the Calvin Klein cosmetics catalog)
In the beauty world, Calvin Klein is known for some timeless fragrances. But I will always remember the time when their makeup and skincare line was available in department stores.
The packaging, silvery and transparent, is minimal, sleek, and classic, which is consistent with the Calvin Klein style in fashion. Even though I do tend to favor ornate packaging (like Anna Sui and Paul & Joe), minimal packaging, when done well, is just as exquisite.
The colors seem very neutral, grown-up, and sophisticated (in the Bobbi-Brown kind of way, I suppose). No garish colors or ones that are too experimental. I used to think the colors were too mature. But that was many years ago (and time has certainly passed…).
Once in a while, when I sort out my cosmetics catalogs, I’d glance through these pages and wish I could still see the products in shops.
I know that some of these are still available on-line. But the line was discontinued several years ago and I can’t help but be concerned about the stock quality. My wild dream, though, would be for Calvin Klein to re-launch the whole cosmetics line!
If you have used any product from Calvin Klein cosmetics (makeup or skincare) before, please do drop a line and let me know about it.
More posts in the “Bring It Back!” series to come!
Edited on June 3, 2007:
First of all, thank all of you who left comments on this post. Also, it seems that Calvin Klein is indeed launching a new cosmetics line very soon. Read about it here. (My personal thanks go to Jeffrey, who wrote this post and brought my attention to it.) Although I personally think the packaging is not as good as it was, let’s hope that the quality stays the same!
Edited on September 27, 2007:
The new Calvin Klein cosmetics line has been launched in Hong Kong. Read about it and see photos here!
{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
I totally agree! I LOVED this line…. why? why? why? Bring it back Mr. Klein!
Hello Elke!
Thank you for stopping by.
Maybe we beauty bloggers should unite and use our magic power to reverse the flow of time on this one…
By the way, I am seriously considering to get the Japonesque Bamboo Blush Brush!!
I had practically the whole line! Skincare, foundation, powder, eyes, etc. I loved everything about these products. I’ve heard through the grapevine that they might be starting up again. Hmmm
There was a fabulous moisturizer and the absolute best tube cream eyeshadows. I bought a bunch on ebay a while back, but they got old. I hope they bring the whole line back.
Hello Mimi,
So you are a Calvin Klein cosmetics lover! Great to hear from you. I definitely hope they bring the line back, and, if they ever decide to do so, I hope they don’t change the brand image too much…
Hmmm…another CK lover…Maybe we should start up a petition. Anyone interested?
Greetings PJ,
I believe they are planning on bringing the line back. I am a member of CEW and on their job post they are looking for a CK beauty line planner/marketer – whatever – to start up a cosmetic line. (hope it’s as good as it was) It looks like we may not need a petition.
OK-let me rewind. CEW’s job post says they are launching the beauty line in the fall of this year. Hang on to your brushes ladies and get your credit cards ready!
Hello Mimi again,
It’s absolutely fantastic. But, just like you said, it simply has to be as great as it was! Let’s hope so!
In the meantime, I will (try to) remain calm until I see the first glimpse of the new line.
Thank you very much for the information!!
hehe, I was lucky enough to have the slim lipstick, eye wash and brow gel (very pioneering at that time), and keeping all of them ! ! ! Packaging wise they are attractive. As for the quality, I would say so-so.
~taj
i’ve never tried it but i have heard some good stuff about it
i heard they will be bringing back the line don’t remember where i heard it from but i’m sure i’ll find out from your blog when it does :)
Hello Taj,
Thanks for dropping by.
The packaging of the slim lipstick and the eye wash does indeed look very chic. I also remember testing them at the counter…why didn’t I get them?!
Hello Lyn,
You bet. I will definitely let everyone know if it does come back. But do please drop a line here again if you hear it first from somewhere else later on!
Hello PJ,
I am new here and wanted to start my journey by saying “Hi” to you.
I have a beauty blog which is covering maximum beauty topics …whenever you get time please visit and let me know what you think about it…your feed back is always welcome…thank you…
Skin Care Beauty Zone
Hello there,
Thank you for dropping a line here, and a big “Hi” to you too!
You have loads of information on your site. I am going to have a good read of it!
Yes, I think there was a really pretty lipstick called “iris”? Maybe? Well, I used to love checking this stuff out when I was at Nordie’s…
Oh wow…I Loved this line!!! I bought many things, and still have a silvery/tan suede rectangular blush compact with the most wonderful neutral blush :)
I adored the kits you could get – black for night, tan/siler? for day? I went thru so many of those!
…omg, or maybe I was confused…did Ralph Lauren also have a line at one time…ooooppps….It was his line I adored..rats, sorry
Hello Sarah,
Thanks for stopping by and adding to all the comments.
Somebody left me a message mentioning a lipstick color called “Raisin” and now we have “Iris”. Any more favorite?
Hello Lindaleigh,
That’s fine! At one point Ralph Lauren did have some makeup products (attached to the fragrance range) but I don’t think there was a full line at any time. The packaging was a little similar so maybe that was why you were confused…
I found the most perfext powder blucher from the range and i am devastated I cant get it now, it was in a small silver compact ina burnt cinamon. I have been trawling sites trying to get it… is it available anywhere! desperate. UK Liverpool
Hello,
Thank you for stopping by!!
Are you familiar with Strawberry Net? They carry some items from Calvin Klein Cosmetics:
uk.strawberrynet.com
But at the moment, they don’t seem to have what you are looking for. But their stock changes from time to time so it might be worth checking back.
Also, I recently went to Nottingham and was surprised to find many Calvin Klein makeup items in a discount cosmetics shop (called Face & Body Value) in Broadmarsh Shopping Centre (quite close to Nottingham railway station). The quality seemed decent and I actually picked up an eyeshadow. The Broadmarsh website:
westfield.com/broadmarsh
Since you have obviously done some research, do let me know if there are other shops or on-line shops that carry Calvin Klein Cosmetics. I’d be very interested to know!!
Thank you again for stopping by. Good luck with your search, and let me know how you get on.
This line is awsome I wish they had never discontinued it!! I found some at a local T.J. Maxx store " Fresh Start " kits and bronze sets. Kind of worried theat they may run out or I never find the products again. I have stocked up.Fan of cocealer,powder and bronzer.To the point of not leaving the house without wearing!!
Hi,
I am not sure if you are referring to the CK makeup line I mentioned in this post or the re-launch line. Unfortunately, it appears that the re-launch line has been discontinued as well. It is a real shame.
Thank you very much for your comment! :)