Messy Wands has already discussed this topic in detail and I pretty much echo her sentiments. I would still like to stick to collecting the kaleidoscopes and I’m entering this “hobby” knowing full well that I will encounter dupes. Having said that, I will be very very sad and disappointed if they release an exclusive, limited edition kaleidoscope that is made up of entirely dupes. Now that’s a different story. *crossing fingers*
Anyway…somebody asked me on Facebook if I found dupes on the newly released Neiman Marcus Northbrook exclusive (therefore limited edition) Oak St. Beach Kaleidoscope. That question triggered this post. As of this post, I own 12 eye, 2 combo, 1 blush and 1 lip kaleidoscope. I am not an expert nor a professional anything (that is remotely related to beauty). What I can do is take pictures and swatches and compare them to the best of my ability. Okay, enough talking, here goes…
comparing first shade on Oak St. Beach
from left to right: Le Cirque, Oak St. Beach, Penelope
This shade on the OST and Penelope k-scope is very similar. The one on Le Cirque is more pink.
from left to right: Le Cirque, Oak St. Beach, Penelope
comparing second shade on Oak St. Beach
from left to right: Le Cirque, Oak St. Beach, Shades of Short Hills
This shade on the OSB and SSH k-scope are very similar. The one on Le Cirque is a just a touch pink-er (I mean, just a teeny tiny bit pinker). At first glance all three are similar.
from left to right: Le Cirque, Oak St. Beach, Shades of Short Hills
comparing third shade on Oak St. Beach
from left to right: Golden Gate Girl, Oak St. Beach
This shade on both k-scope are exactly alike. It doesn’t exactly show that in this picture but I can say with certainty that these two are the same.
from left to right: Golden Gate Girl, Oak St. Beach
lastly, the bottom shade
from left to right: Penelope, Splendid Frost, Oak St. Beach, On The Coast
These shades are all different as you can tell. After all these, I am still in love with that beautiful jeweled teal from the Oak St. Beach Kaleidoscope.
from left to right: Penelope, Splendid Frost, Oak St. Beach, On The Coast
Being a “researcher” by heart, I couldn’t help but “investigate” when asked such a question. Having done this has made me sad. I expect more from a company that produces beauty and skin care products of exceptional quality. I do hope that they take notice that a lot of people are noticing the dupes and mindful of these issues every time a new kaleidoscope comes out. Like I said, I would still like to continue to collect because I find joy in looking at all these beautiful colors. Just a little disheartened, is all 😦
My bottom line: That last shade was the deciding factor for me. I believe this is really a personal choice. One has to take note that this kaleidoscope is made with customers of Neiman Marcus Northbrook in mind. If you have lots of k-scope like myself, you might think twice about this purchase especially if money is an issue. If you’re new to the brand and looking for the right purchase, then this kaleidoscope is a perfect first purchase as an introduction to the brand.
To all looking for answers to the question “is there any dupes in this kaleidoscope?”, I hope you found the answer in this post.
Have a good day everyone!
xo, Emilie
Cogitation Project 
Reblogged this on nuts4pilinuts.
Emilie,
Thank you ever so much in doing these comparisons! I too am obsessed with LMDB and have amassed my own collection. However, with having more kaleidoscopes, comes the hesitation to buy if there are too many dupes. You have really helped me make conscious decisions if that particular scope is worthy of purchasing. Please keep up the great work-I value your opinions and of course swatches.
Thanks for the comparisons Emilie. I was thinking about this and I’ve got the first 3 shades covered already. That teal is really pretty, but I think not enough for me to buy this time. I’m looking forward to the Chauvet one, and also Dustin’s — so that should do it for now.
P.S. I was at Nordstrom this weekend and saw all the LMDB big guns there. I wish I had an appointment with Mikey, I was semi-heartbroken (heeh, but yes, seriously). I told him I read your blog 😀 and that you reco’d Spice over Silk Road based on one of your appointments with him. He said plum or lapis would also be good as a counterpoint over Silk Road. I hope he comes back, I will definitely book next time.
@spacemai – Something’s been bugging me for the longest time and now I know…I meant Innocence or Fire Lily over Silk Road. I am so sorry for that wrong info. Goodness me, I’ve been having Silver moments lately it’s not even funny.
@DEN & spacemai – thank you for taking time to read my blog. I’m very new at this and I’m risking a lot baring my chubby cheeks and all. I really appreciate the comments and questions. If you’re interested in the Cebu Lip Gloss, Neiman Marcus Northbrook reordered more so if you’re interested let me know and I can give you the deets on that.
Thanks, Emile! I actually ordered Cebu already-am excited to get it soon. Loved your post on it, too!
Yay! That’s great!
You’re great Emilie, I love reading your blog, got it bookmarked. I really appreciate the face of the day shots and the list of products. Plus of course, it’s great we have similar coloring I really get an idea of how the colors would work.
Yes! I am definitely interested in Cebu. 😀
I totally appreciate it. Thank you so so much. ☺
You can call Lisa Corsino (she’s the Filipina who created Cebu) or Kathy Shoreman at 703.761.1600 x3282
What is Cebu? Also, I hadn’t even heard about this exclusive… love it! In fact, I just placed one on hold.
Emily
Cebu is a city in the Philippines.
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