While we were in Italy, at home in Vancouver everyone seems to have fast-forwarded from summer patio parties right into the depths of fall. I returned from my trip and its exhilarating highs only to feel as though I'd fallen in a time warp. My surefire ways to snap into the spirit of things after two weeks away and a long flight home? Take a long shower and do a body scrub, followed by a pampering at-home skincare routine. Pick up a few decorative gourds and fresh blooms for the condo. And last but certainly not least, re-assess my makeup routine, switching from a minimal summer regimen that relies on a tan and glossy pink or coral lips to something more dramatic and polished. Luckily, samples of the newly launched Rouge Dior Liquid Lipstick ($43) landed on my beauty desk right before I departed on my trip. I can already tell they'll be a go-to as we head into a new season and I begin embracing all things autumn.
The formula—a combination of wax, moisturizing oils, and setting agents—boasts a lightweight texture and ultra-intense colour pigment payoff in a single swipe. It's long-lasting too (up to 12 hours of wear) and available in 29 shades and 3 finishes (matte, satin, and metallic). Creative and Image Director for Dior Makeup Peter Philips has said of this new launch: "It's a very interesting formula. The texture is so light, it really feels like you're applying a gloss, but watch out, because the result is powerful!"
If the packaging looks familiar to you, it's because it's very similar to the packaging on the Rouge Brillant lip gloss (which is still my fave lip gloss to date). The slim black tube is decorated by the slightest hint of silver cannage, while a see-through window shows off the shade. The sponge-tip applicator allows for precise application and lining; the design of the reservoir tip ensures any excess product sinks in there instead of winding up a goopy mess on your lips.
Swatched here, from top to bottom: 424 'Hypnotic Matte' (a matte nude pink), 979 'Poison Metal' (a vampy burgundy red with a statement-making metallic finish), and 427 'Delicate Satin' (a warm pink with a creamy lustre). What I like about all of these shades is that they aren't completely flat, which can be so harsh and unflattering on winter-pale complexions—even the matte shade isn't completely flat. They have depth and dimension and change according to the light, looking dramatic and opaque in some lights and taking on the subtlest sheen in others. 'Hynotic Matte' is a bit too pale and stark against my skin tone and makes me look ill, but 'Delicate Satin' is a lovely "my lips but better" pink. I'm saving 'Poison Metal' for my birthday dinner date night tomorrow.
So how does the formula hold up to all-day wear? Although Rouge Dior Liquid promises up to 12 hours of wear, I could only get about 4-5 hours out of a single application. There was a base layer of colour that set on my lips like a stain, but most of the product transferred onto napkins and coffee cups and the lip colour faded in intensity. However, what Rouge Dior Liquid lacks in staying power it makes up for in comfort. This is one of the most emollient liquid lipstick formulas I've ever tried and truly feels like a lip balm on, probably thanks to the wax and moisturizing oils. I don't mind re-applying every couple of hours for that! What's more, it's easy to apply, doesn't crack or settle into fine lines, and doesn't bleed or feather. Considering the traditional Rouge Dior lipstick is one of my favourite lipsticks of all time because it feels so great on, I shouldn't be surprised that Rouge Dior Liquid is just as comfortable for all-day wear.
Will you be trying Rouge Dior Liquid this season?
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