU! You are a star! I am so there!! In fact the minute I read them I went onto Etsy and found the gold croc box example above for £5! It is now MINE…I will photograph my attempts and let you know how the marriage goes! I can’t wait! xxx
This could be a great blog post! I hope it works–I didn’t really look very carefully at the details. Good luck–you’ll look so soignee!
I was just having this conversation the other day about why there aren’t refills for beautifully packaged beauty products. It’s such a waste. The Paul & Joe concept is spot on though the execution not quite all one hopes for….;) x
I’m completely with you..there was a company – could it even have been Mac? that did little palettes that you filled up with the colours you chose..seemed like the perfect combination because there’s always one colour you love to death and one you never like..this seems far more..sustainable? thoughtful? practical??! xxx
Yes you’re right….Inglot in Westfield do the palettes – i haven’t been in there in eons. I have never ever found a palette that i liked EVERY colour in so that could be the answer! xxx
I want one!!
I want a collection!! But I’ll start with just one……! xxx
Good question Kate! So good, I had to check it out… and, yes, they can! You need to put your new lipstick in the freezer for a couple of hours, then it will be easy to transfer to one of these gorgeous vintage cases! Good hunting! xxx
I’m so there..found one on Etsy..and next week is the Vintage car boot at the South Bank again..guess what I’ll be scouring for?! xxx
Wow i have to get one of those too,stunning.i like your post a lot.its captivating 🙂
Keep it coming.
I always think that the things we use everyday should be as beautiful as possible..and sometimes modern isn’t best!! xxx
Paul & Joe’s pretty cases are so ingenious yet I prefer the vintage golden ones which scream “Femme fatale” ! xxxxx
YES!! It’s that feeling of being a secret spy..a lady of mystery Oh lady of mystery! Have you got one?!! xxx
Alas no, because I never wear lipstick !!! xxxxx
These are beautiful! I heart.
They just knew how to make things then..I suppose with modern times the variety of colours became the thing and the case lost meaning..but the truth is, I only have a few lipsticks..but if they looked like this..I might get more!!! xxx
Ditto! 🙂
I heart!
I think I’d thread the last one onto a chain and wear it as a pendant…no?
Oh yes! An there are those lovely solid perfume pendants that estee lauder did…bet you the states is good for looking for this sort of thing… xxx
Beautiful – little works of art! I’ve often hovered over these and vintage mirrors on sites like Rubylane.com. There is a certain personality that seems to develop with these items over time. It’s not just that they’re pretty but that they have a story to tell (or many). Lovely post! Cortneybre…
http://cortneybre.com
They do..it’s like you’re now part of that mystery…would you be tempted to get one now knowing you could fill them yourself? xxx
I would! I saw you got one too and I can’t wait to see the pics….good luck transferring the lipstick….how indulgent to whip one of these babies out when applying your lips! 🙂 Cortneybre
It just makes so much sense! xxx
I would check out in a good cosmetics counter, try Liberty for example.
I have some of my grandmother and mother too, they look great on a dressing table. xx
Good thinking. I bet your ones look amazing – do you use them? xxx
No , but I have a small collection including some make up mirrors from the 50’s , one is full of pearls and golden leafs, it is from an late aunt who lived in the States. I do take the mirror when I go to the Opera for example.
I keep these little treasures for my daughters , to have something more intimate from the women of the family.
Enjoy the Spring weekend!
Oh how neat!! Very cool! I want one!
IveGotCake.wordpress.com
I’m now a girl on a mission! Did find one today..virtually identical to the square mock croc one..delighted! xxx
#jealous
!!!!
Love them!
They are cooooooooool! xxx
OMG YES! How amaze it would be to have one of those (when I say one I actually mean like, ten) in your handbag! Ugh, you seriously gave me a fashion orgasm right now. These NEED to make a comeback!
Hehe..Just proves that everything we buy should be splendid and beautiful..less is more when it’s pure class! xxx
Now there’s a great business idea! I’d buy one!
Utterly covetable! A trip to a vintage shop is never going to be the same again! xxx
Reblogged this on Luscious Looks……. and commented:
I loooovvvveeeee lipstick
Thank you! xxx
Certainly
I absolutely love vintage, you get points!!!!
Vintage will always hold a large portion of my heart! xxx
Oh my god, how beautiful! Time to buy one just to stare at…
I could quite happily be hypnotised with one of these! xxx