The satisfaction of a most wanted acquired: Estee Lauder's Crystal Baby is mine! (+ a dupe?!)

I was seriously beaming when I purchased Estee Lauder's Crystal Baby finally. Beaming, walking through the mall. I should probably be embarrassed about this fact. But I'm not.

Crystal Baby has been on my most wanted list for a really long time. My local Estee Lauder counter didn't carry it, and any other counters I visited never had the tester, so I just assumed they never carried it. When I arrived at The Bay in Toronto, they ALSO didn't have the tester, but I asked anyway, just in case they had it. And they did. Apparently the tester was stolen. Go figure. So anyway, I was a happy camper when I finally got my hands on this baby!

I've always been a fan of Estee Lauder packaging - a base that shows the color of the lipstick and a sturdy gold case. Love.

Here is the lipstick swatched on my hand.

And on my lips.

The texture of this lipstick is amazing. Soft but not slippery and lightweight but still pigmented. I think it's the best type of color for an every day brown smokey eye (which I wear often). However, this lip color is so neutral, it basically works with anything, even brighter looks.

Here are some comparison pictures:

From left to right: Marcelle Rouge Xpression in Sincerity, MAC Hue, MAC Creme Cup, Estee Lauder Crystal Baby, Estee Lauder Crystal Rose.

Notice any similarities?

Marcelle in Sincerity left, Estee Lauder Crystal Baby on the right.

Marcelle's Xpression Rouge Creme in Sincerity is almost the same as Estee Lauder's Crystal Baby. They also have the same texture and moisturizing feel. I'd say Sincerity is a tiny little smidge pinker than Crystal Baby. But that's unnoticeable on the lips. If you don't want to shell out for an expensive lipstick, Marcelle is a great alternative. And at a $20 + price difference, I'd suggest going with the Marcelle option.

Overall, I'm very happy with my purchase. Estee Lauder rarely disappoints me in its products, and this is no exception. Now if I could only get my hands on the Violet Underground palette, I'll be happy.

Do you have a go-to, foolproof lipstick?