Carla Reid
L’Oreal Rouge Caresse Lipsticks
I must confess that I had originally set out in search of the highly coveted Revlon Lip Butters when I popped over to my local Superdrug yesterday but ended up leaving with a selection of the L’Oreal Rouge Caresse Lipsticks instead! After finding out that the Lip Butters were yet to arrive at that particular store, naturally I was devastated and felt it was only fair to console myself with a different purchase! I had been hearing good things about the new L’Oreal Rouge Caresse Lipsticks and that they’ve been frequently hailed as L’Oreal’s answer to the Revlon Lip Butters. After a swatch-a-thon I whittled it down to 3 and seeing as they were already on offer as 3 for 2, it seemed like fate!I’m yet to try the Lip Butters so this isn’t a comparison but a rave review in its own right! As someone with a rather fair complexion, I have to admit, lip colour does scare me a bit, especially in the day! If you feel the same or are just looking for something a bit more subtle then these Rouge Caresse Lipsticks are ideal. They’re somewhat sheer but will still stain your lips and give you an ample amount of colour and gloss without being too intense. My only qualm with this product is with it being classified as a lipstick. I don’t think they’re pigmented or last lasting enough to be a lipstick and instead fall somewhere in the tinted lip balm / lip stain / lip gloss category!
The reason they’re a great alternative to your more conventional lipsticks is because instead of living in constant fear of smudging they just slowly fade while still leaving your lips stained. This also means they’re easier to apply. I would never dream of applying a bright coloured lipstick without a mirror but these are simple to apply on the go (although mirrors are obviously advised, we don’t want everyone walking around looking like clowns)! They feel really natural and moisturising on the lips – not at all sticky like some glosses. The staying power isn’t amazing but if you apply some Lipcote over your Rouge Caresse, you’ll be set (and so will your lips)!
First we have 03 – Lovely Rose. It’s a gorgeous glossy, rosey pink shade. This is the sheerest, safest and most subtle of the 3 colours I picked and although it looks lovely on its own, I’m sure it would also look great on top of any nude or light pink lipsticks.
Next up is 06 – Scarlet Aphrodite. This is a gorgeous pink/red colour with rose gold like shimmer (which sadly doesn’t really show up on camera). However it definitely is more pink than red. It provides a good amount of noticeably glossy colour making it perfect for day or night.
Finally, 202 – Impulsive Fuschia. I love all 3 colours but this if I HAD to choose a favourite, I have a feeling this might be it. It’s the most pigmented out of these 3 shades and the fuschia colour also carries some bluey/purple reflects which I love.
The L’Oreal Rouge Caresse Lipsticks are undoubtedly my new favourite lip product and I highly recommend them for any other lip colour phobics or for anyone just looking for something a little more sheer than your average lipstick. Oh and the packaging isn’t bad either!
