A lovely reader asked me last week on Facebook, if I was going to review any Christmas/Holiday sets/collections from Sephora or any high-end brands this year, and my answer to her was that I wasn’t. I haven’t had any access to any of the Holiday collections, and I’m not particularly keen to buy a lot of products I may not necessarily want, just for the sake of blogging about them. So, I’m spending my money on things I particularly want and enjoy.
And for me, my sole Christmas/Holiday collection purchase this year comes from Guerlain. Is it a surprise? I throw my money at Guerlain every year it seems LOL! Don’t believe me? Here’s what I bought in 2014, 2013 and 2012 just to name a few!
Guerlain’s theme this year appears to be that of a winter wonderland. The special edition Meteorites pearls comes housed in a jar not unlike a snowglobe, and is stated to be for face and body. In fact, the gold and white powder balls are rather sparkly, which is why despite my obsession with Guerlain Meteorites, I balked at the purchase. I know, I must be running a fever of some sort 😛
But just when I thought I’d walk away empty handed, my gaze fell on the limited edition Rouge G in Merveilleux Rose 867, and next thing you know, it was coming home with me.
While Guerlain has maintained the metallic silver packaging as in the regular line, the seasonal touches comes in the gold on the oval logo, and the snowflake design on the cover. I’ve shown last year’s Rouge G in Rose Parade for comparison. But the packaging wasn’t why I bought this – it was the colour.
Most years, Guerlain makes a lovely red lipstick for Christmas. It’s always a treat, because their lipstick formulas are amazing, and the shades are always beautiful.
This year, they dialed back the colour and went instead for a fairly neutral rose-pink.
Incidentally, this fit right into my lipstick wardrobe that I’m rocking at this moment, because I’ve been wearing a lot of pinks and rose shades lately.
The colour in tube looks fairly nondescript, if you ask me. It’s quite a typical rose-pink shade and it even swatches that way. It doesn’t take guts or courage to wear a shade like this. In fact, it is a shade you can and will wear daily, simply because it’s just so wearable and flattering!
Just by way of example, here’s how Merveilleux Rose looks on me, when I wear it.
On me, the colour is a rose-pink with a touch of warmth. I think my lips make it look a little more red, while I’ve seen other people wear it, and it looks more pink on them. Either way, it is fairly neutral, by my standards, in a creamy opaque formula that swipes on colour in just 1 slick of the tube on lips. It is flattering to the complexion, having the right amounts of red and pink in there to lift the complexion.
In terms of colour, I’d be perfectly honest and say that it isn’t terribly special. You may even be able to find a more affordable dupe, except I have no idea where to start looking 😛
What makes the Merveilleux Rose a standout however, is the formula. Long time readers will know that the Guerlain Rouge G lipstick formula is a personal favourite of mine, and I am very partial to their texture, despite the hefty pricetag. The formula is creamy, opaque, non-drying and longlasting.
You may notice from the close up photo, that there is some shine imparted, but don’t worry. There’s no shimmer. It is all in the formula, that makes lips look plumped and glossy and just overall gorgeous. Really, Rouge G has done no wrong for me all this time and unless Peter Phillips goes over to Guerlain, it will probably stay that way LOL! 😀
Unless things change, this then is my sole Christmas beauty treat this year. Goodness me. I’m either a) losing my touch b) growing up or c) really bored! 😛 Or perhaps even all 3!
IN A NUTSHELL
Buy it. Fin. 😛
Seriously, the Rouge G lipstick formula is par excellence. It is creamy, longlasting, not drying with excellent pigment and has a flattering range of colours. The packaging is unique, and although I sneered at the mirror in the lid a long time ago, I now find it incredibly handy for applying lipstick on the go. Merveilleux Rose is a rose-pink shade that I feel will flatter most skintones, having the right depth and lightness of colour to lift the complexion. If you treat yourself to just one item this Christmas, the way I have, this is the one you should consider because you will enjoy it every day of the year.
PROS: Creamy, opaque texture, Pigmented, Not drying, Pretty packaging and the mirror in the lid is very handy, Wearable colour that should suit most skintones
CONS: Pricey, Limited Edition
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who likes a creamy, opaque texture in lipstick, Anyone who wants a wearable and flattering rose-pink lipstick
This is Merveilleux Rose compared to Rose Parade from last year. It looks fairly bland and even insignificant next to one of the prettiest red lipsticks I’ve ever owned. Yet, it exudes a soft, quiet elegance that allows it to hold its own against its bolder brethren.
Me, I say “Get it while you can!”
Did you get the Merveilleux Rose Rouge G? What about the other bits and bobs from the Guerlain Christmas collection?
I’m holding off other items for now. I suppose I’m just comfortable where I am, so for now, this new lipstick is what makes me happy. I might even say I’m considering getting a back-up except I probably won’t because that’s just silly. By the time I’m done, I’d probably have found something else to enjoy 😀
Paris B
Guerlain Rouge G Merveilleux Rose 876 Price: RM196 | US$55 Availability: Guerlain counters and Sephora Limited Edition: Yes, Christmas/Holiday collection 2015
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Anthea says
November 9, 2015 at 9:39 amAhh it’s just the colour I’ve always been dreaming of for the ideal pink.
But too bad the cons eclipse everything else for me now 🙁
Paris B says
November 10, 2015 at 4:17 pmAww nevermind Anthea, there will be others 🙂 You can also take a look at Georgia, which is a permanent shade, and if I’m not mistaken, quite close in terms of colour.
Anthea says
November 11, 2015 at 10:12 pmOh no, I meant to reply to your comment but I accidentally posted a new one at the bottom xD
Romana says
November 9, 2015 at 10:01 amI wish we had some insight from you on what would be available at Sephora Malaysia this holidays.
My friend Sarina and I were lost in Sephora.
For eg, I did not see the Benefit blush set. It was not released here last year so I got mine from Singapore.
Would that be the case this year too? I’d like to get a few sets as gifts.
And Nude Stix. Where are the brow crayons?
They say it would launch in January but we did see some of their other items already in-stores.
And we had no idea Laura Mercier holiday sets would be available at Sephora.
I chanced upon them at Paradigm.
But which Sephora, may I know please?
How about Too Faced? Smashbox?
So many questions but alas so little information this year.
We have money ready to blow(on ourselves and as gifts) but have no idea where to go or what to buy.
Paris B says
November 10, 2015 at 4:19 pmSorry to hear that, Romana – you know what? I didn’t even know that we were getting Nudestix here. Until I saw them at Sephora the other day that is. Tells a lot about the people I (don’t) follow and the marketing eh? 😛 Afraid I’m just as clueless as you are about everything this Christmas season – good for my wallet though 😀
kuri says
November 9, 2015 at 3:40 pmWow, it looks so lovely on you! Since I already have some excellent red lipsticks in my collection, this more wearable pink-red in gorgeous packaging is very tempting. Still, the price! Maybe next year I will be able to justify it.
Very sensible to avoid backups. They rarely make sense.
Paris B says
November 10, 2015 at 4:20 pmThank you Kuri! I’m actually using a lot of lighter lip shades recently. I don’t know if it’s just a reflection of my mood. Maybe I’m just tired of being bold in your face LOL! 😀 Even if you miss this shade, don’t worry about it. Guerlain Rouge G has lots of very wearable and nice shades in their permanent range. You lose on pretty packaging, but you get the same great formula! 😀
Victoria Shanti says
November 9, 2015 at 5:57 pmAh, the colour is so gorgeous actually. If only I can justify the price. LOL. Will go and try the colour on my lips to see how it looks on me 🙂
Paris B says
November 10, 2015 at 4:21 pmThe colour is pretty right? And so unexpected too! I agree about the price. It’s the reason I decided not to indulge in a lot this year. Times are hard 😛
Tine says
November 9, 2015 at 6:02 pmSold! Getting it tomorrow!! 😛
Paris B says
November 10, 2015 at 4:21 pmHahaha! I hope you’ll like it as much as I do, Tine!
Cynthia says
November 10, 2015 at 1:46 amThe color look so nice on you!! The color look very different from me which is why I didn’t get 🙁
Paris B says
November 10, 2015 at 4:22 pmThank you Cynthia, and incidentally, someone told me on Instagram that it looked bright on her! I was surprised because it looks quite neutral on me, but I think that’s what skintone does for you – messes with our lipstick shade!
Tubbs says
November 10, 2015 at 4:49 amThat is very lovely! Fortunately my nearest counter is too far away for temptation to,strike!
Paris B says
November 10, 2015 at 4:23 pmThank you Tubbs and distant counters are always a good thing! You know, I’m quite sure these shades can be easily duped – I just don’t really have the energy, or a wide enough collection to figure that out right now 😛
HapaGirl says
November 10, 2015 at 7:46 amI think it makes so much more sense to buy one thing you love and will use all the time instead of a bunch of stuff that will just collect dust. Although I’m not indulging on any holiday items this year (probably), I love seeing what has caught your eye. It’s such a wearable but luxurious lippie. Love it!
Paris B says
November 10, 2015 at 4:24 pmThat’s what I thought too! I mean, it’s nice to own lots of stuff, but what’s the use if they just collect dust or if I end up just feeling meh AFTER i drop a ton of hardearned money on them eh? Blogging doesn’t earn me the big enough bucks to do that like the likes of Temptalia LOL! (Wish it did, though 😛 ) I imagine it must be expensive to settle back in – nevermind, there’s next year! 😉
Shuang says
November 10, 2015 at 3:46 pmLove how the lippie look on you! Classy and elegant. I only picked up the meteorites and tarte lipsurgence set. I have’t shopped anything for the whole year, only essentials which I ran out. Pretty amazeballs, even I’m surprised I could last that long. Nothing excites me much recently.
Paris B says
November 10, 2015 at 4:27 pmThank you Shuang 😀 I saw that Tarte Lipsurgence set too – very good value for money if you like the formula! 😀 I’d say you’ve been a very good girl – I think sometimes, our priorities and interests change as we grow, so that might be why you don’t feel as excited about the new things. Also, it might be because you have similar items from previous years already! Goodness knows, gold eyeshadow or highlighter and red lipstick appear every Christmas doesn’t it?! LOL!
Bee says
November 11, 2015 at 4:16 amOh my the color is soo pretty! Remember, I’ve messaged you before about getting a lipstick, I did a few months ago and since I couldn’t afford Guerlain Rouge G, I bought the kiss kiss and I’m loving it! Now, I’ve informed my husband that I’ll be getting this before Christmas (cheeky me)!
Paris B says
November 12, 2015 at 2:45 pmMmm I still haven’t tried the new Kiss Kiss but I used to love the old one! My friend loves it too and keeps telling me to try it LOL! I hope you find this Rouge G under your Christmas tree 😉
Anthea says
November 11, 2015 at 10:09 pmThank you, good to know! I saw on Temptalia that there are quite a few similar ones that may be brighter/lighter… something to note for the future 😀
Paris B says
November 12, 2015 at 2:57 pmYep! Temptalia is an excellent resource! I don’t have the time nor patience! LOL
Juan says
November 14, 2015 at 10:23 amI’ve never tried guerlain lipsticks simply because they come with a hefty price tag. But damn, you’re so evil this year. I’m suddenly plagued with lipstick acquisition syndrome. Sigh ?
Paris B says
November 16, 2015 at 11:43 amHaha there are many really nice offerings this year! Surprised me too. The MJ, the Nars set and this! Hehe
Aria says
November 18, 2015 at 5:33 amI was sad about the extra sparkliness of the Christmas meteorites. Was hoping to make it my first! The packaging is so pretty… but I felt I looked more shiny than glowy when I tried it in-store. Bummer. 🙁
Paris B says
November 19, 2015 at 1:16 pmHiya! Yep, the Christmas meteorites are strictly for special occasions only, unfortunately. I’d suggest Medium in the permanent range for your first (a little more matte), or Clair (more brightening effect). Rainbow, if you can still find it somewhere, makes a very good first Meteorites too! Not sure what else is coming out next year, but will report when I do 🙂