Often, in the midst of chasing all that is bright and shiny and new, we tend to overlook the old faithfuls. The ones that are so solid and dependable, they become almost like furniture – you find them useful, but you won’t notice them till they’re gone. This is how I felt about the Shiseido Rouge Rouge Lipstick.
Shiseido Rouge Rouge lipsticks were introduced a couple of years back. I believe that they replace the Perfect Rouge line, which happens to be one of my favourites.
I however, did not try these till fairly recently. And when I first slicked them on my lips, it was like coming home. The quality is sublime. The texture glides on like smooth cream. The opacity was fully opaque in one swipe from the tube. There was no scent. And the reds, oh the red lipsticks!
So, even without reading through the rest of this post, you’d know that I’m a huge huge fan of the Shiseido Rouge Rouge lipstick! :D Damn. Spoiler! :P
Shiseido Rouge Rouge lipsticks are supposed to be a lipstick formula that offer rich, vibrant colour with rich moisture. They come in sleek, understated black tubes, that have a lovely heft to them. The cover clicks with a strong magnet that reminds me of Giorgio Armani lipsticks. There is a quiet, understated elegance about these lipsticks.
They remind me of an exclusive club that many know of, but few are privy to. Owning one of these lipsticks is like joining this exclusive club. You enjoy its benefits, but you don’t really shout about it to the world, because it just seems crass to do so. But I’m going to invite you to join me in this exclusive club, because the texture and formula is so stunning, it would be a waste not to try it!
The stars in the Shiseido Rouge Rouge lipstick range are of course, the rouge (red) lipsticks. There are presently 16 shades of varying tones of red to quite literally suit every skin tone. There are some that lean a little more pink, or that lean a little more brown. But it is otherwise, predominantly red.
And I know that many of you are still afraid of wearing red lipstick, despite my constant urging LOL! It is a lip colour that few dare to sport, because it is just deemed to be “too bright”. And really, what’s wrong with that, I ask you? Don’t be afraid to be bold, and be bright. Quite often, you may realise that not many people notice or actually care. We are the ones limiting ourselves and holding ourselves back!
I presently have 2 shades. In photos here, I know you’d wonder why I even bother with both these shades, because they look the same. Well, in person they don’t! Or at least that’s what I tell myself LOL! :D
The first is RD307 First Bite. I’ve been wearing this quite often, and to me, this is a very wearable red, as the shade is a little lighter in tone. There is also a shine to it. You can wear it a little more sheer (apply to lips, then blot and dab some gloss or balm over) if the colour intimidates. But otherwise, it is a wearable rosy red that I personally find very flattering.
The other shade RD501 Ruby Copper is bolder. I personally find the texture more opaque in one swipe, and it is a blue-based creamy red. I personally take to wearing blue-based reds better, as I find it suits my skintone better so this colour is definitely one I gravitated to. If bold reds aren’t your thing, then you might shy away from this one as it is decidedly a bold red. Beautiful, but bold.
It is always a challenge taking face shots with red lipstick, because I’ve found they tend to look very similar on me. But I’ll show you nonetheless :P
Ok, if you really want to be picky, RD307 First Bite has a slightly warmer tone, while RD501 Ruby Copper is most definitely cooler in tone. But really, these pictures only serve to show you that they are beautiful red lipsticks that are creamy, not drying, long lasting, and do not travel or smear. They are absolutely worth a look!
If you’d like to know the breakdown of this look here it is:
- Face: Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, Dior Flash Luminizer on undereye area
- Eyes: Chanel Jardins de Lumieres eyeshadow palette, Pixi Beauty Eye Define Waterline, Pixi Beauty Eye Bright Liner, Pixi Beauty Lash Line Ink
- Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer
- Cheeks: Bobbi Brown Elvis Duran Bronzer, By Terry Glow Expert Duo Stick in Peachy Petal
IN A NUTSHELL
The Shiseido Rouge Rouge Lipsticks are very underrated in the world of creamy lipsticks. The packaging is sleek, understated and solid, with a strong magnet holding the cover shut. The shape of the lipstick bullet allows for easy and clean application. The texture is smooth, creamy and opaque in one swipe. It is not drying, yet it is not so creamy as to be very glossy. It makes lips look plumped and does not accentuate lines. It does not travel nor smear and feels like nothing on. There is, very importantly, no scent. There is absolutely nothing bad I can say about these lipsticks… except maybe it is predominantly red :D
PROS: Lightweight texture, Very opaque in one swipe, No scent, Creamy, Does not travel or smear, Longlasting, Does not settle into lip lines nor feather, Beautiful shades of red to suit any skin tone or preference
CONS: Heavy focus on red lipstick
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who enjoys using creamy, opaque lipsticks, Anyone who wants to find that perfect shade of red lipstick in an amazing lightweight formula
PRICE: RM115 | US$28
WHERE TO BUY: Shiseido counters, Sephora (MY), Hermo, Nordstrom, LookFantastic, Amazon
Have you tried the Shiseido Rouge Rouge lipsticks?
If you haven’t already guessed from this gushing review, I love them :D So underrated. I almost want to keep the knowledge to myself :P
Paris B
This is definitely my favourite lipstick! Back then when I bought my Ruby Copper (my favourite colour), it costs me only RM103. Now there is a price hike. I am not sure whether the price will change in recent time.
It’s so underrated isn’t it? We hardly hear of Shiseido lipsticks when they are really so good! I’m guessing prices should stablize for a little while. Much is going on, so maybe a price hike isn’t wise right now ;)
eh? the 2 shades look almost the same on your lips. Am always game for a good creamy lipstick! shall take a look at these when my stock runs out/there’s a promo for this
Ya unfortunately when I took the picture, somehow it looks the same LOL! But in real life they were quite different. Maybe if you need to spend any department store vouchers ;)
A few months back they had this promo of two for RM 200. I picked up a pair when aeon had a double voucher day, so it worked out to about 80 each. I love a good bargain!
Wow that is quite a deal and a steal! Well done Cecilia! :D
I’d guess this rated better than Bobbi for you?
Yes and no LOL! Bobbi has a better selection of shades while this is more skewed towards the reds. Texture-wise, this is comparable to the Bobbi Luxe range :)
first bite looks perfect! I will need to try it.
Btw I am enjoying the lasting power of Rouge G lipsticks :)
Guerlain Rouge G are in a class of their own!
Haha, I couldn’t comment because I used a certain word. Okay, another try:
I prefer bluish red lipstick because they make the teeth look whiter. Although last winter I got them bleached at the dentist (quite uncomfortable because it makes them sensitive during the procedure and a few hours afterwards which feels like someone giving you a proper blow with a fist!). But it’s so worth it and I will do it again. Now I can wear any lip color without considering tooth color.
BTW: my teeth are a ‘believable shade of white’, not extremely white as a snow ball.
I actually found the comment and had a good laugh! HAHA :D You are absolutely right about blue toned lipstick making teeth look whiter and brighter. It’s also why I gravitate to them, aside from the fact that the shades work better against my colouring. I have contemplated teeth bleaching many times in my life but never did it and probably now, never will haha I think I just drink too much coffee to make it worth the cost :P
Wow they are both gorgeous on you! I really like that slight metallic sheen.
Thanks, one of them does have that slight sheen, while the other is more creamy. Both are nice though!
You look really good in both lip colours. I love your brows too! I wish I could be bold enough to wear red lipstick. I have a few at home, but they tend to be neglected. Please urge us further….we need the push. Ok ok, I’ll wear a red this weekend…I hope I won’t wipe it off though before stepping out of home. Ha Ha.
Thanks for sharing. I’ll be pinning it as I’m heading to Japan soon. See if it’s cheaper there. :)
Thanks Nicole and from experience, many brands in Japan aren’t much cheaper there than outside haha! But definitely have a look, maybe they have deals there. As for red lipstick, the easiest way is to start with a stain. Apply it, then blot by pressing tissue against it to remove most of the colour. It then leaves a stain. You can slowly work your way up from there and hopefully one day, you’ll rock those red lips too! :D
Thanks for the heads up in terms of prices in Japan. I was preparing to bring a lot of yen currency there and was worrying about how much I would be spending in a week. Ahh….I may still go on a shopping spree – can buy things that’s only available in Japan, e.g. Obagi Vit C, cute japan snacks and tea.
As for red lipstick, I didn’t manage to wear it that weekend. I’ve recently permed my hair, so hopefully that’ll match a red lipstick better. Will sure start with a stain as per your advice, mdm. :)
To be honest, I didn’t bring that much cash, and put most of my spending on my credit card. Just made life easier :D
Just got Ruby Copper and it’s gorgeous! Thinking about Rouge Rum Punch and will definitely pick up Bloodstone :)
I wonder why Shiseido Lipsticks are always underrated.. I have Rouge Rouge in Toffee Apple and Fire Topaz (the most orange one) and I Love them so much I buy them for my mother’s birthday present for 2 years in a row ^^
I think they’re underrated because they aren’t terribly trendy – just solid classics. And in this world where trends rule the day, it slides into the shadows. It’s a pity, so we must remember to drag it out into the limelight once in a while! :D you’re lucky you can pull off orange lipstick! Gosh, I can’t and I have tried!