Besame Lipstick Review: Classic Color Collection In Cherry Red

After updating my makeup kit last week, I realized that I was lacking a deep, cherry-toned red lipstick. Sure, I have several red lipsticks ranging from bright pink-toned shades, vibrant tomato-infused hues to neutral tones. But I needed a rich, sultry cherry shade to make my collection complete! Besides, a darker red is just perfect for fall!

In the last couple of years, I have come to the conclusion that most, mainstream makeup brands (e.g. MAC, Revlon, Make Up For Ever, Chanel, Nars, etc) fall a bit short (some more than others) when it comes to retro red lipstick colors. Moreover, their textures tend to be too dry or too emollient, they fade quickly when worn, tend to bleed, and/or the pigmentation is not quite "right."

Now, please do not get me wrong, I ADORE MAC's "Russian Red" and Make Up For Ever's Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick in Satin #42 but I prefer a semi-matte finish paired with bright, intense pigment. With that said, I have discovered 'vintage red lipstick heaven' with Julie Hewett and Besame Cosmetics' lipsticks. Not only are their colors AMAZING, their comfortable semi-matte texture is unbeatable when it comes to comfort and longevity! Even their vintage-inspired gold lipstick packaging is to die for!

I have been contemplating buying Besame's Classic Color Lipstick in Cherry Red ($22.00 USD) for a while and last week, I finally did! My package arrived yesterday and I have been wearing my new lippie ever since! Cherry Red is the forth Besame Classic Color Lipstick I now own. I have Besame Red, Red Velvet, and Carmine.

http://www.besamecosmetics.com/products.cfm/Classic-Color-Lipstick/pID-15

Cherry Red is a deep, rich red with a deep cherry base. The color is really like a fresh plucked cherry.  Now, the first photo shows the lipstick in bullet form. I think my flash brightened the color because the actual color in person looks very similar to MAC's Dubonnet (a deep wine red). However, once the lipstick is applied, the color seems to come alive and looks lit from within! Here is a swatch on the back of my right hand:

Here is me wearing Cherry Red. The color pairs PERFECTLY with MACs lip pencil in Cherry:

I cannot say enough how much I love Besame lipstick! It is my favorite, hands-down! It lasts a long time on my lips (accept for drinking and eating) and the color fades evenly.

So, if you are in the hunt for the perfect 40s/50s red lipstick, give Besame Classic Color Lipsticks a try!

Lipstick Review: Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense #9

This is me wearing Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick #9 by Make Up For Ever. I am outside in my yard, fresh from a great workout at the gym (hence the reason I am wearing a t-shirt!) 

Typically, I wear just reds but lately I have been seeking out other shades like orange, coral, and pinks. I think my recent desire to 'change things up a bit' is due on part to the fast-approaching summer season. I have a few 50s playsuits and sundresses that will look great paired with different colors.

While I was in Las Vegas for VLV 14, I stayed at the Palazzo/Venetian. Inside this huge facility is a monstrous-sized Sephora! I often refer to Sephora as my "mothership!" Anyway, not only is this particular location big, it features an entire section featuring Make Up For Ever products. I have visited several Sephora stores that offer Make Up For Ever but never have I seen anything on this scale!

Nevertheless, I purchased the #9 Rouge Artist Intense lipstick ($19.00 USD) and a Smoky Lash Aqua (waterproof) Mascara  for $22.00 USD. (I will do a review on that next).

http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P268702&categoryId=B70

The #9 lipstick is a hot pink with a opalescent pearly sheen. In certain lighting, the #9 appears pink and in others, it takes on a lilac cast. In the above photo, I paired MAC's lip pencil in Magenta with this lipstick. However, Make Up For Ever's Aqua Lip Liner in 16C ($17 USD) is a perfect match for the #9.

This lipstick is very pigmented and feels comfortable on the lips. It is not drying nor is it too creamy. Moreover, the Rouge Artist Intense line of lipsticks (50 total colors in three finishes: matte, pearl, and satin) are very long-lasting. I can wear most colors 4 hours before needing to touch up.

Here is here #9 in the tube (albeit a vintage one I transferred it to):

(Sorry for the bare nails! Blech! I need to remedy that quick!)

Here is a swatch on my right hand:

And here is an up-close view of my lips:

As I stated before, in certain lighting, this lipstick takes on a lilac cast due to the opalescent pearly finish. In person, #9 looks fuchsia pink. I prefer my reds but when my outfit calls for blue-toned pink, #9 fits the bill beautifully.

So, vintage gals, do you ever wear shades other than reds? If so, which ones are in your collection?

Julie Hewett Lipstick "Rouge Noir" Review!

In early February, I visited my hometown of Richmond, Virginia for a few days. During my visit, I went to Carytown on a chilly afternoon. After buying a few vintage goodies at Bygones Vintage Clothing, I spotted Le Visage Makeup Studio and decided to check it out.
As some of you may know, I am a sucker for all things makeup, especially lipstick! Le Visage is a cosmetic boutique that specializes in small, niche brands like Julie Hewett Los Angeles. Julie Hewett was the head makeup artist for the film "Pearl Harbor." During production, Julie realized the modern lipstick shades in her kit were unable to adequately recreate the vibrant lipstick colors of the 1940s.  So, Julie created her own shades and thus, the Noir Collection was born! The Noir Collection ($22.50 USD each) contains five shades of highly-pigmented red tones ranging from burgundy, crimson, pink-red, warm red, coral red to frosty nude.

While browsing in the shop, I spotted the Julie Hewett display and I instantly fell in LOVE with Femme Noir (a pink-based red) and Rouge Noir (a warm-based red).  The vivid colors and the elegant gold tubes just screamed "vintage!" I tried on each and wanted to buy both of them! However, only the Femme Noir was available and the Rouge Noir was out of stock. I bought Femme Noir and was put on the wait list for the Rouge lipstick.

If you want to read my Femme Noir review, click here:

http://bettysvintagemusings.blogspot.com/2011/02/julie-hewett-lipstick-in-femme-noir.html

So, after waiting for over a month, Le Visage Makeup Studio called me last week to notify me that Rouge Noir was finally in stock! They mailed lipstick to me (and did not charge me addition for shipping) and it arrived yesterday! Rouge Noir is a beautiful warm, vibrant red. All you need is one swipe on each lip for fully opaque, saturated color.

 I think the color is very similar to Besame Cosmetics' Classic Color Lipstick in "Red Hot Red." The tone is tomato-based and Jordana's lip pencil in "Sedona Red" matches perfectly!

Here is a swatch on the back of my right hand:

Here are side-by-side swatches of Rouge Noir and Femme Noir:

Notice how warm Rouge Noir (the left) looks compared to Femme Noir on the right?

Here I am, in my bathroom, wearing Rouge Noir. (Sorry for the tired look! My allergies are in full swing and making my life miserable! Darn you, spring!)

So, if you want a full-stop, vintage red that is bright and warm-toned, then give Julie Hewett's Rouge Noir a try!

Julie Hewett Lipstick in "Femme Noir"

During my latest search for the 'perfect' vintage red, I recently discovered a fabulous lipstick brand; Julie Hewett Los Angeles.

Julie Hewett was the lead makeup artist for the 2001 film "Pearl Harbor." During production, Ms. Hewett realized the modern lipsticks in her collection were not up to par for creating the period-correct look on the actresses. Faced with frustration, Julie decided to make her own lipsticks and thus, Julie Hewett Los Angeles was born.

Julie's line of lipsticks includes sheer and full color shades. The full colors, i.e. the Noir Lipsticks, boast rich, vibrant pigments paired with a semi-matte texture. The colors range from coral, neutral bright red, bright blue red, brick red to succulent eggplant. The lipsticks cost $22.50 USD and they can be purchased directly from Julie Hewett's website and from various 'brick and mortar' locations. Here is the Julie Hewett site:

http://cart.juliehewett.net/

When I was visiting my hometown of Richmond, Virginia two weeks ago, I went to Carytown to browse the vintage wares at Bygones. As I was walking down Cary Street, I spotted Le Visage Makeup Boutique and I decided to check it out. Le Visage is a small speciality shop that carries a nice selection of relatively unknown brands, including Julie Hewett! I was so excited to finally see the lipsticks in person! As many girls know, there is nothing better than swatching lipsticks firsthand. Online swatches do not compare!

http://www.levisagestudio.com/

I swatched a few shades including Femme Noir and Rouge Noir. Rouge Noir, a neutral bright red that leans slightly warm, really caught my attention but it was sold out. I also swatched Femme Noir, a bright red with a hint of a blue/pink base. I liked this color and thankfully, it was in stock.

Here is the Julie Hewett tube. It has a lovely vintage shape! The goldtone is quite retro as well!

Here is the lipstick bullet. In this photo, you can really see the pink undertones.

This is a swatch of Femme Noir on the back of my hand. The color is a bright true red with a pink base.

This is me, before hitting the gym this morning, wearing Femme Noir. The lipstick feels really creamy on and lasts about 4 hours before I need to touch up. The color does not bleed and it has a good balance of slip and grip. Moreover, MAC's lip liner in Cherry pairs amazingly well with Femme Noir.

Here is Misty, helping me take pictures this morning. Eventually, she was getting annoyed and then insisted that I put the camera phone down so we could go downstairs and start breakfast.

So, if you are looking for intensely pigmented, vintage reds, give Julie Hewett Los Angeles Noir Reds a try!

Review of Besame Cosmetics' Classic Color Lipstick in Red Velvet

Last week, I received my order from Besame Cosmetics which included a Cashmere Powder Compact and a new Classic Color Lipstick in Red Velvet ($22.00 USD)


I already own a Classic Color Lipstick in Besame Red (a bright neutral that leans slightly warm). I have several bright-toned reds from various brands and lately I realized I wanted a more deep red. After viewing several swatches of  Besame shades online, I narrowed my choice down to Red Velvet.

Red Velvet is a darker red that reminds me of MAC Russian Red combined with MAC's Viva Glam I. The color is not cool or warm and it seems to have a touch of garnet in it. When I compare Red Velvet to Besame Red, Red Velvet is more subdued yet still dramatic. Basically Besame Red = bright fire engine, candy apple red and Red Velvet = the darker red tone of red velvet cake. Thus, the name "Red Velvet" is fitting.

Here is a swatch of Red Velvet on my hand:

This is me wearing Red Velvet today (I was still in my robe earlier! Lazy Sunday for sure!)

I really like this lipstick because it is different from all the other lipsticks I wear and I adore the garnet hue. I paired MAC lip pencil in Brick with this and it matches perfectly.

So, if you are looking for a darker red that is a neutral with tones of garnet and pomegranate, then give Besame's Red Velvet a try!

It's Finally Here! Besame's Classic Color Lipstick!

A month ago, I posted about the new, upcoming line of Classic Color lipsticks from Besame Cosmetics. If you did not read my post, you can view it here:

http://bettysvintagemusings.blogspot.com/2010/11/besame-cosmetics-lipstick-update.html

Nevertheless, now that the new Classic Colors ($22.00 USD) are available for order on Besame's website, I knew I had to get my hands on Besame Red! Besame Red is a bright, classic true vintage red that is a neutral. Meaning, it is neither warm (orange-based) nor cool (pink/blue-based).

I was so excited to come home from work yesterday and find my package on my doorstep! I quickly opened it up and I was stunned with the packaging and vintage details!

After I opened the box (seen above), I pulled out a little red velvet bag with a gold drawstring and golden metal tag adored with the Besame logo:

Here is the tube itself:

Here is the Classic Color tube compared with an Enchanting lipstick tube:

For comparison with standard lipsticks, the Classic Colors contain .12 ounces of lipstick and MAC has .10 ounces.

Here is Besame Red opened:

Here is a swatch on the back of my right hand:

The color is bright and the texture is creamy yet not wet! Besame's lipsticks are not matte but they can be made to look matte by blotting. I like the fact these lipsticks are not matte because unlike MAC's Ruby Woo or Russian Red, Besame colors will not dry out lips! Morever, the Besame formula is super long-lasting!

Here is a side-by-side comparison of Besame Red (on the right) and Make Up For Ever's Rouge Artist Intense lipstick in Moulin Rouge/#43 (on the left):

Notice that the Make Up For Ever lipstick is a bit darker in tone. It is also glossier. The Rouge Artist Intense lipsticks are very pigmented but they are also very creamy. Even though the Besame colors are super pigmented, their 'less wet' formula makes them more ideal since the color will not slide off/smear as easily. I used to think the Rouge Artist Intense lipstick (especially #42, #43, and #45) was the best but I have to say that Besame lipstick far surpasses Make Up For Ever in terms of color intensity, formula, and longevity!

Here is me today wearing Besame Red:

I really love this shade! I put it on at 10:00 am and it is now 1:00 pm and the color still looks perfect! I can see myself buying more colors (Red Hot Red, Red Velvet, Cherry Red, and Carmine) for sure! I also want to check out Besame's Masterliner Lip Pencil (dual-ended) in Red & Cerise!

So, if you gals are in the market for vintage-true lipstick cased in pretty, vintage-looking packaging, then you have to give Besame Classic Color lipstick a try!

http://www.besamecosmetics.com/products.cfm/Classic-Color-Lipstick/pID-15

Besame Cosmetics Lipstick Update! -Classic Color Lipstick

(Photo courtesy of Besame Cosmetics)

Earlier today, I visited Besame Cosmetics website looking to buy a couple of remaining tubes of the Enchanting Lipstick in 'Red Hot Red.' As some of you may know, Besame Cosmetics discontinued the Enchanting Line. These lipsticks ($15.00 USD) boasted authentic vintage color cased in tiny, yet elegant gold tube adorned with a red floral motif. The packaging alone was pure retro glamour! So, it was to my surprise (and letdown) that the Enchanting Lipsticks are no longer listed on the site. Besame had a few colors still available online a couple of weeks ago but alas, they are now gone.  Nonetheless, Besame has just introduced a new line of lipstick called  "Classic Color Lipstick." It retails for $22.00 USD. You can view them here:

http://www.besamecosmetics.com/products.cfm/Classic-Color-Lipstick/pID-15

Despite the fact the Enchanting Lipstick was top-notch in texture, color, and longevity, the bullet itself was T-I-N-Y! I will never forget the first time I received my 'Red Hot Red,' 'Exotic Pink,' and 'Besame Red' tubes. I was taken aback at how little they were! I thought, "Was I sent trial sizes by mistake?" Nope.

The Enchanting Lipstick was indeed small but the what it lacked in size, it certainly made up for color intensity and quality!  This lipstick felt like pure silk on my lips and it lasted all day with very few touch-ups. I still have a smidgen of 'Red Hot Red' in the tube. I use a lipbrush to carve out what's left and when the tube is empty, I will display it on my vanity.

A while back, Besame introduced the Voluptuous Lipstick Set (35.00 USD). This set includes a full-size lipstick, matching lip liner, and a chic lip brush. I read reviews stating that even though the colors were the same as the Enchanting line, the formula as thinner and not as pigmented.

Although, the Voluptous set looks promising, I still long for the original Enchanting formula. In my opinion, no other lipstick I have tried comes even close its color palette and creamy, matte texture!

After considering several online reviews and my own experience, I decided to contact Besame directly and my call was immediately answered by a lovely, kind, and informative gentleman by the name of Fergus. He graciously answered all my questions and even offered me a chance to speak with Besame founder, Gabriela Hernandez! I wanted to talk to her so badly but I was at work and had a meeting in 5 minutes. Rats! However, Fergus told me that if I wanted to e-mail a request to talk to Gabriela, I could. Awesome!

Nevertheless, Fergus gave me a wealth of information regarding the new Classic Color lipstick! The lipsticks will debut in the first or second week of December 2010. (They are only available for pre-order right now) The Classic Color lipstick bullet will be 3.5 grams and therefore larger than the original. Fergus stated, "They will be only slightly smaller than standard lipsticks." The Classic lipstick colors will be the same as the Enchanting colors. However, I do not see Exotic Pink listed on their website. I had Exotic Pink and I loved it when I had black hair!

Not only will these new lipsticks be bigger, they will also be paraben-free. I learned that due to the demand from US customers, the lipsticks were made larger. Fergus stated that many people thought the tubes were like "minis or sample sizes." As I mentioned previously, I ,too, thought the same thing. But the lipstick was vintage-fabulous and color was perfection.

I cannot wait for the Classic Colors to come out! I will buy my two tubes of 'Red Hot Red' as soon as they are available! I look forward to the bigger size and putting that luscious color on my lips once again!

Expensive Does Not Necessarily Mean Better!-My Never-Ending Quest For The Perfect Red Lipstick

So, a while back, I posted a question asking "how much is too much when it comes to buying makeup?" Well, the other day while out at Neiman Marcus, I learned that not only is spending too much silly, it also does not guarantee good quality!

Take for example, the now-famous Tom Ford Private Blend Lipsticks. These lipsticks cost 45.oo USD and boast rich color payoff and a luxurious texture housed in a posh white and gold case. Even though I have found perfection in Make Up For Ever's Rouge Artist Intense Lipsticks (19.00 USD) and MAC's Pro Longwear Lipcreme (14.50 USD), I felt compelled to try the Tom Ford shade in Cherry Lush. Cherry Lush is a bright, true vintage red with a strong pink undertone.


The sales associate working at the counter raved about the lipstick and how the intensely pigment was paired perfectly with emollient comfort that lasted for hours.  After she sanitized the tester, I excited swiped a healthy slash of color on my lips. For 45 dollars, I was expecting the 'holy grail' of lipstick. You know, the lipstick what would put all others of out commission? Well, the color was indeed glorious. The red hue reminded me of maraschino cherries, dripping wet with wanton sexy abandon. But something was off. It was the texture!  It was like butter and not in a good, Mike Myers as Linda Richman/Coffee Talk way.  I felt like it was literally putting Land-O-Lakes Whipped butter on my mouth! I am all for intense creamy color but this was ridiculous!

I politely told the sales associate that I would walk around and test it out. She said "sure!" and I snuck out of the store. As I got back in my car, I looked in my mirror and noticed that the lipstick after 10 minutes of wear, was starting to bleed. Not good. I promptly wiped the lipstick off and put my MAC Lipcreme in Prolong back on. Whew.

So, maybe in some cases expensive is better. I have found this to be true for shoes, foundation, and eyeshadow. As for cheaper being better, MAC and Make Up For Ever fit the bill wonderfully (for the most part).

In the end, I think finding the perfect shade and/or formula depends on testing or trying before buying. I tried to like the cheap Revlon reds but they do not work for me. They either slide off (Super Lustrous) or dry my lips horribly (Revlon matte). I have also tried the expensive Hourglass Femme Rouge (too wet) and Guerlain (bad taste, yucky texture and poor shade range). Based on my experience with the Tom Ford lipstick, unless the lipstick can REALLY wow me in color intensity, longevity, formula, and comfort, I do not see myself being able to justify buying it.

What do you think, girls?

It's Giveaway Time! MAC's Pro Longwear Lipcreme in Prolong!

It's time for another fun giveaway! This will be my third one and I am REALLY EXCITED! So, without further ado, this giveaway is for a brand new (in the box and never used) MAC's new Pro Longwear Lipcolor in Prolong! I reviewed this product a couple of weeks ago. You can read it here:

http://bettysvintagemusings.blogspot.com/2010/09/mac-pro-longwear-lipcreme-review.html

This lipstick is wonderful and I really like it! The color is vintage-fabulous and it lasts a long time without drying or bleeding.

The giveaway will start today, Friday, October 1st and will end on Sunday, October 3rd.  Entries will be drawn on Monday morning and the lucky winner will be announced on Monday, October 4th.

To participate, all you have to do is follow/join my blog (if you do not already) and post a comment to this entry.

Good luck and have fun, girls!!

MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme Review-Prolong Red: UPDATED- 4 Hours of Wear Later

Today in MAC stores, the new Pro Longwear Lipcreme was released! There are 12 shades, ranging from nude, orange, red, bright pink, and cranberry. These lipsticks retail for $16.00 USD. The standard MAC lipstick costs $14.50 but they are .10 ounces and theses are .12 ounces. So, even though the cost for the new Lipcremes are higher, you do get more product.

Before this release, I had been browsing the Internet looking for reviews and swatches. After some research, I decided I wanted "Prolong," a true red with a slight blue undertone. The color reminds me a lot of MAC's Ruby Woo. 

   

The tube is longer and skinnier than the standard lipstick:

For those familiar with MAC's now-discontinued Mattenes, the Lipcreme features a slanted tip:

Here is a swatch on my inner right arm:

And here is me, wearing the Prolong red shade:

I am wearing my glasses today. I was feeling too lazy to put my contacts in this morning.

Anyway, here is my overall review:

MAC claims these lipsticks are long-lasting for up to 12 hours. I have read others' reviews stating that the average wear is about 3-4 hours tops. I will post the longevity of this product later. I have only been wearing it for about an hour and so far, so good.

The formula goes on super creamy and then it quickly dries down to a firmer, slightly tackier feel. I would not call the sensation, "bad" or "problematic" but I suspect that the formula may dry out a bit throughout the course of the workday. Whenever I wear the dry, matte Ruby Woo, I usually put on Nivea lipbalm on top and I am fine. If my lips get drier as the day goes on, I may try the Nivea.

The color is amazing and I really love it. It has a great combination of bright and deep. The blue undertones are evident but I would classify this as more of a neutral that leans cool.

In conclusion, I will have to give this lipstick a few more hours to see how it performs but like I said earlier, I am impressed thus far.

So, if you are looking for a lipstick that is intense in color payoff, long-lasting, and matte; then give Pro Longwear Lipcremes a try!

UPDATE BELOW:

I have now been wearing this lipcreme in "Prolong" for 4 hours now. I just had to touch up my lip liner and this is how my lips look now:

I have not re-applied at all! My lips still feel the same. They do not feel drier nor is the lipstick feathering, bleeding, or pilling up on the inside of my lips! I have to say MAC did a GREAT job on the Lipcreme formula.

Here is more positive evidence showing the longevity of this lipstick: I just blotted my lips on a piece of tissue and look at how little product actually transferred onto the suface:

 Any standard lipstick would have left more behind.

So, girls, what are you waiting for? Go check out the Lipcremes!

Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick Review #4 - #42 Satin

This is another review for the recently launched, Rouge Artist Intense lipsticks from Make Up For Ever. They retail for $19.00 USD and they can be found at Sephora stores and online at their site.

So far, I have four shades: #21 (a pearly bright red), #43 (a true, nuetral 40s red satin), #45 (a blue-toned scarlet red satin), and #42. The latest shade is a satin formula. It has does not have a shimmer or a matte finish. It is cream type with a slight sheen. The #42 is a warm, bright red. I noticed undertones of tangerine and a slight coral hue. When compared to MAC's Lady Danger or Nars' Jungle Red, the #42 has less orange in it but it is still a warm red nonetheless.

Like the other satin reds I have, this latest addition to my collection is very creamy but not too wet in texture. It has a good blend of both grip and slip. And like all the other colors in the Rouge Artist Intense range, this lipstick is VERY pigmented! Make Up For Ever boasts that this lipstick line has 50% more pigment than most standard lipstick and I have to say this product lives up to that claim well! One swipe of color is all I need for total opacity!

Here is a swatch on my inner right arm:

This is me, wearing the #42:

I seem to have an odd look on my face! Oh well! (Lol!)
    
So, if you are looking for a pigmented, smooth texture lipstick that packs a punch, give the Rouge Artist Intense lipsticks a try! You will NOT be disappointed!

And if you prefer red shades that are true the 40s and 50s vintage look,  I think you will adore the following:  #42, #43, #45, and #44.

How Much is "Too Much" When Buying Cosmetics?

As a self-confessed red lipstick addict, I can safely say that I will often go out of my way to find the 'best shade.' Before I invest in a product, I read reviews and hunt for swatches online. I will also swatch several colors in the store before I pick that "one." Whether a lipstick costs $2.99 USD or $30.00 USD, if the color wows me, I will buy it. But I have been thinking: how much is too much for makeup? $45? $50? $60? More?

This year, designer and perfumer Tom Ford released his highly-anticipated "Tom Ford Private Blend" lipsticks. These lipsticks boast high-color payoff and a luxurious silky texture. The collection includes bright and deep colors with sultry names like Cherry Lush and Smoke Red. Even that white and gold case is sexy! But the price is a steep $45.00 USD! For 45 bucks I can buy four MAC lipsticks using the 30% off discount I get with my MAC Pro membership! Better yet, for $45, I can buy a pretty vintage dress or a Salem North Star place setting for 4!

Moreover, Cle du Peau (a luxury cosmetic line by Shiseido) is known for their high prices. Their foundation costs $110.00 USD and their new Extra Rich lipsticks cost a whopping $60 USD! All the reviews for this lipstick have been glowing. I really would like to try the Red Abundance color (an intense, bright warm red cream) but the idea of shelling out the cost equivalent of two Chanel lipsticks is hard to justify. If the color and quality are amazing, is a lipstick really worth that much?

So, what do you think? Do you have a limit? If a lipstick/beauty item is worth its high price tag, do you buy  it?

Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick Review #3- Satin #43 (aka Moulin Rouge)

This is my third post/review of the new Rouge Artist Intense lipsticks from Make Up For Ever. They retail for 19.00 USD and can be found at Sephora locations and online. These lipsticks boast 50% more pigmentation than most lipsticks. They are long-lasting, come in 50 shades, and they have three different formulas: pearl, matte, and satin.

My first review was for the #21 bright red pearl and my second was for the creamy, satin #45, a blue-toned scarlet red.

This review is for the satin #43 or the "Moulin Rouge" shade. This color was apparently created with the famed Moulin Rouge in Paris. Although the Moulin Rouge name is a limited edition promotion for Fall 2010,  the shade is permanent.

The color is a true, bright neutral red. It has a blend of both cool and warm tones. In a certain light, I detected a slight a blue undertone. However, when I swatched the #45 right next to the #43, the latter was definitely warmer.

The texture is creamy and soft, but it is not "wet" or "slidey." The Rouge Artist Intense satins have a good balance of slip and grip when they are applied to lips. The satins are indeed long-lasting but they are not "iron-clad." I need to touch-up every couple of hours and after eating.

The pigmentation is very intense. One swipe of color is all I needed for total opacity. I also noticed that when I used cold cream to clean off my arm swatch, I could still see color left behind.

Here is the #43 swatched on my right inner arm:

Here is me, wearing the #43, earlier today (I am also wearing my new green, hand-knit snood!):

If you desire rich, intense color with a creamy finish that lasts, then I cannot recommend Rouge Artist Intense enough!