I’ve tried quite a few items from Edward Bess’s luxury cosmetics line since it was launched at Bergdorf Goodman in 2007. My favorite treats from the line are still the Ultra Slick Lipsticks, which were his very first products. When I recently heard that some colors had been dropped from the line-up and some new ones had been added, I was nervous. Would I find anything to suit my taste and my coloring in the new selection?

Six new shades of Ultra Slick Lipstick and four new shades of Deep Shine Lip Gloss have joined the Bess collection. British Beauty Blogger has posted official photographs of all the new shades, which gave me an idea what to expect, but it’s always best to see the products in person if possible. On my last visit to Bergdorf, the new lip colors were being featured in the “archway” of the beauty level.

I tried on two or three shades and came home with Midnight Hour (17), a “neutral pink.” It really is neutral, without being beige or “nude”: it’s just a perfect balance of cool and warm in a medium pink/blush shade. For reference, I already own Rose Demure (14), a cool rose-petal pink; Midnight Hour is slightly warmer and just a touch deeper than Rose Demure. Since my skintone is a tricky combination of warm and cool (it occasionally puzzles some less-experienced makeup artists), I’m always happy to find shades that flatter my face rather than making me look ruddy (on one hand) or sallow (on the other).

Here’s a swatch on my arm, shot in sunlight. I’m not an expert swatch-photographer, but this picture should give a basic idea of Midnight Hour. You can also see that this lipstick, like all the Ultra Slicks, gives full coverage and a creamy finish even in one stroke. It feels mildly hydrating without being slippery or shiny, and it lasts well through normal wear.

And here’s another close-up, showing the angled tip of the “bullet.” The helpful sales associate at the Edward Bess counter suggested applying the lipstick first, then lipliner, then gloss to “seal” the whole look. Deep Shine Gloss in French Lace (a pale ballet-slipper pink) looked particularly pretty over Midnight Hour.

I also tried and loved Night Jasmine (21), which Gaia has just reviewed at The Non-Blonde (along with Roulette Rouge). I should have known that Edward wouldn’t let us down!

Edward Bess cosmetics are available at the Edward Bess website, Sephora online, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman, where you can reach the Edward Bess counter by phone at (212) 872-8826.

Images: Midnight! or The Fashionable Apartment (1920) by Georges Barbier via Allposters; all photographs by Tinsel Creation.

Disclaimer: I purchased this item at Bergdorf Goodman.