I have long adored Clarins skincare, but their color products were, oddly, not something I'd tried! Color me impressed with their new lipstick formula, which I just got a chance to sample.
About Rouge Prodige True Colour Hold & Shine Lipstick
Based on the premise that lipstick is supposed to be shiny and colorful and stay that way, Rouge Prodige is being referred to as a "high performance formula". The next priority for making the product: comfort. This is not your typical drying lipstick. And to that, I say "yay, finally!"
The high notes:
- Long-lasting and color intense thanks to High Fidelity Pearl (a polymer)
- Enhanced shine thanks to vegetail oils that leave a transparent film on the lip to keep the color where you put it, and shiny
- A "lip-perfecting base" containing brittany algae extract (moisturizing and soothing) and ceramides and waxes (smooth the lips and prevent dehydration)
This new formula comes in 16 shades, of which I got to test 5 (in bold below). Here's the list:
- Pinks and Plums: Lilac Pink, Rosewood, Litchi, Raspberry Sorbet, Pretty Plum, Mystic Plum, Blackberry
- Corals and Reds: Coral Tulip, Sunset, Clementine (swatch), Fusion red, Red Prodige
- Beiges and Browns: Nude, Redwood, Copper Brown, Dark Chocolate
Each lipstick will set you back $24, but it's worth it.
Packaging
Did I mention that each lippie comes in a beautiful gold(-like) case. It's square with beveled edges. I love that the part that holds the lipstick says "Clarins". On the depression on one side is a charming little "C". Inside the case? Clasic Clarins red. There's also a depression along one of the outside edges, one presumes as a place to rest the finger when opening the case.
The lipstick bullet itself isn't your typical shape, which might be off-putting to traditionalists. It's round, with a slight bevel. The lipstick opens easily, and rolls up and down smoothly.
Application
When applied, these lipsticks are fairly glossy and fall about halfway between sheer and full-coverage (medium, then, right?). They're comfortable on the lips: medium weight, not slick or tacky, breathable. I wore these and they didn't slide into lip lines. (Not like I have any.) (OK. I do.) They also left a gentle stain on the lips once they wore off (about 6 hours later). In fact, click on the last picture in the slideshow below* and you'll see what happened after I scrubbed my swatches off. As in, scrubbed with a papertowel and dish washing detergent. I think it's going to stand up to your bottled water and coffee!
*That picture also has my assistant, Pippa, making an appearance in the bottom left corner.
Final Thoughts
I am in love with this lipstick formula. I plan on getting a few more of these as soon as cash permits. It's not drying on the lips, which is great. It's not particularly hydrating, though, so don't mistake it for a lip balm. The color is just on the glossy side of satin, but not terribly shiny. The color wears and wears, which I love. They are pigment-rich and slightly buildable, and don't slide all around the lips. In all, a great product.
Who might like it:
Women who enjoy a pigmented lipstick, those who want a product that lasts without drying the lips, those concerned with lipstick migration, Clarins fans.
Who might not like it:
Budget shoppers, those who prefer a highly moisturizing lipstick.
Take a look...
PS: I'll be showing you lip swatches over the course of this week. Stay tuned!
Have you tried Clarins Lip Prodige True Colour Hold & Shine Lipstick, yet? Will you give it a shot? What's your favorite lipstick? Do you prefer gloss?
These lipsticks were provided for consideration.
My review policy can be found on my About tab at the top of the page.