PP12: Guerlain Rouge G Lipstick in Garance

~ stashy

This is the last of my catch-up posts for Project Pan. I’ll be back in sync next Monday. 🙂
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Today I’m taking a closer look at an item that has made a few appearances on the blog before but never had its own limelight – the Guerlain Rouge G lipstick in 06 Garance:
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While I like some higher end makeup brands, I’m by no means into “designer” makeup brands.  I don’t own any “signature” lipsticks from the likes of YSL, Chanel, Dior… the Guerlain Rouge G is the most expensive lipstick I own (I also have another shade, #863 Provocative, a limited edition from 2013 in a black tube) and it cost me C$52 back in 2013 for this. They now retail for C$59 for 3.5g of product. 😮

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Firstly, the packaging.  This is really what you’re paying for when you shell out $59 for a lipstick. It is stunning and the first time I held it, I shed a little tear. I’ve heard of the tube referred to as a “space coffin” design:

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This thing is near impossible to photograph! Here’s the official promotional photo which was most definitely created with the help of CGI! 😛

The lid of the lipstick tube houses a mirror. It’s as if Guerlain combined a regular lipstick tube and one of those lipstick cases that you can find for $2 in Chinatown:

Source.
Source.

But in a much sleeker packaging of course – it even has a magnetic closure!
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The weight of the lipstick tube requires warming up of the bicep and forearm muscles before attempting to lift it. Honestly, I don’t know how little old ladies even carry this lipstick around in their purses? o_O
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And that gets me to a major negative with this product. Although the lipstick case is great with the mirror – it’s so dang heavy and bulky that I really detest lugging it around, never mind trying to bring it with me for special events when I have a tiny clutch. There were so many times I chose another lipstick simply because I didn’t want to deal with the packaging.

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I’m wearing Nicole by OPI “Sing You Like A Bee” on my nails here – review to come.

Guerlain describes the formula of Rouge G as:

Lipstick is reinvented in an exceptional jewel with Rouge G, a subtle balance of intense colour and the comforting pleasure of a creamy lip balm. Behind this magical creation is an astounding formula: the unique combination of ruby powder for spectacular radiance, hyaluronic acid spheres for perfectly smoothed lips and wild mango butter for lasting hydration.

I agree, the formula is very easy to wear – it has a slight sheen and micro-shimmer and just a bit of slip, making it fairly long lasting formula (around 4 hrs). It feels comfortable on my lips – I don’t even need to wear a lip balm underneath.
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I wouldn’t call the colour pay-off to be intense, I’d say it’s strong, but it doesn’t stain my lips nor is it opaque in one swipe. There is a soft vanilla scent to this lipstick but it’s barely detectable.
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Garance is a very wearable MLBB type shade – I would describe it as a warmed up mid-tone pink. It’s a near dupe to my beloved Elizabeth Arden Breathless.

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The Guerlain Rouge G tube can’t stand upright on its own – so I improvised with the little widget.

Here’s a comparison of Garance against other MLBB type lipsticks I have in my stash – I tried to pick out ones that I haven’t compared against Garance before:
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• Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in #45 – milkier, more beige, sheerer
• BITE Beauty Luminous Crème Lipstick in Musk – more brown and creamier
• Guerlain Rouge G Lipstick in Garance
• Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien – browner, more sheer
• Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Rush – rosier, more opaque
• Shiseido Perfect Rouge in Venetian Rose RS711 – deeper, cooler, more opaque

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Fun fact: all of Guerlain Rouge G lipsticks have female names that begin with the letter “G”.  They are made in France.

Pros:
• Unique packaging
• Comfortable cream formula
• Flattering wearable colour
• Long wearing

Cons:
• Expensive
• Cumbersome packaging

Stash worthiness: 8/10

Is this lipstick worth almost $60?  Well kind of, mainly for the packaging (which is also its downfall). The formula itself really is lovely and the colour suits me well, but objectively it’s not my favourite lipstick formula Of. All. Time. (I prefer the formula of Shiseido Perfect Rouge, BITE Beauty Luminous Crème, and MAC Amplified Crème more)  Subjectively, I would say this has to be one of my favourite formulas because more expensive means better, right? 😉 I do cherish this lipstick – it is striking and special in my collection.
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Hurrah, the weight of this lipstick went down! I’ve been wearing this non-stop at work and my coworkers keep asking me what this shiny metal thing is on my desk (I need to keep it in sight or else I forget to use it).  And to show how hefty the packaging is – here it is with the cap on – more than double the weight:
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I’ve noticed the weight of a couple of other items going down too – the KATE Stick Concealer, the Body Shop foundation, and most exciting of all; the MAC eye shadow quad! 😀
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Please check out my Project Pan Pals for their updates:
♦ Ingrid of Curly.Spring.Blossom
♦ Jodi of A Brash Attitude
♦ Chanelle of Chanelle Hayleyyy

What’s the most expensive lipstick that you own? Do you think it was worth it?

80 thoughts on “PP12: Guerlain Rouge G Lipstick in Garance”

  4. What gorgeous packaging, I don’t know if I’d actually like to lug it around though.
    The colour of this really reminds me of one of my MAC LE’s but I can’t think which one, going to have to have a dig around my MAC lipstick drawer tonight and see if I can work it out!
    I like your technique of shooting the product – in your first pic! I need me some new white card for photos mine’s just had muddy dog prints walked all over it!

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    1. Do let me know which MAC LE this reminds you of! I’m curious.
      Ha, here’s a secret – I go through one of those white boards about one a month because they get dirty so quickly! I stock up on several sheets whenever I replenish. What a waste – I do recycle them though. I’m considering getting a drop sheet or something made of vinyl so I can wipe clean.

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  8. I think I’m in love with that lipstick! but O-M-G, I could never justify that price! Yikes! My most expensive lipstick is a YSL Rouge Couture (?) in a bright red shade. The formula is AMAZING, very opaque and moisturizing on the lips, but it’s so creamy that I’m always worried it will make a mess, so I almost never use it. Even when I want a red lip I always grab for “drier” formulas because they feel safer to use with those kinds of colors. So no, I don’t think it was worth my money because I’m almost afraid to use it! lol. Maybe if it was a more nude shade I could love it more. But overall I agree with you, I too prefer other formulas like Bite Beauty or Nars

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    2. I haven’t tried Nars Audacious yet! I plan to, soon! I’ve been torn about either getting a YSL or a Chanel since people always rave about those. YSL is “only” C$42 and Chanel C$43… so compared to this one, they’re not as bad. Nars Audacious is C$39
      That’s the thing, I should never buy a crazy / special shade in an expensive formula because I would NEVER wear it enough to justify the spend. These nude / MLBB type shades are more practical but then I end up with the same types of colours over and over again in my stash! 😛

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      1. Exactly! I feel your pain, I have lots of MLBB lipstick so I figured if I’m going to spend more money I want something more “special”, but then I end up never using it :s

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  10. OK, I always thought it looked like a coffin, but SPACE coffin takes the cake. XD I still don’t like the packaging, ha!

    The color is super pretty but I don’t see myself buying another Rouge G after being unimpressed with Gracia. I do love the YSL (especially) and Chanel lipsticks, though! Wanna try Dior soon.

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    1. Space coffin is so apt. 😆
      I remember you weren’t a fan of the Rouge G formula. I’m torn between Chanel and YSL. Specifically you like Rouge Couture from YSL, correct? I might check it out at Nordstrom when I take a stroll though their beauty dept.

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      1. Yes! Rouge Pur Couture…I think I only have the Mat versions, though. They’re amazing. I just despise the gaudy packaging, but at least it’s not heavy and space coffin-y. 😀 Besame lipsticks are also wonderful, but I’m not sure if they have much of a selection when it comes to non-reds.

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        1. The tubes are super GOLD and shiny. 😛 Because everyone knows gold = rich. Right?
          Yes, I’ve looked at Besame lipsticks but they’re all RED – perfect for you but no-go for me!

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          2. Ah I thought they might have expanded their line, but I guess they’re sticking with the popular vintage shades: so all reds and I would think oranges.

            The gold YSL packaging really bugs me especially because they pick up fingerprints like crazy. SO shiny. Ack. I really think one reason I have so many MAC lipsticks is because the packaging is nearly perfect for me.

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  11. The packaging is both gorgeous and way OTT! lol.
    This is a really pretty shade…how would you even describe it?
    I’ve heard many good things about The Rouge G formula, and it looks very moisturizing from the swatch…but very good to know that you prefer the Shiseido Perfect Rouge, BITE Luminous Cremes, and MAC Amplified formulas, which are all at most just a little over half the price of the Rouge G’s. I think my all-time favourite formula might be the Perfect Rouge.
    I don’t own any luxury lipsticks! I’ve always wanted to try the Chanel Rouge Coco Shine range, even though I’ve never bought one as I’m on the fence about buying an expensive lipstick that’s sheer in colour :/

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    1. Have you ever read the “High-end Lipstick Review” series on Nerdy Librarian’s blog?

      https://nerdylibrariangirl.wordpress.com/tag/high-end-lipstick-review-series/
      She rates Chanel Rouge Coco very highly and I’ve been itching to try it. Maybe if Nordstrom carries Chanel, I’ll splurge!

      This shade is really difficult to describe! It’s kind of rosey but not mauve at all. It makes my lips look enhanced… so MLBB? 😛
      I agree with you – Shiseido Perfect Rouge is my current HG formula too.

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      1. I have not read this series, but thanks for the link! Wow, the Chanel Rouge Coco Shine has the highest rating out of all the lipsticks…very interesting indeed. Nordstrom does indeed carry Chanel, so you’re in trouble, teehee. I forgot that I’ve also wanted to try the NARS Audacious lipsticks, but she rates those poorly!
        It IS a difficult colour to describe! “MLBB” it is!
        Have you tried that red Rouge Rouge lipstick you got in your GWP? I haven’t read reviews yet, but I’m curious about how the formula compares!

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  12. Ive always wanted to purchase products from Guerlain but I cant seem to take spend that much specially on a lipstick. But they have always been on my radar. The shade you got is beautiful! Love it!

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          1. haha.. save save here coz I am goin home in a week. shhh… it’s going to be a surprise visit and no one knows.. I couldn’t post anything on my page coz my sister is reading my blog. haha but yes this has been on my wishlist since forever. HAHA

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  14. This lipstick looks like such a lovely shade but the packaging sounds like a bit of a faff! It doesn’t sound like it detracts too much from the product itself though which is a good thing! Do all Guerlain lipsticks have this packaging? The most expensive lipsticks I’ve purchased are from MAC but the quality is good and I wear them frequently so it’s justified 🙂 Like you, I don’t own any lipsticks from brands like YSL or Chanel.

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  15. Wow that packaging is insanely gorgeous! Its like a piece of art! The price tag tho….ouch! I don’t even know what the most expensive lip product I own is – probably under $30 for sure. I rarely splurge on them.

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    1. My rationale for splurging on the lipstick was that I don’t own a ton of lipsticks (well, relative to other makeup items) so I’d rather have few higher quality ones. Plus, the packaging really drew me in initially.

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    1. I haven’t tried the new Vice lipsticks yet. I’m still bummed they discontinued the Revolution lipsticks – I really liked the packaging of those! I might try to hunt some down online while the stock is still fresh. 😛

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    1. I know what you mean about not wanting to use it but I do really like the formula so I might as well use it. I think even after I’m done with the lipstick – either use it up completely (doubtful) or when it goes bad – I’ll still keep the case!

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          1. Those YSL ones are pretty amazing. There are a few formulas in the Rouge Volupte line but I like the original one and there’s not a lot of shades in the collection. BUT OMG, the scent…. like fresh mango or papaya and the finish …. OH OH OH. I will get a Shiseido one on my next haul and try it out!! I’ll go check out your post right now to see the different shades. OMG, if you get hooked on YSL, you’re in trouble. It’s very addicting as well. LOL

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            1. Ok you’re really selling me on the YSL! The scent sounds amazing. I really like the fig smell of the Estee Lauder lipsticks too – I know some people detest them. Thanks – we’re enabling each other with the lipsticks LOL.

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              1. Totally feeding the addiction! LOL. If you try the YSL, all their formulas really are wonderful BUT the Rouge Volupte (not the sheer, oil formula, etc – just the original one) is my favorite of all time (so far). So if you try it, they have a couple gorgeous nudes in the collection. I don’t even know if I have a second favorite, I have lots of second faves but damn, that Rouge Volupte? OMG!! it’s just got this light sheen that I can’t get with anything else. TO DIE FOR

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  20. I would never pay $59 for a lipstick … well, thinking about it I spend the same amount on foundations and they have the same longevity (my logic is wrong here)! 😂 The color is absolutely stunning!

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    1. It’s difficult to compare, I think I’m more inclined to pay more for skincare and foundations – bases – rather than colour products. It’s weird huh? When I try to think about what I am willing to spend $59 for, clothing-wise… maybe a pair of jeans?

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      1. I’m aiming to only have 5 lip glosses and 5 lipsticks per season (summer and winter)… I better start decluttering 😜 Everything in collection that is more than 3 years old is going to the trash (or a friend)🔥I think it will be therapeutic … and SAD💸💰

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        1. Yes, it will be sad but very freeing! I know from experience. 😉
          I need to do another lipstick purge – so many that I don’t wear and I’d rather focus my energy on the few lip products that I LOVE.

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  21. I love the idea of weighing the products to keep track! I have been thinking about getting a scale for food but to use it for makeup too is awesome! If i pan an entire eyeshadow palette next year I might have to weigh it to stay motivated!

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