Guerlain #17 and #18 Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Colors Reviews & Swatches

#17

Guerlain #17 Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color (2018) ($33.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a soft, medium coral with warm undertones and a cream finish. There was barely-there pearl from what I could tell, but in person, it just looked like a lightly glossy, cream finish. It had a lightweight, emollient consistency that felt comfortable as it applied in a fluid stroke, but there was noticeable slip when on, which I think was the reason why there was a bit of color in my deeper lip lines. It had good pigmentation, though it wasn’t quite full coverage, that lasted nicely for four and a half hours on me but felt quite moisturizing while worn.

Top Dupes

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Colour Pop At Twilight (LE, $5.50) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
Bobbi Brown Pink Buff (P, $37.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
Chanel Script (218) (P, $37.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
NARS Carrera (LE, $34.00) is less shimmery, darker, brighter (90% similar).
MAC Apricot Gold (LE, $18.50) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
Urban Decay Backseat (P, $18.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar).
Estee Lauder Discreet (P, $32.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
MAC Mocha (P, $18.50) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
NARS Femme Fleur (LE, $26.00) is warmer (85% similar).
MAC Gabriel Zamora (LE, $18.50) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).

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Formula Overview

$33.00/0.12 oz. - $275.00 Per Ounce

The formula is supposed to have "intense colour" with a hydrating base that includes things like jojoba and mango butter as well as hyaluronic acid (and gugul resin) to "help to smooth and plum up lips." I would describe the formula as somewhere between semi-opaque and opaque, often buildable, with a luminous sheen that seems like there's very, very fine pearl but less distinctive shimmer (except for the shades that are actually shimmery). I find that the magic of the formula is in its finish--it's shiny, luminous, and absolutely smoothing on the lips without compromising wear (four to six hours, sometimes longer). The formula is very hydrating and comfortable to wear. They have a sweet, floral scent but no discernible taste to me. The updated shade range seems to have a stronger emphasis on mid-tones in coral and red and less beiges than before.

The Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Colors have been updated but mostly with respect to packaging and the shade range, as the formula itself has not been changed (per the brand). The lipsticks are now available as refills for $32.00 each, and then one can pick from an assortment of cases ($15.00 each), though each refill comes with a small, plastic cap that keeps the refill from drying out while waiting to be sold. The refill cap seems like it would be sufficient to keep the lipstick long-term, but I can't say from experience. I have not tested each shade for wear, but the shades I have tested, initial swatches and applications, and the like make the formula seem the same as before.

The old Rouge G cases do not fit on the new refills as the case doesn't stay on without a magnet (it just slides right off). I don't yet have any of the cases as they weren't available to me to purchase yet, but I plan to pick one or two up merely to see how they feel (probably the Original, to see if there was any weight change, and then something new).

A big upside to the refillable packaging is that they're actually significantly less expensive buying them piecemeal than buying it all-in-one. The original Rouge Gs were last sold at $58.00 for 0.12 oz., and now, the all-in-one price is effectively $47.00 for 0.12 oz. -- that's a nearly a 19% reduction in price.

Browse all of our Guerlain Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color (2018) swatches.

Ingredients

#17

Product

Pigmentation

Texture

Longevity

Application

91%

Total

#18

Guerlain #18 Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color (2018) ($33.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a soft, medium, reddish-brown with warm undertones and a fine, pearly sheen. It had good pigmentation–just shy of full coverage–that applied evenly and smoothly across my lips without dragging. The texture was lightweight, emollient without being too slippery, and was comfortable to wear. The color stayed on well for five hours and was hydrating over time.