Guerlain Rouge G in Greta

After meaning to have a look at the Rouge G lipsticks for a while, I was recently sent this lipstick to try out. Rouge Gs are at the higher end of high end lipstick, and into what I'd call luxury territory at £26 each. I know that's expensive for lipstick, but compared to Serge Lutens lipsticks at £50 each, or the soon to be released Tom Ford lipsticks at £35 each, Rouge G is, for me, less of a 'could I really pay this much for lipstick?' price. In fact, I subsequently went to Selfridges and bought Geisha, a brick red, last week. 

The formula is excellent; more opaque than Chanel Rouge Coco, it gives comfortable, full coverage with one swipe. I can apply from the tube; I do need to be careful around the edges, due to the pigmentation, but once it's in place it doesn't wander. It has survived cups of tea with no problems, and fades to an even stain after eating, and it's creamy and not drying, but it doesn't feather or smear. I'm not sure I buy the ground ruby magic dust ingredient (it's meant to defract light and achieve spectacular radiance, apparently), but the formula doesn't feel heavy, it lasts well and it doesn't dry out my lips at all, so it's pretty much everything you could ask for in a lipstick, particularly a red. (For the scent-sensitive, yes, it does have the Guerlain violet scent, not as strongly as other Guerlain lipsticks I've sniffed, but it's there.) 

The white metal case is beautiful, but extremely heavy for a lipstick. It was designed by jeweller Lorenz Baumer, and when you slide the lid off, it opens up to reveal two mirrors, and when you close the lid and slide it back onto the bullet it shuts with a very satisfying click. It does feel very special, even if it does weigh my make-up bag down. 

Swatch: Greta on left, Geisha on right. 

Picture of Greta applied to my lips, no lipliner used. It's quite a high contrast red, good for a Snow White type of effect.  It's definitely a blue based, cherry red, darker than Julie Hewett's Femme Noir, similar to Kevyn Aucoin's Bloodroses, but a little more red and less burgundy. If you find Edward Bess Midnight Bloom a little on the sheer side, Greta is a good alternative. (Yes, I own all these lipsticks. I do like reds!) I'll be posting a picture wearing Geisha soon. 

Disclosure: Greta was sent to me without charge, for consideration for review.