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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Guerlain Rouge Automatique Lipstick: 160 Bal de Mai 163 Rose Bengale







I knew I was in trouble a couple of months ago when Guerlain released their Rouge Automatique lipsticks. The colors, the formula and the packaging were conspiring to make me want far too many of these little works of art. Eventually I managed to narrow it down a little, but there is more Rouge Automatique in my future. I chose two shades that are on the medium pink side and two brighter ones. Today we're talking about the more delicate colors: 160 Bal de Mai and 163 Rose Bengale.

160 Bal de Mai is the warmer of the two while 163 Rose Bengale is neutral-to-cool. Both are easy to wear and not overpowering while still giving the face a serious boost of color. Bal de Mai is supposed to have some kind of shimmer, but the formula of Rouge Automatique is so smooth and elegant that other than a slight sheen you don't see any particles in either one of the lipsticks.

These Guerlain lipsticks are smooth, creamy, give a full and long lasting coverage while being soft, comfortable and moisturizing. Rouge Automatique brings a much sought-after balance to the lipstick game: longevity and comfort are often at odds, but not in this case. Add to that the elegance of the art deco packaging: a cap-less case with a trap door that opens by sliding the square latch thing down. The result is a beautiful and luxurious product.

Bottom Line: a rock star among lipsticks.

Guerlain Rouge Automatique Lipsticks ($35 each) are available at the counters and from Sephora (not all shades are stocked everywhere, but 160 and 163 seem to be easy to find).

All photos are mine.

21 comments:

  1. Gaia,

    How would you compare these to the Chanel Coco Rouge?

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  2. Love this formula as well and the packaging is to die for. I can reapply with one hand!

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  3. @Natasha: so much smoother than Chanel RC!

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  4. Absolutely agree, these are among the best luxury lipsticks being made right now.

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  5. @Natasha personally i find them less drying and more of a gel texture as compared to coco rouge. I also have rose bengale and I love it, its a lovely raspberry pink with shimmer that brights but doesn't overwhelm.

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  6. 160 looks so warm on you! I agree the texture is divine. I only have the one, and I am very much looking forward to your review on the brighter colors.

    @Natasha, I agree with baby in a corner about the texture. The silkiness of Guerlain wears on for a long time and it leaves behind nice stain. I found the Chanel RCs to fade on me.

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  7. I picked up three of these recently when I was in Vietnam (160 Bal de Mai, 120 Coque D'Or, and 164 Chamade), even though I promised myself I wouldn't (my first Chamade Rouge Automatique broke in its tube within 24 hours of my buying it, because I tried to open the case whilst holding it the wrong way). I don't regret the purchase though, because I'm similarly smitten with Bal de Mai, which is a pinky nude on my lips. I much prefer formula on the Rouge Automatiques to Chanel Rouge Coco Shine - more coverage, beautiful colours, far greater longevity. I think Bal de Mai is very similar to the Sisley Phyto Lip Shines #4 Rosewood.

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  8. I had Rose de Mai and swapped it. Now I know why, I should have chosen #163 Rose Bengale! thanks for the review!

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  9. Natasha, as the others have said, RA is creamier and softer than Chanel. They have a different look and finish and I still like my Chanel, but it's more for the way Chanel does red pigment than for the formula.

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  10. N., yes, that one hand application is a nice perk. Also: no caps that snap off and get lost in my purse.

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  11. Xiao, thanks for chiming in! I'm thrilled to see so many Guerlain fans.

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  12. Dain, I think these lipsticks are the embodiment of the Guerlain mystique. Someone there has been paying attention.

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  13. BiaC, it's interesting because the shimmer is almost non-existent on me. Such a pretty color!

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  14. ZP, between my skin tone and my very rosy lips, lip color really changes on me. It can be very limiting, actually; too many colors I just can't wear.

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  15. Diana, I almost bought Chamade (might still, but there are also other colors I covet).

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  16. Cindy, there are so many great colors in this line it's really hard to choose (and requires some serious restraint).

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  17. I just purchased Fleur de Feu, a beautiful orange red (with the emphasis on orange...perfect for this season.) I, too, have been very impressed with the formula and intend to add to my collection soon.

    Thank you for the review!

    Shannon

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  18. My pleasure, Shannon. Literally ;) .

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  19. Gerlain has disconnected Rogue 163 which I am very disappointed. Do you know which lipstick is the closest to Rogue 163? Thank you so much! Mimi

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