Giorgio Armani's newest lip color technology is encapsulated in the stunning red Rouge Ecstasy bullet. This new generation of lipsticks is finally arriving at counters, and it is the most expensive lipstick from the brand (priced at $34 USD each). The shea butter in the "Color and Care" formula claims to help strengthen and repair the lips. A couple testers were missing, but I did manage to swatch nearly every single color available in the line-up. Let's begin with the individual lip swatch and review of Androgino Beige 100, the neutral nude that stole my heart, after the jump!
The packaging is ultra luxurious, sleek and sexy. The red lacquer is cool to the touch and adds a va-va-voom factor to the signature Armani oval-ended magnetic bullet casings while the meticulously sculpted edge of the lipstick allows for precise application. Kaleidoscope pearls, or multi-faceted microshimmers, are infused smoothly into the formula. They boost the intensity and lustrous finish of all the lipstick colors.
The Rouge Ecstasy range applies like a thick, pigmented lip balm. The darker shades like the reds and plums will leave behind a pretty stain, fading evenly after food or drink. The consistency is more dense and not as creamy as I expected, but it is just creamy enough to glide across the lips without tugging. The Rouge Ecstasy formula performs best on freshly scrubbed/exfoliated lips. I like to apply directly from the bullet, then rub the color into my lips with a fingertip or lip brush for the smoothest finish possible.
LIPS: GA Rouge Ecstasy in Beige 100, layered for full-coverage color. All makeup worn can be found HERE! |
My lips were neglected and very dry the first time I tested Androgino, so I took it easy with a quick swipe across each lip. It yielded a thin yet pigmented veil of color. A couple hours into wear, I could actually feel and see the formula slough off the dead skin cells on my lips. Once I removed the color at the end of the day, I was left with completely exfoliated and supple lips. Incredible! Since that first wear, my lips have not flaked or peeled and have never looked better.
I admit I was hesitant since Androgino did not melt instantly into my lips the way Rouge d'Armani and Rouge Sheer d'Armani lipsticks do, but the Rouge Ecstasy's 'care' element of the formula is impressive. It is unlike any other lip balm or lipstick that I have ever encountered, and all the colors wear perfectly for 6 to 8 hours (yes, even the nudes). My sensitive lips are still prone to dryness, so I like to top Androgino with Giorgio Armani's Flash Lacquer in P107.
I admit I was hesitant since Androgino did not melt instantly into my lips the way Rouge d'Armani and Rouge Sheer d'Armani lipsticks do, but the Rouge Ecstasy's 'care' element of the formula is impressive. It is unlike any other lip balm or lipstick that I have ever encountered, and all the colors wear perfectly for 6 to 8 hours (yes, even the nudes). My sensitive lips are still prone to dryness, so I like to top Androgino with Giorgio Armani's Flash Lacquer in P107.
SWATCHES
BEIGES: Incognito has a strong pinky-peach lean, so I may go back for it. Ambiguous was the most moisturizing in feel. These five are far more opaque/pigmented and longer lasting than most other nude designer lipsticks.
BEIGES: Incognito has a strong pinky-peach lean, so I may go back for it. Ambiguous was the most moisturizing in feel. These five are far more opaque/pigmented and longer lasting than most other nude designer lipsticks.
BROWNS: These were softer and more feminine than I had anticipated. Milano applied the most evenly, while Mineral gave me the toughest time. The pigmentation of these rivals the reds.
CORALS: I was surprised to see how bright these were. Pop is nearly neon in natural light. Dragee 303, a very pale peach, was accidentally swatched between 301 and 302. Tokyo was my favorite Coral shade.
REDS and PLUMS: The reds and plums are, as expected, the most pigmented. They are also the most moisturizing and glossy in finish.
Note: Night Viper was the worst applying of all the lipsticks. I would steer clear of it.
Note: Night Viper was the worst applying of all the lipsticks. I would steer clear of it.
PINKS: Despite the balmy texture, each of these pink shades is unique. As with all the other Rouge Ecstasy lipsticks, each of these can be layered for fully opaque, true-to-tube color.
Correction: Blush is Pink 506 (NOT P505 as listed below.. Orchid P505 was one of the missing testers).
Correction: Blush is Pink 506 (NOT P505 as listed below.. Orchid P505 was one of the missing testers).
Giorgio Armani has created a color lover's paradise, but the formula of some of the paler shades like Beige 100 and Coral 303 could have been a touch more hydrating. The Rouge Ecstasy lipsticks are lightweight but last a good 6 to 8 hours, making them no-brainer options for low maintenance beauty fiends. The pigment is simply too good to ignore. Again, exfoliate first and top with the Flash Lacquer lip glosses for best results.
Now available online at Giorgio Armani Beauty, Bloomingdale's, and Nordstrom.
Bottom Line: This extraordinary Rouge Ecstasy CC lipstick formula is versatile in performance as well as pigment, making it totally worth the $34 splurge!
Now available online at Giorgio Armani Beauty, Bloomingdale's, and Nordstrom.
Bottom Line: This extraordinary Rouge Ecstasy CC lipstick formula is versatile in performance as well as pigment, making it totally worth the $34 splurge!
This lip formula looks intriguing. Thank you for the color swatches... quite a few colors caught my eye.
ReplyDeleteWould you happen to know if the Armani nail lacquers, 18-colors for Fall 2013, will be sold in the US? I have seen some online features indicating that they were being released internationally in September 2013, but no direct mention of availability in the US.
Thanks so much!
Liz
wow! They are so amazing! I love a few colors <3
ReplyDeleteEeeeekkkk Rae what are you doing to me!!!! xxx
ReplyDeleteThe tokyo one looks AMAZING!!
ReplyDeleteGreat swatches Rae. What an awesome range of shades. I'm loving the look of boudoir and lotus. I say it all the time but I am so jealous of the US pricing for cosmetics!
ReplyDeleteOoh, I can't wait to check these out! Do you know how the formula compares to Guerlain Rouge Automatique or Chantecaille Lip Chic? I find both of those very moisturizing, too :) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThey glide on smoother than any of my Guerlain RAs!
DeleteHoly crapola, you are kind of awesome to swatch all of these for us. : )
ReplyDeleteThank you for appreciating it!
DeleteDid you swatch them at the Cerritos Center? I'd like to test them out in person before buying...so just wondering if they are already at that store...
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!! Your swatches are beautiful!!! I already have a few faves picked out.
Yes, but all Armani counters have received their shipments! Have fun shopping :)
DeleteI have ordered 508 which is supposed to be here tomorrow I think and I'm a bit worried if it will be the coloring I was looking for. Basically I wanted to match my sheer blush #10 which as you know is a beautiful nude pink with gold flecks in it. I'm very fair and usually go for pinkish nude (sometimes with a mauve lean) colors like Dior Nude Lip Blush in Grege or Lancome Rouge in Love Lasting Kiss or even Delicate Lace. With that said, I'm now wondering if I should order something like #104 Skin as a better match or do you think that I made the right choice?
ReplyDeleteYes, 10 is a beautiful blush. 508 is much more pink than Lancome's Delicate Lace.. if so, you might prefer 104, but the Beiges are much more nude against the lips than against an arm like in the swatches here! I hope your order worked out :)
DeleteThis Post is so helpful. Thanks so much. I will still wait until i can go to the Counter and check these out in person but even at the counter seeing all the shades swatched like this makes it so much easier to decide which one to try first! :-)
ReplyDeleteGlad you like it! It definitely helps to narrow down which ones to examine more closely at the counter.. I still have to go back and pick up Tokyo! Have fun :)
Deletewow! is this a sponsored blog post? or you purchased it all by your own? :-)
ReplyDeleteNot sure why you'd ask that.. I clearly swatched the lipstick testers at a Giorgio Armani counter and purchased the Beige 100 myself!
DeleteThe colors are gorgeous. I went to sephora last night but couldnt head to the counter bcuz i was in a rush. Will check these out.
ReplyDeleteI like that they have multiple browns! Do you think Cashmere would make a nice nude for someone who wears New Guinea in NARS (that's about a 50 or 60 in Dior or closest match in MAC is NW43)?
ReplyDelete